Hey Scotty,
I’m looking to buy either an Acura ILX Premium Package or Toyota Camry SE. Both are at my price point. Which would you recommend to live the longest and have the lowest maintenance cost?
Love you Scotty and thank you for your service!
I test drove both, I liked the Acura more in terms of driving, comfort, and more features I get for the money. Would it still be a car that’s not bad in reliability, even if it’s not perfect?
Hands down, the Camry! The Acuras may get expensive to fix, as they start to age & have high mileage.
If your priority is longevity, definitely Camry.
Camry hands down.
For longevity and lowest maintenance cost, definitely go with the Toyota Camry. Unlike the Camry, the Acura ILX comes with a direct injection-only engine so will be susceptible to carbon buildup overtime (which results in higher maintenance and cost). It also has an 8-speed dual clutch transmission which is not proven yet, but for longevity regular automatic (which Camry has) is generally better than dual clutch.
Lower cost of maintenance: Camry.
Time Tested Reliability: Camry.
Performance: ILX.
Fun without breaking the bank: ILX.
It’s true, the DCT isn’t time tested. With that said, if you are willing to be a guinea pig, go ILX. If not Camry.
There are only two car companies I am willing to be a guinea pig: Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura. While they aren’t perfect, they both have a culture of quality.
