Anyone in the market for a new/used vehicle, what are you buying? Best value? Safety? Longevity? Practicality? Looks? In your opinion, which is the best vehicle to purchase?
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It is my sincere desire to provide readers of this site with the best unbiased information available, and a forum where it can be discussed openly, as our Founders intended. But it is not easy nor inexpensive to do so, especially when those who wish to prevent us from making the truth known, attack us without mercy on all fronts on a daily basis. So each time you visit the site, I would ask that you consider the value that you receive and have received from The Burning Platform and the community of which you are a vital part. I can't do it all alone, and I need your help and support to keep it alive. Please consider contributing an amount commensurate to the value that you receive from this site and community, or even by becoming a sustaining supporter through periodic contributions. [Burning Platform LLC - PO Box 1520 Kulpsville, PA 19443] or Paypal
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I haven’t owned a car since 2012 when I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador. We can walk everywhere we have to go. We are averaging $9.00 monthly for transportation. Have you any idea how much money we have saved in 10 years?
Except, walking everywhere you have to go means you’re in a highly populated area with all of those services. I have to drive everywhere I need to go, but the rest of the time I’m surrounded by woods and fields.
Here’s the ultimate in a post-apocalyptic used vehicle (under 4 minutes):
They’re hardening this Suburban against a huge EMP, meaning it’ll have an additional pneumatic starter plus lots of other specialized features. This rebuild is getting quite pricy though.
Mr Davidson can tool around his Observer Ranch in it.
Hope you have plenty of fuel. Because if there is an EMP there won’t be any more – ever.
Props big time to you O!!!!
Interesting. How did you do it?
Certainly not in the market, but our last 5 cars have been Toyotas and we wouldn’t own anything else if we had the choice. We got 200,000 miles from our Tercel EZ (the $5998 hatchback that got 37mpg and had tires that cost about $20 each – traded in on next vehicle), 200,000 from our Corolla (also traded in), 140,000 miles on our 27 year old Toyota 4×4 (was needing some major front end work so we sold it), and currently at a combined 300,000+ miles on our Camry and 4-Runner (2005 and 2004). All of them were assembled in Japan, not the US, and none of them had ANY recalls for anything serious (4-Runner had a dash that was poorly manufactured and cracked like crazy – but replacement was paid by Toyota). We both had 1970s Fords that were horrible cars (but so was nearly every 70s car so I won’t judge). Truly criminal what our government has done to the used car market with “cash for clunkers” and their non-stop devaluation of the currency.
I’m a fan of Toyota too. Wouldn’t want anything else. If you’re in the luxury market, then go for the Lexus.
I’ve had 4 Subaru 4×4 wagons.
Terrific cars except for the front rubber boots protecting the UJs
on the drive shafts. Snow and sand tear them after a few years.
I began checking them regularly and when there was a tear,
replaced them myself. If you wait, the UJs fail and then it gets
expensive to replace the drive arm.
Subarus are definitely the most popular car in Colorado, it seems. Priced well and does well in the mountains, I think (never owned one, but that’s what I hear). Loved my Landcruiser for handling mountains, terrain, snow, and ice. But too pricey.
They used to be very economical.
Not so much anymore.
I ain’t in the market for any vehicle. I’m riding it out.
2016 Outback but the 2.5L and not the 3.6L mountain hoss. Purchased new. Doubt I’ll be taking mountain trips in it anyway. For a flat lander in Texas , it’s ok. Wife’s choice.
2002 Tundra SR5, 4.7L V8. Possibly one of the best engines Toyota made. Purchased used with 50k. Now 286k. Only negative, a timing belt. Never realized it had the belt until my mechanic mentioned it. Replaced at 186K. Toyota recommends changing at 75k intervals. Not happening. Drive it about 4k-5k per year now. As mentioned, riding it out. Automobiles done got too fancy pricey for this ole boy.
I know the subs are popular in CO. Wonder though if not more subs in Oregon? Flew to Portland several years ago. Didn’t hang around Portland but a few hours yet long enough to notice the abundance of subs. Went to a restaurant for breakfast on the way out of the city and noticed six subs street parked in a row.
Mine had CV joint probs and the pancake engine is known to blow head gaskets and I had to replace the engine. Otherwise they’re great!
Anecdotal fallacy.
And I have read almost every technical website for Subaru
repair and never heard about “known to blow head gaskets”
Just the opposite. Their enginge blocks and heads are legendarily reliable.
I noted the UJ/CVJ problem. All caused by boot tears, and easily and cheaply
addressed if you are aware of the potential problem. I still have my 1998 Outback.
Almost 300,000 miles. My 3rd son has it now. The first 2 sons bought their own cars after driving my Subaru since high school. A drunk driver killed my 1st Suby (and almost me)
and a deer in PA killed my 2nd one. Hit it going 60 mph in Emporia county after a bear hunt. My 3rd one was sold when I got my Isuzu Trooper. (Another GREAT car).
Iam 72 yrs old. raised two sons. Between wife and sons, had over 20 Subarus and never had any real problems. Bought several with 100-120,000 miles. Always got another 100k miles use. Cheapest cost per mile driven I could find. love them.
Our 2016 Outback just turned 100k. Riding it out. Nice clean auto. Again, riding it out.
70’s cars. I agree MrLiberty. 1979 Buick I’ll never forget. Turned me off GM forever–both the company and its dealer network. 2000 Subaru Outback is my daily transportation, although I don’t drive every day since I retired. 230k miles. When I bought it I declared I would drive that car until there was a practical electric car. I don’t know now if I’ll live that long, so the Subaru may well be may last car. Small chance, though, with the upcoming Subaru electric developed with the Toyota joint venture. However, since Toyota hasn’t announced a electric car, I wonder if Subaru is their beta test platform. Hmmm. We all know that until solid state Lithium Ion is perfected and cost effective, electric cars will remain financial time bombs.
My 2010 Toyota Venza, purchased new, has had ZERO problems in 140,000 miles.
Before that I had a 1996 RAV4 that did have occasional problems, but it went 196k miles.
I read once that 50% of the Toyotas made since 1988 are still registered to drive. I wonder how many Ford Falcons are still on the road?
First car was a ’66 Falcon. No radio, rubber floor, no carpet, no A/C. Was rough w/ no A/C in Jackson, MS.
My first was ‘61 falcon in the pickup version. Same build out as yours and had the 144 CID engine that could hit 75 going downhill with a tailwind. OK was not the place to have no A/C, but the $125 I spent buying it got me through high school and sold it for $100.
Those were the days…
I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix with 251 thousand miles. It’s a really handy little car.
I vote for my 1999 Tacoma manual 5 speed with a 4-cylinder engine; never had mechanical problems and got about 29 mpg. Would like to buy a new 1970s MG or Triumph.
I know 3 friends with the Tacoma and they swear by them.
Buy a 70’s English sports car and invest an equal amount in tools and manuals.
You will have no more spare time as you repair them. I had a ’67 Austin Healy 3000
in my twentys. It was in my garage more than on the road but it payed for itself
many times over in female company. The sexiest car that ever was.
I payed $2000 for it. Seemed like a fortune then.
Same here, but now I’m looking at a Hyundai Tucson…Anybody own one?
Had to recently trade in my Toyota Landcruiser…loved it so much but ridiculous on gas mileage. Bought a Toyota 4-Runner. Still not great on gas mileage, but much better than what I had. Love the quality & looks. Planning to keep it for a long time. I know it will last.
Just bought a used F150 Ranch Truck with tow package and a 2 horse straight load aluminum trailer with front tack room.
Great timing with the price of gas.
Like my animals are my emergency food supply if the SHTF my truck and trailer are my emergency bug out vehicle and living quarters.
having 7k to spend on a car is a dream anymore.
if i did have money to spend on a vehicle, it’d be something diesel, with no electronics (i.e. at least 30 years old now), stickshift, something with some decent ground clearance, say an ’80s era toyota pickup or something.
as it is i have an early 90s no-electronics diesel hatchback beat all the hell up from driving around on unpaved farm roads and hauling random crap, that cost a hell of a lot less than 7k, should have a few more years of service left in it, but fingers crossed, it’s reliable.
I bout a 90s Suburban 3/4 ton 4×4 for 5k great low mileage truck owned by an old timer who maintained it wonderfully.
Had full-size vans for years for hauling family and PT job. Last two have been Subaru Foresters. Happy with the first one so went with another one.
You won’t get much of a car for 7k.
I have always taken meticulous care of my cars.
I still have 3 from 2003. All have over 200k miles and run
beautifully. Only the Suburban is worth about 7k if I tried to
sell. I’ll drive them all until they fall apart.
“not much of a car” is my kind of car. Just bought a 2007 Corolla for $3,000. Fewer than 70,000 miles on it (old lady’s car). I usually buy something 8-9 years old for $5-6k and use it for 5 years. I get the aftermarket pussy magnet.
That is a rare good deal.
Here in CO, used cars are expensive.
EVERYTHING is expensive in CO!
Aftermarket pussy???
Brand new used pussy.
I’ve been on a waitlist for a Corvette for 12 months. In that time, I’ve saved enough to pay cash (~$85k) for it. The resale on these mid-engine Corvettes is higher than MSRP sticker price, usually $10-20k higher, depending on how well optioned they are.
These newly (since 2020) designed Corvettes are highly rated and have put them into supercar status at 1/3 or 1/4 the price of a McLaren, Porche, or Ferrari.
I’m gonna enjoy my retirement in style. My order should be filled in the next 2 months.
Not a Corvette, but am selling a 2019 MB 3500 Series Sprinter for $52.5K with 30K miles. Paid $47K for it.
I love this body design. A lot of enthusiasts nicked it for the lack of a manual transmission. I think the super shift is bad ass. They say the next generation will have the 8 speed manual option. The mid engine is a selling feature but extremely cool. The 6.2 LS II is a small block badass MOFO. Very classy car, have fun in that beast.
I would rather bash my nuts with a hammer than drive a Vette. Give me a land yacht any day. Comfort is far more important than style. Plus try and pull a 25 foot trailer with that thing. No thanks. But have fun. But I suspect the shine will wear off that new penny fast.
Best if you can afford both. It’s the thrill, not the destination. Ah forget it, you wouldn’t understand
I would understand. I have had such beasts. But having had such, the thrill wears off very fast vs the comfort that land yachts provide. I do not need flash cars anymore, as I have learned comfort trumps flash. And it isn’t a close run thing. I have advised several folks about this over the years, and invariably after buying the sports car they come back and tell me I am right. Especially after some envious dick keys it, or some such, or after being stuck in traffic, or after having lost their licenses because they have become targets, etc.
Me, I just trundle around wrapped in leather in a huge land cruiser. Comfy is good. If someone has never had a sports car, go for it. I just suggest the driving experience will eventually outweigh the sports of it.
Want a good combo of both worlds? Get a high end BMW 5 series, or even a 7 series if budget allows. An M5 will outrun a Vette, and be quite comfy. And cops won’t bother it very much.
Happy with bike+trailer and Honda Civic.
I’ll be driving my 2005 Mustang convertible until God calls me home 🙂
2021 Mach 1 Mustang\
That’s pretty badass!
Thanks, Mine Dynos at 706 HP to the rear 760 gross. It’s a lot of fun on the track. It has a Boss 302 coyote, 10 speed select shift, whipple super charger, active suspension, active exhaust, active steering, selectable front rotor lock for tire prep(burn outs) and Brembo braking system. The resonator has been removed with premium SLP loud mouth exhaust system and much more. Fun, 205 top speed low 10’s in the quarter 0-60 in 3 seconds
I like older, pre emission type diesel 4×4 trucks prefer the duramax but old Cummins are great too. Got a crew cab long bed one ton 4×4 gets 20 mpg. Can possibly run on old fluids like oil, atf fluids, kerosene, aviation fuel, veggie oils…plus they can pull anything and sound great.
What happened to Bio Willy with its aroma of french fries?
Lexus is the sedan to buy, but a SUV is also handy for sure. My 2005 ES330 has 130K on it and tracks, runs, and is quiet as if it were new. Nothing wrong with the paint either. I see them offered now at $7k+. I bought mine with 40k miles on it in 2010 for $15k. So for $8k I have run it for 90k miles, which cost is nine cents per mile for depreciation. Minimal repair costs. The interior looks new still. Incredible car. I bought a new 1966 Chevy Caprice for $3800 and it was done at 100k miles and sold to the gypsies for 100 bucks. I loved that sucker though for a long time. Depreciation cost 3.8 cents per mile! Inflation rules.
My 1998 Yukon bought new spent eight years on Kauai and the body is a corroded mess, but it runs and runs even though the thing has had numerous small repairs. Now on the mainland the repairs have stopped over the last 14 years. Has 135k miles on it and not worth much used, yet I expect it to outlive me as I’m 80 now and only use it for local photo excursions and taking garbage to the dump. Some experts list it is as one of those few that will still be going after 200k+ miles. As for mine, I doubt the corroded bumpers will last very much longer nor the hinges, etc. because of that salty air exposure. A lot of my camera equipment corroded as well. There are some big costs to live in paradise! Nice place to visit, though.
But for joy on the road? Harley. I did ride my 1982 Beemer across the US and all around for years, but it was my 1996 big-assed ElectraGlide with its g0-fast parts that was just flat fun every time I rode it. Nothing compares.
Recently bought a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara thru Vroom since I moved to the NC mountains. Like my Jeep, never and I mean NEVER buy a vehicle through Vroom.
My wife has a 2013 Toyota Tundra pick up with 150k. We will drive that for another 150k. Awesome truck.
Not in the market. Will continue to drive my 1984 Ford F250, 4WD, 4 Speed Manual(!!!), 351-V8. Ultra cheap Insurance, Tags, and Personal Property Taxes($6.68!!!).
New Trucks are way to expensive($75,000, seriously Ford?!?!).
No Manual Transmission. Cannot afford the high Insurance, Sales Tax, Tags and Depreciation.
I would much rather invest my money and drive a old, classic Pickup. My Stocks and Bonds averaged 6.9% return last year. I get hundreds of Dollars every Month in Dividends and Bond Interest. I enjoy that much more than a new Pickup.
I’m with you. Original owner 83 F250 6.9 diesel 4spd stick with dual fuel tanks, limited slip Dana 61 and a/c. No other options. Even had the radio deleted so I could install my own.
I expect it will run as long as I do, or until the state of Commiefornia tries to outlaw it at which point I’ll move.
2022 Tundra, 1794 Edition 4 door. 368 HP. Ordered it 12/18, came in 3/28.
I’d like to find a low mileage 2010 (or so) Toyota Avalon.
Best thing I ever bought for about $7k when it was 5 years old with 30k miles is my ’95 Chevy G-20/Gladiator. Nothing has still ever gone wrong with it though admittedly it’s still barely a teenager just turning 100k, but it also still looks great despite being parked outside for 27 years. I’ve lost track of how many times grown men have run across parking lots to take a closer look and tell me how much they love it.
As part of my retirement, I got to buy my 3 y-o F150 supercrew for book value. I put about 6k miles on it a year and change the oil every October, whether it is due or not.
I plan on driving it the rest of my life and then my youngest grandson can have it.
Okay now, hear me out, don’t jump to conclusions, but I’ve gotta say my 2012 Prius Plug-In is damn near the best of the 25 some-odd cars I’ve owned over the years, including 2 ‘Vettes, a Jag Sovereign, an ’04 T-bird, a Buick LeSabre, a couple of Subaru’s and a couple of Oldsmobiles.
Best mileage by a country mile and most of my consumer missions require no gas at all, up to 8.3 miles on EV; not bad for 10 yrs old. Best maintenance, just 1 set of tires, oil changes, filters, not even brake pads yet at 96,000. I did replace the battery because I didn’t know how old it was, but the old one still held charge.
It’s not a sports car but it’s not a dog either, and very manuverable, easy in/out of parking.
Right now on longer trips I can get up to 55-60 mpg and more if the Plug-in EV factors in.
I think they’re going for about $15-$16K. I could sell mine right now for more than I paid for it at 52,000 miles.
Toyota has a new Dynamic Force Engine that is super efficient. In the GR Yaris and GR Corolla models, it has one of the highest horsepower per cubic inch ratios ever developed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjT7ikUkpWY
As for me the #1 thing of importance …. RELIABILITY. Plenty of places on the web to find that info. Be specific to the model, not the brand. There’s a big difference between a VW Jetta (generally a piece of crap) an a VW Golf (my dad had one just shy of 200k before he sold it.)
Although with gas now at over $4 gallon, and god only knows how much higher it will go, Gas Mileage probably ought to be #1
#2 … LOW miles
#3 … Never buy a used car with more than 2 owners … usually Sum Ting Wong wif dat kar
#4 .. prefer to buy from a woman previous owner … they generally don’t beat the shit out of a carlike men do
—–#4A … don’t buy from a blond —> “Mr. Mechanic, what do you mean when you say ‘cars need their oil changed’?”
#5 .. prefer to buy from an old person
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Back to reliability. Had an’85 Mercedes 300D. Odometer conked out at about 240k miles. Had the car another 3 years …so maybe 300K miles before I had a minor accident and junked it. Germans invented the diesel … Rudolf Diesel in the 1890s. I don’t think there’s a more reliable long-lasting car engine on the road than a Benz diesel.
What can I say? Great minds think alike. Incredibly beautiful car you posted.
Let me return the favor by offering by what, imho, is the most beautiful car ever built in America …by another German guy, August Duesenberg.
.
Gary Cooper’s Duesenberg SSJ
Rolls engines are known to last. If you can afford one. But a diesel with an iron block – not aluminum- is the way to go, for sure. The aluminum ones can’t handle the pressure that diesel generates, and micro fractures occur. I have two cars with diesel (land cruisers both) that are worth far more than I paid because the donks in them were phased out for whizbang dual turbo pieces of shite.
I owned a Chevy Vega way back when. All was well as long as no drivers were behind me. Then came several Honda’s.