Which car is the best out of all these for my first car? And how many miles is too many?
1.) 2013 lexus es350
2.) 2008 lexus gs350
3.) 2013 lexus gs350
4.) 2011 Toyota Rav4 v6
5.) 2009 Lexus es350
Yes, I know that they all have 269 horsepower or more....
Best in terms of what parameter or parameters?
in terms of price and value, safety, and which would fit a teen best?
What miles do they all have?
Case by case, depending on mechanical condition and what you prefer. You said the RAV4 was your dream car and now that you have a better budget you could get that. You probably would prefer the GS over the ES but thats a personal choice. All of them are solid cars. It comes down to the specific car itself rather than make and model.
As for safety, here you go:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2011/safety/
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/lexus/es/2009/safety
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/LEXUS/ES350#safety-ratings-frontal
You can look up desired cars on the NHTSA, IIHS, and carcomplaints. Note that some are not available sometimes on a specific one.
yeah my mom now increased it to 10 grand. How many miles do you think I should look for?
My only gripe about the gs350 would be the premium gas. The rav4 I found out was so plasticy and cheap and had a bumpy and noisy ride when I rode in one. The 2013 gs350 is too far from my budget. The es350 is a real grandpa's car. The sweat spot in all these choices seems to be the 2008 gs350. Do you agree?
Yeah the GS is a good compromise between luxury and sportiness. I generally think 120-130k miles would be a good mileage barrier but that could change depending on price and mechanical condition. Make sure to have a mechanic check it out, or at least bring a scan tool or learn how to inspect some stuff yourself. If you can, get your hands on service records and make sure basic 5k oil changes and 60k transmission fluid changes and maintenance were done.
what car are you thinking of getting when your 16?
It honestly depends on the specific deal I find and the budget I get.
First off, I doubt I will get a car at 16 it will probably be my parent's 2009 Kia Sportage passed down to me.
On a $8000-$9000 I'm thinking 2014-2016 Corolla
On a cheaper $3000-$4000 budget I'm thinking mid 2000s Camry or Avalon
If I'm going tiny, if I could find a nice 2015+ Honda Fit I would also consider that. Nothing for sure, so we'll see when the time comes.
@Kerem Me too. When I'm 16, my parents will let me borrow their 2007 Honda Odyssey and 2012 Nissan Altima. I am thinking the same cars that you said. with that budget. My dad is going to buy an electric car in the future. And my mom is probably going to buy either a used Honda CRV, Toyota RaV4, or Subaru Forester.
They are all great but if I had to pick I would probably go with the RAV4 because it would have the cheapest parts.
That's up there when it comes to purchase price though. It costs as much as the 2008 gs350 and es350
Although when it is time to do repairs Lexus parts will be expensive. Although with the ES300 there will be certain parts that will be the same as the Camry and Avalon which will keep the prices on those parts down.
I wouldn’t recommend any of those if they have over 200,000 miles.
otherwise. I’d personally get the 2013 ES as that’s a very fun car to drive as long as that’s NOT a hybrid.
My ratings:
1. 2013 Lexus ES350
2. 2013 Lexus GS350
3. 2011 Toyota RAV4
4. 2009 Lexus ES350
5. 2008 Lexus
I choose the newer cars over the older ones because they perfect the glitches and tweaks from the older cars. I am a little bit surprised that your mom increased your budget.
If I get good grades, then she will increase the budget because I really want a car.
@end Nice Keep it up. You may get a Toyota Tundra lol.
I don't want a tundra anymore actually....
@end Oh ok. Well whatever vehicle fits your lifestyle then.
From that list, I would go with the 2013 Lexus ES350 which is basically a Camry underneath. The GS350 will be more fun to drive, but potentially easier to get into trouble and cost more (insurance, repairs, maintenance, tires - you’d have to check insurance where you live of course). But just realize maintenance, parts, repair, insurance, tires will cost more than the Camry (and even the RAV4).- so I am not sure it would be best (or good idea) for a teen to own. Who’s going to pay for all that? It may not even be the best idea for an adult unless they have some money. If it were me (and looking back at my days as a teen and getting a first car), I’d go with a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic as a first car.
I'm 6 foot 5 bro. I don't like compact cars.
In that case, what about a Camry or Avalon? My point being: a non-luxury vehicle will usually cost you less than the luxury version when you factor in the total cost of ownership (TCO) which goes well beyond the initial purchase price of the vehicle.
I think at this point its personal preference. You checked the RAV4 out, I say you should give the GS and ES a test drive and see what you think. People seem to like the 2013 ES but its newer and expensive so really not a good first car the generation before that (2007-2012 ES, 2006-2011 GS) would be easier on the wallet. Also, wanted to add the Toyota Avalon. Luxurious and powerful, its a non luxury brand so cheaper parts, but not the cheap interior you saw in the RAV4.
It is hard to test drive a car these days because whenever I want to test drive it, dealers try everything they can to force you to buy the car so I can never know how the car actually feels or if I actually like it.
Try Carmax - not necessarily to buy (they charge a lot) but to try out a lot of different models. Their salespeople are on salary, not commission, so they aren't desperate to sell a car to make this month's rent. They have lots of different brands and models. Note that there is a current shortage of clean used cars and prices are 17% higher than last year.
The nearest one is 2 hours away from me. It's fine. I'll just live with it.
You are considering all of these cars correct? In that case, look private party, and when you find a good deal test drive it. They can't force you to buy it, and its fair game to be dissapointed with the test drive and walk away as long as you are serious in what you are doing and not wasting peoples time.