Car guys

[theiacowtipper]

There is no one good answer. Our household has a Toyota rav4 and a Kia Niro hybrid. The Toyota is the best car we have ever owned. But it was a lot more expensive for the car we got.

My daily driver is the 2017 niro. It does exactly what I want out of it. 45 mpg. Reliable and relatively maintenance free. My experience with Kia’s has been their reliability is all about how you drive them. If you run them hard they blow up.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Yeah that's just sort of what I'm talking about though. I can gut a Hyundai or Kia that is 6 years newer with 20 to 30k less miles on it for about a thousand dollars cheaper.

Is it your opinion that a 2017 Accord is going to last me longer and be more reliable than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

You have to ask your self - Why? Why can you get a car 6 years newer with 20-30k less miles for less?

My son bought a used Kia. Once it got over about 60-70K miles it started to break down. Dumped it and bought a Mazda

Other son and his wife (no pics) owned a few Hyundai's. They didn't hold up well and depreciated very quickly. Now they drive a Toyota and a Lincoln.

So, I'm hardly in a position to give advice on Kia's and Hyundai's given the tiny sample size, but I'm pretty sure my family is done with them

 

[TJ8869]

I wouldn't buy a used car with over 30K miles on it if you can avoid it. Try to buy a car with less than 20K miles on it.

This isn’t one of those “Post like it’s 1972” threads.

 

[Hawki97]

I'm looking at getting an upgrade at car since I'm currently driving a '09 focus with 160,000 miles to work, 50 miles each way. Plus I'll be making a bit more money. Looking at small or mid-sized sedans that get good gas milage on the highway. Looking to spend in the range of $15k +/- 5k.

Here is the question, is the "reliability" reputation of Toyota and Honda's worth it. Looking online I can get a 2023 or 2024 Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra or Sonata with about 30k miles on it for about 18k. If I want to get a Camry, Corolla, Civic, Accord, Fit or Fit for the same price point I'm looking at something that is 3 to 6 years older with about 50k+ more miles on it.

Is like a 2019 Toyota/Honda with like 80k miles on it really going to last me longer and have less problems than a 2023 Kia/Hyundai?

For that money and what you need/want, you can get a couple years old Camry with relative low miles. It’s a no brainer. Get the Toyota. Here’s a ‘21 with 14K.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/43eaf40c-1a91-451e-bf07-58e043d4a218?aff=share_other

Or a ‘22 with 23K.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/55f855e4-e161-43cc-be69-e7c64e1db6c1?aff=share_other

Tons of Toyotas in that range. And shipping a car isn’t scary and very easy to do so don’t feel locked into your local market.

 

[onlyTheObvious]

Just looked that up. Dealers are all kind of far away. But it would be something I could consider.

My current work car I looked for the cheapest new car in the United States. It was a couple states away. I verified with the dealer the price would be honored if I showed up with a check.

I emailed a few dealers in Iowa and one said he would beat the offer by $500.

Tax title license everything included and no money down it was less than $10k. So I got a new car with AC and Apple CarPlay with full factory warranty for under $10k. And still going strong at over 200,000 miles.

What I saved I bought Apple stock with. I will be retiring early with a very modest job.

Do you want to work years longer just to drive a better car to the job you want to retire from?

People make life choices everyday and don’t even know it.

 

[hydro2.0]

Honda and Toyota are simply better than Hyundai and Kia.

Maybe look at a Honda Accord, 2015-2017 years, with low miles.

I have to agree with this. As an Accord owner it been nothing but reliable.

 

[TJ8869]

I got a new car with AC and Apple CarPlay with full factory warranty for under $10k.

 

[funksouljon]

Questions like this are tough. Folks have Brand bias that sticks even after brand quality shifts. Certainly skewed by a single experience with a car. Single manufacturer doesn't hit homeruns with every model, some get the brand bump. Some specific years have issues even if fixed after a 2 year run....

One example, JD power indicates a 2017 Buick Regal is the most reliable even over Camry, Accord, Mazda6. In 2020 Optima, Fusion, Malibu all rate highest. Im moving to the opinion that most cars are made pretty well, and they all will have some nagging issues.

Is it just a commuter (Fit or a hybrid) or need to haul people sometimes or striaght commuter (Fit or a hybrid).

If you are looking for <30k miles, <$18k and as new as possible, theres a ton out there. Just consider it a 5 year investment and find the one that you like the most. Most vehicles are going to need decent servicing about 75k and all that you mentioned are on not "premium" so will be lower cost. I'd consider a Mazda (several) or a Sentra. And like @Hawki97 said, larger search area and shipping (ar a 1 way flight) can get you access to other markets you might not normally consider. I'd get away from anything in the NE that is in the salt belt.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

And like @Hawki97 said, larger search area and shipping (ar a 1 way flight) can get you access to other markets you might not normally consider. I'd get away from anything in the NE that is in the salt belt.

Our last several purchases have been out of state. Have traveled to some and have had a couple shipped. Overall good experiences.

 

[stillh8unlv]

A Toyota Avalon hybrid or Lexus ES hybrid will get you the best of all worlds - plenty of room for 5, large trunk, very comfortable -while getting consistent upper 30's mpg and higher if you mainly drive in 2 lane/60-65 mph areas. When we vacation, we'll spend a day out and about traveling between smaller towns and routinely get 45-50 mpg.

Toyota CVT transmissions are light years more reliable than other manufacturers due to how they're designed.

I wouldn't think twice about buying one with 150k miles on it - it'll easily go to 300k with normal maintenance.

The standard 3.5 gas models are rock solid too - but the mpg isn't as good.

 

[Hawki97]

Our last several purchases have been out of state. Have traveled to some and have had a couple shipped. Overall good experiences.

I buy and sell a lot of cars. One of my favorite things now that I’m retired is flying somewhere to pick up a car and then just driving back on my own timeline. No hotels booked. Just me and the road and whatever interesting I want to stop and see, eat, whatever.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

I buy and sell a lot of cars. One of my favorite things now that I’m retired is flying somewhere to pick up a car and then just driving back on my own timeline. No hotels booked. Just me and the road and whatever interesting I want to stop and see, eat, whatever.

This would be a nice job for a retired guy.

 

[Hawki97]

This would be a nice job for a retired guy.

I know a couple guys that do just that. Basically they shuttle cars between dealerships across the US. Fun gig for someone that likes to drive and take the newest cars out for a spin. I’d do it, but the dealers wouldn’t like that it takes me 3-4 days to go 1,000 miles.

 

[BrianNole777]

I buy and sell a lot of cars. One of my favorite things now that I’m retired is flying somewhere to pick up a car and then just driving back on my own timeline. No hotels booked. Just me and the road and whatever interesting I want to stop and see, eat, whatever.

You're retired?

How old are you?

 

[The Tradition]

My current work car I looked for the cheapest new car in the United States. It was a couple states away. I verified with the dealer the price would be honored if I showed up with a check.

I emailed a few dealers in Iowa and one said he would beat the offer by $500.

Tax title license everything included and no money down it was less than $10k. So I got a new car with AC and Apple CarPlay with full factory warranty for under $10k. And still going strong at over 200,000 miles.

What I saved I bought Apple stock with. I will be retiring early with a very modest job.

Do you want to work years longer just to drive a better car to the job you want to retire from?

People make life choices everyday and don’t even know it.

Currently, the least expense MSRP for a new vehicle sold in the United States is the Nissan Versa at $18,330.

That trim level has a manual transmission and does not include Apple CarPlay. Air conditioning is included.

 

[Hawki97]

You're retired?

How old are you?

Yep. Only work when I want to. Young.

 

[BrianNole777]

Yep. Only work when I want to. Young.

What did you do to retire young?

 

[goldmom]

The new Accord looks ridiculous.

I like it!

 

[goldmom]

Check the insurance on the Kia/Hyundai. With the Kia Boys and the ease of theft of older models that has jumped the premiums on Kia and Hyundai models. Personally go with a a boring Camry and drive it into the ground.

Local cops will tell you to sell those cars if you park outside overnight. They’re the top of the list for stolen cars.

 

[ThorneStockton]

I bet there are good deals to be had in the Chicago area for used Model 3s. And you'll save money on fuel in what is a fairly long commute.

 

[Gimmered]

Spend a little extra and get a Model 3. It's way more reliable than any used cars you mentioned.

As ugly as the politics are right now, this isn't a horrible idea. Maybe throw on some Audi badges.

 

[Hawki97]

What did you do to retire young?

Worked hard. Invested well. Didn’t mess around on the internet all day.

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

I like it!

You also white knight for Monica Lewinsky.

You and I are different people Goldie, and that's ok.

 

[BrianNole777]

Worked hard. Invested well. Didn’t mess around on the internet all day.

What business were you in? How much wealth did you inherit?

Just curious.

 

[Hawki97]

What business were you in? How much wealth did you inherit?

Just curious.

Computer stuff. Owned my own business for the majority. Zero inheritance. Poor ass parents. Probably be thought of as white trash.

 

[Urohawk]

As ugly as the politics are right now, this isn't a horrible idea. Maybe throw on some Audi badges.

Yes, prices are in the crapper as well.

 

[SalAunese]

I buy and sell a lot of cars. One of my favorite things now that I’m retired is flying somewhere to pick up a car and then just driving back on my own timeline. No hotels booked. Just me and the road and whatever interesting I want to stop and see, eat, whatever.

That’s how I bought my Land Cruiser for the farm in Iowa. It failed emissions in Colorado, had my uncle run over and take a look, then I put money down on it. Bought a one way ticket out of MSP to Denver. Took an uber to dealership, left with the vehicle, put new tires on it, spent a weekend in Breckenridge with my cousins. Drove home

Did the same with my son’s Audi A4. No issues, just a great price. Flew to Chicago, dealership picked me up and I paid for the car outright. Went to a White Sox game, went home the next day.

 

[onlyTheObvious]

Currently, the least expense MSRP for a new vehicle sold in the United States is the Nissan Versa at $18,330.

That trim level has a manual transmission and does not include Apple CarPlay. Air conditioning is included.

Mitsubishi Mirage is on autotrader for under $15k. Found on for under $13k. Lots of them all over the country.

Of course you need to verify with dealer. They are not always what they seem.

Since I drive my cars until they are junk yard material I really don’t care about depreciation. Worrying about the value of something that will always eventually be zero isn’t worth worrying about.

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

For that money and what you need/want, you can get a couple years old Camry with relative low miles. It’s a no brainer. Get the Toyota. Here’s a ‘21 with 14K.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/43eaf40c-1a91-451e-bf07-58e043d4a218?aff=share_other

Or a ‘22 with 23K.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/55f855e4-e161-43cc-be69-e7c64e1db6c1?aff=share_other

Tons of Toyotas in that range. And shipping a car isn’t scary and very easy to do so don’t feel locked into your local market.

Speaking of shipping cars has anyone used Carvana? They seemed to have some decent deals but I saw some bad things said about them so I started to shy away. What website do you go through normally? I've never shipped a car before.

I don't particularly like the idea of not being able to test drive the car first.

But that is sort of what I was leaning towards now. Another option I saw was I think like an '18 or '19 Corolla with like 56k miles on it for 16k.

 

[desihawk]

imo a lexus with about 75k miles that fits the budget will likely drive better, be more reliable, and last longer than newer options. something to consider

 

[NorthernHawkeye]

Speaking of shipping cars has anyone used Carvana? They seemed to have some decent deals but I saw some bad things said about them so I started to shy away. What website do you go through normally? I've never shipped a car before.

I don't particularly like the idea of not being able to test drive the car first.

But that is sort of what I was leaning towards now. Another option I saw was I think like an '18 or '19 Corolla with like 56k miles on it for 16k.

If you want, you can pay someone else to do the test drive and inspection.

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For shipment, you can use any number of transporters. The last one I did cost a little over a $1000. That was cheaper than the flight, motel, food and gas.

 

[Hawki97]

Speaking of shipping cars has anyone used Carvana? They seemed to have some decent deals but I saw some bad things said about them so I started to shy away. What website do you go through normally? I've never shipped a car before.

I don't particularly like the idea of not being able to test drive the car first.

But that is sort of what I was leaning towards now. Another option I saw was I think like an '18 or '19 Corolla with like 56k miles on it for 16k.

I recently used SGT and they were great. Price depends on if you want enclosed or open transport and of course the distance. I got a vehicle from Georgia last year for around $600 (open transport).

 

[SalAunese]

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=&zip=50015#listing=408175747/NONE/DEFAULT

 

[Hawki97]

That’s how I bought my Land Cruiser for the farm in Iowa. It failed emissions in Colorado, had my uncle run over and take a look, then I put money down on it. Bought a one way ticket out of MSP to Denver. Took an uber to dealership, left with the vehicle, put new tires on it, spent a weekend in Breckenridge with my cousins. Drove home

Did the same with my son’s Audi A4. No issues, just a great price. Flew to Chicago, dealership picked me up and I paid for the car outright. Went to a White Sox game, went home the next day.

Yep, it’s a great way to buy a vehicle and get a great deal. Focusing only on your local market is such a limiting factor.

 

[im4hawks50595]

Hyundai Elantra in the 2023 range was a great car. And I swear by Toyota reliability.

I had an Elantra and the ground clearance sucks so they are horrible in the snow other than that decent car , mine was 2018 so maybe they are better now for winter driving.

 

[goldmom]

You also white knight for Monica Lewinsky.

You and I are different people Goldie, and that's ok.

I white knight for Monica Lewinsky? What? I don’t even know what that means…???

 

[Tenacious E]

You have to ask your self - Why? Why can you get a car 6 years newer with 20-30k less miles for less?

My son bought a used Kia. Once it got over about 60-70K miles it started to break down. Dumped it and bought a Mazda

Other son and his wife (no pics) owned a few Hyundai's. They didn't hold up well and depreciated very quickly. Now they drive a Toyota and a Lincoln.

So, I'm hardly in a position to give advice on Kia's and Hyundai's given the tiny sample size, but I'm pretty sure my family is done with them

We have had Hondas and Toyotas, but mostly Hondas, and they were and are very reliable. I’ve only driven a Kia as a rental and I hated it. If it were me operating under OP’s parameters, I’d get a Honda, then Toyota, then probably a Mazda. I just don’t know if I could ever pull the trigger on a Hyundai or Kia.

 

[SalAunese]

I have a 2018 Honda Accord EX-L that I use as a daily driver when I’m back in MN. It’s roomy, leather seats with warmers, reliable and great with the gas mileage. Less of a headache to own than any of my vehicles other than the LC Toyota

 

[lucas80]

I buy and sell a lot of cars. One of my favorite things now that I’m retired is flying somewhere to pick up a car and then just driving back on my own timeline. No hotels booked. Just me and the road and whatever interesting I want to stop and see, eat, whatever.

You just gave me an idea to pitch to Netflix about this mild mannered serial killer who roams the country at his own pace seeing the sights.

 

[OrlandNole]

I buy and sell a lot of cars. One of my favorite things now that I’m retired is flying somewhere to pick up a car and then just driving back on my own timeline. No hotels booked. Just me and the road and whatever interesting I want to stop and see, eat, whatever.

That sounds awesome. I'm looking forward to retirement.