I’ve narrowed my options down to a 2002 Nissan Xterra for $4,400 (price negotiable w/ a serpentine belt repair needed) & a 2010 Acura MDX 3.7L for $4,900. The Nissan has 129,000 miles & the Acura has 117,000 miles. Both cars have longevity & are reliable, but the MDX might have more pricier repairs than the Nissan. Should I negotiate & get the Nissan right now, or just wait to see if the Acura is still available? My goal is to make this next car last 2 years.
At least you have reasonable expectations about how long a 15-20+ year-old car is likely to last. They can surprise you though - I bought an old car for $1500 in 2011 expecting that it would last a year or two. I'm still driving it in 2025.
Looking at what those models are prone to we find the following:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Xterra/2002/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Acura/MDX/2010/
It looks like blown head gaskets could be a concern with the Nissan. On the other hand, it appears that excessive oil consumption is a common problem with the Acura. (Being more of a luxury model the Acura also has more to go wrong with it as it ages.)
Of course being old cars what really counts is how they've been treated and maintained over the years and their current condition. You need a good mechanic to determine which is in better condition. Also be very careful of chassis rust when looking at older vehicles. Even if you live in an area where roads are not salted in winter the vehicles could have spent time in such areas.
@chucktobias update : yeah I test drive the Nissan & it was fine. The mechanic said it was leaking oil, a leaking power steering pump, & a bad sensor. They wanted to charge me $5,900 otd w/ taxes & fees & I said no. I said $3,200 because I have to put in $1,200 of work & she said “no, we’re way off.” I said ok. Have a good day. She kept referring to taxes & fees & I said you need to come down on the car. She said no cause that’s bankruptcy. Ma’am you work at Nissan. Have a good one 😂
@chucktobias lol that’s why they’re merging with Toyota & Honda to bail them out. Yeah ok. Nice car though. Too rich for my blood
@cevans2323 she wasn't wrong! 😆