Hi Scotty. My daughter is moving to FL from CO and we are currently looking for a used car for her to drive down. What do you recommend we look for? Could you give year and mileage specific makes/models. Also what should we stay away from? We want something that is safe and engine/ transmission reliable.
We have also considered giving her my 2010 nissan murano that has 215k on it. It has a few problems- b1s1 p1148, p0031, p0172, we just changed it. It also leaks like a siv from rack or power steering pressure hose. This will be the 2nd rack we've gone thru with it. The gas gauge doesn't read right after changing the alternator 2.5 yrs ago. (I just count my milage) it doesn't get the manf spec gas mileage. Also has code for p0868 for TFP sensor- low. I have put about 2 qt of transmission fluid (1 qt at a time with drives in between) and the light went off for a bit. After changing the b1s1 and resetting ecu the code came back. Do you recommend doing a complete transmission oil change, new pan gaskets, filters, sensors? I've read posts that say to leave it at higher mileage.
I think thats it. Thoughts on used cars and fixes for above nissan. Thanks so much for your time.
My general recommendations are:
Toyota: Corolla, RAV4, Camry
Honda: Civic, CRV, Accord
It depends what you have available in your area. And all cars have their off years, but this batch has way more in years than off years.
On top of that, I have first hand experience with all but one of these cars. And they were all pretty damn reliable, with basic maintenance.
I get there are better years than others but that's what I'm asking for recommendations on
It can't be summarized in a forum post.
There are thick books published on the subject.
(I highly recommend borrowing one from the library)
It's more productive to see what cars are actually available around you (probably not much), and then you can research those.
my 2010 nissan murano that has 215k on it. It has a few problems
Yes it does. There's a lot to unpack there. I recommend finding a competent mechanic to take it to.
Get rid of the Nissan. It's on its last legs.
As far as getting another car goes: What are looking for?
- Vehicle with 3rd row seating
- Pickup truck with naturally aspirated V8
- Sedan
For her she's 20. I'd say I'd like something she can drive for 5+ years. 4 door sedan or a rav4 or crv. Something that isn't going to go to a shop every few months. I get there are better years than others but that's what I'm asking for recommendations on. Her step-dad and I are mechanically inclined so crawling under a car isn't a problem. I don't want her to have to 20 hrs away.