How worth it are used cars?
Posted by Analyst-man@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 123 comments
Hi all - so the conventional wisdom is that buying a used car skips the initial depreciation aspect of it. I’ve seen members of my family buy used cars (Kia Sportage, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Sonata) and they have all had issues within the first year. To start, they were all 5/6 years old so not super old and all under 100k miles. The Kia needed a new catalytic converter, the Hyundai Kona had its air conditioning go out and then the electrical went out. The sonata had a leak in the gas tank that needed replacing. Point is, these all were 1k - 3k repairs. Seeing this cost plus the cost of driving an older car, getting else tech, less reliability, you don’t know how people maintained them, are used cars even worth it? I’m asking myself this question as I plan to start my car buying journey this summer. Thanks!
updatelee@reddit
I’ll be honest here and you won’t like it. Hyundai and Kia are throw away cars. I’m not surprised they were costing you money. They bought garbage cars and expected golden cars.
A good 5-6 year old Honda or Toyota and they wouldn’t have had those issues.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Well overall, should I just buy new? Honda and Toyotas are so close to new in terms of price
updatelee@reddit
Honestly buying a 4-5 year old vehicle is your best value… but only when buying a vehicle that is designed to last longer then 4-5 years.
Look at 15-20 year old vehicles on market place. See many Kia/hyundai in good shape fetching a reasonable price? No. They aren’t designed to last that long. Toyota/Honda? Yup. Lots
Senior-Dog-9735@reddit
This is not the case anymore for used market for popular JDM cars. They retain their value exceptionally well. You have to look for 10+ years if you dont want to justify buying new imo.
updatelee@reddit
2026 Honda Civic approx $34k cdn
otterland@reddit
We bought two Hondas that were about 15 years old each for about $6k each.
First one needed brake pads for $20 in the first year (rotors were within spec) plus a brake fluid exchange. $10. Got new tires as the old ones were noisy. Got a great deal at $400. So $215 bucks a year on top of oil changes.
Second Honda needed sway bar links and a cat and I did both for $200.
Both drive as new. Of course all maintenance had been done, I'm just listing the major shit that cost more than a lunch.
Senior-Dog-9735@reddit
As for my 08 accord with 145k miles I got in 2020 I had to replace the fuel injectors, radiator, suspension, ignition coils, belt tensioner, brakes/rotors, but did not have to replace tires.
Just depends on your luck of the draw. Any car that is 15+ years old and over 100k miles anything can happen. Its a matter of when not if.
otterland@reddit
Carfax isn't everything but I made sure mine were recently serviced. My CRV got a tune, valves, oludao, serpentine AND timing chain at 200k so that's basically a reset for a K24 for another 200k.
I'd be freaked to get a high mileage Earth Dreams though.
Senior-Dog-9735@reddit
Yeah I also had carfax that showed good service and my father who checked it out was a mechanic. It was just luck of the draw sadly. I know more people getting burnt from used cars then luckily spending little to nothing on it. More often then not when people are selling a car there is a reason behind it. Not everyone is simply wanting to get a newer car given the economy the last couple years.
That was not stuff I had to do all at once it was like over course of 4 years. Nothing is wrong with it now apart from transmission being funky. But, def wouldve costed a fortune if I did not do the work myself. Last I checked I spent $1k-$2k+ in parts but, since most people also get a mechanic to do the work its prob double to triple in price for average person. Its def only worth it if you are able to work on it yourself.
otterland@reddit
My mistake was not learning my OBD2 scanner before I used it. I could not find the menu for cleared codes so the seller got away with selling with a bad cat. He also had warmed up the car so the tired started solenoid wouldn't act up. But joke's on him, I redid the ground straps so the old starter gets enough amps to crank despite itself. On the flip side he disclosed it needed struts but it was only sway links, LOL. Win some lose some. But if I had a garage do links and a cat, that's at least $1500 for sure.
Senior-Dog-9735@reddit
I think the best move is to just get a hybrid from honda/toyota now. Same basic engine with a bullet proof "transmission". Even if batteries go out its simple job to swap out to last another 15 years.
I just opted for a brand new accord when I graduated lol. The used market for a \~5 year old honda is atrocious.
otterland@reddit
Our cars get less than 5k per year so we are better off getting full depreciated but easy to fix. I liked my Prius but they can have some crazy repair bills at high mileage. Battery swap or brake control module costs the same as a used car. New or slightly used is the only way to go
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Yeah, I would stay away from used Hyundai and Kia. Think Honda, Toyota and Mazda for reliability.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
The difference between new and used and is low for Toyota and Honda (I don’t like Mazda at all). I thinking to just get new if I go for one of those brands
No-Text-2389@reddit
Nothing wrong with a car a little older as long as it has the features you want and is low mileage with a good service history. Buying new is kind of like setting money on fire. The used market is still a little inflated from COVID imo. Either way, be sure to check out each year/model/trims reliability when you're looking. Some years and models from "bad brands" can be alright and some from "good brands" can be terrible because they used a certain engine or transmission for those years that had a tendency to fail or be sensitive.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
What do you mean by afford it? I feel like most people can afford new but want a good deal. That’s where I’m coming from. But used hasn’t felt like a good deal to me when looking the last few months
chibicascade2@reddit
I got a $15k loan for a used car. So far it's only needed brakes and oil changes. If the engine and transmission blow up tomorrow, I can have them both replaced and still have spent less than a brand new Toyota Camry.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
But you also don’t get the tech and new features of a Camry. Plus the time spent in fixing it. I’d they really a risk want to take?
chibicascade2@reddit
100% yes.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
All for 5-10k? Thats like nothing, I feel like I’d rather have peace of mind for 10k.
chibicascade2@reddit
I've had the car for 3 years now and it's not left me stranded yet. And I saved $10,000 which is equivalent to 1/6 of my yearly salary
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
See I feel like the main question is what salary is. I’m 28 and made $210k last year and I also don’t know how to work on cars. I think my answer would be different if my salary was lower. Like if I made $80k, I might take the risk for 5-10k.
chibicascade2@reddit
You probably should have led with saying you made triple the national average wage. That will affect what cars you can sensibly buy...
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
No one asked! But I want to keep my budget to 30-40k max. I’m not a car guy and I don’t believe in spending a lot on them. I’m thinking a new Toyota Camry, a used BMW 3 series, or a very slightly used Subaru BRZ
chibicascade2@reddit
Camry is going to be the most economical choice. 3 series is going to require more maintenance, and the maintenance will be more expensive, but you can afford that it seems. BRZ is going to be in the middle of those two, but it's also a 2 seater sports car.
No-Text-2389@reddit
You'll be making new car payments on a car that depreciated a decent amount as soon as you drove it home. The used car starts lower and won't depreciat simply for being used again if you take care of it. Depending on how often you drive, it'll also hold on to it's value.
New cars you'll need to hit all the service intervals to keep it in good condition. Varies from car to car, but can be high dollar items. Used cars with good service histories that have some of those things taken care of like suspension or timing belt, you can avoid paying for it yourself until the next one comes up.
If you have cash and can buy private, you'll save money that way too. Just, like always with any used car, get a pre purchase inspection and examine service history. I believe some Etsy shops have subscriptions to Carfax and can sell reports for cheap.
I don't really think there's any reason to buy new except for clout or if you really want a specific model with custom options.
mistman23@reddit
Of course they depreciate.
Cars are a consumer durable not an investment
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Except for that Honda S2000 where the value went up after they stopped building them.
No-Text-2389@reddit
Yeah, but new cars depreciate more quickly from the purchase date. You honestly think I'm implying used cars don't depreciate?
mistman23@reddit
Once a car depreciates to around $5000, depreciation virtually stops if maintained well and remains damage free.
No-Text-2389@reddit
Yeah it's best to buy it after that initial hit, though. New will always depreciate by a much higher percentage in the first year or so than a used car. If that hit doesn't mean anything to you financially or you think its worth it then it doesn't matter. This also assumes it holds up in the market, if not then the percentage will be higher. Ideally you want it after the first round of major interval maintenance happens, assuming the cars in good condition with a solid history.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I don’t believe in taking car loans. I’ll only buy in cash. I read rule of thumb is 25% of your yearly salary. That’s about 50k for me. So I’m looking at a new Toyota Rav 4 vs used (just to save money cuz why not). Also thinking about a bmw 3 series with the reliable b48 engine
No-Text-2389@reddit
I'd see about checking out the private used market then. They'll usually sell lower than a dealership and you handle title/reg yourself. If you feel like dropping 50k on a new car, then I won't stop you. You can get a lot of car for that. I'm just saying there's ways to get a much similar product for a lesser cost. If that doesn't appeal to you, then no reason to consider otherwise.
If you get the hybrid RAV4 or any Hybrid/EV I get the allure of buying new as the battery is fresh, though. Replacing batteries is expensive, which you'd also want to check out any service interval for your prospective vehicle. BMWs are always going to be more pricey to maintain and unless you're looking for a "drivers car" I personally wouldn't consider it. If you're commuting just find something comfortable, reasonably priced with good mpg. If you're looking to flex, that's another story.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I’m looking for something fun. I’m in finance so pulling in 200k in my late 20s and live in NYC so this is a weekend car. Maybe Subaru BRZ instead of the BMW? I want something I can take on a roadtrip and love it. My best friend works with me and just got a Porsche for $100k and I think that’s insane on our salary. Who spends 50% of their salary on a car?? So I’m being more practical. BMW 3 series or Subaru BRZ. I’ve always wanted a coupe too. Maybe the BMW 4 series
No-Text-2389@reddit
BRZ is a sick little track toy and I highly recommend if you want to throw it around, same with the MX5 (unless you're vertically gifted). BRZ will be cheaper to maintain, but lack some of the comforts. If you want to take it on a road trip, that might stretch the comfortability factor.
If you live in NYC I feel for you man. Upstate NY has some awesome roads to drive though and if you enjoy it, I would recommend the BRZ or GR86. The Hakone edition looks clean as hell imo. BRZ is more for a daily driver that can be nimble. The GR86 has a tighter suspension and has a peppier tune from the factory, but is more geared for track and autocross.
That is a bit wild unless he also paid cash, sounds like, if he got it new, he got the base model.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I don’t really do tracks. I drive to Boston and Philly a lot so need a car that’s comfortable on the highway. Low road noise, comfortable seats, and good infotainment system
No-Text-2389@reddit
Gr86 won't do you as well then. The tighter suspension might get tiring. Check out the Lexus RC, BRZ and Miata. Miata may not be as comfy on road trips. A Type R civic hatch or A spec Integra would also cover most those bases well, but with more road noise.
RickySlayer9@reddit
There’s a reason the difference is lower…
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
So for 5k, it’s basically the same as buying new. That’s my point
Better-Credit6701@reddit
We've been there for a while.
The reason why we bought my 2021 MX-5 new as well as my wife's 2022 Honda CR-V is it was about the same price. She still rubs it in that her CR-V had fewer miles: 8 vs 5 miles.
Zdravstvuj@reddit
We are at a rare point where it makes more sense to buy a new Honda or Toyota instead of a used one. I used to exclusively buy off lease Toyota and my next one will be new
Never_mind_honey@reddit
It is true, ever since covid used cars have become very expensive on wanted brands and it really doesn’t pay off to buy them. I bought my first new car (Mazda) because it made no sense to risk someone else’s problem just to save a few grand.
Better-Credit6701@reddit
The lack of differences between new and slightly used is an indication of them not loosing value through depreciation. Personally, we own a 2022 Honda CR-V and a 2021 MX-5.
Used to work for a super large used car company with over 150 lots and kept track of repairs. Hyundai and Kia are unreliable pieces of junk.
Hersbird@reddit
Hondas haven't been better for 10 years. They are living on old reputation now. So you get to pay more for the same problems as a Kia
Better-Credit6701@reddit
Hum, no. That is the current version, not 10 years ago
Reliability
Honda claimed the title of most reliable brand, with the HR-V, Fit, Civic and Accord all in the top 20 most reliable cars overall
consumers report has Honda as the 4th most reliable
Eschewed_Prognostic@reddit
Used or Used? Buying a 8yo car for half or less the initial price is generally a good deal. It's rare the repairs and maintenance will cost more than depreciation and interest, even with luxury brands. 2-3yo? Not as much return.
Turbulent-Dentist-77@reddit
Junk.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I’m considering a bmw 4 series and I am debating new vs used
Turbulent-Dentist-77@reddit
And quite frankly, if you want a 4 series, buy the real one. A Mustang GT.
The BMW is a knockoff Mustang, and is more boring to drive. The Mustang's engine has endlessly more character and better performance (unless you're talking about like the M4 special versions, in which case, compare to Dark Horse or GTD and Mustang again clowns the BMW).
Do not consider "used luxury" when you can have BRAND NEW peace of mind and warranty on a better car.
I'm tired of the obsession with imports in these car channels. Buy a Mustang if you want a 2 door sports car. It's the gold standard.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Isn’t mustang made by ford? I always heard that American cars are the worst possible thing you can buy. I’m not trying to have a car break in a few months
Turbulent-Dentist-77@reddit
Oh my word. The hearsay never ends!
The Mustang created this type of car.
You can't argue with facts. If you want to know if the car's bad or not, go look up the actual reliability costs per year. The Mustang has less break downs and less maintance cost than the BMW.
If you want to look up the performance, go look it up.
My advice don't follow hearsay, don't listek to me, don't listen to opinions. Go check for the actual info.
Watch a YouTube comparison. Go check Kelly Blue Book. Go check repair pal. Check owners forums.
The Mustang is the definitive 2 door coupe worldwide.
Turbulent-Dentist-77@reddit
Don't buy a used "luxury car".
Hersbird@reddit
In 2020-2022 there were shortages of new cars and most were selling at msrp or above. Now there is an economic downturn and new cars aren't selling well so selling with even up to 20% off MSRP. So 4-7 year old used cars have a disconnect with reality and old financial soundness doesn't hold up as well. Now push forward 5 years from today it could flip right back around with a 2026 SUV MSRP of $60k but actually sold for $50k and you can buy it in 2031 for $25k while new 2031s are going for $80k
TheWhogg@reddit
I try to avoid the first 90-99% of depreciation.
mpython1701@reddit
Your family purchased 2 car brands with highest amount of trouble on the market today. Between high theft, problems electrical systems, oiling issues, and spontaneous engine fires, there are not great buys.
Used cars are a gamble. All buyers should do their due diligence in research model/brand. Then pull VHR as well as get PPI before purchase. As far as what a seller tells you, trust but verify.
Eschewed_Prognostic@reddit
Used or Used? Buying a 8yo car for half or less the initial price is generally a good deal. It's rare the repairs and maintenance will cost more than depreciation and interest, even with luxury brands. 2-3yo? Not as much, but $5k is still a good chunk of change, especially when the purchase is generally financed.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I feel like $5k is negligible when you’re spending 30/35k. Like that’s no difference basically
Eschewed_Prognostic@reddit
You must be wealthier (or poorer, actually) than me then, that's ~15% off. $5k does a lot.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I think I’m average for my age and location. I’m in my late 20s and make 200k living in nyc. This will be my first car
Eschewed_Prognostic@reddit
That $5k doesn't really buy much more car if it's only a couple years old. "More warranty" well, it's very unlikely it's going to need more than $5k in repairs right outside the warranty window, it's certainly not a guarantee. The car will not be worth much more than the other after 5-6yrs as values tend to level out at that point and condition will matter more than year so no real residual value to that added cost. Stick that $5k into a brokerage and make some money. If you don't like that someone's already put some ass sweat in the seats, get a steam cleaning and full detail. You can "erase" a lot of use with a good clean.
You do you. "It's only X more" is how high earners find themselves in underwhelming financial positions later in life.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
It’s more so that I don’t know how it was maintained. I’m not a car person. The deal I made with myself is if I max out my backdoor Roth 401k (about 68k in savings every year), then I can do whatever I want with the money leftover. The $5k for me is all about having fun. I’m thinking a Subaru BRZ even
Eschewed_Prognostic@reddit
When cars are only a couple years old, it almost doesn't matter how well they were maintained, because they've only been through one or two oil changes and aren't at any major service intervals.
With a fun car, yeah it can matter if the first owner money shifted it or just generally beat on it, it'll just show signs of age sooner.
The other school of thought for fun cars, especially if you ever intend to mod it at all, is get a cheap one and use the savings to get it fixed up and then mod it from there. With cheap cars you don't have to worry about hurting it if you want to drive it hard. Insurance is also substantially cheaper.
If you're maxing your backdoor roth, yeah do whatever you want.
YeahIGotNuthin@reddit
The OLD conventional wisdom is that buying used skips the initial depreciation.
Lately, i think that since recent used cars are still pretty expensive, you’re buying them from a used car dealer instead of the first owner. And in that case, your used car price includes TWO dealership profits - the one who sold it new, and the one who sold it used.
That extra value from depreciation that used to go to the person buying it used? That goes to the used car dealer nowadays.
So there’s no more getting a recent used car with 90% of its life left in it for 80% the money. The used car dealer got that deal. Then they add in their profit, and YOU get 90% of its remaining life for 90% the money.
Equana@reddit
I have been buying used cars for years. I inspect carefully. I have never had a serious repair. But I don't buy Kias or Hyundai's.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
How about Subaru BRZ or bmw 3 series?
Equana@reddit
BRZ yes, BMW no...financial stress
Possum_Jenkinzz@reddit
That depends on way too many variables. Most notable being the condition of the specific car you're looking at and can you perform repairs/maintenance.
My daily driver is a 1995 Honda Accord. Because I'm capable of doing everything but an engine/transmission swap I've done all the work to it myself. In 7 years of ownership it's cost me $3500 in parts to repair/maintain it. I would say that's more than worth it.
If you can't do things like a timing belt job, or don't have access to a buddy who owns a tire machine you'd be looking at a few grand more spent. Still might be worth it. If you can't do anything but an oil change, or worse, can't turn a wrench at all you'd be looking at closer to $10k. $10k spent on a 30+ year old car with 260k miles doesn't sound worth it to me.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Nah I can’t do anything. I live in nyc so don’t even know where I’d have the space to work on it. I’ll be street parking
Possum_Jenkinzz@reddit
You might be okay with a Honda, or Toyota from about 2012-2018ish if you can find one with relatively low miles. Sub 100k miles would be optimal, 100-150k is decent, much above that and you're looking at a bunch of repairs simply because of wear and tear.
Alternatively, if you can afford new that might be your best bet. Now imo every car made past 2020 is kinda a heap of shit. Even my beloved Hondas have dropped in quality. But no miles means at least 5 problem free years, in theory.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
What’s your opinion on bmw 3 series with the new b48 engine?
Possum_Jenkinzz@reddit
Truth be told, I've never been a huge fan of Euro cars. As a whole they tend to have pretty rigorous maintenance schedules and very little tolerance for deviation from it.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
How about it Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86?
Possum_Jenkinzz@reddit
Not bad cars, definitely opt for as low of miles as you can find. And keep in mind that as a sports car whoever owned it before you 100% beat the piss out of it. Probably on a daily basis. But the FA20 they use doesn't have the same headgasket issues that the notorious EJ motors had.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I’ll buy them new if I do. Not buying those used
Possum_Jenkinzz@reddit
100% the way to go. Then trade it in when it's paid off or you hit about 50k miles.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Why 50k? That seems low
Possum_Jenkinzz@reddit
Thats right around when the recommended services start to pile up. If you can get past that hump you can probably keep it around until 75-100k
crobarred210@reddit
i bought a 2004 crown vic for a little over 2k everything works no rust and a 4.6L V8 engine. had a 160k miles on it when i bought it. works great all features work and electronics as well, smoothes car ive ever driven, and these cars are notorious for cracking 300k, known a few people who have made it to 400k (with repairs). my dad had a 04 vic that i grew up in, he drove it without issue until 280k before it got rear ended by a drunk
That being said i lucked out and found an old guy who wanted to sell it and he was the original owner since 2005, i have all its maintenance records in a binder and he didnt miss a service in 20 years. i lucked out big time. they can be well worth it if your lucky, or completely ruin your bank account. its very unfortunate
TLDR: Car market not good, get lucky or get fucked is the current car market.
ZergvProtoss@reddit
Always buy new. When you buy used, you're just buying someone else's problem. With new, you'll get a 4-year warranty.
rtshtbtshtdrtyldtwt@reddit
how the hell does a car need a new cat? stolen?
I would not touch a Kia or Hyundai despite their reputation being better than 20+ years ago
buying used is the only way to go
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I’m thinking if it’s worth it to just pay the extra 5k and get new. This applies to Toyota, Hondas, all brands. The difference seems so low now
rtshtbtshtdrtyldtwt@reddit
the difference is only 5k for used vs new? then yeah take new in that case. I drive much older cars without issues, I dont know what the heck is going on with the people you know but if they are all hyundai/kias then yeah, don't even look at those
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Ya a 3 year old Toyota with 40k miles is 5000 off the new Toyota msrp price. I don’t know if that’s worth it
rtshtbtshtdrtyldtwt@reddit
get the new one
jd780613@reddit
100,000% worth it. Any used vehicles from 5-7 years old post Covid are not worth it IMHO. Yes it is less money than new, but it is not enough money to actually make it worth buying used.
No one can reasonably predict the life span of a vehicle, but if you say for example a car will live for 15 years and 200k Miles, a 7 year old car with 100k Miles will have 50% of its usable life gone. If that car is only 50% the cost of a new one, then it’s obviously worth getting new. You’d buy 2 7 year old cars in 14 years and have spent the same about as buying 1 new one.
GetBent7408@reddit
Excessive engine oil burning in some Kia/Hyundai engines can foul the cat faster than one would think. Experienced this with my mom's car. It actually fouled a second, new cat within about 6 months.
RingOk664@reddit
Have your used car inspected by a trusted mechanic prior to buying it. That way you don't get unexpected surprises.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
How do I find a trusted mechanic? Can I just pay one?
RingOk664@reddit
Ask friends and family whose their mechanic. Most will charge for time spent inspecting. Money well spent.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
The problem is none of my family or friends have a mechanic lol. My parents just take it to pep boys. All my friends don’t have cars either
RingOk664@reddit
Pep Boys in our area closed. Advance Auto bought them out then went out of business. I've had my mechanic for over 20 years. It was my dad's mechanic. Find local mechanics in your local area and read their Yelp reviews. Independent mechanics have lower labor rates than dealers. That still typically over $100.00 an hour. Do some research.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Ok! I will!
bustedtap@reddit
The used car market sucks right now. Clapped out rusted shit boxes are going for 3x what they should. Which in turn drives up the price of slightly nicer cars. If they do show up on marketplace for a reasonable price, you have to be ready to jump "now". Not when it's convenient for you.
I drove 45 minutes today to look at a car that seemed decent on paper for more than it should be worth, but not a lot. I test drove it, the transmission felt weird. Hooked up my scan tool, and there was tons of red that should've thrown check engine lights left & right, but it wasn't on. Smelled the oil on the dipstick for the transmission. Didn't smell terrible, but wasn't great. Also didn't look right. Came home empty handed and a little bit irritated
ElectricSnowBunny@reddit
It sort of depends on how capable you are doing your own work.
I prefer used cars because I already know what the documented problems are at whatever mileage (and every car has them), and can choose models based on after market support/part availability, reliability, interior wear, and driving experience.
Granted, I can do most everything short of extensive trans work.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I live in NYC. Can’t do any work here.
ElectricSnowBunny@reddit
Lease
Temporary-Chest-3111@reddit
There is always CPO if you want slightly more peace of mind. Personally though I would pass on used Hyundai/Kias because of their track record, although with EVs I may reconsider.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Does it change your calculus for used Mercedes or bmw? Speciality BMW’s new B48 engine?
Temporary-Chest-3111@reddit
Probably not a Mercedes but that is more or less because there has not been anything of interest to me personally, and the only ones I want are the W126s but they are too long for my garage and out of my price range as a daily driver...and I would not really want to drive a tank as a hobby car.
BMWs...it depends. Reliability wise I think that B48s are fine to buy used.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I’m seriously considering a bmw 3 series. They can be found for 30-35k relatively new and low mileage
Temporary-Chest-3111@reddit
You have to be comfortable with the fact that just because you bought a $30k BMW, it does not mean that maintenance and repair costs are going to be the same as a $30k Toyota. You are still going to pay regular prices for BMW parts and service, OEM or otherwise.
And there is the general wisdom, "there is nothing more expensive than a used German car" that may still stand true.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
What’s a cool looking car that’s cheaper to maintain? I feel like a Toyota Camry is a grandparent car and I’m in my 20s. Maybe a Subaru BRZ?
Temporary-Chest-3111@reddit
I am probably not the best person to ask seeing how my cars have been generally perceived as having questionable reliability and relatively high maintenance costs (Audi A4 and BMW Z4), but for me they have been more reliable and about the same in maintenance and repair compared to my older Japanese cars (Toyota Camry and Lexus IS250).
mistman23@reddit
The market is not healthy.
Best to buy new, or a sub $5000 cash car if you have mechanical skills or have access to a cheap mechanic
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I’ll just buy new
Glittering-Ad5809@reddit
The cat has an 80,000 mile federal warranty and like 120k in Cali. When did it get replaced and why?
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
It just broke today. Didn’t get it replaced yet. It’s in a kia shortage in NJ. It’s 2020 with 94,000 miles
Glittering-Ad5809@reddit
From Google
Under federal law, your catalytic converter is covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever comes first). Because New Jersey follows California emissions laws, your vehicle may actually be eligible for an extended 15-year or 150,000-mile warranty on specific emissions components.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
2020 kid shortage isn’t PZEV certified on that longer warranty :(
fastbeemer@reddit
I think you are convinced of something you don't even understand.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
Care to elaborate or just keep it as a general statement?
joker_1173@reddit
Well, for one, I would not buy a Kia or Hyundai in the 1st place, much less used. The Theta engine is ledgendarily bad.
I am leaning toward never buying a new car again. Not just depreciation, the quality from ALL manufacturers has been going downhill. Then, next year, there will be much more government mandated monitoring of the driver. Nope, I'm good.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
What will you do in 10 years when the used cars are the new ones from today?
ratedsar@reddit
I bought a $42k bmw 330i 7 years old 125k miles for $10k.
There was a leaking oil filter housing gasket, I've had to replace multiple window regulators, and the water pump had a seal leak within the first 5 years. Things I did on my own.
I've had the cooling system fail once and that required paying a shop for.
I tend to spend about $1k on maintenance each year, but consider brakes and tires as consumables (I also drive it at a few track events a year)
It's a premium vehicle, I saved 3/4 on the upfront coston it, and haven't had substantially expensivd
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
I can’t do work myself. I’d have to pay someone for it
phoenix823@reddit
People don't do a good job of assessing risk in their lives. It's not widely taught. Yes a 5 year old used car with 80,000 miles on it will cost less than a new car. But you don't know what those 80,000 miles were like. You don't know how well maintained it was. You don't know if it was a grandma driving it to church, the market, and to see the grandkids or if it was 19 year old's graduation present. A pre-purchase inspection can help, but they're not perfect.
So let's say you really need a good car to last you 10 years because you absolutely need to make it to work every day. You've got the kind of job you have to do in person, cannot be late, and so reliability is the most important thing. When you buy a new car you're not just paying more for depreciation, you're buying a comfort level that the car isn't hiding any surprises from previous owners. Some people will say it's not important, and that's fine for some people, but some people put a higher premium on reliability and certainty. That costs money, and depending on your priorities, that might make sense for you. Nothing wrong with that.
Again, this is something you'll pay a premium for. But it's how I think about it.
Analyst-man@reddit (OP)
That’s how I’m thinking about it. You pay for peace of mind. Just need to decide how much I wanna pay
SailingSpark@reddit
I am going to say stay away from Hyundai/Kia. Believe it or not, your experiences are worse than the last two vehicles I have bought. I bought used a 2003 Land Rover Discovery and a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. While I did buy the Landy knowing it would need a new engine, both vehicles have been as reliable as gravity once that issue was taken care of.
Today the Landy has 135,000 miles on it and is my daily driver.. even if 13mpg is making me rethink that.
the Fiat has 31,000 miles on it and is my play car.
Pup111290@reddit
It highly depends, but personally it's definitely worth it for new cars. I pretty much buy 25+ year old cars and spend much less a month in maintenance than what a car payment would cost. However if you aren't someone who can/wants to do their own maintenance then it can quickly become more expensive to own an older car than a new one
Proof_Bathroom_3902@reddit
Well when you buy Kias and Hyundais used you get all the baggage that go with them.
Those cars are made to be pretty good off the lot, make it past the warranty, and get traded in to be someone else's problems.
Robbudge@reddit
Now I have always had a used car until just and I think depends on what your shopping for and what you need.
My requirement are simple ‘Room’ my wife is 6’5”, ‘Economy’ 1400km to our cottage each way. ‘Reliability’ 1400km each way.
We had 2 maybe 3 used cars constant issues. You can’t be loosing a quart of oil every 750km when you’re driving that far.
We were starting to now shop in the 20k range.
I did a quick search and found I could buy a New car for 30k ?????
Me and the wife went looking.
We found a 2024 Kona (brand new at the time) that we both had room for 28k.
Put the 20k used money down.
Financed the balance.
So in my case questionable used for 20 or new with Warranty for 30k.
Yes we got the extended warranty that we have now exceed but generally it has been solid
ZimaGotchi@reddit
Buy a 2 year old off lease low mileage car from the dealership if literally all you want is to avoid the huge initial depreciation - but do your homework on exactly what you want. Don't just buy whatever's in front of you.
Cultural-Guard7964@reddit
It depends on the vehicle, some require more maintenence than others. Kia and Hyundai are cheap cars.