Hey Scotty, of course last time I've been looking at which car would be as dependable as possible where either a Hyundai Genesis or a Mazda 6 would be reliable or not. But as time goes by and wanting to get a vehicle that would have not as much maintenance needed, I've looked at a few vehicles which are all Lexus products and I want to know which would be the best decision from your point of view....
1. 2001 Lexus RX300: 3.0L V6 w/96,000 miles ($8,290)
2. 2003 Lexus GS300: 3.0L I6 w/112,000 miles ($7,990)
3.1998 Lexus ES300: 3.0L V6 w/101,000 miles ($6,990)
I know they're all dependable depending of how well they're well taken care of in the past. But what would be the best one for me to get out of all these three vehicles?
But what would be the best one for me to get out of all these three vehicles?
None of the above, if you’re planning to put on 15,000-20,000 miles per year, after purchase.
Highly unlikely they won’t need significant repairs due to age related wear.
With something that old you really have to be prepared to work on it yourself if it's going to be a daily driver and it would be best to have another vehicle you can use for those times it's down for repairs or waiting for parts.
Even if engine and drivetrain are solid there are lots of other expensive parts that could potentially be worn, and electrical problems can be a nightmare. Even if that doesn't happen for a while you can count on a car that old needing numerous, frequent small repairs that will eat you out of house and home if you need to keep taking it to a mechanic at $100+/hour labor rate.
As has been mentioned it also depends on how much driving you do. If you don't drive much it could work out, but you'll likely be in trouble if you do a lot of driving. (I daily drive a 26-year-old car with high mileage but I do my own repairs, have other vehicles available to me, and being semi-retired I don't put nearly as many miles on it as I did a few years ago working full time.)
I understand it's age and of course the repairs and all that. The reason I choose these older vehicles because it doesn't have as much technology as most vehicles do today so of course I've looked into those. I do have plenty of experience on my mom's Honda Civic for almost a few years and of course maybe I do need more experience before getting a fancier vehicle like one of those Lexus vehicles I've been checking out. But yeah, thanks for the advice man✌️
It can definitely work out but you need to get all your ducks lined up in a row to get a good result and if it's not a good fit bail out on the idea. If something nicer than a Civic is desired I'd look at something a bit simpler than a Lexus like a Camry, Accord, Highlander, even an Avalon. There is a lot more complexity in a luxury car like a Lexus which means a lot more to go wrong when they get old. (Scotty has done well with his wife's old Lexus - but he's Scotty!)
Understandable! I'll definitely look into those. Good thing there's a selection at the same dealer where those Lexus vehicles are being sold at, which is at Speedline Motors in Garden Grove fyi. Anywhere else where I live at has a bare selection of any dependable Toyota and Honda product for a low price and low mileage. So apparently it's a good thing this particular dealer has all the sweeter candy in it's jar lol
Out of all of them I would probably get the RX
If you do want to get a 20 year old vehicle as a daily driver make sure you get AAA
I will for sure! Thank you very much!✌️👍
I don't know if it's still going on but like 3 months ago they're having a deal it was cheaper if you bought it on the phone then buying it online
Talking about buying it in a phone call or whatever?
Yeah
be aware that these are "luxury" vehicles, and as such, parts and service for them often carry a luxury pricetag.
I’m rolling in a 20+ year old Honda Accord as my daily driver. It’s also my project car. For the better part of 20+ years nothing really came up.
Now random stuff pops up every now and then. And I’m willing to deal with it because I want to learn. Thank goodness nothing has been outrageously expensive or difficult to figure out.
If you are okay with things popping up here and there, and the car is sold at a good price. Sure! Go for it!
If you want something where you want to just get in and go, get a younger Toyota or Honda.
