Car Advice?

[yodedude2]

re: kia ... i've seen reports that there is a mjor parts supply issue with kia and that some dealers are refusing to do repairs on out-of-warranty kias outright; also, warranty repairs on kias are running months behind.

i suggest you check with some dealer service departments before investing in a kia at this time.

 

[tpaul]

Do not buy a Kia , the motors are toast around 80k. Nothing but problems with the engines.

Agree, and the same goes for Hyundai. You can find them used with new motors, because they died within the warranty period and the motor was replaced. But they're still only good for 80K miles.

 

[buldog5151bass]

As to EVs (this is after speaking with several mechanics whom I trust):

1. We are at least a decade from when battery technology will be where it needs to be.

2. Not a smart choice if you are driving long distances, or in a cold climate.

3. Electricity is not free, and some areas are already dealing with brown outs. How do you "fill you tank" if there are restrictions on electricity?

4. If your municipality is using fossil fuel to make electricity, you are still burning fossil fuel.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Don’t get a pre 2011 subaru with a boxer either, head gaskets made of swiss cheese.

 

[Lefty Joe]

I run cars until they’re used up, so THAT’S my advice. There’s no money in the bank better than a reliable car that’s paid for.

my take as well. I'd rather put 10k into a car that already meets my needs, than spend that much for another.

Exception: if you do put that much into fixing up an older car, and someone rear-ends it on the freeway, the insurance company won't recognize that value the way they would if you'd spent it on a newer car ... as I just found out. But you can't live your life 'what-if'-ing every possible disaster, or you'd never get out of bed

 

[MCF]

I’m retiring next year. If all goes well, a number of long standing bill will paid off and I will also be able to cash on a ton of unused sick days. I need a car, and new and used car prices are going through the roof.

I am considering three options: buying a budget new car like a Kia Soul; buying a nicer used car, especially if I can purchase an extended warranty; finally, spend $7-$10k on my 2004 Nissan Xterra. The car needs new catalytic converters and a knock sensor, fix power steering leak, needs new struts and suspension, repair ac. The Xterra has 200k miles and I think I could another 100-150k if I fix it.

Get the Kia with it’s warranty. The last thing to do would be to dump over 7k into a 20+ year old Nissan that has over 200K on the clock. Just my two cents.

 

[Hoyt]

A couple things to consider (IMHO).
Do you want the expense of buying a new/used vehicle once you’re on a fixed income?
I’m a fleet mechanic by trade and have seen many different models go through their “life cycle” including EV’s, Hybrids, CNG & ethanol “dual fuel” vehicles, diesels, and traditional combustion engines.
It’s hard to go wrong with a low mileage used Honda or Toyota of almost any make/model. With regular maintenance they should last you until you’re ready to move to a retirement home.
With some of the other manufacturers it’s hit or miss depending on the particular model.
For instance, the Chevy Cavalier with the 2.2L engine was dang near bulletproof. The 1.8L they use in the Chevy Cruze’s are junk with goofy things like the PCV valve being built into the valve cover.
And while all vehicles will need things eventually (brakes, alternator, water pump, etc), some are not designed for longevity. For instance, the impeller in the ‘17-‘23 F-150 water pumps are plastic.

The used market can be a great source of info though. I regularly see Toyota FJ Cruisers selling with up to 350k miles which is a decent indication of how long they might last.

Ultimately it’s your choice to make.
Best of luck to you.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

10k is too much to put into a 2004. Especially if there is body rust. There is a 2015 xterra for under $10k for sale near me.

 

[MVE]

After 20 years, 200k and some rust, its time to say goodbye to the Xterra. Investing 7-10k into a 20 year old car is the definition of throwing good money after bad.
Find a good used car that has under 100k and less than 10 years old and fits your budget.

 

[jdthebassman]

I would recomend a honda CRV I have a 2020 awesome ride.

 

[Neck Diver]

Highly suggest you check out Car Issue of Consumer Reports before purchasing new or used. Every April they publish reviews and most importantly reliability ratings for vehicles. I prefer a vehicle i can depend on. I often hear people complain about an issue with a car, and if they’d read and done research they would have known to stay away. They also recommend more reliable used vehicles. I like to avoid problems. If you have a decent pubic library near you they should have a copy, maybe even previous years issues as well. Good luck.

 

[moreblues]

I just bought a new 2025 Tahoe Premier...I traded in a 2021 Tahoe Z71 that I bought new with only 29,600 miles...Before that I had a Suburban...The Tahoe is just the perfect vehicle for me now...I trade them in when the powertrain warranty ends...my 2021 I got on July 20.,2020 and the powertain warrany is 5 years/60,000...I got the 2025 on July 18th...I only buy Chevrolet V8 Gas...Horsepower...made in Arlington Texas ..!
I used to keep my vehicles alot longer, but not anymore...life is short and I Love that new car smell!

 

[singlemalt]

Keep the xterra, but don’t put any real money into it. Call it a Cruddy. Drive it till it dies, call habitat for humanity, they will come pick it up. Tax deduction!

Keep your eyes peeled and ask around, people sell cars all the time. Parents pass, kids move out, they get a new car but don’t want to trade the old in…. A deal will present itself.

A used CRV is a great rig.

 

[tpaul]

A couple things to consider (IMHO).
Do you want the expense of buying a new/used vehicle once you’re on a fixed income?
I’m a fleet mechanic by trade and have seen many different models go through their “life cycle” including EV’s, Hybrids, CNG & ethanol “dual fuel” vehicles, diesels, and traditional combustion engines.
It’s hard to go wrong with a low mileage used Honda or Toyota of almost any make/model. With regular maintenance they should last you until you’re ready to move to a retirement home.
With some of the other manufacturers it’s hit or miss depending on the particular model.
For instance, the Chevy Cavalier with the 2.2L engine was dang near bulletproof. The 1.8L they use in the Chevy Cruze’s are junk with goofy things like the PCV valve being built into the valve cover.
And while all vehicles will need things eventually (brakes, alternator, water pump, etc), some are not designed for longevity. For instance, the impeller in the ‘17-‘23 F-150 water pumps are plastic.

The used market can be a great source of info though. I regularly see Toyota FJ Cruisers selling with up to 350k miles which is a decent indication of how long they might last.

Ultimately it’s your choice to make.
Best of luck to you.

Agree on the Honda or Toyota. I stick with Toyota, my wife favors Honda. Both will go a good long time as long as you take care of them.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Best new car for the money is Hyundai. 3-5 grand than the equivalent Honda/Toyota, and a great record.

 

[logdrum]

Repair the XTerra. Do everything at once if possible to save on the repair cost

I believe in 10% auto budget. Never pay more than 10% of your annual income for a car. You better be making 700k if you are going to buy a 70K Tundra but alas folks are probably paying 25 to 30% of their income on cars, So I only bought a new car once and was so disgusted with the payments I paid it off in 9 months.

And some useless - I like to talk about me stuff. Feel free to read the next post

When my inherited 97 RAM got rear ended, I got another 97 Ford F150 with a winch it probably get's 15. I bought a small tuner so that it can keep up with the interstate speeds here out west where it is 75+ and we have hills,. I am an overland backpack hiking kind of guy with destinations taht would beach a Subaru (and I use to love Subarus until I moved here 26 years ago) I am definitely priced out of the lifestyle wheels like Tacomas and 4runners, so older RAMs and Fords for me. Can haul a cord of wood as well and with the camper top - can haul my upright bass. I can sleep in it and haul 4 to 5 big dogs,

I also have 2 post diesel gate VW Station TDI wagons - I gave one to my son since he works and the nicest fully loaded one is my wifes. True not lie o meter but hand calculated pump MPG of 48 to 55 (Yeah 55 out east where the interstate speeds and elevation is lower). These guys can haul a lot of stuff more than ford small SUV or even a Tiguan

I also wrench, so I can do shocks, brakes, radiator changes , maybe even a CAM and if have access to lift a clutch. I have good mechanic friend now, Around 50 an hour for most jobs and he allows me to help and we do it as his house, he works for a high end European car repair. My son if helps me is a good resource - has rebuilt the engine of 2 Miatas and out old Bimmer but he is now busy at work and a girlfriend and you know how that goes.

I have a 1 ton diesel truck, that has a lot of miles and our horse business days are over. I thinking to consolidate into a better truck and own that for the rest of my life or a Sprinter van . I may have break the 10% rule for that but that's why I put some for a 401K and savings, might as well enjoy a bit before you die.

 

[bearhart74]

Find a used Acura or Honda with no more than a 100k miles, dont finance it and thank me later.

 

[bassbrad]

Being a frugal shopper I will always do research especially on our retirement car! I went through a lot of research and test drives for our most recent car as our 2013 Mazda 3 was getting older. I needed a car with easier entry and exit and comfortable for longish drives as we plan to do some driving vacations around the state and elsewhere. Cargo and backseat was important as we often need to take parents on short trips or Dr visits and such and I hoped to get back to gigging a bit. After having such a trouble free experience with our 2013 Mazda 3 I started looking at their compact SUVs. On paper they were perfect but we both hated it as soon as we sat in the car. After that we tried Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM, Mitsubishi, Kia and Hyundai having mixed but unsatisfying experiences each time. Leaving the choices from Subaru on the table.
After researching the brand, reported issues, articles, videos and even polling a few drivers of Subaru models we decided to take a look. Forester in Sport trim seemed the best fit. As soon as we drove the car it was nearly instant satisfaction and 2+ years later we are still loving the choice. Daily driving is easy and secure and the several long trips have been in perfect comfort. One trip was to Palo Duro Canyon1100+ miles in total with my Mom was comfortable for all. The other long trip was to Big Bend, Davis Mountains 1200+ with a broad mix of driving from high speed highway, desert to mountain all with no complaints even on rougher gravel or dirt roads.
With a mix of short and long trips our mpg is 27-28, pretty good. As always YMMV.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I have a 2023 KIA Soul with the 2 liter engine, and love it. It is very smooth and quiet and gets up to 40mpg on the highway. I have a 10year warranty and depending on the dealer you buy from, you may get a lifetime warranty with lifetime oil changes. You can pack a lot of gear into that beauty. It is worth a look. Good luck on what ever you decide.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Keep the xterra, but don’t put any real money into it. Call it a Cruddy. Drive it till it dies, call habitat for humanity, they will come pick it up. Tax deduction!

Keep your eyes peeled and ask around, people sell cars all the time. Parents pass, kids move out, they get a new car but don’t want to trade the old in…. A deal will present itself.

A used CRV is a great rig.

At minimum, the Xterra needs $4,000 to pass the emissions test.