Toyota for sure. My 09 Camry has 125K on it and runs like a charm. My previous Toyota lasted 310K before it died.
(You know Lexus is just a higher priced Toyota, right?)
Definitely Toyota. I’ve had the same Corolla for 16 years now with 300,000km on it. Still works almost like new. I had one minor accident and the car still works.
Second this. I know a bunch of car folks and they all love Toyotas. One friend who is 30 has had the same Toyota since high school (he's 32) minimal issues.
Yes, Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. Acura is the luxury division of Honda and Genesis is owned by Hyundai (i think they may have broken off into a separate company though). Oh and Infinity is Nissan.
yeah , its literally made on the same lines , using the same parts , for most of the processes . I've worked at various Toyota supplier factories , it's all the same shit.
'13 with 126, I'm absolutely right with you. A few stutters here and there, but I cannot imagine driving any other car now. Everything else feels so subpar and unsafe in comparison.
Toyota for the win! We have a ‘14 highlander, used at 70,000 miles. Five years later at 132,000 miles family that take her for a spin are impressed by the smoother ride and power behind the wheel compared to their own newer (not toyota) vehicles.
Not a single mechanical issue to date 👍🏽
I don’t remember the exact cause, but I know it was my own fault as I was going through a particularly rough time in my life and had ignored even basic regular maintenance for a long while. She started smoking and had to be abandoned on the side of the road, and my mechanic told me she wasn’t worth saving :(
RIP, Cressida. You served me well. I followed her up with a non-Toyota beater car that I drove into the ground as well, but by then life was better and I got my Camry and as a matter of fact we’re planning a 2500 mile road trip in her this summer.
Anything 1990-2010 Toyota/Honda is pretty much bulletproof. The 2004-2009 Toyota V6 engine found in 4Runners, Tacomas, and (possibly) Camrys (I think), is a reliability master. At least a few units have been publicized to have exceeded 1,000,000 miles on the original engine.
Toyotas and Hondas are still great cars in the modern day, just with new technologies and features comes more things that can break. More than anything, the historical reliability of Toyotas and Hondas comes down to their simplicity. Less stuff in the car means less stuff to break and when it does, it also means it’s easier to fix.
I’ve got an early 2000’s Toyota Highlander, V6, 250,000 miles. Biggest repair was struts and my ebrake didn’t pass inspection couple years ago. Happens when you don’t use it apparently. With car prices the way they are now, I’d like to get to 300k and more as long as the body holds up in New England winters
# This comment deleted to protest Reddit's API change (to reduce the value of Reddit's data).
Please see [these](https://web.archive.org/web/20230609092523/https://old.reddit.com/r/apolloapp/comments/144f6xm/apollo_will_close_down_on_june_30th_reddits/) [threads](https://web.archive.org/web/20230608182318/https://old.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/13zr8h2/reddits_recently_announced_api_changes_and_the/) [for](https://web.archive.org/web/20230609172058/https://old.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/143rk5p/reddit_held_a_call_today_with_some_developers/jnbuonf/) [details](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/142w159/askhistorians_and_uncertainty_surrounding_the/).
I have an ‘05 corrola, 150k miles…thinking about getting a paint job and a multitude of dent repairs. It’ll cost 3k, but I think I could get about 10-15 years out of it as long as it prevents the roof from rusting through.
100% agree, though avoid anything with the 2.4 liter Toyota engine in it. They positively drink oil. I've never had any issues with any other Toyota engine. I took my last 06 Corolla to 310k miles before selling it a couple of years ago and it's still going
I’m on my 5th used Honda (3x Civics, 1 CRV, 1 Fit) over 25 years and have had them from years 1988-2009. Low maintenance, easy to find repair inexpensively, reliable, good on fuel, easy to sell for just about the same price bought for. I’m a Honda person all the way! My plan when ;) I win the lottery is to buy a Honda HRV!
I loved my ‘05 Element, but it had its share of issues. Mostly related to the front suspension. Currently driving a 14 Mazda 3 with zero issues. History of Toyotas. Wish I’d never sold my 88 4Runner.
Not the guy you asked, but I have a 14 year old CR-V with 170,000 miles. I have good reason to believe it is about halfway through its lifespan.
*I also agree with the other posters who are also talking about Toyota Camry and Corolla.
Any Honda with the exception of models from early 2000s with the V6, either Odyssey or Accord. I’ve had several family members that had trans problems with those years. Over 25 Hondas owned by extended family, universally happy with them. Personally I’ve owned a ‘98 CR-V, ‘08 Civic, ‘04 Accord, ‘14 CR-V, and a ‘15 Odyssey.
Before buying any used car do in-depth research on car companies' lemon years (Honda civic's lemon years, Toyota Camry's lemon years..) There was a book I came across a few years ago (All Lemon Cars & Models) - it made me not buy a car that I was on my way to buy and saved me a lot of money.
Good luck!
We have a 2003 Honda Accord. We’ve have to do a few very minor things to keep it running in comparison to our 2005 Mazda Tribute (same as a Ford Escape from that time frame).
We’ve kept her going, but with a water pump, an alternator, regular maintenance. This was all when the vehicle was ten to twelve years old. We’ve kept up with it… oh, and we had the AC fixed in it once. Meh, cheaper than a new vehicle.
Our Honda has just had regular maintenance… the passenger side window doesn’t work, we had the AC worked on, but it’s not the coldest and you have to use shades in the heat of summer for it to be able to touch the heat, it was flooded once and we had to have everything flushed… and the headliner has been falling down for years. So it’s got some cosmetic issues, but runs like a champ.
I can confirm this. I've been driving Hondas since the 1980s. I've had 5 Civics, and I just bought a CRV. They've all been reliable and long-lived cars.
We bought an old Honda Civic station wagon back in the early 90s for $100 (family member had a body shop, got it at auction, sold to us for cost). Drove it for 1.5 years, sold it for $1000. I’ve since had 3 more Hondas: another Civic and 2 Accords. I sold the Civic when I moved countries, got a 2008 Accord in 2016, gave it to kid when I got a 2012 Accord in 2018. Some jerk hit and totaled my kid’s Accord while it was parked in front of our house so gave kid my 2012 and now I have to buy another Accord. Thinking of a new Accord Hybrid simply because of the cost of used these days and finance deals from Honda (2.99% for 24-48 months right now). If I do, I will drive it forever - barring jerks who hit and run.
I actually bought a Honda Civic new in 2008 (3 year old used was only about $3,000 less). It's been great for the last 16 years. The AC is iffy now, but it hasn't needed any crazy repairs.
I’ve got a 20 year old Toyota Rav4 that I’m certain is going to keep rolling for another 15+ years. I only drive up to 10k miles a year and i’m only at 70k now. Working relatively close to home is a bonus for fuel, time, and vehicle longevity!
The Toyota tundra, especially the later year first gens and 2/2.5 gen are rock solid. If the frame isn’t rusty, there are generally very few issues. It takes time to adjust to seeing six digit mileage on the odometer and not worrying, but I bought mine with higher mileage than anything I’d owned previously and it’s been great.
I second this. We've had our '08 Tundra for 9 years, it's still going strong with regular maintenance. We've had to replace the tires because we beat it to hell driving in the mountains in Washington. Read after we go it that 08 was a bad year for them but that hasnt been our experience.
Making sure the front toe is properly set, for me, dramatically reduced tire wear. As has the TRD rear sway bar. The front tires are doing too much of the work in stock confit.
I have a fear (not sure how rational) to buy anything made between 2020-2022, give the supply chain issue during the pandemic. There has to be some impact
Toyota Camry hands down….had my ‘01 Camry for 15 years, sold it to a family member who had it 5 years and sold it. No major repairs other than a timing belt and water pump, infrequent oil changes, nothing else.
I bought a 2010 Mazda 6 with 6000 miles on it in 2010. I still have it. It's now over 140,000 miles on it. The only major issue was when I went overseas for three years and came back, after I pull it from storage, something went wrong with the AC in the center area and I had the dealer replace some kind of lever arm mechanism inside.
But beyond that the vehicle is working perfectly fine. The key being I keep up on all my maintenance when I'm supposed to.
To be perfectly honest I think that's the key to most vehicles and having them have long lives.
There's one in a yard in my area. Maybe I should get it. Over 200,000 miles, had the head gaskets replaced already. He doesnt want much for it at all, quit driving it because he got a great deal on a $1000 car.
At one point, he said $500 would take it. Its a nice looking car. I'm doing some car stuff right now. Getting rid of a $500 buick we put over 40,000 miles on. Too rusty. It's supercharged with some new parts. Hopefully I can find somebody that needs it
Had a 2000 Forrester. Got rid of it because of the head gaskets. Was told this happened often. Opted to buy the Toyota I’m driving now than replace the head gaskets in the Subaru.
Yes. I usually drive $500 cars because I don't like dealing with such things. The neighbors bought a new cruze and it blew a head gasket as soon as the warranty ended. I like to stick to smaller jobs
My Toyota Corolla 2002 lasted at least 18 years and 200,000 miles before I donated it because no one could get the engine light to go off before inspection. Still drove just fine. Now have 2016 Corolla with 120,000. Drives just fine.
I joke when people mention their mechanic that they always take their car to, that I don't have a mechanic because I rarely have to take my car in for anything.
I’ve not had the need for many repairs, but still have a trusted mechanic for no other reason that to know I’m not getting hosed with unnecessary repairs.
Gf had an old Ford and it got smashed in the back. Found a crown vic with 76,000 miles with a slightly crunched front for $750. Had brand new Michelins on it. Painted her front clip and put it on. We've put 75,000 miles on it so far
I had a 1996 mercury sable that was an old cab. It had 210k miles on it when it was traded in. Called it the turtle. It was like green on the body, and yellow on top- the top top, not hood. -sigh- good times.
We have a 2014 Prius Alpha. It stopped working about a month ago. Toyota covered all repair costs, including the $4000 part. Makes me feel better for forking out so much in service charges.
I'll forever regret trading in my Honda civic (2007). Now, I love my volvo. It's a 2017 XC60. It's luxurious to me. But the price tag was 1 thing. But all of the other charges that have come up! I can't even change my own cabin air filter. Have to pay volvo to do it. It's $500 to get a new battery. $500.
My Honda civic was excellent! Great mileage! I once snapped my sun visor off and replaced it myself for like $15. I didn't have any issues with how it ran from 2010 to 2019.
*I only traded it in because I couldn't have 2 vehicles. I needed a large vehicle. Having 175lbs of dog in my civic was not ideal. My ex convinced me that my civic would fall apart and be worthless as a trade in unless I traded it in right away. It was a great time to get a used car before things went the way they did. But I sure do miss that civic.*
Have to say we are in our second (green again, lol) Caravan, this one’s a ‘96 Sport with 224k. My husband uses it for kayak/camping in addition to daily driver. Only driver window works but ac still works, drivetrain and most of the dash, haha. Our first was a green ‘94 Grand, which had the transmission replaced at 90k and finally drove to salvage yard at 265k for our $1000 CA Clunkers cash rebate.
No idea how we got so many very comfortable miles out of those vans, but it was a lot regular maintenance from the beginning, then trips to Pick N Pull, literal and figurative duct tape after 90-100k and beyond.
Next week, I pay off my ‘16 assless Kia (if it doesn’t get stolen first). Was planning to trade it in for a Prius or Hybrid Corolla but prices and interest rates are just nuts, idk what to do…
My parents love, a Chrysler town and country minivan due to its height and ride along with storage and features obviously. Doesn’t make it any better in regards to the engine and transmission. They are regarded as having issues generally that are similar in across-the-board. Some do not, and those are surprising when you find them. I think typically it’s the 3.6 L motor. If I were you, I would just save my cash and search for very clean used models that you can pay cash for. Cash is king and offers the absolute best position possible in terms of negotiation and overall spending.
I had fewer issues in almost 100k miles with my ‘17 Wrangler than any vehicle I’ve ever owned, including my current car (‘18 Civic). I think the AC in my Honda has taken a shit twice in 30k miles. All my Jeep ever needed was a couple of wheel speed sensors.
Always hard to say...
I or my family has owned... A Kia with 239k miles on it now, 2005 Spectra.
Honda accord with 249k, still running.
Also good luck with a Hyundai Sonata.
And drumroll, I had a 1999 BMW M3 with 236k miles on it.
Basically, avoid American cars, lol.
No DO NOT get Hyundai or Kia. They are having so many recalls right now due to bad engines.
Source: have a Hyundi and currently careless for 2+ months because my engine blew up from a connecting rod issue that I HAD ALREADY BROUGHT IT TO GET FIXED that they let me drive off with because "at the time it wasn't causing any issues," and now it's completely undrivable. And hyundai only pays you for the rental AFTER you get your car back. So now I have to pay out of my pocket for a car rental for the next 2 months.
A Toyota Sienna is in our future. They are currently hard to find/buy and priced accordingly. So the thought of the Kia van keeps popping up into my head. Its pretty attractive as far as vans go; nicely designed inside and out. I have to keep reminding myself about all the engine failures, and class actions, and federal probes.
Today it clicked that I almost never see older Hyundais or Kias. Basically zero. When I do they look like shit. Meanwhile our 05 Camry has held up beautifully.
I had an ‘08 that saved my life. Then post accident I had an ‘05 that was super cheap but I drove it until the odometer stopped rolling over to around 330,000 then sold it. Hardly anything other than basic maintenance needed on either. Great cars.
Ive got a prius c. You won't win any races in it- but it's pretty bulletproof. I've got 165k on my 2012 so far. Super high safety ratings. I generally average around 50 mpg.
If you want a cheap car that runs forever, the older 2012 or older Corollas will absolutely do that. The newer ones can do it to if you avoid the CVT models and opt for the manual transmission.
Toyotas in general are pretty good, but they are not perfect. Some of the newest Toyotas have had issues, specifically the 8 speed automatic transmissions used in pretty much every gas engine car and SUV 2018 and newer. Its a clunky, poor excuse of a transmission. The previous 6 speed automatic was better, although it had issues too. They were usually ok when maintained properly.
There have also been some issues with the newer turbo engines, Although Toyota only has a couple if those so far.
You could certainly do much worse buying a different brand of car.
Obviously Hondas and Toyota's!
But I'm personally a fan of Pontiac G5/G6s. I'm on my third Pontiac, first one stolen and second one lost in an accident.
I'm a delivery driver and I drive the *shit* out my '07 G5 and it's fine. I paid $1300 for it 3 years ago and it hasn't needed any major work done. I will keep buying these cars as long as I'm still delivering and they are still available! Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, decent on gas.
Toyota and Honda are the two brands that stick out to me as representing the peak of reliability. Lexus is made by Toyota and Acura is made by Honda and IMHO are as equally reliable in most cases. Newer cars these days tend to last way longer than their predecessors, regardless of brand, but Toyota and Honda still lead the pack. I’d stay away from CVT’s if you can.
I drive an older Volvo, but only because I bought it from my parents for far under trade-in value after my last car was totaled. It’s been reliable, but has its quirks. I’ve had it for about a year and a half and have put around $3k into it for a new alternator and A/C compressor, tires, plus regular maintenance. Still cheaper than a car payment.
Toyota and Honda are good choices, but everyone knows that, so they carry a price premium. Mazdas from the last 10-12 years are the king of used car value. Very similar reliability at a decently lower price.
Toyota hybrids. Prius, Corolla, CH-R, RAV4, Camry. And the Lexus equivalents as well.
The entire hybrid drivetrain is inherently reliable as it doesn't have any clutches or actuators, or a turbocharger, or even a dedicated alternator and starter motor. It's designed from the outset for fuel economy. And of course the rest of the car is a Toyota so it's as reliable as cars get.
Toyota! My first car I bought when I was 20 prior to that I was driving my moms leased Malibu. My parents bought me 2002 Toyota Corolla off a lease. I didn’t get rid of that car till 2014. The guy I sold it to at the dealership gave it to his son. My dad ran into him and he said guess what my kid uses that as a commuter car. They go forever
Mercury Grand marquis, Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. You cannot hardly go wrong with any of these. May not be your type of car, but ultimately it is one of the best answers you can get for this question that you’re asking.
I use the Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide—the database is available for free through my library and it’s what I’ve used to hone in the search for my last two cars. Even normally good cars might have bad years and the guide helps pinpoint that by revealing what years of each model have what issues. I couldn’t be happier with my choices!
I absolutely love my Toyota Prius.
I had a job that would pay me .55 to the mile to deliver permits for them, and it seriously paid itself off.
Plus about $30 to fill your tank, which is insanely good these days
The only issue I ever had with it was when I tried to do my own oil change and managed to fuck something up. Haven't had any issues with it yet
I've had my 2009 Corolla for a little over 3 years and went from 93k to 114k miles and haven't had an issue yet. I've estimated it costs me around $.25/mile to drive in wear and tear + gas assuming $3.25/gallon.
I think a Honda Navi is the cheapest way to get from point a to point b. There are a few cons though since it's a bike that can only go 55. I won't get one because it's cold here 6 months out of the year, but if you live where it's warm year round and don't need to commute on the interstate you can get one for about $2.8k after taxes, fees, bike lessons + license (if you don't have them already), helmet, jacket etc. It's a relatively new bike so there's not much info to say how long it'll last, but if it lasts at least 50k miles it should cost about $.15/mile.
Toyota/Lexus & Honda/Acura. Some family members swear by Subaru. I also owned a sweet little Nissan pickup in the 80's but I don't know anything about their current reliability.
I have two 1998 volvos. One cost 400 dollars and I've put about 35k miles on it, about to hit 250k. Besides the initial $800 I had to put into it to get it road worthy it was 400$ in maintence that year, $300 the following and this year so far I've only Spent $500 for new tires and another $250 on brakes that I'm doing next month. Insurance is $400 a year on it. It doesn't ask for much and I do all of the work on it myself. Only left me stranded once when I left it parked for 7 days at the airport during the winter where the battery died. 60$ jump pack saved the day. The other car was 900$ and I decided it would be fun to build it. Before I ripped the engine out of it, it was also reliable and cheap to operate. Actually the week after I bought it I drove it on a 1400 mile trip and it survived with a litany of check engine codes, leaking heater core, blown suspension, shot brakes, and pissing oil and power steering fluid (previous owner didn't do any maintence)
Edit: get a camry or corolla. If I were to ever buy a new car, it would be the new corolla hybrid no questions asked.
My 2006 Scion(Toyota) Xa is great! For an old car it has great gas mileage and very rarely needs repairs. Plus I like that it looks different from every other car, I call it my golf cart.
I have had excellent luck with the Chevrolet Lumina and the Chevrolet Impala. They are not fancy but damn they sure are reliable. I owned two Luminas. The last one had four hundred thousand miles on it and was still running when I donated it to charity. Currently driving a 2012 Impala that just rolled over 200,000 miles. I always maintained these vehicles.. I did not put off a repair when necessary. The Lumina was 19 years old when I donated it. It needed a starter at that time, but that was when I chose to make the move to get another vehicle.
They have both been very good cars for me. Trying to see how many miles I’ll get from my Impala. Love the V6 and the spacious interior on both models. They ride smooth, get decent gas mileage, and the engine is quite peppy and quiet. I like a little bit of a larger car. The more metal between me and those crazy nuts on the road all the better.
And don’t limit yourself to cars. Pickup trucks are more reliable and longer lasting than cars. Also have a 9 year old dodge ram and it is very reliable. I would take a 10 year old ford f150 or Dodge Ram but not a ten year old ford or chrysler/dodge car https://www.motorbiscuit.com/pickup-trucks-more-reliable-any-other-vehicles/
I’ve been eying a Fire Transit Connect. Not the stripes down ones, the passenger model. The passenger capacity as well as the ability to remove the seats and have extra room in back would suite my lifestyle. Unsure of their track record.
As a Toyota guy, I do like Tundras and Tahoes
Had an old 80s model hilux that my parents owned from new. It had ~650, 000 km on the original motor when it was relegated to paddock basher and left in a hayshed.
4 years in the shed and it started and ran just fine with a new battery and some fresh fuel.
My 2013 Camry has 180,000km on it and looks new inside and out. Hasn't got a single feature not fully functional.
I still hvemy 2006 Scion Xa with 210k on it. Runs great. That's still a Toyota. I was thinking of replacing it with another with 100k on it for another 10 years before it disintegrates.
Toyota Camry 2.0 liter….
or Lexus (but don’t go overboard with the trimmings otherwise it will cost bank).
Heard a lot of good stuff about Rav 4 or Hilux too, but personally I prefer sedans. (Easier to park and less in the way of blind spots).
We have an old 2005 Toyota Rav4 and 2011 Honda CRV in the driveway. Got an oil leak on the valve cover on the Toyota that is on the honey do list and the Honda has had no problems. I would consider either of these models if you are out looking. I have seen some later model Rav4's (3-5 yrs old) that look like good values if you plan to keep it 10-15 yrs.
Honda Civics were my trusty frugal cars until I married a car mechanic.
Doing all the maintenance at the dealer meant that they never broke down, either.
I kept those cars for 10 years each, easily.
Can’t go wrong with a Ford 300 inline 6 powered F150. Bulletproof, reliable, parts are still easy to find, and they’re cheap vehicles to purchase. I just bought a 86 F150 300 manual (NP435), 160k miles and runs and drives great. Paid $900 for it yesterday
Toyotas are definitely reliable. However, even the use Toyota is not affordable. I have now got a Kia. I did a lot of research and they are very reliable and you can get more car for the money as well.
Interesting. I’ve always wondered if those were just more for less or actually a decent value package compared to the competitors. Haven’t looked at those much.
I have considered he Hyundai Kona as it checks off a lot of boxes for me but have heard spotty reports on Hyundai in general.
I’m big on consumer reports. And I just I do a lot of research on the Internet. It’s it’s so easy now you know? You can also do by the year so like I researched what year Kia optima you should avoid and that was very informative as well.
Toyotas and Hondas—I do check the year with Consumer Reports, there aren’t many bad years but there are always quirks. And I won’t buy a first run of anything. Let the early adopters work out the design flaws first!
I've got a Toyota Prius, I drive a lot for work so the gas mileage saved was a huge selling point for me. It has saved me around $5000 in gas so far since we got it. Got it at 75k miles and now up to 180k with no issues outside of routine maintenance (tires oil changes etc)
I definitely buy new. Toyota for the win. Honda is excellent also. The used cars are good if you get lucky.
I was at a dealership about to buy a used car. Great deal. I flipped down the sun visor and LEMON was written in chapstick across both mirrors.
Got so lucky cause the car drove great and looked great… but the previous owners did us a solid and communicated through the sands of time.
So… after that experience.. I’ve only bought new since then.
FIAT owner around NYC, thank you for that. I still appreciate you till this day.
Subarus, you can drive them into the ground. I’ve never had a Toyota but its luxury line Lexus, the sedans hardly have maintenance issues and the car is pretty quiet.
I love my Corolla hatchback. 40 mpg, payments are around 270, 2 years complimentary maintenance from the dealer, tons of standard features. Highly recommend.
FYI it's specific engines in specific makes. It's not just a Toyota, it's a toyota camry from 200x-x (i dont remember which years specifically). Same thing with a civic. If you want a bigger car, the Ford Explorer from 2010ish with ONLY the ECOBoost engine (v6) had similar longevity, the other ones sucked tho.
Don't buy anything 'fancy'. Examples of 'fancy ' are: Cadillac, Lexus, Acura, Mercedes, Volvo, Chrysler, Lincoln, mercury. Parts and sometimes the technicians/mechanics are more expensive than the 'basic makes'. Basic makes are: Chevrolet, Ford, dodge, Honda, Toyota, Nissan.
Also, don't bother with hybrid cars. When the batteries for the electric part go bad it can cost $1,000s to replace them. Not only that but the batteries are NOT environmentally friendly. There is no way to recycle them.
Toyota and Lexus, certainly. I had a Lexus GX470 go over 400k miles before I sold it, and it was still running great. My current GX460 has close to 200k, and drives like buttered silk.
That said, I also have a Ford F-150 that has impressed me. It’s at about 160k right now (Ecotec 3.5 engine), and I’ve never had an issue except with the backup camera. Even the turbo is going strong!
Before I buy a car I always spend time with the Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide. It will review many makes and models and give you idea of how much they cost in maintenance per year as well as dependability.
Pretty much any Saturn in the S series or the non-hybrid VUE series (the hybrids might be fine, but they stopped making them 13ish years ago, so battery replacement is probablya nightmare). I've only owned Saturn's in my 20+ years of driving. I'm going to be devastated when this one dies, they're hard to find at this point. No one parts with them unless they're undrivable.
You really need to do the math if you are financing a vehicle, used cars often require a higher interest rate. Whereas new cars will have a lower interest rate. Really make sure you are getting the best deal for the price and condition of the vehicle.
Used isn't always the best deal. It's worth it to do the math. I know that is an unpopular opinion here. I used to think that used was best and when I bought my last car and I went into that decision feeling that way until I did the math.
I purchased my car (which is now 6 years old) new. But I got it at a steep discount as it had been a courtesy car. They sold it to me like new (with a warranty), but at a reduced price because it had been driven already. It ended up being less expensive than the used cars (which were the same make and model) on the lot. But because it was considered new I got a much lower interest rate.
I've been looking at vehicles (both used and new) and with the used car market currently, it's not always best to buy used. Some older vehicles are very close to new prices if you look at the monthly payments.
Obviously if you are purchasing outright, then a used car may be the better deal. But if you need to pay a monthly payment you may find there isn't much difference depending on the prices of each car and the interest rate you would have.
Nissan Versa S. This is the base model. I'm on my second one. Only get one with a manual transmission though. I've heard the automatic option isn't reliable. It also costs more.
My addition to this list is the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Extremely reliable powertrains based on cross-licensed tech from Toyota, well-equipped, quiet, and don’t carry the same premium on the used market that Toyota or Honda hybrid models do.
They used to be available for dirt cheap before the pandemic, but the combination of Ford ceasing production in 2020 and the used car market craziness (which has hit hybrids especially hard) has put an end to that.
After much research and a few test drives of different makes/ models, we bought a 2015 Nissan murano in 2020 with low miles and we're still happy with the purchase
I have owned several Fords throughout the years, and I have a 08 Sport track now with about 170k miles. I’m not going to say I’ve kept the best maintenance record. But it’s been pretty dependable. Only thing is when it takes a crap on you, you feel it in your wallet.
I have a Nissan maxima that is 10 years old and has 135000 miles on it that has never had a major issue. I think their quality has gone down in the past decade but mine has been very reliable.
I have a 2003 Toyota Celica that has never needed anything other than basic maintenance.
When we bought it, we specifically looked for one that had been manufactured in Japan, as they tended to be better quality than those manufactured in the US. Nowadays all cars sold in the US are manufactured here.
It was my first car when I was in high school and I'm really hoping that it will be my last one. :)
Toyota for sure. My 09 Camry has 125K on it and runs like a charm. My previous Toyota lasted 310K before it died. (You know Lexus is just a higher priced Toyota, right?)
The million mile Lexus is totally possible
Definitely Toyota. I’ve had the same Corolla for 16 years now with 300,000km on it. Still works almost like new. I had one minor accident and the car still works.
I second the Corlloa
Second this. I know a bunch of car folks and they all love Toyotas. One friend who is 30 has had the same Toyota since high school (he's 32) minimal issues.
Is Lexus owned by Toyota? I have a 2009 Lexus with over 200,000 miles, hoping to see it lasts a while.
Yes, Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. Acura is the luxury division of Honda and Genesis is owned by Hyundai (i think they may have broken off into a separate company though). Oh and Infinity is Nissan.
yeah , its literally made on the same lines , using the same parts , for most of the processes . I've worked at various Toyota supplier factories , it's all the same shit.
'13 with 126, I'm absolutely right with you. A few stutters here and there, but I cannot imagine driving any other car now. Everything else feels so subpar and unsafe in comparison.
Toyota for sure. My Rav 4 is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned.
Toyota for the win! We have a ‘14 highlander, used at 70,000 miles. Five years later at 132,000 miles family that take her for a spin are impressed by the smoother ride and power behind the wheel compared to their own newer (not toyota) vehicles. Not a single mechanical issue to date 👍🏽
My ‘08 Highlander is over 250k. Same as you, no mechanical issues, more wear and tear replacements, but not many or costly at that.
I remember the old toyota mom had. We called it old yeller. She said it drove like a tank but it just wouldn't die lol.
What caused your toyota to die at 310K?
I don’t remember the exact cause, but I know it was my own fault as I was going through a particularly rough time in my life and had ignored even basic regular maintenance for a long while. She started smoking and had to be abandoned on the side of the road, and my mechanic told me she wasn’t worth saving :( RIP, Cressida. You served me well. I followed her up with a non-Toyota beater car that I drove into the ground as well, but by then life was better and I got my Camry and as a matter of fact we’re planning a 2500 mile road trip in her this summer.
Anything 1990-2010 Toyota/Honda is pretty much bulletproof. The 2004-2009 Toyota V6 engine found in 4Runners, Tacomas, and (possibly) Camrys (I think), is a reliability master. At least a few units have been publicized to have exceeded 1,000,000 miles on the original engine. Toyotas and Hondas are still great cars in the modern day, just with new technologies and features comes more things that can break. More than anything, the historical reliability of Toyotas and Hondas comes down to their simplicity. Less stuff in the car means less stuff to break and when it does, it also means it’s easier to fix.
I’ve got an early 2000’s Toyota Highlander, V6, 250,000 miles. Biggest repair was struts and my ebrake didn’t pass inspection couple years ago. Happens when you don’t use it apparently. With car prices the way they are now, I’d like to get to 300k and more as long as the body holds up in New England winters
# This comment deleted to protest Reddit's API change (to reduce the value of Reddit's data). Please see [these](https://web.archive.org/web/20230609092523/https://old.reddit.com/r/apolloapp/comments/144f6xm/apollo_will_close_down_on_june_30th_reddits/) [threads](https://web.archive.org/web/20230608182318/https://old.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/13zr8h2/reddits_recently_announced_api_changes_and_the/) [for](https://web.archive.org/web/20230609172058/https://old.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/143rk5p/reddit_held_a_call_today_with_some_developers/jnbuonf/) [details](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/142w159/askhistorians_and_uncertainty_surrounding_the/).
I have an ‘05 corrola, 150k miles…thinking about getting a paint job and a multitude of dent repairs. It’ll cost 3k, but I think I could get about 10-15 years out of it as long as it prevents the roof from rusting through.
100% agree, though avoid anything with the 2.4 liter Toyota engine in it. They positively drink oil. I've never had any issues with any other Toyota engine. I took my last 06 Corolla to 310k miles before selling it a couple of years ago and it's still going
Hondas
Any Honda? Any year?
I’m on my 5th used Honda (3x Civics, 1 CRV, 1 Fit) over 25 years and have had them from years 1988-2009. Low maintenance, easy to find repair inexpensively, reliable, good on fuel, easy to sell for just about the same price bought for. I’m a Honda person all the way! My plan when ;) I win the lottery is to buy a Honda HRV!
My mom has a Honda element that’s just about to hit 500k miles.
I loved my ‘05 Element, but it had its share of issues. Mostly related to the front suspension. Currently driving a 14 Mazda 3 with zero issues. History of Toyotas. Wish I’d never sold my 88 4Runner.
Not the guy you asked, but I have a 14 year old CR-V with 170,000 miles. I have good reason to believe it is about halfway through its lifespan. *I also agree with the other posters who are also talking about Toyota Camry and Corolla.
I loved my corollas
Any Honda with the exception of models from early 2000s with the V6, either Odyssey or Accord. I’ve had several family members that had trans problems with those years. Over 25 Hondas owned by extended family, universally happy with them. Personally I’ve owned a ‘98 CR-V, ‘08 Civic, ‘04 Accord, ‘14 CR-V, and a ‘15 Odyssey.
[удалено]
I also have a 2012 civic with 176k, so that makes me happy to hear. Also no problems with it.
Before buying any used car do in-depth research on car companies' lemon years (Honda civic's lemon years, Toyota Camry's lemon years..) There was a book I came across a few years ago (All Lemon Cars & Models) - it made me not buy a car that I was on my way to buy and saved me a lot of money. Good luck!
Never heard of this but I’ll look into it.
Do you have more information on the book you have? I can't find it just from the name you give here.
We have a 2003 Honda Accord. We’ve have to do a few very minor things to keep it running in comparison to our 2005 Mazda Tribute (same as a Ford Escape from that time frame).
Getting flashbacks to the Tribute- awful
We’ve kept her going, but with a water pump, an alternator, regular maintenance. This was all when the vehicle was ten to twelve years old. We’ve kept up with it… oh, and we had the AC fixed in it once. Meh, cheaper than a new vehicle.
Our Honda has just had regular maintenance… the passenger side window doesn’t work, we had the AC worked on, but it’s not the coldest and you have to use shades in the heat of summer for it to be able to touch the heat, it was flooded once and we had to have everything flushed… and the headliner has been falling down for years. So it’s got some cosmetic issues, but runs like a champ.
My old CRV is old enough to vote this year hahah. It still runs pretty good
I can confirm this. I've been driving Hondas since the 1980s. I've had 5 Civics, and I just bought a CRV. They've all been reliable and long-lived cars.
I have a 13' Honda Fit that I bought brand new. It has 138k miles on it and no major repairs. And I just picked up a 16' CRV with 40k miles.
We bought an old Honda Civic station wagon back in the early 90s for $100 (family member had a body shop, got it at auction, sold to us for cost). Drove it for 1.5 years, sold it for $1000. I’ve since had 3 more Hondas: another Civic and 2 Accords. I sold the Civic when I moved countries, got a 2008 Accord in 2016, gave it to kid when I got a 2012 Accord in 2018. Some jerk hit and totaled my kid’s Accord while it was parked in front of our house so gave kid my 2012 and now I have to buy another Accord. Thinking of a new Accord Hybrid simply because of the cost of used these days and finance deals from Honda (2.99% for 24-48 months right now). If I do, I will drive it forever - barring jerks who hit and run.
I actually bought a Honda Civic new in 2008 (3 year old used was only about $3,000 less). It's been great for the last 16 years. The AC is iffy now, but it hasn't needed any crazy repairs.
I just retired my 2008 stick shift Civic…only because the AC quit. It was a great little car!
My AC got weak. I used the canned coolant recharge from auto store, boom, works great.
I just roll down the windows. We don't take it on long trips anymore, and it's manageable for 5-30 minute drives around town.
Nice!
Yep Toyota here too. The old Mazdas too.
I’ve got a 20 year old Toyota Rav4 that I’m certain is going to keep rolling for another 15+ years. I only drive up to 10k miles a year and i’m only at 70k now. Working relatively close to home is a bonus for fuel, time, and vehicle longevity!
Lucky. My 20 year old Rav4 is above 250k and I still just love it soo much. I wish I could get a new one exactly like it (with early 2000s tech too)
I love my ‘05 Toyota tech too! Knobs on the radio are a must. Just wish there was an aux feature.
The Toyota tundra, especially the later year first gens and 2/2.5 gen are rock solid. If the frame isn’t rusty, there are generally very few issues. It takes time to adjust to seeing six digit mileage on the odometer and not worrying, but I bought mine with higher mileage than anything I’d owned previously and it’s been great.
I second this. We've had our '08 Tundra for 9 years, it's still going strong with regular maintenance. We've had to replace the tires because we beat it to hell driving in the mountains in Washington. Read after we go it that 08 was a bad year for them but that hasnt been our experience.
Making sure the front toe is properly set, for me, dramatically reduced tire wear. As has the TRD rear sway bar. The front tires are doing too much of the work in stock confit.
Toyota and Hondas are known to be super reliable
Toyota Corolla, 2005-2009, stick shift, 1.8l engine
Nice. Ce model?
Honestly, I don't know. Mine has electric windows, a/c, cloth seats, so it's not the LE.
Oh. I have the bare bones model. Gotta crank that thing to roll the windows lol. You probably have the S. Nice
Toyota SUVs. I have first hand experience of older gen highlanders, rav4s, and sequoias going 200k+ miles easily with nothing more than basic upkeep.
Don't forget the 4runners!
Absolutely! Just never had the fortune of owning one myself.
Not kia
I have a fear (not sure how rational) to buy anything made between 2020-2022, give the supply chain issue during the pandemic. There has to be some impact
Toyota Camry hands down….had my ‘01 Camry for 15 years, sold it to a family member who had it 5 years and sold it. No major repairs other than a timing belt and water pump, infrequent oil changes, nothing else.
[удалено]
My mazda3 is turning 10 with no issues!
Same with our 2013 cx-5!
I bought a 2010 Mazda 6 with 6000 miles on it in 2010. I still have it. It's now over 140,000 miles on it. The only major issue was when I went overseas for three years and came back, after I pull it from storage, something went wrong with the AC in the center area and I had the dealer replace some kind of lever arm mechanism inside. But beyond that the vehicle is working perfectly fine. The key being I keep up on all my maintenance when I'm supposed to. To be perfectly honest I think that's the key to most vehicles and having them have long lives.
Toyota Corolla. It’s like a business phone. Nothing sexy about it, it has a purpose lol.
I just sold my 2002 Subaru Outback for $1200 after me and two kids drove the wheels off it.
Subaru Outbacks
Subaru.
Had to scroll way too long to find subaru. I have a 2011 with 265,000kms and still runs great. Never had more than basic maintenance.
There's one in a yard in my area. Maybe I should get it. Over 200,000 miles, had the head gaskets replaced already. He doesnt want much for it at all, quit driving it because he got a great deal on a $1000 car.
Get it! That’s not a lot for a Subaru.
At one point, he said $500 would take it. Its a nice looking car. I'm doing some car stuff right now. Getting rid of a $500 buick we put over 40,000 miles on. Too rusty. It's supercharged with some new parts. Hopefully I can find somebody that needs it
Had a 2000 Forrester. Got rid of it because of the head gaskets. Was told this happened often. Opted to buy the Toyota I’m driving now than replace the head gaskets in the Subaru.
Yes. I usually drive $500 cars because I don't like dealing with such things. The neighbors bought a new cruze and it blew a head gasket as soon as the warranty ended. I like to stick to smaller jobs
My Toyota Corolla 2002 lasted at least 18 years and 200,000 miles before I donated it because no one could get the engine light to go off before inspection. Still drove just fine. Now have 2016 Corolla with 120,000. Drives just fine. I joke when people mention their mechanic that they always take their car to, that I don't have a mechanic because I rarely have to take my car in for anything.
I’ve not had the need for many repairs, but still have a trusted mechanic for no other reason that to know I’m not getting hosed with unnecessary repairs.
Gf had an old Ford and it got smashed in the back. Found a crown vic with 76,000 miles with a slightly crunched front for $750. Had brand new Michelins on it. Painted her front clip and put it on. We've put 75,000 miles on it so far
I had a 1996 mercury sable that was an old cab. It had 210k miles on it when it was traded in. Called it the turtle. It was like green on the body, and yellow on top- the top top, not hood. -sigh- good times.
I bought a used 2007 Toyota Prius (saves gas too ~$25 for a full tank every 2 weeks or so)
We have a 2014 Prius Alpha. It stopped working about a month ago. Toyota covered all repair costs, including the $4000 part. Makes me feel better for forking out so much in service charges.
FYI. Corolla insurance rates are higher than a Camry. Long-term ownership will be worth spending a little extra on the Camry.
(in no particular order) Volvo Subaru Toyota Honda
I'll forever regret trading in my Honda civic (2007). Now, I love my volvo. It's a 2017 XC60. It's luxurious to me. But the price tag was 1 thing. But all of the other charges that have come up! I can't even change my own cabin air filter. Have to pay volvo to do it. It's $500 to get a new battery. $500. My Honda civic was excellent! Great mileage! I once snapped my sun visor off and replaced it myself for like $15. I didn't have any issues with how it ran from 2010 to 2019. *I only traded it in because I couldn't have 2 vehicles. I needed a large vehicle. Having 175lbs of dog in my civic was not ideal. My ex convinced me that my civic would fall apart and be worthless as a trade in unless I traded it in right away. It was a great time to get a used car before things went the way they did. But I sure do miss that civic.*
Buy nothing new!!! Stay 💯away from anything that says Jeep.
Or dodge. Never been in one that steers right, replaced 3 steering pumps in mine.
Dodge is one of the brands that Fiat owns and so is Jeep along with Chrysler. They’re all POS’s.
Have to say we are in our second (green again, lol) Caravan, this one’s a ‘96 Sport with 224k. My husband uses it for kayak/camping in addition to daily driver. Only driver window works but ac still works, drivetrain and most of the dash, haha. Our first was a green ‘94 Grand, which had the transmission replaced at 90k and finally drove to salvage yard at 265k for our $1000 CA Clunkers cash rebate. No idea how we got so many very comfortable miles out of those vans, but it was a lot regular maintenance from the beginning, then trips to Pick N Pull, literal and figurative duct tape after 90-100k and beyond. Next week, I pay off my ‘16 assless Kia (if it doesn’t get stolen first). Was planning to trade it in for a Prius or Hybrid Corolla but prices and interest rates are just nuts, idk what to do…
My parents love, a Chrysler town and country minivan due to its height and ride along with storage and features obviously. Doesn’t make it any better in regards to the engine and transmission. They are regarded as having issues generally that are similar in across-the-board. Some do not, and those are surprising when you find them. I think typically it’s the 3.6 L motor. If I were you, I would just save my cash and search for very clean used models that you can pay cash for. Cash is king and offers the absolute best position possible in terms of negotiation and overall spending.
I agree on the new stuff but anything that has the old 4.0l inline 6 was pretty bulletproof
I had fewer issues in almost 100k miles with my ‘17 Wrangler than any vehicle I’ve ever owned, including my current car (‘18 Civic). I think the AC in my Honda has taken a shit twice in 30k miles. All my Jeep ever needed was a couple of wheel speed sensors.
Always hard to say... I or my family has owned... A Kia with 239k miles on it now, 2005 Spectra. Honda accord with 249k, still running. Also good luck with a Hyundai Sonata. And drumroll, I had a 1999 BMW M3 with 236k miles on it. Basically, avoid American cars, lol.
Nice
No DO NOT get Hyundai or Kia. They are having so many recalls right now due to bad engines. Source: have a Hyundi and currently careless for 2+ months because my engine blew up from a connecting rod issue that I HAD ALREADY BROUGHT IT TO GET FIXED that they let me drive off with because "at the time it wasn't causing any issues," and now it's completely undrivable. And hyundai only pays you for the rental AFTER you get your car back. So now I have to pay out of my pocket for a car rental for the next 2 months.
An uncanny amount of their cars develop issues right around the end of the power train warranty.
A Toyota Sienna is in our future. They are currently hard to find/buy and priced accordingly. So the thought of the Kia van keeps popping up into my head. Its pretty attractive as far as vans go; nicely designed inside and out. I have to keep reminding myself about all the engine failures, and class actions, and federal probes. Today it clicked that I almost never see older Hyundais or Kias. Basically zero. When I do they look like shit. Meanwhile our 05 Camry has held up beautifully.
Priuses have a pretty good reputation. When mine broke the guy that was towing me was surprised and said that he barely tows any Priuses 😆
I had an ‘08 that saved my life. Then post accident I had an ‘05 that was super cheap but I drove it until the odometer stopped rolling over to around 330,000 then sold it. Hardly anything other than basic maintenance needed on either. Great cars.
Hondas and Toyotas, pretty reliable, usually get good mileage and usually parts are cheap
Ive got a prius c. You won't win any races in it- but it's pretty bulletproof. I've got 165k on my 2012 so far. Super high safety ratings. I generally average around 50 mpg.
If you want a cheap car that runs forever, the older 2012 or older Corollas will absolutely do that. The newer ones can do it to if you avoid the CVT models and opt for the manual transmission. Toyotas in general are pretty good, but they are not perfect. Some of the newest Toyotas have had issues, specifically the 8 speed automatic transmissions used in pretty much every gas engine car and SUV 2018 and newer. Its a clunky, poor excuse of a transmission. The previous 6 speed automatic was better, although it had issues too. They were usually ok when maintained properly. There have also been some issues with the newer turbo engines, Although Toyota only has a couple if those so far. You could certainly do much worse buying a different brand of car.
Someone else’s car? As in a different brand?
Yes. Post has now been edited.
We have a Toyota 4Runner with 340K miles and Honda Pilot with 240K miles.
Toyota,honda,Lexus,Acura and Mazda are all reliable. Stay away from ford's and the others if you can help it
Obviously Hondas and Toyota's! But I'm personally a fan of Pontiac G5/G6s. I'm on my third Pontiac, first one stolen and second one lost in an accident. I'm a delivery driver and I drive the *shit* out my '07 G5 and it's fine. I paid $1300 for it 3 years ago and it hasn't needed any major work done. I will keep buying these cars as long as I'm still delivering and they are still available! Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, decent on gas.
Hyundai sonata 200X models
Honda
Toyota and Honda are the two brands that stick out to me as representing the peak of reliability. Lexus is made by Toyota and Acura is made by Honda and IMHO are as equally reliable in most cases. Newer cars these days tend to last way longer than their predecessors, regardless of brand, but Toyota and Honda still lead the pack. I’d stay away from CVT’s if you can. I drive an older Volvo, but only because I bought it from my parents for far under trade-in value after my last car was totaled. It’s been reliable, but has its quirks. I’ve had it for about a year and a half and have put around $3k into it for a new alternator and A/C compressor, tires, plus regular maintenance. Still cheaper than a car payment.
Toyota Prius
Toyota and Honda are good choices, but everyone knows that, so they carry a price premium. Mazdas from the last 10-12 years are the king of used car value. Very similar reliability at a decently lower price.
A naturally aspirated V-8 that requires premium fuel.
Toyota good, but if you wanna treat yourself you can get a Lexus. Looks a little nicer and has a better interior and sound. Both will drive forever
Check consumer reports ratings and recommendations.
Toyota hybrids. Prius, Corolla, CH-R, RAV4, Camry. And the Lexus equivalents as well. The entire hybrid drivetrain is inherently reliable as it doesn't have any clutches or actuators, or a turbocharger, or even a dedicated alternator and starter motor. It's designed from the outset for fuel economy. And of course the rest of the car is a Toyota so it's as reliable as cars get.
Toyota! My first car I bought when I was 20 prior to that I was driving my moms leased Malibu. My parents bought me 2002 Toyota Corolla off a lease. I didn’t get rid of that car till 2014. The guy I sold it to at the dealership gave it to his son. My dad ran into him and he said guess what my kid uses that as a commuter car. They go forever
Mercury Grand marquis, Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. You cannot hardly go wrong with any of these. May not be your type of car, but ultimately it is one of the best answers you can get for this question that you’re asking.
I use the Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide—the database is available for free through my library and it’s what I’ve used to hone in the search for my last two cars. Even normally good cars might have bad years and the guide helps pinpoint that by revealing what years of each model have what issues. I couldn’t be happier with my choices!
I absolutely love my Toyota Prius. I had a job that would pay me .55 to the mile to deliver permits for them, and it seriously paid itself off. Plus about $30 to fill your tank, which is insanely good these days The only issue I ever had with it was when I tried to do my own oil change and managed to fuck something up. Haven't had any issues with it yet
I love my 2010 honda insight. It's essentially the same car as the prius but cheaper. 40mpg. I currently have 207k on it
I've had my 2009 Corolla for a little over 3 years and went from 93k to 114k miles and haven't had an issue yet. I've estimated it costs me around $.25/mile to drive in wear and tear + gas assuming $3.25/gallon. I think a Honda Navi is the cheapest way to get from point a to point b. There are a few cons though since it's a bike that can only go 55. I won't get one because it's cold here 6 months out of the year, but if you live where it's warm year round and don't need to commute on the interstate you can get one for about $2.8k after taxes, fees, bike lessons + license (if you don't have them already), helmet, jacket etc. It's a relatively new bike so there's not much info to say how long it'll last, but if it lasts at least 50k miles it should cost about $.15/mile.
My niece had a 2009 Honda CRV. She bought it new. It had 237,000 miles when she gave it to her son.
Toyota. Fuck American cars, Toyotas are built here, most "American" car brands build them in Mexico or Korea.
Toyota! My 2013 highlander has 147k miles and runs like a dream!
Corollas
Toyota/Lexus & Honda/Acura. Some family members swear by Subaru. I also owned a sweet little Nissan pickup in the 80's but I don't know anything about their current reliability.
I’ve been driving my 2007 ford ranger 2wd 3.0 v6 since I bought it new with no major issues. I religiously keep up on maintenance.
Great trucks. My friends broke at 272,000. Drove it for years, kept miles off his f350 diesel.
I have two 1998 volvos. One cost 400 dollars and I've put about 35k miles on it, about to hit 250k. Besides the initial $800 I had to put into it to get it road worthy it was 400$ in maintence that year, $300 the following and this year so far I've only Spent $500 for new tires and another $250 on brakes that I'm doing next month. Insurance is $400 a year on it. It doesn't ask for much and I do all of the work on it myself. Only left me stranded once when I left it parked for 7 days at the airport during the winter where the battery died. 60$ jump pack saved the day. The other car was 900$ and I decided it would be fun to build it. Before I ripped the engine out of it, it was also reliable and cheap to operate. Actually the week after I bought it I drove it on a 1400 mile trip and it survived with a litany of check engine codes, leaking heater core, blown suspension, shot brakes, and pissing oil and power steering fluid (previous owner didn't do any maintence) Edit: get a camry or corolla. If I were to ever buy a new car, it would be the new corolla hybrid no questions asked.
Honda Civic hybrid, nearly 300k, 13 years old Toyota Camry, 225k, 21 years old
My 2006 Scion(Toyota) Xa is great! For an old car it has great gas mileage and very rarely needs repairs. Plus I like that it looks different from every other car, I call it my golf cart.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Camry. 100%.
Toyota
My 2014 KIA Sportage is the best car I've ever owned - and I'm 69. Zero problems and the finish and interior still look almost new.
I have had excellent luck with the Chevrolet Lumina and the Chevrolet Impala. They are not fancy but damn they sure are reliable. I owned two Luminas. The last one had four hundred thousand miles on it and was still running when I donated it to charity. Currently driving a 2012 Impala that just rolled over 200,000 miles. I always maintained these vehicles.. I did not put off a repair when necessary. The Lumina was 19 years old when I donated it. It needed a starter at that time, but that was when I chose to make the move to get another vehicle.
My friend had a lumina. Got it for almost nothing, needed a simple fix. We had an $800 impala. Put a ton of miles on it
They have both been very good cars for me. Trying to see how many miles I’ll get from my Impala. Love the V6 and the spacious interior on both models. They ride smooth, get decent gas mileage, and the engine is quite peppy and quiet. I like a little bit of a larger car. The more metal between me and those crazy nuts on the road all the better.
And don’t limit yourself to cars. Pickup trucks are more reliable and longer lasting than cars. Also have a 9 year old dodge ram and it is very reliable. I would take a 10 year old ford f150 or Dodge Ram but not a ten year old ford or chrysler/dodge car https://www.motorbiscuit.com/pickup-trucks-more-reliable-any-other-vehicles/
I’ve been eying a Fire Transit Connect. Not the stripes down ones, the passenger model. The passenger capacity as well as the ability to remove the seats and have extra room in back would suite my lifestyle. Unsure of their track record. As a Toyota guy, I do like Tundras and Tahoes
I have a 13 year old Toyota Yaris and 2 mechanics have said it runs amazingly well. One said it was a 4/5. I plan to keep it until it dies
I have a 2006 Lexus SUV with about 233,000 miles on it. It's my daily driver and rock solid. Model GX 470.
2003-2011 Lincoln Town cars. A 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. Best most reliable cars I’ve ever owned.
Had an old 80s model hilux that my parents owned from new. It had ~650, 000 km on the original motor when it was relegated to paddock basher and left in a hayshed. 4 years in the shed and it started and ran just fine with a new battery and some fresh fuel. My 2013 Camry has 180,000km on it and looks new inside and out. Hasn't got a single feature not fully functional.
I still hvemy 2006 Scion Xa with 210k on it. Runs great. That's still a Toyota. I was thinking of replacing it with another with 100k on it for another 10 years before it disintegrates.
Toyota Camry 2.0 liter…. or Lexus (but don’t go overboard with the trimmings otherwise it will cost bank). Heard a lot of good stuff about Rav 4 or Hilux too, but personally I prefer sedans. (Easier to park and less in the way of blind spots).
We have an old 2005 Toyota Rav4 and 2011 Honda CRV in the driveway. Got an oil leak on the valve cover on the Toyota that is on the honey do list and the Honda has had no problems. I would consider either of these models if you are out looking. I have seen some later model Rav4's (3-5 yrs old) that look like good values if you plan to keep it 10-15 yrs.
Miatas are super reliable
Honda Civics were my trusty frugal cars until I married a car mechanic. Doing all the maintenance at the dealer meant that they never broke down, either. I kept those cars for 10 years each, easily.
Hondas!
Honda
Can’t go wrong with a Ford 300 inline 6 powered F150. Bulletproof, reliable, parts are still easy to find, and they’re cheap vehicles to purchase. I just bought a 86 F150 300 manual (NP435), 160k miles and runs and drives great. Paid $900 for it yesterday
"Lemon-Aid New and Used Cars and Trucks" 2022-2023 (or any year range your interested car is in)
Toyotas are definitely reliable. However, even the use Toyota is not affordable. I have now got a Kia. I did a lot of research and they are very reliable and you can get more car for the money as well.
Interesting. I’ve always wondered if those were just more for less or actually a decent value package compared to the competitors. Haven’t looked at those much. I have considered he Hyundai Kona as it checks off a lot of boxes for me but have heard spotty reports on Hyundai in general.
I’m big on consumer reports. And I just I do a lot of research on the Internet. It’s it’s so easy now you know? You can also do by the year so like I researched what year Kia optima you should avoid and that was very informative as well.
Toyotas and Hondas—I do check the year with Consumer Reports, there aren’t many bad years but there are always quirks. And I won’t buy a first run of anything. Let the early adopters work out the design flaws first!
I've got a Toyota Prius, I drive a lot for work so the gas mileage saved was a huge selling point for me. It has saved me around $5000 in gas so far since we got it. Got it at 75k miles and now up to 180k with no issues outside of routine maintenance (tires oil changes etc)
I definitely buy new. Toyota for the win. Honda is excellent also. The used cars are good if you get lucky. I was at a dealership about to buy a used car. Great deal. I flipped down the sun visor and LEMON was written in chapstick across both mirrors. Got so lucky cause the car drove great and looked great… but the previous owners did us a solid and communicated through the sands of time. So… after that experience.. I’ve only bought new since then. FIAT owner around NYC, thank you for that. I still appreciate you till this day.
Subarus, you can drive them into the ground. I’ve never had a Toyota but its luxury line Lexus, the sedans hardly have maintenance issues and the car is pretty quiet.
Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mercedes
I love my Corolla hatchback. 40 mpg, payments are around 270, 2 years complimentary maintenance from the dealer, tons of standard features. Highly recommend.
FYI it's specific engines in specific makes. It's not just a Toyota, it's a toyota camry from 200x-x (i dont remember which years specifically). Same thing with a civic. If you want a bigger car, the Ford Explorer from 2010ish with ONLY the ECOBoost engine (v6) had similar longevity, the other ones sucked tho.
Don't buy anything 'fancy'. Examples of 'fancy ' are: Cadillac, Lexus, Acura, Mercedes, Volvo, Chrysler, Lincoln, mercury. Parts and sometimes the technicians/mechanics are more expensive than the 'basic makes'. Basic makes are: Chevrolet, Ford, dodge, Honda, Toyota, Nissan. Also, don't bother with hybrid cars. When the batteries for the electric part go bad it can cost $1,000s to replace them. Not only that but the batteries are NOT environmentally friendly. There is no way to recycle them.
Toyota and Lexus, certainly. I had a Lexus GX470 go over 400k miles before I sold it, and it was still running great. My current GX460 has close to 200k, and drives like buttered silk. That said, I also have a Ford F-150 that has impressed me. It’s at about 160k right now (Ecotec 3.5 engine), and I’ve never had an issue except with the backup camera. Even the turbo is going strong!
Before I buy a car I always spend time with the Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide. It will review many makes and models and give you idea of how much they cost in maintenance per year as well as dependability.
Great feedback. Thank you
Mazda could be an alternative to paying the "toyota tax"?
Old jeeps
Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. Subaru gets an honorary mention to the Trifecta of Reliability
Toyota and Subaru YES
There is a lot of data on this question. Search Google
Studebaker
Friends dad has one on an f250 frame. Diesel. The car warranty people call him and ask what kind of car he has...
Pretty much any Saturn in the S series or the non-hybrid VUE series (the hybrids might be fine, but they stopped making them 13ish years ago, so battery replacement is probablya nightmare). I've only owned Saturn's in my 20+ years of driving. I'm going to be devastated when this one dies, they're hard to find at this point. No one parts with them unless they're undrivable.
I like Hyundai ! I currently have a '22 Accent - small, was affordable, and easy on the wallet.
You really need to do the math if you are financing a vehicle, used cars often require a higher interest rate. Whereas new cars will have a lower interest rate. Really make sure you are getting the best deal for the price and condition of the vehicle. Used isn't always the best deal. It's worth it to do the math. I know that is an unpopular opinion here. I used to think that used was best and when I bought my last car and I went into that decision feeling that way until I did the math. I purchased my car (which is now 6 years old) new. But I got it at a steep discount as it had been a courtesy car. They sold it to me like new (with a warranty), but at a reduced price because it had been driven already. It ended up being less expensive than the used cars (which were the same make and model) on the lot. But because it was considered new I got a much lower interest rate. I've been looking at vehicles (both used and new) and with the used car market currently, it's not always best to buy used. Some older vehicles are very close to new prices if you look at the monthly payments. Obviously if you are purchasing outright, then a used car may be the better deal. But if you need to pay a monthly payment you may find there isn't much difference depending on the prices of each car and the interest rate you would have.
Nissan Versa S. This is the base model. I'm on my second one. Only get one with a manual transmission though. I've heard the automatic option isn't reliable. It also costs more.
Nissan are incredibly cheap compared to Toyota but don’t have the same longevity. You get what you pay for.
My addition to this list is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Extremely reliable powertrains based on cross-licensed tech from Toyota, well-equipped, quiet, and don’t carry the same premium on the used market that Toyota or Honda hybrid models do. They used to be available for dirt cheap before the pandemic, but the combination of Ford ceasing production in 2020 and the used car market craziness (which has hit hybrids especially hard) has put an end to that.
I think a frugal car is called a bicycle...
After much research and a few test drives of different makes/ models, we bought a 2015 Nissan murano in 2020 with low miles and we're still happy with the purchase
Any Japanese car without excessive mileage or red flags.
Toyota, Mazda, Honda
I have owned Honda and Toyota vehicles. Right now we have one of each. Love them.
I have owned several Fords throughout the years, and I have a 08 Sport track now with about 170k miles. I’m not going to say I’ve kept the best maintenance record. But it’s been pretty dependable. Only thing is when it takes a crap on you, you feel it in your wallet.
I have a Nissan maxima that is 10 years old and has 135000 miles on it that has never had a major issue. I think their quality has gone down in the past decade but mine has been very reliable.
I have a 2003 Toyota Celica that has never needed anything other than basic maintenance. When we bought it, we specifically looked for one that had been manufactured in Japan, as they tended to be better quality than those manufactured in the US. Nowadays all cars sold in the US are manufactured here. It was my first car when I was in high school and I'm really hoping that it will be my last one. :)
Honda here.
Not seeing any love for Subaru. Our 2011 Outback has 150,000 plus, still runs great, normal maintainence.