Hi all! I have a 2015 Kia Rio that I begrudgingly pay $300/mo for and decided to look at old cars to see if I can save some money. Here's a listave my eyes set on a few old cars and need some guidance.
1. 2003 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder 160k for $2000 (seller will meet with me at a shop)
2. 2000 Honda Accord 4 cylinder 170k for $1800 (seller told me to bring my own mechanic)
3. 2005 Honda Civic 4 cylinder ULEV engine 200k for $2500
4. 2002 Honda Accord 4 cylinder 222k for $2000 (seller is okay to meet at a shop)
5. 1999 Acura TL 136k for $2200 (seller is okay to meet at a shop)
I've looked at Carcomplaints and all of these years and models are not the most problematic ones, but I had to look at an old post and found out that the 03 Camry is susceptible to oil sludge issues? I actually look forward to inspecting and buying the 03 Camry, but in comparison to the others, is it the best decision? I'm not mechanically inclinced, pls help.
The camry is the best of the group as long as it checks out.
I begrudgingly pay $300/mo for and decided to look at old cars to see if I can save some money
a 17-23 year old car is not a good way to "save money".
Chances are, that with an unknown 20 year old 200k mile car, you'll be spending more than $300 a month!
I'd consider trading in the Rio for something a bit more solid, only because of the Gamma GDi, but it's really not that bad either even with that somewhat questionable engine.
With a Rio GDi - Monitor oil quality and quantity and replace every 5k miles, monitor ATF condition and replace every 20k miles, monitor for loose steering, sell before 125k miles.
Chances are, that with an unknown 20 year old 200k mile car, you'll be spending more than $300 a month!
I hear you 😓 I'm just desperate for a recession-proof vehicle. But yes, I think I'll hold onto the Kia for a bit as a backup.
If I get the Camry, any recommendations you'd say you'd do to invest on making it a reliable ride outside of a pre-purchase inspection?
My goal: https://youtu.be/DdYFx8dGm-4
recession-proof vehicle
Realize that petrol cars are getting harder and harder to get, but demand likely will continue to be strong (while supply dwindles).
With pretty much all car companies going EV during the next 10-15 years,
the best option is to get a good petrol car and hold on to it.
It's funny if we'll end up like Cuba where everyone's driving 30-50 year old cars.
My usual recommendations are:
Only Manual
Only in L trim level (not L ECO):
I live outside of the US, so for me the solution was a Kia Stonic,
people who know don't know much about Kia think it's controversial.
(2003 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder 160k) invest on making it a reliable ride
What you should know is that the AZ engines blow head gaskets, It's a given with these.
How reliable will it be? I don't know it's history of repairs and how it was kept - anywhere from "Not" to "Kinda".
(seller will meet with me at a shop)
Bad sign. A very bad sign.
Bad sign. A very bad sign.
Wait, why is this a bad thing? I asked them because I don't have a mechanic of my own, so I wanted to do this for a pre-purchase inspection.
Wait, why is this a bad thing?
Usually when someone asks you to meet at a shop, it means their car's broken and they're dumping it.
But now I understand, it's not them it's you that wants to meet at a shop...
I asked them because I don't have a mechanic of my own, so I wanted to do this for a pre-purchase inspection.
So you're going to ask a mechanic that doesn't know you, but knows the seller, for his "unbiased" opinion?
If you want a mechanic that'll try and cover up for the seller - that's the way to go.
So you're going to ask a mechanic that doesn't know you, but knows the seller, for his "unbiased" opinion?
If you want a mechanic that'll try and cover up for the seller - that's the way to go.
Wait, the mechanic don't know the seller either! I asked if they were ok to meet at a shop and they agreed, but neither of us knows the shop.
2002 - 2005 Camrys have a history of blowing head gaskets. Be careful if you're looking at these.
2002 - 2005 Camrys have a history of blowing head gaskets. Be careful if you're looking at these.
I ended up not buying the car. Too many red flags. Paint job was ugly. Back bumper not sturdy so it'd prob been hit. Title not in name, private dealer type nonsense. Steering need alignment. Yeah 😓 but I'll look at a 1991 Acura Legend for $1600 180k miles for fun now.