Scotty,
I'm looking for a used car under $6k to keep the mileage off our '19 F150 and Sienna. I'm torn on what I should get.
On one hand, I'd like something sporty, fun to drive, good handling. Gas mileage isn't a huge concern, although it doesn't hurt. I've looked at Celicas, Civic coupes, Miatas, and similar, but the prices on everything are just stupid right now. I've also considered getting a less sporty car and going with a Grand Marquis or Avalon, but prices are crazy on those too! Finding things in this price range without 200k miles is difficult. Truthfully I'd love to stay under $4k, but I don't think that's realistic these days. My favorite car ever is the 3000GT, but I know that's not going to be reliable enough for a daily driver 😫
Also, I know you're not a fan of most of the European luxury cars, as they're too technical, expensive to fix, and hard to get parts for. I've read though, that some of the older Mercedes cars are pretty bulletproof- although I'm not sure what year range or model. What are your thoughts?
Happy new year!
Ted
Clarification: How many years and miles do you need the vehicle to last you? Also, what is the model year of the Toyota Sienna?
to keep the mileage off our '19 F150 and Sienna
Why?
I really wouldn’t want to be in the used car market right now. As you’ve found out, the prices have gone insane.
Just daily either of your above vehicles.
If you need a 3rd vehicle, then be prepared to pay through your nose..
All the best!
MMM, @tedintennessee, this was an interesting question....I can appreciate your dilemma.
I am in a bit of a similar dilemma because reliable cars without high mileage are expensive.
Maybe you could go ultra cheap, but quite old, with between 150k and 200 k miles, like a civic or a corolla or a camry. if you want sporty, it's pretty much honda, or scion, or mazda... you could get an old pontiac fiero for a beater, Scotty talked about that.
If you want something around $4000 which is not a honda or a toyota you are gonna have to go with GM, then you are going to have a money pit for a car.
So I would say either go with a very old, very cheap, top tier asian car brand (Toyota/Honda) or spend more money and get a slightly less old one. Or you spend a bit more money and get a GM car in its middle age but then it may be a crap shoot. Maybe you will get a couple of years from it but you will likely have significant service charges. But maybe you'll find a good one. What about Ford? Focus, Escape? I don't know of their reliability but I heard that they could be decent.
It would be interesting to find out what you decide to do.
Best,
