Author Topic: Used car buying help  (Read 1546 times)

Murse

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Used car buying help
« on: May 27, 2019, 08:00:43 AM »
Hello everyone,

I am looking at replacing one of our cars. Will likely be buying something in the 9k-13k price range. I am going to be looking for something 2-3 years old that will last at least a decade.

I am looking at Toyota’s currently but don’t know the differences. I need help, I know next to nothing about car models. Can someone explain the difference between a Camry, Yaris and Corolla? 

Khaetra

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Re: Used car buying help
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2019, 08:20:00 AM »
Camry is what would be considered a very nice sedan, a Corolla is the middle of the road and the Yaris is the lower end hatchback.  For your price point have you looked at Honda?  A nice Civic or Fit (middle of the road and hatchback, respectively) would last you a long time too (stay away from the 2015 Fits though...they have many issues!).

A couple questions: what are you going to use the car for (daily work driver, errands, weekend go out?) and how many do you need to fit in it (young ones with car seats?  Full adults?  A mix?). 

APowers

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Re: Used car buying help
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2019, 08:40:44 AM »
Can someone explain the difference between a Camry, Yaris and Corolla?

Camry, Yaris, and Corolla.
Large, small, and medium.
25mpg, 35mpg, and 30mpg


I don't really have recommendations for the level of fancypants cars you're looking at, but Toyota and Honda have been historically fantastic for reliability and parts/repair availability. Good luck.

Murse

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Re: Used car buying help
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2019, 09:23:13 AM »
Currently dink’s looking for a daily commuter to and from work. Will likely put 12-14k miles on it per year. We plan on having 2-3 children in 2-3 years.

I would be happy to look at Honda’s. We purchased one 3 years ago that has been a lemon, I think that is why I am leaning toward toyota.

AlotToLearn

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Re: Used car buying help
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2019, 10:58:31 AM »
I recently purchased a 5 model year old Camry hybrid and am very pleased. 35.8 mpg and it was a one owner vehicle with all maintenance done at a Toyota dealer. I had to look long and far but had the time to do so. Hope to keep it for a long time to come.

Dave1442397

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Re: Used car buying help
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2019, 03:34:52 PM »
If you're going to have 2-3 kids, depending on your timeline you may be talking three car seats, which is fine but takes up most of your interior space. If you still need to carry strollers and general kid stuff on your travels, you might want to at least look at the Camry, or even think about going up to the Sienna (minivan) or maybe a  RAV-4 or Highlander if you prefer SUVs.

I like Honda, but long term I don't think their automatic transmissions are as reliable as Toyota's. My sister is still driving her '97 Honda Odyssey, but she did have to replace the transmission at around the 90k mile mark.

thurston howell iv

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Re: Used car buying help
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2019, 11:40:46 AM »
Used Honda, Toyota, Subaru- heck even kia/hyundai are decent options.
I purchased a honda civic with 150k on it, Drove it to 250k. Gave to relative (was still running great!)

Change the oil and do the regular preventative maintenance and you'll be fine. You can find all sorts of great cars for $5k or less...