New Car Advice

[Koolau]

One of the negatives about waiting until my car needs a big repair to replace it is car prices are predicted to greatly increase if tariffs are installed. Also once my car has an issue I won’t be able to sell it for a decent price. These low mileage older Corollas are easily sold locally.

Yes, these issues are all a part of the crap shoot. I've been fortunate that most of my cars have more or less done the "Blues Mobile" thing (disintegrated all at once.) Actually, they have needed a major repair that made them unsaleable but only because fixing them would have still left me with only a $1000 car. I'm willing to take that risk. A car that is theoretically worth, say, $8000 is worth fixing a transmission. A car (like my old '99 Honda) was NOT worth fixing and I gave it away. That Honda cost me $7K and lasted 60,000 miles and 15 years. Only serious thing it ever needed was a replacement radiator. Then the car just totally died. Perfect. Talk about cheap car ownership (Of course, it looked like junk before we were finished with it.) We never washed it and did only required maintenance (oil and brakes, tires.) It was a compromise that we were willing to live with. It was reliable until it wasn't. YMMV

 

[TheWizard]

Yes, these issues are all a part of the crap shoot. I've been fortunate that most of my cars have more or less done the "Blues Mobile" thing (disintegrated all at once.) Actually, they have needed a major repair that made them unsaleable but only because fixing them would have still left me with only a $1000 car. I'm willing to take that risk. A car that is theoretically worth, say, $8000 is worth fixing a transmission. A car (like my old '99 Honda) was NOT worth fixing and I gave it away. That Honda cost me $7K and lasted 60,000 miles and 15 years. Only serious thing it ever needed was a replacement radiator. Then the car just totally died. Perfect. Talk about cheap car ownership (Of course, it looked like junk before we were finished with it.) We never washed it and did only required maintenance (oil and brakes, tires.) It was a compromise that we were willing to live with. It was reliable until it wasn't. YMMV

Right.
I had two cars with that sort of thing, manual transmission failures, back in the 1990s.

I'm entirely too old to drive cars until the wheels fall off anymore. So I will trade them in for a new faster vehicle at some point after at least ten years of ownership. That works for me...

 

[Lewis Clark]

I appreciate the ratings since I didn’t want to pay for consumer reports.

Consumer Reports is available for free in many, if not most, libraries.

 

[ArmchairMillionaire]

Right.
I had two cars that sort of thing, manual transmission failures, back in the 1990s.

Slightly off-topic, but I've owned 7 manual transmission vehicles, all GM models, between 1990 and today and I've never had a manual transmission failure. I did have to replace a clutch disc in my old '67 C10. (300,000+ miles) Most of them went at least 200,000 miles without ever needing replacement. The frames/bodies rusted and broke before the clutches or transmissions ever wore out.
I have, however, had a couple of mid-'80s GM 700R4 automatic transmissions fail due to poor design and a early '70s GM TH400 fail once due to a previous owner's abuse and neglect.

 

[Stormy Kromer]

I'm driving a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado that I bought new for $29,900.

It has been a terrific vehicle and I plan on driving it for years to come, it's like an old dog that I can't part with just because its' getting old.

When I do have to replace it I will likely get a brand new pickup. Used pickups (1or 2 years old) don't seem to depreciate much, and you are out 2 years of warranty and are 2 years closer to new tires and battery. These are no small expenses anymore.

Someone mentioned the better financing options available for brand new vehicles. That is another consideration. (I respect Dave Ramsey, but disagree with him on some debt situations. If I can borrow money for under 5% for 6 years, I'm pretty sure I am better off than selling 50k of appreciated equities after taxes).

I drive my vehicles for at least 10 years and I have driven like an old man, even before I became one. I like the idea of knowing I'm the only one who has ever driven the vehicle. Plus, I want to own one more new vehicle while I'm still driving.

 

[Koolau]

Consumer Reports is available for free in many, if not most, libraries.

Or just ask here as many of us have a Consumer Reports subscription. My copy of "Best & Worst Cars, Trucks and SUVs" is on my desk as we speak.

I'm always fascinated to look though the used car ratings section. The ratings are color coated with red being worst and green being best. Flipping through the pages, it seems there are lots of red, yellow and green ratings until one reaches the Toyota models. Most of that page is green. Perhaps it's a "sign" though YMMV.

 

[Texas Proud]

Years ago, I had sold a car to carmax for about $6K. Two weeks later, it was listed at $10.5 K on their website.

I did try with two other dealers, and on craigslist. Could get get any where close to carmax's offer.

Yep.. Carmax has to make a profit...

I found the same... nobody else will give you close to what they do... unless you sell it yourself.. I want to avoid the hassle...

 

[Teacher Terry]

I’m surprised how many responses I have received. I really appreciate all the help from everyone. One of my friends told me about having to change all 4 tires on a Subaru so I’m aware.

I don’t live in Vegas and we get snow so having AWD will be nice. Last year my son had to drive me in a few snowstorms to meet my clients as my Corolla would have been sliding all over.

Monday I have an appointment to test drive the Impreza. My son is going to go with me. I’ll let everyone know what I decide. Thanks again!!

 

[RetMD21]

I hope you have a good test drive. Be sure to get a color you like.

People have stories to tell and "insights" to share. Some are probably more helpful to you than others. I'm following the thread hoping that someone will explain how the estimated 35 gallon per year gas saving would justify a hybrid Corolla over standard.

 

[ncbill]

I’m surprised how many responses I have received. I really appreciate all the help from everyone. One of my friends told me about having to change all 4 tires on a Subaru so I’m aware.

I don’t live in Vegas and we get snow so having AWD will be nice. Last year my son had to drive me in a few snowstorms to meet my clients as my Corolla would have been sliding all over.

Monday I have an appointment to test drive the Impreza. My son is going to go with me. I’ll let everyone know what I decide. Thanks again!!

Got all my Subarus for free but just be aware because of their mechanically-coupled, full-time AWD causes more wear & tear versus FWD vehicles.

E.g. wheel bearing units (OEM are not cheap), CV joint failures (new axle) much more often than any of my FWD vehicles.

Recent repairs:

~$500 to replace the transmission solenoid which controls power delivery front versus rear.

~$1000 to replace the driveshaft after its exposed center bearing was scored by road debris & started screaming like a banshee.

Here in the South I have no need for Subaru's full-time AWD & so would not buy one.

I would buy something like a RAV4 hybrid (AWD, electric motor drives the rear wheels) instead.

 

[Ramen]

I had a Subaru when I lived in a very snowy region, and the symmetrical AWD is one reason I would not have another. If I were buying anything now, it would be a Mazda CX-30. Small, variable AWD (rather than symmetrical), highly rated, comparably priced, and some cool colors. As for driving in snow, tires are often more important than drive type.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Got all my Subarus for free but just be aware because of their mechanically-coupled, full-time AWD causes more wear & tear versus FWD vehicles.

E.g. wheel bearing units (OEM are not cheap), CV joint failures (new axle) much more often than any of my FWD vehicles.

Recent repairs:

~$500 to replace the transmission solenoid which controls power delivery front versus rear.

~$1000 to replace the driveshaft after its exposed center bearing was scored by road debris & started screaming like a banshee.

Here in the South I have no need for Subaru's full-time AWD & so would not buy one.

I would buy something like a RAV4 hybrid (AWD, electric motor drives the rear wheels) instead.

Curious as to someone that only drives 3k miles a year do you think I would have these problems?

 

[Koolau]

Got all my Subarus for free but just be aware because of their mechanically-coupled, full-time AWD causes more wear & tear versus FWD vehicles.

Off topic, I suppose, but this sounds like an interesting story. Subarus for free? (Sounds like "Money for Nothing.") How do you do that?

 

[RetMD21]

Off topic, I suppose, but this sounds like an interesting story. Subarus for free? (Sounds like "Money for Nothing.") How do you do that?

Well, I don't think he was installing microwave ovens or custom kitchens.

 

[ncbill]

Curious as to someone that only drives 3k miles a year do you think I would have these problems?

No.

 

[ncbill]

Off topic, I suppose, but this sounds like an interesting story. Subarus for free? (Sounds like "Money for Nothing.") How do you do that?

In the past from older relatives when they stop driving...or just stop altogether.

Problem is that now I'm the older relative...

 

[Qs Laptop]

I hope you have a good test drive. Be sure to get a color you like.

People have stories to tell and "insights" to share. Some are probably more helpful to you than others. I'm following the thread hoping that someone will explain how the estimated 35 gallon per year gas saving would justify a hybrid Corolla over standard.

I'll take a shot at it.

The hybrid engine system is a super reliable setup in Toyota vehicles. Depending on which model you get the hybrid setup might cost as much as $1,500 more (Corolla SE) or as little as $150 more (Corolla XLE).

The difference in gas mileage is about 20 mpg in the city better with the hybrid and about the same as the gas engine on the highway. For Teacher Terry, who drives mostly city miles, and drives 4,000 miles per year, that is about a 50 gallon per year savings. At today's gas prices of about $3.00 per gallon that's $150 per year. If she gets the XLE she's already broke even on buying the hybrid engine vs. the gas engine in only a year.

The acceleration from 0-60 will be quicker with the hybrid engine because the electric motors handles most of the low end torque and comes on immediately.

Gas might be around $3.00 a gallon now, but what if it goes up to $4.00/gallon? Or $5.00/gallon? Based on a 50 gallon per year advantage to the hybrid that could amount to $200 or $250 per year savings.

Finally, the hybrid is available in AWD; the gas engine is not.

[Just saw that Teacher Terry drives 3K miles per year. Adjust the savings accordingly.]

 

[freedomatlast]

Impreza or Crosstrek is a good choice now that you're considering brands other than Honda and Toyota. And the resale is very high so you may as well buy a new one.

 

[Rianne]

I refuse to sell our 2004 Toyota Camry with 300+ thousand miles on it. Still running in great condition. Last of the "simple" cars with few electronic gizmos. This car has so many good memories. DH keeps wanting to sell it. No way.

We did buy a new Hyundai in 2019. It's ok. Has heated seats, big deal. I always turn my head and look before I change lanes. I don't trust the rearview screen when backing out. Three different colors to gauge distance. It is nice for long trips, comfortable seats.

Friends of ours bought a 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid. The engine blew up on the highway. They almost got killed. Honda refused to give them a new SUV. They would only replace the engine. Traumatic experience. But they are nice people and did not sue. They took what Honda gave them. They purchased it in early October. The event happened about 2 weeks later. Late October 2024. This happened in Utah, near Salt Lake City. Unbelievable.

 

[freedomatlast]

Yep, lots of issues with declining Honda quality. I have a few stories of my own but will save them for another time. I hope OP doesn't regret getting rid of that bulletproof Corolla over time.

 

[Koolau]

In the past from older relatives when they stop driving...or just stop altogether.

Problem is that now I'm the older relative...

Ah, gothca. Thanks.

I "inherited" my dad's '81 Olds Omega. I was so glad it w*rked well for him as I more or less steered him toward that car (as his last.) He never had a moment's problem with it. Pretty much the minute I got it, it began falling apart. Worst was the timing chain break 1000 miles past the replace period! Who would have thought it.

 

[ArmchairMillionaire]

Well, I don't think he was installing microwave ovens or custom kitchens.

Probably didn't get a blister on his little finger, or on his thumb, either.

 

[Teacher Terry]

I bought a Impreza yesterday and absolutely love driving it. The difference is amazing. Subaru now pays their salespeople a salary so no negotiation which is great.

Because it’s a 2024 they offered to come down in price by email the day before my appointment. Now to sell my old car.

 

[finnski1]

I bought a Impreza yesterday and absolutely love driving it. The difference is amazing. Subaru now pays their salespeople a salary so no negotiation which is great.

Because it’s a 2024 they offered to come down in price by email the day before my appointment. Now to sell my old car.

Congrats as a fellow Subaru owner. We have been happy with Our Subaru Outbacks since 1998.

 

[Texas Proud]

I bought a Impreza yesterday and absolutely love driving it. The difference is amazing. Subaru now pays their salespeople a salary so no negotiation which is great.

Because it’s a 2024 they offered to come down in price by email the day before my appointment. Now to sell my old car.

Subaru cannot dictate to the dealers how to compensate their employees... they can make suggestions but not dictate...

Congrats on your purchase... I hope you love it for a long time.