Hi, Scotty, I have a 2003 Toyota Camry v6 made in Kentucky 250,000 miles I bought used at 100,000 mi. Its very comfortable and i would love it except for all the time its broken down, gets me stranded, and is in shop. I am a single female with health issues and i need something comfortable, safe, and worry free, reliable, a few safety features would be nice, and that will last forever. I have spent over $10,000 in repairs recently from new A/C system, control arm, master cylinder leak, new rack and pinion and high pressure hose,etc. My power steering still whines and under the hood is noisey like a fan belt or something. Just got it out of a shop and guy tightened fan belt but did not stop the noise and now my A/C cooling fans ONLY come on when the A/C button is on no matter how hot the car is. Is this right? I only drive once a week 200 miles and about every 3rd week car is in shop. I think its 20% the car and 80% dishonest mechanics. If i thought my car would make it I would drive to you and maybe you could really fix it.
Can you tell me a specific year model older car like a camry or lexsus or avalon to buy or what new Toyota (corolla, camry, corolla cross, etc would you recommend? Many are not made in Japan anymore and not as comfortable as they used to be and newer cars seem to be having certain problems. And its hard to test drive when dealers don't have cars. I would wait to buy until prices hopefully come down but i need something dependable sooner rather than later.
I ran across a 2002 Lexsus ES300 with 36,000 miles from the Houston area for $12,000 being sold by a retired cadillac dealer. Some years the car was only driven 500 or 100 miles in the entire year. I wondered if all that time sitting and no hwy driving what that can do to seals and parts that need lubrication? And in last 13 years carfax does not even show an oil change. Also had minor damage to front and under carriage. What do you think? If you are looking for an older car is it better to have higher mileage than low mileage because of that sitting issue even if garaged?
I don't want to spend a fortune on a new car but spending a fortune on repairs that don't really repair car must end. And i need something dependable sooner rather than later. Please give me your specific recommendations on new toyota vehicles (comfort and reliabilty are key safety features and good gas mileage a bonus) and on specific older year models of camry or lexsus or Avalon to look at. I am overwhelmed but trying to learn from your channel. Thankyou.
Any 20-year-old car is a poor choice for someone who doesn't do their own repairs and doesn't have a backup vehicle. Even on a well-designed, well-made car things will deteriorate over time. In your situation I would look for something new if you can swing it. (With the way the market is now a new car is not much more expensive than a late-model used one.)
I have spent over $10,000 in repairs recently from new A/C system, control arm, master cylinder leak, new rack and pinion and high pressure hose,etc
I'm sorry to tell you this, your mechanic should have told you that this car not worth spending $10k. First, find a good honest mechanic.
About purchasing a car, it seems you are type of person who keeps the car for a long time, so you better off buying a new one. I suggest Camry and Corolla, you can find them in dealerships and go for test drive to see which one you like better.
