Frugal Vehicles

[reedda]

I know I can "google it" and find a ton of information online about what cars are cheap to drive, low maintenance, last forever, etc. But, I would like to hear from real people and their experiences with various vehicles.

What are some good vehicles to own? I'm talking over the life of the vehicle, so it might be expensive up front to pay $30,000 or whatever for a vehicle but if it lasts 15 years with low maintenance and good gas mileage, it's probably worth it...

I'll throw one in to start as an example. Believe it or not, a 1998 Dodge Durango. This poor beast still runs and has been fairly reliable with little maintenance. It has over 230,000 miles on it, 60K of which was put on in a single year. We bought it used in 2000, I don't recall the purchase price (my significant other financed it and we had just started seeing each other at the time), it's been paid off for several years now. It does not get very good mileage, but for a time we estimated 25mpg highway which isn't bad for an SUV. My daughter is driving it occasionally now, but in general we only use it when we need to haul something or if one of our "newer" cars has an issue.

It does need a new transmission but we decided against it. We'll just let it die with dignity when the time comes. I'll actually be pretty sad about it. It's been a good vehicle.

[bjl584]

I owned a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. Paid $10,800 for it brand new. Drove it for 5 years, put 102,000 miles on it, never had to do any repairs, got around 34mpg, and sold it to a private party for $4000 in 2010. Not a bad deal.

[disneysteve]

I had a 1991 Camry that I kept for 127,000 miles.
I had a 1998 Camry that I kept for 157,000 miles.
I now have a 2006 Camry that I just bought in June.

See the pattern?

My wife has a 2000 Toyota Sienna with 150,000 miles currently.

Incidentally, the 98 and 06 Camrys were both bought used as was the Sienna. There is absolutely no reason to spend anywhere near 30K to get a dependable vehicle that will last a good long time if well cared for.

[JoeP]

There is a TON of variability in cars, so coming up with recommendations is tough.

When we look for cars, we try to stay away from ones that have a ton of electronics, because when there are problems, it is not as simple as changing out a fuse. A good friend of mine is battling with his Lexus trying to get his iPhone to mate up with his bluetooth system!

Also, keep in mind parts availability for when things go wrong: the parts for popular cars are less expensive and more plentiful. For example, a power steering pump on a 2005 Chevy Impala will cost you around $55, while the same part for a BMW 325i will cost around $190.

[snafu]

We all have different needs and expectations for vehicles. I look at the Lemon-Aid books to narrow down choices. We live in an impossible climate, snow, ice minus 40 etc. so we choose vehicles carefully. All time best vehicle Honda CRV, bought 2 y/o drove 220 KM, sold to our mechanic who only ever did routine maintenance. It's configured to lug stuff around which was important as we were starting a major reno project when it was purchased. At the same time DH was driving an incredibly comfortable Honda Accord. Caught in a horrific hail storm, the body was seriously 'dimpled.' The insurance would only buy it, they wouldn't fix it. Really like DH's Hyundai Sonata. I'm driving Hyundai Santa Fe whose after care is phenomenal. While it's a lovely highway/freeway vehicle, I wouldn't recommend it because it's a gas guzzler.

[MonkeyMama]

Car quality has improved substantially over the decades. Frankly, I think *any* (smaller) car should last 15 years with low maintenance.

In general, smaller cars are going to be lower maintenance.

It *really* depends on the year, which is why I generally shy away from newer cars. You buy a LOT of uncertainty. Whereas more used cars will have proven track records.

The lowest maintenance car we have ever owned, by a mile, is our 2001 Ford Escort. Paid $7800 for it in 2002, had 15k miles. Today has 145k miles - has never particularly needed anything. Replaced one belt. Tires and batteries are given to be replaced so often. I think the factory battery lasted about 100k miles - which blew my mind. One other thing I particularly notice is the brakes seem to last MUCH longer. Really, *everything* lasts longer.

Prior to that I owned a 1982 Toyota, 1992 Ford Mustang, and a 1993 Saturn. So, I personally think a lot of it is just appreciating more modern reliability. I don't think Ford is probably the best car maker out there BUT they can certainly hold their own. Enough that I would not pay a premium for any other make.

We also have a 2005 Dodge minivan which I am not impressed with. My dad finally told me, "You know a bigger vehicle is a LOT more to maintain." So I am thinking we are "small car" types. I also think my other issue with the van is "more technology to go wrong." So I am thinking smaller and more bare bones, next time. Besides lots of computer issues, it mostly falls in the "it's year 2000+ and doesn't need much" category.

I think our region and climate is very easy on cars. & probably our driving habits (mostly freeway, not a lot of braking). We have found it very easy to keep cars for decades. Which reminds me, our current vehicles are the first cars we have ever owned that are also primarily garaged. I don't know how much that factors.

[learnedcounsel]

I owned a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. Paid $10,800 for it brand new. Drove it for 5 years, put 102,000 miles on it, never had to do any repairs, got around 34mpg, and sold it to a private party for $4000 in 2010. Not a bad deal.

I had a very similar experience with a 2006 Elantra. I like Hyundai cars generally - but the batteries suck and lights burn out too fast.

[disneysteve]

I generally shy away from newer cars. You buy a LOT of uncertainty. Whereas more used cars will have proven track records.

We often talk about the benefits of buying used cars. I really like how you articulated this. So many people think buying used is the risky move - buying someone else's problems is what people often say. The truth is that the new car carries more risk, particularly if it is a brand new or redesigned model that hasn't really been tested out yet. They haven't found the flaws and bugs yet.

[DRILLINDK]

I'm shopping for a used vehicle right now. My original plan was to drive my 2007 Nissan Altima until it dies. I currently have 110,000k miles on it. However, I used to live in northern IL and IA where the salt from rough winter weather has taken it toll on the cars undercarriage. I've been told by several mechanics that everything is rusted out on the car.

Recently, I failed my states vehicle emissions test because I had a leaky muffler. The Nissan dealer recommended I buy a whole new muffler system because of how rusted out everything is for about $1200. After telling them that was not an option, I was able to get the leaky muffler spot welded for about $75 so I was able to pass the admissions test.

I've read the book, The Millionare Next Door: The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy: Thomas J., Ph.D. Stanley, William D., Ph.D Danko: 9781589795471: Amazon.com: Books

In it they recommend buying two to three year old used cars. So, I've been searching for something in my price range and description (2-3 yo with around 25k mileage or less) that fits my needs. I'm extremely surprised at how much dealers wanted for a used cars. Most of these used cars are about $1000-2000 off what I could buy the car brand new for. It almost makes me consider buying a brand new vehicle.

[Like2Plan]

I was wondering if there is a website which compares vehicles on the basis of operating costs and initial cost.
Edmunds has a tool called True Cost to Own® (TCO) that includes several factors.

I couldn't find my older Pontiac Vibe on their matrix (it's 2005), but maybe they just evaluate more recent models.

[reedda]

When we look for cars, we try to stay away from ones that have a ton of electronics, because when there are problems, it is not as simple as changing out a fuse.

Also, keep in mind parts availability for when things go wrong: the parts for popular cars are less expensive and more plentiful. For example, a power steering pump on a 2005 Chevy Impala will cost you around $55, while the same part for a BMW 325i will cost around $190.

Very good statements. Unfortunately we are dealing with both of these issues right now. My significant other drives a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S, purchased in 2011 (financed). We both love driving it, but noticed recently that all these little things are starting to go wrong with it. Conveniently once the warranty expired, and of course the parts are far more expensive even if we do the work outselves. (He took it into a shop and they quoted him $1500...What a flippin' pain in the arse!) That's actually why I started this thread, we're looking into giving it up and getting something more reasonable!

I've never heard of the Lemon-Aid books, I'll have to check that, and the Edmund's tool.

I hate looking for a new-to-me car. I think I'd rather go to the dentist, and I hate doing that too...

[gostumpy]

Volkswagen Jetta, 1985-1999 with a 5-speed transmission are very good on fuel, nearly free to maintain, parts are available at junkyards, they drive smooth & quietly... and can be had for almost whatever you want to pay!

Or any Honda pre-1999

[AccountantSalary]

My 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback has not given me problems and gets from 27-31 mpg. (However, Consumer Reports says the 2013 version isn't that good.)

[gostumpy]

Agreed, the 90's and early 2000 Civics are very good cars, and very inexpensive to fix!

[johnnyjs]

Think about getting a vehicle that gets really good gas mileage and a low long term maintenance. Check into older vehicles and check their maintenance records available on Carfax. Cars that have been taken to scheduled maintenance at places like Valvoline instant oil change also record every single scheduled maintenance that was performed on the vehicle. Upkeep on certain vehicles can get extremely expensive.