General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIf you have a car, how old is it?
A discussion about Christmas car commercials prompted a great discussion that got me thinking (and proud!) about my vehicles:
1997 Corolla (395,000 miles)
2000 Ford Ranger (90 k miles)
I generally do the oil changes and tune-up on the Corolla myself, since it's pretty open and easy to work on. Cheap parts, gets about 34 MPG on average. I change the oil on the Ranger (although the oil filter is insanely difficult to reach and makes me cuss in my driveway) but it's a V6 and is too hard to tune-up myself (so I have a kid I know who is into cars do it for me). It gets horrible mileage but is useful for home/yard projects (and moving stuff) and is a good back up. I bought the Corolla off Craigslist when it had about 150,000 miles on it (for $3000) and, unbeknownst to me, got myself one of the most reliable versions of the Corolla ever made....although it has succumbed to the piston ring issue that is common for that engine and now drinks some oil. The kid who works on cars says it will last another 400K miles if I let him put new rings on it. Not sure, though, since the car's worth about $500. But I am thinking about it 
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jimfields33
(19,382 posts)
Delarage
(2,387 posts)87 Ranger, 1998 Taurus, 2000 Ranger....
But my little Toyota has converted me I think!
Current dream: F150 Lightning and an electric RAV4 or Camry---if they make them. Hopefully I'll have a house that has a garage someday so I can shift to electric. I do have solar panels, but my dream is to drive off of the solar electricity my house makes.
jimfields33
(19,382 posts)Delarage
(2,387 posts)My very first car was a Chevy Citation (super-crappy). Next was the 87 Ranger--super basic, no radio, no power nothing--eventually died. Then I had a 1998 Taurus (the ugly oval headlight one) that was probably the most comfortable car I've ever been in--I guess I just fit it--but it had recurring and expensive electrical issues, so I got the Corolla. Now Toyota is my brand of choice--except for trucks--so I'll go to Ford's electric when I can (and after some bugs are worked out).
masmdu
(2,601 posts)
Tracer
(2,769 posts)NT
malaise
(281,906 posts)65,000 miles
Delarage
(2,387 posts)Love me some little Corollas 
malaise
(281,906 posts)Usually sell at nine but this one is perfect. -
madinmaryland
(65,320 posts)malaise
(281,906 posts)Thinking of giving it a paint job next month - great car 
BeerBarrelPolka
(1,481 posts)1998 Lincoln 133,000 miles
2000 Mustang 127,000 miles
unweird
(3,137 posts)sir pball
(4,984 posts)80K miles
sir pball
(4,984 posts)We inherited it from my MIL when she stopped driving, it's not what either of us would have bought given our druthers but hey, free car! It's a perfectly fine vehicle; it's reliable and practical and good enough on gas…but as a petrolhead and spirited driver I don't really like it.
It's tall, which isn't an inherent problem but ours leans a bit more than I prefer in corners and crosswinds are *oof*, plus with the V6 and only FWD it has an uncomfortable amount of torque steer and front-end "hop" if you need to punch it on an onramp. It just doesn't feel stable enough for me at 70-80mph; I know that's irrational but it's a preference thing. And frankly, the seats kinda suck – they're comfy enough for pure highway cruising but they're slippery as hell (we have a Limited with the leather) and the bolsters are a joke.
We could probably fix most of it with lower-profile tires and beefier roll bars, but it's not pressing enough to make us spend the pennies rather than saving them for a WRX.
Niagara
(10,389 posts)I'm ecstatic about my 2010.
I prefer the height on this vehicle since my previous vehicle (2003 Grand Prix) was so close to the ground that it physically hurt my back getting in and out of it. My Escape doesn't physically hurt me to get in and out of. I don't have any issues with cornering or punching the accelerator. I'm going to assume that you were talking about the AWD?
Fortunately, I don't have leather seats. Although, I always take my seat covers and Goodyear floor mats with me to my next vehicle.
I like how much room that I have in it. I can fit my now vintage Igloo cooler in the back of my vehicle. I have plenty of room for luggage and to help people move residencies. It was frustrating when I found out that my Igloo cooler couldn't fit in the trunk of my Grand Prix when I purchased it. I have serious doubts that I'll ever purchase a non-SUV of vehicle again.
Between this vehicle and my tires, it gets me everywhere I need to go in snowy conditions. And unlike my previous vehicle, everything on it so far is repairable and there's no gas leak.
My only complaints is:
1. I wish I had discovered this vehicle when it was brand new so that it was a one-owner.
2. It rusts way too easily.
sir pball
(4,984 posts)It's not AWD, it's just front-wheel-drive – the ONE feature that it's lacking – which is why it's a little squirrelly under throttle…in-laws are from Louisiana, snow traction is not a concern for them 
Other than that, all my whining is just about personal preferences; there's certainly not any kind of problems that we'd even think about getting rid of it before we're in a solid financial position for a replacement, so, a few years yet!
Vinca
(51,759 posts)My husband's got a 2007 Toyota Tacoma truck. He'd love to buy a new truck, but they don't make anything remotely close to a small truck anymore.
Delarage
(2,387 posts)Not in this country, anyway. I was looking for an old, small diesel truck since gas trucks are horrendously inefficient (my Ranger is, for sure) but no luck in the USA. Other countries seem to have options. Even one of the "UTEs" popular in Australia would be good enough for most of the truck-stuff I need done. It's annoying. But the F150 Lightning looks very promising, so I'll wait for that I guess.
Midnight Writer
(23,506 posts)Went to a local lot last week and saw trucks ranging from 45k to 72k. Way out of my league.
samplegirl
(12,714 posts)Also 2014 Equinox and a Triumph1964 TR4
BlueManiac
(19 posts)It actually belongs to my partner, but she lets me use it when needed. We also have a 2007 Chevy pickup to plow the road and other jobs around the farm, but we can't use it on public roads.
Loryn
(1,020 posts)63,000 miles
This is my third Toyota. I've had 2 other Corolla's. I love this car. Outside of the VW bugs I had when I was younger,
this is my favorite car.
Delarage
(2,387 posts)for a drive from Delaware to Florida. I loved it! Perfect size for me and my dog, drove well, intuitive layout. I slept in it with the seat folded down at a rest area....was very comfy. I'd definitely like one at some point.
True Dough
(22,260 posts)Although Chrysler products don't have the best long-term reliability ratings, I am a fan of how they drive and the layout of the interior/dashboard.
I had a 2012 Dodge Charger R/T and LOVED it, and only a few issues (brake rotors went just after the warranty expired because they were obviously cheap).
So my wife and I purchased the Cherokee with some hesitation because we figured we got lucky with the Charger. But we've been lucky again because the Jeep has almost 90,000 miles on it and has only required routine maintenance. It's a good size and transports our two large dogs when we need or our aging parents when we need, but it's not huge.
Our next vehicle might just be another Chrysler (or Fiat Chrysler, as they are now).
Lilaclady
(81 posts)2002 Chevy Avalanche
True Blue American
(18,440 posts)Buick LaCrosse. They are going to start making them again this year!
32000 miles.
PJMcK
(23,374 posts)We’ve taken a year’s sabbatical to cruise the east coast and Bahamas on our little sailboat.
The 2011 Honda CRV had 175,000 miles and my BIL bought it from us for $6,000.
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra had about 150,000 and a friend bought it for his daughter for $5,000.
We sold them in very good condition. We couldn’t figure out how to store them long-term since we don’t have a garage. They were both getting high-30s mpg.
When we return home to civilization we’ll buy one 4-wheel drive vehicle, hopefully a hybrid.
ETA: There’ll be no surprises!
MOMFUDSKI
(7,080 posts)a 2000 Toyota pick-em-up and a 2010 Toyota Camry. Paid cash for both. Pick up was purchased new as a business vehicle and Camry used from a friend. As reliable as can be. Cheap rides for sure. My son and his wife got into leasing about 6 years ago and the cost is horrible. They are very bad at managing their money so will be in leasing prison forever.
CurtEastPoint
(19,350 posts)
WheelWalker
(9,310 posts)
BlueWaveNeverEnd
(10,847 posts)WheelWalker
(9,310 posts)Bought it new in July 2000. Built at the old Willy's plant in Toledo.
samplegirl
(12,714 posts)Monster trucks!
BlueWaveNeverEnd
(10,847 posts)
Emile
(33,293 posts)Silverado with 37,000 miles on it sitting inside my garage that looks brand new and also a 2017 Ford Escape that we use the most and it only has 20,000 miles on it.
2naSalit
(96,072 posts)Most of my life, to have acquired good, reliable vehicles, except for the one I bought new many years ago.
Currently I have two older vehicles that I like for different reasons.
1992 Toyota 4runner, 240K+ miles.
2004 BMW X3i, 165K miles.
I just refurbished much of the under hood things on the Toyota in the last couple years... stuff just wears out. I know I have put at least 80K miles on it on dirt roads, at least 80K. I got it at 105K, and it was still very much like new. It still has no rust. I got the other one, initially, to replace the 4runner but I received a small inheritance and decided to spend a little to fix it up instead. I am glad I did that, I absolutely love that vehicle.
I like the heated features in the BMW, not thrilled with the clearance, other unit has a foot, but it's a little bit of luxury for an old, retired gear jockey. I stopped servicing my own vehicles a long time ago, not strong enough for a lot of it since I trashed my shoulder.
Auggie
(32,119 posts)About 230,000 miles, I think.
Coventina
(28,236 posts)The only car I ever bought new.
After that experience, i'll never buy new again.
NutmegYankee
(16,397 posts)I think rust from the Connecticut winters will get it before engine wear.
Delarage
(2,387 posts)The road salt is making my Corolla rust---and the clear coat has been history for a while. Had I known it would last this long, I might have washed it more often. So either rust or its oil consumption will eventually lead to its replacement. Although I can't imagine that day since I have become quite attached to it!
lark
(24,682 posts)Got it when my 1999 Mercedes gave up the ghost. These are very sturdy cars and my husband is a GREAT negotiator so we get them for less than usual. So far I have had zero problems with it and my old Mercedes was a really good car too.
doc03
(37,565 posts)
bluedigger
(17,210 posts)It has the 4.0 inline six, one of the better motors made. Probably about the sixth Jeep I've had with that motor. Never had one fail. Previous owner took it to Alaska, if the sticker on it is telling the truth. Still running strong, and all the electrics (power windows,etc. ) still work and the paint is still shiny. Go figure.
sinkingfeeling
(54,528 posts)GGoss
(1,273 posts)Runs like a champ.
30mpg
SarasotaDem
(225 posts)105k miles
CommonHumanity
(295 posts)Like many of you, I am a DEVOUT Toyota fan and have been for decades.
2002 Prius, 167K miles: I proudly call this one "The Larry David Model" since he drove a first generation Prius in the early years of his show. When I see other Gen 1 owners, I say "Hey you've got the Larry David model too". Sometimes requires providing a bit of background, but always a bonding moment.
1997 Ford F150, V8 triton, 4WD, odometer stopped working 6 years ago at 200K and we've driven it TONS since then: I bought this beast for my business (I tow a trailer filled with goats several times a week). EVERYTHING went wrong with it when I first got it. Especially the engine overheating and continued impromptu overheats after several expensive repairs. Think stranded on the side of the interstate during rush hour with trailer, 25 goats, 95 degree temps and relentless humidity. I bought this beast for 4K and put at least 8k into it. I was sure all the fixtures were purchased from Rose's (a cheap and lousy discount store). Open the door and the door handle falls off, open the glove box and it is stuck that way and on and on. Here's the good news though, finally after all the repairs and eventual success with the overheating issue, it has become an indomitable beast that faithfully endures all I put it through. Saw someone at the gas station with the same model only a few years older - same color, same crushed down, slopping, faded seats, same lousy fixtures. It had 300K and was going strong. The final verdict on me and my Ford: A rough start that bloomed into lasting love.
2011 Toyota Tundra, V8, 4WD, 164K: Don't hate me as a gas-guzzling climate saboteur, this one is also for my business which is environmentally positive in many ways. Our biggest transgression is the trucks and we leave the trucks on site and drive home in the Prius whenever possible. Anyway, this is my pride and joy. The nicest vehicle I've ever had. I heard on the radio about 2 people who had Tundras with one million miles on the odometer. I don't have much vehicle vanity, but this one is beautiful. I feel like I'm sneaking around in someone else's nice truck when I drive it.
My dream had been to get the all electric F150 for the business, but I've since heard that they are super lousy for towing. Bummer. For personal use and hauling supplies to the job site, but not towing, I sure would love me a hybrid Rav4. That said, I'm doing okay with my little Toyota/Ford fleet.
moniss
(6,775 posts)if a person is considering laying out $20k -40k for a new vehicle it makes way more sense to me to buy a well restored classic and drive it for your needs. You will be able to drive it for several years and still sell it at the end for a great price.
On an environmental basis your mileage may vary but on a cool look basis you will be the champ. Financing for classic cars is now readily available and so you can go monthly payments if you want. Likewise insurance.
I certainly favor wanting a vehicle that doesn't cramp me in to a bucket seat with a center console hemming me in on the right and the door doing likewise on my left. I miss the bench seat and leg room. How can I ask my sexy senior dinner date to slide up next to me when there is a console etc. in the way? We're supposed to be on a date and not be just like two people carpooling to work.
From a safety perspective you may not have the latest airbags or any at all but if you drive reasonably your chances of needing them goes way down. Remember defensive driving? You don't need all of the "driver assistance" hoopla if you just pay attention. We all know we certainly don't need the "self crashing" features of the Tesla.
2002 F250 Super Duty. Bought new. 145,000 miles. Bench seat. Looks like hell at the fine dining places but it perfectly expresses my lifelong "don't give a damn what others think of me" attitude. I'm eyeballing a nice big 1977 Ford LTD 2 door. If you watch "Barnaby Jones" at around 3:00 a.m. you'll see him driving one.
Delarage
(2,387 posts)Could always cram 6 into a small to mid sedan instead of 5. If I recall correctly, my Taurus had a fold-down console type thing that you could put up and make the front a bench. It was comfy and had lots of space, features. But the one I had was plagued by crappy electronics (window motors, lights staying on, etc. etc.). I sold it after the 3rd window motor quit.
RegulatedCapitalistD
(416 posts)Bought in 2002 with 13,000 miles for $10,000. Still under 120,000 miles!
Xavier Breath
(5,403 posts)I bought my first new car in 1989 when I was in my early 20s. I then stuck to a cycle of a new car purchase every ten years. But, I want to see if I can go 20 years on this one. Hell, I'll be in my early 70s at that point and likely unable to afford a new car, so I guess we'll see if it can go 20-plus. Maybe the car and I will have a contest to see who wears out first.
True Blue American
(18,440 posts)Last edited Sat Mar 4, 2023, 02:25 PM - Edit history (1)
Our first new car was an 1957 Impala 4 door hard top. Turquoise and cream. Had quite a few since but could never beat that one! $3000.
Xavier Breath
(5,403 posts)Like most new autos it beeps every time you get close to anything or a stranger even looks art it. In retrospect, though, I wish I'd have gone with one of the other vehicles I looked at (which will remain nameless). Really, I wish I had purchased a plug-in hybrid. I could have done most of my work commute on a single charge.
Wingus Dingus
(8,843 posts)but we loved that little car. So smooth and quiet inside. I miss it.
Xavier Breath
(5,403 posts)that ride is so quiet. I test drove a Trax, the Chevy version of the Encore, and it was noisy as hell. Maybe I just test-drove a bad one, though.
Trailrider1951
(3,506 posts)with 97000 miles on it. I bought it used in 2016 in anticipation of moving from Texas to Washington state. It carried all my valuables and artwork and 4 cats. I still have it because I love the car and it has been very reliable. I've had to replace the brakes, tires and battery, and that's it. It can haul people, building materials, large plants for the yard, but I really love it for camping trips. I can drive it to a beautiful park like Mt. Rainier National Park, select a campsite, unload the cooler, bicycle, and other camping stuff, install the awning, inflate the air mattress, and then I have a nice warm and dry cabin to sleep in for the days I am there. My only complaint is that it only gets about 18 miles per gallon. Since I'm now 71, it will be the last car I own, and someone in the family will inherit it when I pass on.
JustAnotherGen
(34,587 posts)I buy my cars outright and hold onto them for a long time. Saves paying interest.
Niagara
(10,389 posts)He drives the 2012 and I drive the 2010. I don't know his mileage but mine is about 130k.
For whatever reason, I get better gas mileage on my Escape. He drives slower and has a slower acceleration than I do, although his is dirty. Mine is darn near pristine, excluding the road salt currently covering the paint.
Mine has been to the shop more frequently with normal wear and tear including brake pad replacement and a warped brake rotor, shocks and struts, and a front wheel bearing.
We purchased them used and both are paid for. If we had the room, I would like an extra pre-2012 Ford Escape.
solara
(3,883 posts)Engine still good but other things are falling apart.. it's been a real good car up to now.
😕
albacore
(2,677 posts)...and I gotta point out that we ain't the problem.
Ask the same question to a different crowd, and you'd get a clear message of what's wrong.
Victor_c3
(3,557 posts)
Chautauquas
(4,476 posts)Bought it new and haven't had to do anything besides regular maintenance. After 8 years it only has 65,000 miles on it.
peggysue2
(11,696 posts)My husband had a hard time parting with his father's Oldsmobile Cutlass but finally, finally he let it go.
I drive a 2011 Lincoln MKX. Mags (her nickname) has about 55,000 miles. We've used the car primarily for local driving and for a long time, the 2-3 trips per annum between Knoxville and Philly. Nice comfy ride!
My husband drives a 1999 Toyota Forerunner SUV (orig my car for work). The Toyota has approx. 250,000 miles on it and is great for hauling bulky stuff, landscape materials, etc., all the things I'd never get into the Lincoln. Nor would I want to.
Both vehicles have been super reliable with few repairs. We'll probably get rid of the Toyota at some point; now retired we really don't need two cars. But my husband has transferred his soft spot for the Cutlass to the Forerunner, so it may be a while.
Susan Calvin
(2,234 posts)
Generic Brad
(14,374 posts)88,000 miles. Still get 48 mph. I intend to drive it until it either is beyond repair or I die - whichever comes first.
murielm99
(31,758 posts)It is just getting broken in.
I found a spot of rust on it yesterday. I am sad.
SYFROYH
(34,210 posts)No one was buying cars and 0% financing was on the table.
Susan Calvin
(2,234 posts)Bought new. 170K, runs and looks like new.
Doc Sportello
(7,964 posts)Bought it new, just out of the plant in Bloomington Illinois. Never had a problem with it and still going strong.
Raftergirl
(1,641 posts)with about 6k on it. It’s leased so getting a new one in June. I’m switching from ICE to a hybrid.
H has a 2015 Honda Accord with about $100k. Bought used. He will be getting a new car but likely not a used one since he wants an electric car (but not a Tesla because of Musk.)
dembotoz
(16,922 posts)Botany
(73,584 posts)n/t
ratchiweenie
(8,094 posts)2005 Nissan Altima 150,000 mi.
1999 Ford F250 3/4 ton van 161,000
usedtobedemgurl
(1,585 posts)And she is my only car!
onethatcares
(16,720 posts)2020 Hyundai Elantra (wifes)(15,700 miles)
truck is mine.98K on the truck
I got too old to crawl under either of them so we use a mechanic for all items Truck was a donation to some charity and I picked it up 4 years ago for $6000.00 and use it for moving dirt, plants, lumber and things not allowed in the elantra.
In order to stay in warranty we have to use the dealer. Presently it's a 2 to 3 month wait to get into their service department..
mnhtnbb
(32,356 posts)with just under 27,000 miles on it. It now has a little over 36,000 miles. I'm retired and don't drive a lot. The car should be good for at least another 3-4 years.
I've thought about what I'll do when it gets to the point where it needs repairs costing more than the car is worth (probably computer replacements). (I bought this car to replace a 10 year old BMW that was going to need computer parts costing more than the car was worth). I may give up owning a car and just Uber when needed to the grocery store, appointments, etc. Unfortunately, I do not live where there is good public transportation now or where I can walk to stores, etc.
PlanetBev
(4,284 posts)When my dad died in 2009, it had 6900 miles on it. Now it has 104,000 miles. I lived and worked close to home, before I retired in 2016. I plan to run it into the ground, unless I croak first.
roamer65
(37,495 posts)I don’t plan on replacing any of my fleet until a long range electric is available and affordable.
Talitha
(7,514 posts)
Chainfire
(17,757 posts)I have had a lot of cars in my life, but none better. The current one is six years old with 90K and it has never been in for a repair. About all I do is change oil and tires.
Cadfael
(1,342 posts).
Maru Kitteh
(29,789 posts)How do you like it?
Cadfael
(1,342 posts)But the battery has a finite lifetime, and mine is getting less and less mileage per charge these days
GoneOffShore
(17,748 posts)Bought it used when we moved here. Replaced the timing belts because that had never been done. Due for replacement next year.
Will happily do 130km/h on the autoroute and large enough that we don't feel like we're at the mercy of larger vehicles, but still small enough to navigate narrow streets, and parking. It's a fairly comfortable ride, and will carry 5. Paid €6700 in 2017. Looking to replace it, because it's a diesel with a CritAir3 classification, which means we can't drive it in certain cities in Europe.
In Philadelphia, we had a 2000 Saab 9-3 that we bought new and sold in 2014 after which we didn't have a vehicle until we moved to France. Loved that car, despite the occasional problems with the check engine light and trip computer.
Zeitghost
(4,557 posts)A 2018 Honda Civic Si Sedan 60K
A 2018 Honda Civic Sport Hatch 60K
A 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited 175K
Looking for a car for my soon to be 16 year old as I am tired of being the private Uber for a pair of teens. Or he’ll get my Civic and I’ll look for a new Mustang.
Sogo
(6,080 posts)Less than 55K miles on it.
I bought it used, and at the time it had only 18,000+ miles on it; felt like a new car, but was already a few years old.
IBEWVET
(217 posts)8000 miles my wife is housebound so not much driving. We just gave our sun her car a 2011 camry with 68000 on it.
treestar
(82,383 posts)I don't like having to fix cars - I don't understand cars and how much this or that fix should cost and whether or not it is really this or that needing replacement.
Also noticed that if you live in a place that has snowy winters, you'll see newer cars - TX and FL etc cars will last longer.
Diamond_Dog
(36,300 posts)It has needed virtually no repairs other than basic maintenance. I have always had a small car so that’s what I prefer. My hubby does the oil changes and brakes. We bought new tires for it last year. I hope it lasts forever.
newdayneeded
(2,493 posts)and a 2014 silverado.
Elessar Zappa
(16,309 posts)58k miles. No problems except the air conditioner recently went out so I gotta go get that fixed.
Ms. Toad
(36,232 posts)Since it was such a small run and it is so old I'm now havong problems finding parts for it. It failed e-check for the first time this year. I was able to find the missing part from a junked car. It has been installed - and I've just now been through enough drive cycles to learn that this was not the only problem (i.e. the check engine light is back on). I'll call the shop on Monday and make another appointment.
But it gets 45-50 mpg (down from 55-60). So it's worth keeping it around. I'd love to buy a replacement, but they stopped making them in 2006 and, among afficionados, they have sort of a cult following so it is hard to find any left running, with a decent body and low enough mileage to make it worth buying. (Mine has ~250,000 miles on it.)
justhanginon
(3,357 posts)elderly lady he knew who no longer drove it. I no longer drive much and it is 90% highway driving and get 21 mpg. Since I only drive about a thousand miles a year the mpg was not really a factor. Always drove smaller economy cars and had some sports cars, MG, Jaguar XK 150 etc. and at first was reluctant but the inside is like new and the outside has a only a few minor scrapes. I had forgotten what a quiet, really comfortable ride was like, now love it. It is a beast though and no more bopping around on curvy country back roads.
Scottie Mom
(5,815 posts)2008 33K miles
CTyankee
(65,842 posts)restaurants and I do my weekly food shopping. Since we lease new cars we don't have repairs because of the car aging, just maintenance which our car dealers perform. After 3 years we turn it in and lease another brand new car. Rinse and repeat.
ironman99
(131 posts)2006 MX-5 73000
2018 CX-5 39000 replaces 2013 CX5 with 55000
Initech
(104,209 posts)I got my car during the height of COVID when no one was going anywhere and scored a killer deal on it.
Captain Zero
(7,742 posts)It's easily got 250k miles in this car. But I like it so much I also want a newer one, so I might trade it in. 🙂
IcyPeas
(23,300 posts)
musette_sf
(10,350 posts)to have that low tire light problem.
TexasBushwhacker
(20,857 posts)Bought it as a CPO in the summer of 2020. My old car was a 2006 Scion xB (rebadged Toyota) which I drove for 14 years and then gave to my niece. It still only has about 110K miles. It's a first generation xB, and supposedly they are good for 300K miles. She loves and gets offers from folks who want to buy it all the time.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(24,025 posts)It's worth only matters if you're looking to sell it. Maybe think instead about replacement cost, and the price of a new rings and maybe lapped valves becomes reasonable.
For the Ranger, they make kits for moving the oil filter to an easier location, like near the wheel well. Your car kid probably knows about them. No more burning your arm on a hot exhaust manifold.
My car is brand new (2020), after giving the 2003 to a relative. But, I change the oil on it. It's not too bad, since I don't over-tighten the filter.
Delarage
(2,387 posts)I'll talk to him about the rings and valves the next time I see him. I'll see what he thinks about the filter, too. I might just need to invest in a better/different oil filter wrench---but even when it comes free, it's not easy to extricate between the exhaust and suspension/steering stuff in the way. The Corolla is so easy to work on---that's how all cars should be. I've tried to tune up V6's (my truck and a friend's Maxima) and the plugs up by the cabin were both nightmares (practically had to sit on the engine to reach them) that I won't even try anymore. The kid needs multiple extensions and stuff to get them on my truck. PITA.
Happy Hoosier
(8,819 posts)Both are great cars. Will be replacing the 2010 Odyssey in the next year or two.
Nittersing
(7,117 posts)It replaced my 2009 Smart (only brand new car I ever bought) which was totaled at the beginning of the pandemic. In 10 years, it never needed any major repairs.
My mechanic sold me his 2015.
Never had a car that was so much fun to drive.
Luciferous
(6,385 posts)musette_sf
(10,350 posts)Love love love it and hope to drive it as long as I can. The owner of the best Volvo shop in the county lives across the street from me and and has lovingly tended to it for 13 years. Former owner was a work colleague who sold it when the company transferred him overseas. It had less than 40K on it then so a sweet deal.
we can do it
(12,851 posts)My 2010 Outback Sport was getting tired. I walk most everywhere here in RB.
BluesRunTheGame
(1,787 posts)Scottie Mom
(5,815 posts)2001 Honda CRV SE 101K miles
2008 Lincoln Town Car, Limited, 33K miles
MissB
(16,265 posts)It’s all electric. No idea how many miles are on it; not like it needs an oil change ever so they don’t exactly make the odometer front and center on the display.
I just looked at my ChargePoint app last night to update the newest cost for electricity and I’m spending about $30 per month to charge it.
We also have a 2019 Ram truck with about 30k miles on it.
These are the first new cars we’ve bought. We probably won’t be buying other vehicles unless one of these gets totaled.
Response to Delarage (Original post)
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Xolodno
(6,886 posts)...and I'm a big guy.
One day I found myself falling asleep at the wheel...and everyone else in the van was passed out as well. That's when I realized that I can't keep this up, getting up at 4 am to make the van and not getting home until a bit after six (us salary people still had to attend meetings later in the day), something has to give. Add to that, I was only going to the office 3 days a week anyway, plus my Sebring convertible was starting to cost me with more and more repairs.
So, I bought the used Mazda 2 with 20k miles on it. Great on gas and easy to zip around town doing errands. For long trips, I just rent a vehicle. Still stayed on the van, until this person picked an earlier shift. I kept showing up at the same time regardless, then one day, just as I was parking and it was her turn driving, she left without me. Thought to myself, this is it. Went to the office on my own and emailed everyone that just as I was parking the van left and I would be dropping out. She apologized, but I knew she didn't mean it, she's done it to others. Van coordinator asked if I would reconsider, told her nope and I was done, the new early time was just too early for me.
So I drove to the office 3x a week at a much later time and left at the usual time, saving my sanity, health and sleep. Then covid hit and I changed jobs afterwards that was a virtual position.
Every once in awhile I think about buying a nice luxury car...then I look at gas prices and think, this little car still runs good and isn't giving me problems, I'm good.
Kennah
(14,465 posts)The Relay has about 145K original miles. We bought it new in 2005. The 3.5L V6 has a decent record. Thank Gaia, it's not a GM 3.6L V6.
About 2016, the right-side power sliding door started flaking out. Opened while driving. Fortunately, it was on side streets at 25 MPH and the kids were seatbelted in. Read a lot of stories of owners online who'd spent thousands for GM to chase down ghosts in the power sliding door machinery. Found a YouTube video about which fuses to pull to disconnect the electronics controlling the power sliding door then disconnect the motor cables from the door. Now it's an ordinary manual door.
Needed work a couple of years ago. Asked the wife, and she wanted to keep "her baby". So waded into paying for needed work over time.
$1300 for steering gear and belt
$1500 (I think) for struts and springs
$3200 for front and rear main seals, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, timing cover gasket
$1000 for ECU and PGM
$1600 for other assorted repairs I don't recall all the details of, but I remember a radiator flush and thermostat
The radiator had a lot of rust last spring. So I pulled the thermostat and used a rust remover. Twice. The radiator is now in much better shape. I backflushed the heater core, and it's now putting out better heat.
Used to leak oil horribly until after the resealing. Like a 1/2 quart every 200-300 miles. Still leaks oil, but it's better. Now maybe leaks 1/2 quart every 500-1000 miles.
There's a coolant leak somewhere. I think I know where it is. I think it's a nut that's insufficiently torqued.
I've been adding Lucas Stop Leak as it loses oil, and it's leaking less.
I am one by one removing the plastic wheel covers, cleaning them, repairing cracks, prepping, priming, and painting. Let me practice plastic repair with hot staples and welding. They have a fair bit of faded color.
The radio is acting flakey at times. I'm gonna replace it. One of the power door actuators needs replacing.
I thought about buying a new minivan, but ha, fat chance. The only ones that I have faith about reliability are a used Sienna or Odyssey. Found a 2016 Odyssey with about 60K miles for $32K.
This is the likely world for a while.
Delarage
(2,387 posts)and their lists of quirks!
3 of the 4 power door locks lock on my Corolla--but it's so small, I can reach back and lock the rear passenger door w/no problem. I just have to remember, especially if I leave stuff in the car. Some other little things that I never think about until someone else needs to drive it....then I'm like "One more thing...."
Kennah
(14,465 posts)Heater lines are a combination of rubber hoses, metal pipes, and plastic "quick disconnect" fittings that have a nasty habit of failing.
Could not find the torque specs. I can see indications that it's leaking there, so I used "a little more reasonable pressure" to tighten it. My wrist doesn't go click like a torque wrench.
MustLoveBeagles
(13,142 posts)The dealership got it from the factory. It has just under 300 miles on it.
Butterflies
(1,241 posts)I bought it when my 19 year old Ford Focus became a money-pit. I drive my cars for as long as I can. At my age, this car may end up being my last.
leftyladyfrommo
(19,604 posts)
Liberal In Texas
(15,018 posts)And a couple of older cars.
Never buying a gas powered car again. The PHEV is great but when and if there is a next time, it'll be all EV.
Ohio Joe
(21,894 posts)60k miles and yellow of course
MsLeopard
(1,294 posts)Nearly 90,000 miles.
elocs
(23,675 posts)It still runs well so I'd put money into it rather than buying another used car & starting all over again with what's going to go wrong with it. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
Amishman
(5,872 posts)Wife's SUV is ten years and probably good for another decade.
csziggy
(34,189 posts)I bought the Suburban used back when I was still hauling horses around. Although I don't do that anymore, the truck is still useful for stuff on the farm, helping friends move, etc. Plus, it's long past paid for so I'll keep it. Downside is, it only gets 13 MPG whether hauling empty or fully loaded. It's got about 170,000 miles on it - less than half my previous Suburban had when it died, so it should last the rest of my life.
My husband got the Prius when he was still commuting. I'd upgrade it at some point, but it's only got 100,000 miles on it and they don't make them anymore. It gets about 40 MPG.
I needed a smaller vehicle than the truck for trips into town so in December 2019 I bought the Honda Fit. New, previous year's model. Good little car - emphasis on little. It's too small for my husband to drive. It doesn't get much use - I only broke 2,000 miles on it last month! It gets 40 MPG, about the same as the Prius, with a little gas engine. It will probably be the last car I own for me to drive.