Posted on 01/13/2016 4:44:36 AM PST by AbolishCSEU
Bought a 2007 Subaru Forester 5K cash, 150K miles earlier this year against my better judgement--hubs was insistent it was reliable. They USED to be reliable. I had an 88 Justy that you couldn't kill. BTW I live in upstate NY with its harsh winters.
Seems they now have major engine problems. Something I've found out the hard way.
Any recommendations on a new car?
Brand new on the market: Toyota RAV 4 hybrid.
FWIW, I’ve had great luck with Toyotas, and I’m currently on my third one.
I bought a brand new 1990 Toyota Carolla, and after putting about 230,000 miles on it, traded it in on a brand new 2000 Carolla. The 1990 was still in great shape, no rust, still getting 33 mpg on the highway, losing a little bit of oil, down about a half quart at each oil change. But the car was at a “perfect storm” point in maintenance: Needed all new front end parts (nothing had previously been replaced, but all the adjustment was “used up,”) new tires, new brakes, new timing belt, new clutch (the original clutch completely went out as I was pulling into the dealership to trade it in!), new shocks & struts, and a couple of other things I’ve since forgotten that would have cost about $4000 to replace. It only needed 2 repairs the during the decade I had it, one of which was covered under warranty, the other was a freak happening (a cracked exhaust manifold, requiring replacing it and the radiator. I have no doubt that had I been willing to spend the money, I might still be driving that car today.
It was a similar situation with the 2000 Carolla, but when I was looking for a new car, there was the hysteria about the sticking throttle, so in January 2011, I bought a Kia Sportage instead. Big mistake. It was OK, but crappy mileage, it could barely get out of its own way, and the driver’s seat was really uncomfortable for me.
In January 2014, I traded the Kia in for a 2013 Toyota Rav4, and I’ve loved it ever since.
Mark
You need to love the RAPTOR more.:)
I live in hardcore Jeep country even the most rabid Jeep fans will not touch anything after about 2008.
As far as new I wouldn’t go new but 2-3 years old as others have said. I love the Chevy Tahoe line. Smaller than a burb and truck reliability. But I wouldn’t buy one newer than 2012. To much flash in the newer stuff.
A Honda Civic.
I have had 2 dozen cars (or more) in my life- these are the single best car I ever owned
My husband and sons have had numerous Toyota 4 Runners. All of them have been flawless.
“Bought a 2007 Subaru Forester 5K cash, 150K miles earlier this year against my better judgement—hubs was insistent it was reliable.”
who maintained it and how well? did it come with any service records? 150K isn’t exactly low miles.
I WAS A CHEVY MAN UNTIL THEY BECAME GOVERNMENT MOTORS - I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER
Honda - they are not made overseas anymore
Subaru Forester...tops, according to latest Consumer Reports.
Toyota. Best car made. Just about all thier models are the standard other car makers benchmark. However, they are more expensive, even used.
Hyundai/Kia (same company) are probably the best lower cost cars made. I don’t know anyone who has been disappointed with one. You can get a slightly used one very inexpensively.
I bought a Ford Edge a year ago. Good vehicle. I was going to buy a lightly used one. However I was able to buy new for the same price!
You can compare different vehicles on Edmunds.com and get other good information.
American brands are getting much better reliability ratings than in the past.
I would like to add Hyundai to what you said if I may . .
We have a 2015 Subaru Outback that we bought new last year (the used ones were far and few between, and cost almost as much). It’s been great!
Used Subarus are almost always high mileage, and you have to watch out for the head gasket problem.
Don’t get a Ford Focus or Fusion - major transmission problems.
Get a new Hyundai Sonata.
Did the same, a 2006 NISMO with 29K... I'm now at 125K with no problems. Mostly drive my Honda S2000 in the summer though.
Now, I love my Challenger R/t even more, but it serves a different purpose.... ;-)
I bought a used Mazda 2015 CX-5 GT with front wheel drive with 3K miles on it. Not sure if I would buy one with all of the whistles and bells next time. Heated leather seats are nice and toasty, but I find them rather hard. Your mileage may vary on this.
Second regret was having a windshield break from flying rocks. Not unheard of, but it took a while to get the glass and a side trip to the dealer to re calibrate the anti-collision system. Total cost for a wind shield replacement was close to $1,300. I now have full glass coverage. So, If I had to do it again, I might stay away from the GT.
I love the upgraded headlights on the GT. Love the transmission and how it handles. The ride is stiffer than some other models, so check that carefully. I have no idea how it will perform in snow as I haven’t had any.
Good luck. If you can rent one for a week, that would be ideal.
Dittos on the Suburban.
Thing’s a tank.
Sure. Hyundai owns a controlling interest in Kia, and the companies share vehicle platforms and policies.
I am going to take a different approach than the rest here. Buy diesel and learn about how to make your own bio-diesel from waste vegetable oil.
With prices low for now, it is not necessary to actually make your own fuel. But I am of the opinion that this low price point will not last more than a few years. Being able to make your own fuel IF NEEDED, is one way to protect your family against a failing economy / inflation.
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