Hello world. I’ve narrowed down my new car search between a Lexus RX 330 & a Honda Pilot. They’re all between $5,000 & $3,500 respectively. All the cars are between 125K - 176K miles. Are these good cars to buy? what do you recommend ?
I also have a Honda CR-V saved on my list of cars to buy. Along with 2 Toyota Highlanders & a Toyota Sequoia w/ 181,000 miles for $5,500. I’m looking for something with size, space, & longevity. Are these cars the way to go? What other model(s) should I look at??
( vehicle budget : $4,000)
( Repair Budget : $1,500)
( mileage : 120K - 150K)
( timeline of ownership : 2 years)
I just picked up an 05 Toyota Highlander with 113K for $5,500. He was asking 5,900 but needed the brakes looked at and the fabric door panels had tears. I bargained him down to $5,500 and fixed the brakes myself (brake master cylinder $80) and then got a smoking deal on 4 new door panels (leather with wood grain from a limited highlander) off a highlander i found at a toyota junk yard. After a good detail and the upgraded door panels I am very happy with the purchase so far.
@scott619 yeah I want a good deal on something that will last a while. This ‘04 Honda pilot is my new venture & I’m waiting to have all the cash before I get it checked out. It’s got 167,898 miles & $4,600 otd with taxes & title. I’m sure it’ll last me until I grab a new apartment
timeline of ownership : 2 years
If you are going to have it just for 2 years, it does not matter what you take. Road test them and see which one is suitable for you. We have buying guide in FAQ. Have you seen Scotty's reviews?
@g-t yes I have. They’ve been pretty helpful. I’ve made my decision on another car that’s available. I’m just waiting to get the money for it. Hopefully it’s still available.
I decided on a 2004 Honda pilot w/ 167K miles for $4,600 otd.
Do you have the specific years of the models you are looking at?
Honda pilot:
- 2007 for $4,900 (154,347 mi)
- 2005 for $4,950 (152,133 mi)
- 2004 for $4,499 (176,995 mi)
- 2004 for $3,500 (167,900 mi)
- 2003 for $4,995 (125,061 mi)
Lexus RX 300/330
- 2004 330 for $3,995 (154,132 mi)
(Recent price drop from $4,500)
- 2003 300 for $4,900 (166,915 mi)
- 2002 300 for $4,789 (139,688 mi)
- 2000 300 for $3,750 (146,286 mi)
Toyota Highlander
- 2002 for $4,300 (164,700 mi)
(Auction house car)
Toyota Sequoia
- 2004 for $5,500 (181,459 mi)
(My favorite one so far. Next to a pilot)
- 2001 for $4,999 (218,400 mi)
- 2001 for $4,900 (237,715 mi)
Honda CR-V
- 2005 for $4,495 (157,985 mi)
(My third favorite car. After the pilot & sequoia)
I didn’t include another Toyota Highlander because it’s like $4,895 for 162,500 miles. I’m not paying almost 5 grand for that kinda milage. Toyota or not. I love the sequoia because it’s big & roomy. Plus the V8 will last a lot longer than a V6 or 4 cylinder.
Besides the car from 2000, every car looks in good condition. Once I get the cash, I can go look at them to see if there are any issues that need fixing. & the 2000 300 only has some chipped paint & more ware on the leather seats than the other 300 models do.
You probably would not go wrong on any of those vehicles provided they check out well with a mechanic.
@smokestack29 that’s the plan. Hopefully this Honda pilot does 👍🏾🤞🏾
Hopefully good condition & no major fixes needed