SUVs Not To Buy. Vehicles With The Worst Depreciation.

[bobdeb]

This should be interesting...

We bought a new SUV 4 years. It's little used with low mileage. Got great reviews and is a blast to drive. Exceptional vehicle.

We recently also purchased a used 2019 larger SUV for general use. It's my honey.

Ok, prior to this last purchase we did a lot of research and watched a pile of entertaining youtube videos. Some of them were quite surprising. Such as, I've owned 3 BMWs in the past but i would never buy another one now. Horrible depreciation and very bad reliability. Things have changed over time. You dad's trusty family (blank) is now a lemon. That sporty car is a money pit. Augh... the pain.

Now if your jus putting around in TV and you don't mind depreciation it might not an issue. Otherwise it's buyer beware and be prepared with costly repairs.

I won't get into other vehicles that were noted as it becomes somewhat controversial, but facts are facts. And I see these bad boys all around in TV.

As John Adam's famously stated, "Facts are stubborn things."

Yeah, I know, you think all youtube stuff is baloney. But I don't see these guys selling anything here... except some preemptive vehicle ads.

Watch them before you decide.

Worst SUVs to buy
SUVs only stupid people buy
Vehicles with the worst depreciation

You get the idea. I'm just the messenger here. Not selling anything. Be forewarned.

Don't believe these guys? Then do your own research. I did.

[manaboutown]

My BMW X5 xDrive 50i does 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds, rides and handles just as I like. I love it and do not care one whit about how it depreciates. Before the BMW I had a Porsche Cayenne S which rode a little hard for my tastes. Prior to buying the BMW I test drove both Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander vehicles which would of course have been better "investments" via less depreciation, more reliable and far less expensive to buy and operate but their performance was, well, blah...

[bobdeb]

My wife's 2016 Ford Escape blows the doors off my step son's 2020 BMW X series. But so what?

Meaning it's whatever gives you satisfaction.

[Mortal1]

Except for a few cases cars. are a terrible investment and anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves!

(NOTE THE "FEW CASES")

[manaboutown]

My wife's 2016 Ford Escape blows the doors off my step son's 2020 BMW X series. But so what?

Meaning it's whatever gives you satisfaction.

Yes, and what one's needs are. My brother drives all over Arizona racking up 20,000+ miles per year. He went with the Lexus RX 450h which suits his needs.

[bobdeb]

Except for a few cases cars. are a terrible investment and anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves!

(NOTE THE "FEW CASES")


Absolutely correct. However, some are far worse investments than others.

I haven't always made the best choices of vehicles in my life (Remembering my red '65 MGB for driving up north, and my Ex wanted an AMC Pacer. They're both gone now...) but I'm more sensible now, and arguably more boring... lol

I'd probably want that MGB back now though...

[DeanFL]

.
.
We bought a Mercedes GLA AMG 4 years ago - new. A 'compact' Crossover SUV. Runs perfect and has only 27K miles. Like the car we traded in (2010 Prius) - this will be our 'last new car'.

I love to research autos and interested in Battery Electric Vehicles. Followed the 2021 Mustang Mach-E thru development. Was just released a couple months ago - will compete with Tesla. Very impressive vehicle, and I would definitely consider getting one, but the 'angel on my shoulder' whispers... "that's stupid!".

Our MB is wonderful and fits our needs and lifestyle perfectly fine. To go NEW again, with the sales tax, dealers fees, depreciation all over again would be STUPID. And with our daily driving, EVs would not have an impact at all.

That 'devil on the shoulder' better stay quiet...
.
.

[bobdeb]

I read somewhere recently about a guy who routinely had his Tundra serviced at a dealer and when he hit one million miles on it they gave him a new Tundra. They kept the old one for marketing purposes. Very smart.

I've had three Ford F150s. Loved them all and drove them up and down the east coast but never had that kind of mileage. Still like the Fords.

I'm sorry but GM, Chevys and Dodges are not what they used to be. I'm not making that up. Do your homework.

Buy a Toyota Tunda or a Ford F150.

[kkingston57]

I bet depreciation in The Villages is HIGH based upon miles driven! Have 2 cars and driven them less than 5K miles(both cars) after moving here 6 months ago.

[tophcfa]

Stick with Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. Nothing else will hold it's value as well as any of those make SUV's.

[billethkid]

I buy what I like and have no interest hat the dollar value is at any given time.
And when I am in the buy mode, what it will be worth 'X' years down the road has never entered the equation.

As with so many issues...to each his/her own.

[bobdeb]

A sales person's dream.

[manaboutown]

I buy what I like and have no interest hat the dollar value is at any given time.
And when I am in the buy mode, what it will be worth 'X' years down the road has never entered the equation.

As with so many issues...to each his/her own.

Oh, price and depreciation mattered greatly to me throughout most of my life. I bought and sold many older cars during high school and college and made money on every one of them including a 1955 XK 140 . When I started my professional working life after college I had a rule: buy used, 2 -3 years old, low mileage, pay cash and no more than 15% of my gross salary. That worked well and helped me live well below my means and invest. My favorite car ever was purchased under these terms, $2,000 for a car with a $6,000+ sticker price (if I remember correctly). It was a very, very low mileage 1967 Camaro RS/SS convertible with the L-78 375 HP 396, solid lifters, four bolt main bearings, a huge Holley, 4-speed, 4:10 positraction rear end. Should have kept it but I moved to Rochester, NY where the salt on the roads rusted it out. What a terrible loss! (In 1967, a Camaro RS/SS convertible with a 396 engine paced the Indianapolis 500.)

After a few years I moved up to new cars. The best new car buy was a '79 L82 Corvette which I kept seven years and sold for only $600 less than I paid for it new. Having a family at one point meant a 1983 GMC diesel conversion van upon which we put a zillion miles. It ended up in Alaska. I suppose I have enjoyed most of my vehicles over the years. To many folks their vehicle is just transportation from point A to point B but to some of us enjoying the journey in a vehicle we love driving matters and we are willing to pay the price.

[bobdeb]

Oh, price and depreciation mattered greatly to me throughout most of my life. I bought and sold many older cars during high school and college and made money on every one of them including a 1955 XK 140 . When I started my professional working life after college I had a rule: buy used, 2 -3 years old, low mileage, pay cash and no more than 15% of my gross salary. That worked well and helped me live well below my means and invest. My favorite car ever was purchased under these terms, $2,000 for a car with a $6,000+ sticker price (if I remember correctly). It was a very, very low mileage 1967 Camaro RS/SS convertible with the L-78 375 HP 396, solid lifters, four bolt main bearings, a huge Holley, 4-speed, 4:10 positraction rear end. Should have kept it but I moved to Rochester, NY where the salt on the roads rusted it out.

Omg, what a sweet ride...

[banjobob]

Especially the new of the showroom models, OK if you keep it ten years if you trade any more often costs a lot. But some aren’t concerned of the amount of money lost on the vehicle. Best hot rod SUV in my opinion is turbo Ford Explorer.

[amexsbow]

All the talk about cars has brought back some great memories. I have had everything from a Renault to an MGTF, Corvette to an Odyssey. I have to say the Odyssey has been my favorite for the last 20 years. I am on my third one and since we do a lot of driving to visit family in 3 different states, it is the best. Plenty of power and cruises at 80 like a dream(Texas). Handy for hauling and best service of any vehicle I have owned. Never uses a drop of oil between oil changes and my dealer changes oil for free. He has lost a lot of money on me since I keep my cars for at least 8 years.

[DIver0258]

Anything with a title depreciates. I cannot speak for others but we purchase what we like and suits our needs. We do a bit of research about reliability, fuel economy, etc... We are spoiled and like bells and whistles. When my bride owned her business there were certain autos that wouldn't fit the bill. When you operate a cleaning service you can't show up in a Mercedes or a Caddy. I know we had customers quit when they saw our boat. "Oh my we are paying you too much"... My dear ole pappy said he never saw a brinks truck in the funeral procession. Retired my best half can drive what she wants...I encourage others to do the same. My buddy Joe has a vette. I don't want to even consider climbing down in and out of one. But he loves it more power to him. We are spending the kids inheritance the way we see fit. As soon as we sell the boat and no longer need my truck I'm going for a Dodge Demon!

[Bay Kid]

My BMW X5 xDrive 50i does 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds, rides and handles just as I like. I love it and do not care one whit about how it depreciates. Before the BMW I had a Porsche Cayenne S which rode a little hard for my tastes. Prior to buying the BMW I test drove both Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander vehicles which would of course have been better "investments" via less depreciation, more reliable and far less expensive to buy and operate but their performance was, well, blah...

My daughter bought the X7 BMW. What a great vehicle. So much fun to drive. Rides like a dream. Most comfortable seats ever. Liked it so much I just bought a 550i BMW. Best driving car ever.

[bowlingal]

Subaru is the best! woop de doo !

[fcgiii]

We bought a RAV4 5 years ago expecting our 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan to die. The left siding door wouldn't open, heated seats didn't heat, windshield washer wouldn't wash. Driver's seat ripped and patched with Duct tape. But the damn thing woudn't quit. Sold it at 240,000 miles for $1700 to CarMax before bringing our RAV4 and 1995 Miata here on the autotrain.

First car was a Red 1965 MGB. Fun to drive and all but a maintenance nightmare. Had to diddle with the distributor and balance the carburators constantly. Sold it at 25,000 miles to a red bearded hippie and the clutch was ready to go. He complained about it and I told him it's a sports car, fool. That's how these clutches are. Spun it out 3 times.

My 1995 Miata is a much better car, though it's beginnng to rust out.

Love the RAV4 hybrid. Continuously variable transmission is cool, and it gets 34 mpg. Stomp on the accelerator and the electric motors kick in with the gas engine and it really takes off.

Never will understand why US car makers can't make reliable cars. My Sienna was built in Tennessee.

[GOLFER54]

Cars are like music, every one has different tastes. Choose what you can afford, what you like; most depreciate, and drive safely 😀

[tsmall22204]

You talk in circles or you just plain don't know what you are talking about.

[Girlcopper]

Stick with Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. Nothing else will hold it's value as well as any of those make SUV's.
Very true. Especially Honda

[toeser]

I just don't know who has the time or patience to sit in a car dealer's waiting room for endless repairs. Any car I buy has to score high with Consumer Reports, J.D. Powers, Edmunds, etc. Many German cars have slipped badly for reliability.

This approach has paid off large. I change oil every 10,000 miles and have had to do little else with my cars.

[toeser]

Very true. Especially Honda

I would add Subaru.

[DAVES]

This should be interesting...

We bought a new SUV 4 years. It's little used with low mileage. Got great reviews and is a blast to drive. Exceptional vehicle.

We recently also purchased a used 2019 larger SUV for general use. It's my honey.

Ok, prior to this last purchase we did a lot of research and watched a pile of entertaining youtube videos. Some of them were quite surprising. Such as, I've owned 3 BMWs in the past but i would never buy another one now. Horrible depreciation and very bad reliability. Things have changed over time. You dad's trusty family (blank) is now a lemon. That sporty car is a money pit. Augh... the pain.

Now if your jus putting around in TV and you don't mind depreciation it might not an issue. Otherwise it's buyer beware and be prepared with costly repairs.

I won't get into other vehicles that were noted as it becomes somewhat controversial, but facts are facts. And I see these bad boys all around in TV.

As John Adam's famously stated, "Facts are stubborn things."

Yeah, I know, you think all youtube stuff is baloney. But I don't see these guys selling anything here... except some preemptive vehicle ads.

Watch them before you decide.

Worst SUVs to buy
SUVs only stupid people buy
Vehicles with the worst depreciation

You get the idea. I'm just the messenger here. Not selling anything. Be forewarned.

Don't believe these guys? Then do your own research. I did.


What is the point? As far as SUVs and high depreciation. Very simple buy it used and let the first owner pay the depreciation.

We drive far less than we used to. As happened in the many rises in gasoline prices over the years, I expect prices on gas guzzlers have dropped quite a bit and you can get a great deal on a used one.

[DAVES]

I just don't know who has the time or patience to sit in a car dealer's waiting room for endless repairs. Any car I buy has to score high with Consumer Reports, J.D. Powers, Edmunds, etc. Many German cars have slipped badly for reliability.

This approach has paid off large. I change oil every 10,000 miles and have had to do little else with my cars.

Consumer Reports. Many years ago, I bought a Renault Alliance. It won car of the year in Consumers reports. The next year they caned it. Aside, the issue with the car was just the engine and the transmission. Fact, but teasing a bit. I bought mine with a bigger more reliable engine and a standard transmission. For me the car was great. It would deliver 40 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. I even towed a boat with mine. Chrysler took over Renault. I knew I was in trouble when all the repair guys wanted to look at my car. Perhaps, the only one they had ever seen that went over 100,000 miles.

Towing a heavy boat with a small car with a standard shift and front wheel drive going up a boat ramp. I've not driven a standard shift in years. I doubt I could do it today.

[Merrills]

Never owned a foreign name brand car ALWAYS BUY AMERICAN

[J1ceasar]

Most of you will probably not buy another car unless you're the type that likes to visit the grandchild once a month and drive a few thousand miles. Pretty much all cars depreciate 30 to 50% within 3 to 5 years. Not only that but you're paying about $3,000 I bet in state sales tax and probably $500 to $900 in a fake dealer fee so automatically you gave up $4,000 the minute you walked off the floor with the car. Yes some cars depreciate maybe 10% more than other cars but pretty much that's it, if financial matters do you more than whether you enjoy the car then you should take an Uber for the amount of Miles most people drive around here.

If you're a smart cookie, then you look around and buy a 2-3 year old car and save about 10 to 20 thousand dollars off the original list.
My last car I bought was 3 years old and yes $15,000 compared to the $30,000 list price with only 15,000 miles. Since my wife puts on maybe 4,000 miles a year this car will probably last her until the funeral or the state takes away her license.

My car I bought a Big 5 years ago the same way and it has a grand total of 48,000 Miles . I don't smoke but if it had ashtrays, I would not trade it in as well I've done to it is change your batteries and buy tires. It has depreciated a random amount of $1,200 per year. It saves me at least $3,000 in interest payments and alone. Yes I am matching to trade it in as there are some cars that have a few more safety features but I'm not doing as much driving as I used to either and it has airbags and abs and I have not won the lottery to buy a new car for $40 or $50,000 like some of you Richer seniors

[DAVES]

Absolutely correct. However, some are far worse investments than others.

I haven't always made the best choices of vehicles in my life (Remembering my red '65 MGB for driving up north, and my Ex wanted an AMC Pacer. They're both gone now...) but I'm more sensible now, and arguably more boring... lol

I'd probably want that MGB back now though...

MGB-I had a well used Triumph GT6. Basically a TR6 engine rammed into a Spitfire.
The whole front of the car would lift up making it easy to service. A needed feature as I don't think I ever drove more than 300 miles without a repair.

Up north, in the snow. I knocked the muffler off so many times that I left it off.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

My son was an auto mechanic for many years. He's now a subway train mechanic of the Boston subway system (MBTA).

After working on hundreds of cars of different makes and models for several years, it was his opinion that BMWs and Audis were over priced junk. In his opinion, Toyota and Honda make the best cars on the market today. The best US made cars, Ford.

[tvbound]

As many have mentioned, from a financial perspective anyway, buying a low mileage vehicle that is a couple of years old is by far the smartest move. Not only has it taken the largest hit on depreciation in those first few years, but it will also have established a record on reliability that can be researched. The popularity of SUV's has had a detrimental effect on my favorite class of vehicles, that being the 4-door sports sedans (especially those where you 'row your own'). A number of manufacturers have dropped lines of sedans in favor of SUV's and crossovers in the last few years and even the ones left, have limited choices for manuals. While many modern dual-clutch automatic gearboxes are better than modern manual gearboxes, to me there's still nothing more satisfying than the perfect rev-matched downshift with a manual, so count me as a dues-paying member of the - "Save The Manuals Club."

[taruffi57]

What???

[Petersweeney]

I read somewhere recently about a guy who routinely had his Tundra serviced at a dealer and when he hit one million miles on it they gave him a new Tundra. They kept the old one for marketing purposes. Very smart.

I've had three Ford F150s. Loved them all and drove them up and down the east coast but never had that kind of mileage. Still like the Fords.

I'm sorry but GM, Chevys and Dodges are not what they used to be. I'm not making that up. Do your homework.

Buy a Toyota Tunda or a Ford F150.

Purchased a 2020 Silverado brand new “Custom” one step up from basic model /Costco 1000 off plus 7000 dealer promo 30k all in luv it!

FORD = fix or repair daily

[bobdeb]

Fords keep getting better. GM and Chevys keep getting worse. Not just my opinion. It's all out there and you just gotta let it in.

Had 3 BMWs. Loved driving them. Trans and engines hummed along. Electronics were continually failing and expensive to repair. Again, don't buy new and be prepared to pour tons of money into them as they age.

VWs = fun to drive. Horrible depreciation and cost of ownership. Step son had a Tiguan which was horrible for repairs. Typical now. I had a bug back when I commuted to Boston. Was bullet proof. Those VW days are gone.

Chevy and Ford owners are like the Hatfields and McCoys. Except one of them is on that river in Egypt.

[bobdeb]

Back up noth the airwaves are flooded with Silverado ads. Not because they're a better truck, but because they have to advertise more than other brands simply to compete.

Chevy Equinox, Traverse and Silverados are all vehicles that are not recommended for purchase by any independent and reputable source.

[DaleDivine]

Never owned a foreign name brand car ALWAYS BUY AMERICAN

No such thing anymore. Most Fords and Chevys are manufactured in Mexico, Canada or South America.
Hondas and Toyotas are manufactured in USA.
:popcorn::popcorn:

[bobdeb]

No such thing anymore. Most Fords and Chevys are manufactured in Mexico, Canada or South America.
Hondas and Toyotas are manufactured in USA.
:popcorn::popcorn:

So true. And BMWs are built in South Carolina. So go figure.

[Aces4]

You talk in circles or you just plain don't know what you are talking about.

We certainly don’t know what you are talking about. You need to hit the quote button when referring to a certain post or your post has no teeth.:lipsrsealed:

[waynehal55]

I just don't know who has the time or patience to sit in a car dealer's waiting room for endless repairs. Any car I buy has to score high with Consumer Reports, J.D. Powers, Edmunds, etc. Many German cars have slipped badly for reliability.

This approach has paid off large. I change oil every 10,000 miles and have had to do little else with my cars.

I agree that's why I just bought a 2021 Mazda CX-5, my previous 4 cars were Acura Tl's. The quality of the Acura brand has dropped considerably in the last decade.

[jrzeis@tampabay.rr.com]

I read several articles a couple of years ago that said the thinking of the past was that if you wanted a fair return on trade-in plus reliability then purchase a luxury vehicle. That has all changed as the worst appreciation is now for luxury vehicles and the thinking has changed to put little emphasis on reliability and oriented towards cutting edge technology that you cannot get on lower end vehicles. The new thinking also goes that if you can afford to buy a higher end vehicle then you can afford to fix it. This also seems to be the on-going agreement among auto bloggers. If you have been paying attention, then you have probably noticed that the non luxury vehicle you can purchase today has most of the technology that was a test bed on luxury vehicles from three or four years ago. My conclusion is that only reason for buying a high end vehicle these days is because you think you want a so called status symbol and for those that always have to have the latest technology.

[Aces4]

I read several articles a couple of years ago that said the thinking of the past was that if you wanted a fair return on trade-in plus reliability then purchase a luxury vehicle. That has all changed as the worst appreciation is now for luxury vehicles and the thinking has changed to put little emphasis on reliability and oriented towards cutting edge technology that you cannot get on lower end vehicles. The new thinking also goes that if you can afford to buy a higher end vehicle then you can afford to fix it. This also seems to be the on-going agreement among auto bloggers. If you have been paying attention, then you have probably noticed that the non luxury vehicle you can purchase today has most of the technology that was a test bed on luxury vehicles from three or four years ago. My conclusion is that only reason for buying a high end vehicle these days is because you think you want a so called status symbol and for those that always have to have the latest technology.

Have you ever ridden in a high end vehicle vs a low end vehicle? Try it, your bones will thank you.:)

[jimjamuser]

Absolutely correct. However, some are far worse investments than others.

I haven't always made the best choices of vehicles in my life (Remembering my red '65 MGB for driving up north, and my Ex wanted an AMC Pacer. They're both gone now...) but I'm more sensible now, and arguably more boring... lol

I'd probably want that MGB back now though...
I would drive an AMC pacer around. It is such an unloved outlier that I find it "COOL"!

[JoelJohnson]

Stay away from Nissan, they are in trouble.

[Nucky]

The SUV that I took a beating on was in 2003. I almost had a bad outcome during a hospital stay in N.J. and when I got home my step son said why don't you buy that Hummer that you've been watching for a while.

Before you knew it it was in the driveway. As far as we can figure it was a 2003 H2. It had everything and MSRP was about $59,000 to the best of our memory. After three months I had enough already and started looking to get rid of my dream, gotta have it now, can't live without it another day vehicle.

It was a rough lesson but I probably made up the money I lost on that mistake on the vehicles I've bought since. My two favorites were a 2019 Ford Flex and a Ford Excursion Ultimate with a V-10. I have no figures to offer but feel like those two gave me pretty good bang for the buck.

I traded in the Hummer on a Mini Cooper. Go figure.

I own a 3-year-old $20,000 car now that will hopefully last me till the end of my life. All in all, I'd rather ride in our Golf Cart anytime.

Great subject OP. Brought back a lot of memories. Some good some bad. Thank You!!

[jimjamuser]

We bought a RAV4 5 years ago expecting our 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan to die. The left siding door wouldn't open, heated seats didn't heat, windshield washer wouldn't wash. Driver's seat ripped and patched with Duct tape. But the damn thing woudn't quit. Sold it at 240,000 miles for $1700 to CarMax before bringing our RAV4 and 1995 Miata here on the autotrain.

First car was a Red 1965 MGB. Fun to drive and all but a maintenance nightmare. Had to diddle with the distributor and balance the carburators constantly. Sold it at 25,000 miles to a red bearded hippie and the clutch was ready to go. He complained about it and I told him it's a sports car, fool. That's how these clutches are. Spun it out 3 times.

My 1995 Miata is a much better car, though it's beginnng to rust out.

Love the RAV4 hybrid. Continuously variable transmission is cool, and it gets 34 mpg. Stomp on the accelerator and the electric motors kick in with the gas engine and it really takes off.

Never will understand why US car makers can't make reliable cars. My Sienna was built in Tennessee.
Legend has it that all 3 American car makers made a decision about their 1970, 1980, and 1990 cars and trucks to design each part on them to fail after 3 years of wear. All designed to force trade-ins at the 3-year mark. Any part lasting more than 3 years on average was re-designed to be cheaper and less reliable.

[tvbound]

Legend has it that all 3 American car makers made a decision about their 1970, 1980, and 1990 cars and trucks to design each part on them to fail after 3 years of wear. All designed to force trade-ins at the 3-year mark. Any part lasting more than 3 years on average was re-designed to be cheaper and less reliable.

I think I will have to file that one in the same urban legend file of the 100 mile per gallon carburetor supposedly invented in the 70's, that would work on any gas or diesel engine. According to some versions of this false urban legend, this is what happened: 1. The inventor was assassinated by a hit man hired by the oil industry. 2. The oil industry bought the plans and patent for this non-existent carburetor, whereby they then destroyed the plans/drawings. 3. Various combinations of 1 & 2. :)

Along the same lines, here's another (much older) version.

Miracle Carburetor | Snopes.com (/fact-check/nobodys-fuel/)

[Bay Kid]

We bought a RAV4 5 years ago expecting our 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan to die. The left siding door wouldn't open, heated seats didn't heat, windshield washer wouldn't wash. Driver's seat ripped and patched with Duct tape. But the damn thing woudn't quit. Sold it at 240,000 miles for $1700 to CarMax before bringing our RAV4 and 1995 Miata here on the autotrain.

First car was a Red 1965 MGB. Fun to drive and all but a maintenance nightmare. Had to diddle with the distributor and balance the carburators constantly. Sold it at 25,000 miles to a red bearded hippie and the clutch was ready to go. He complained about it and I told him it's a sports car, fool. That's how these clutches are. Spun it out 3 times.

My 1995 Miata is a much better car, though it's beginnng to rust out.

Love the RAV4 hybrid. Continuously variable transmission is cool, and it gets 34 mpg. Stomp on the accelerator and the electric motors kick in with the gas engine and it really takes off.

Never will understand why US car makers can't make reliable cars. My Sienna was built in Tennessee.

I still have my '99 10th Anniversary Miata. Still after all these years so fun to drive.

[Topspinmo]

Legend has it that all 3 American car makers made a decision about their 1970, 1980, and 1990 cars and trucks to design each part on them to fail after 3 years of wear. All designed to force trade-ins at the 3-year mark. Any part lasting more than 3 years on average was re-designed to be cheaper and less reliable.

Legend in you’re mind.

[Topspinmo]

My son was an auto mechanic for many years. He's now a subway train mechanic of the Boston subway system (MBTA).

After working on hundreds of cars of different makes and models for several years, it was his opinion that BMWs and Audis were over priced junk. In his opinion, Toyota and Honda make the best cars on the market today. The best US made cars, Ford.

We’ll see how long the Honda 1.5L and 2.0 turbos last? Why they would quit making the the best engine in the world 2.5L VVT is beyond me. Ming gets 24/35 MPG. 9 years old and still runs like new, don’t leak drop, don’t use Oz of oil, don’t rattle, and rides like new.

[manaboutown]

My son was an auto mechanic for many years. He's now a subway train mechanic of the Boston subway system (MBTA).

After working on hundreds of cars of different makes and models for several years, it was his opinion that BMWs and Audis were over priced junk. In his opinion, Toyota and Honda make the best cars on the market today. The best US made cars, Ford.

I once had a 1986-1/2 Toyota Supra. It was an incredible car, drove like a dream and had very comfortable seats. Toyotas do last.

Driving I-10 and I-40 between CA and NM two or three times a year 20 -30 years ago on two separate occasions I saw terrible wrecks where Honda cars were literally cut in half. They appeared back in the 1980s and 1990s to be so fragile I would not consider buying one although their reliability and performance were good. I would like to survive an accident.

Although I am not sure I think it was Honda which at one time offered to supply the US with free vehicles for safety tests which offer was initially accepted. It was discovered the Japanese company had specially constructed the donated vehicles to perform well in crash tests, double welding floor pans and more. Afterwards the government agency then bought the vehicles to be tested randomly off car lots. Here is a more recent cheating from Suzuki. Suzuki is recalling 2 million cars in Japan after cheating on safety tests (https://www.businessinsider.co.za/suzuki-is-recalling-2-million-cars-after-cheating-on-safety-tests-2019-4)

[wereback]

Not sure if it will be good or bad but just bought a 2021 Buick Envision. I know is was made in China but what isn't and some of the newer things are quite superior to others. Looked at all the others and it seemed better. On a side note the sales person Blake Kelly at Phillip's Buick was by far the best of all the other ones I saw some salespeople made me feel I was taking up their time hope the car is good as the deal.

[jebartle]

My husband's favorite SUV was a Hummer, he has owned every car under the sun, I'm sure he would trade me in for another Hummer, he loved that car, sensible, not, but a man's love for his cars, never makes sense. I'm more a point A to point B girl.

[bobdeb]

If you're looking at an initially expensive used vehicle such as a Cadillac, Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, etc., and the sales price is dramatically lower than the original sales price, run and hide! It's not a good deal unless you absolutely got to have it and cost of ownership and time spent on repairs is of little concern.

These vehicles have depreciated dramatically because they are near or beyond their warranty and their reliability is suspect. Careful with drive chain warranties as they don't cover auxiliary components that are what actually go bad.

[bobdeb]

I would drive an AMC pacer around. It is such an unloved outlier that I find it "COOL"!


The AMC pacer. Quirky car for sure. I got stuck with it... augh.

However it was a tank. A guy blew through a stop sign and I T-boned his passenger side at about 25 mph. He told the policeman it was totally his fault due to sun blindness.

Thankfully he and I were both alone and no one hurt, but his car was a mess and the pacer had a couple of fender scuffs. Amazing.

[tvbound]

My husband's favorite SUV was a Hummer, he has owned every car under the sun, I'm sure he would trade me in for another Hummer, he loved that car, sensible, not, but a man's love for his cars, never makes sense. I'm more a point A to point B girl.

".....but a man's love for his cars, never makes sense."


With all of the cars I've owned in my life, so far, I've heard that same sentiment from my better half more than a few times. She was never fooled either, when I tried pointing out that my "hot-rod" - at least had 4 doors for hauling the kids. lol

[Garywt]

BMW is a vehicle that I would not buy along with a few others as I have my own opinions about them. My wife loves her Murano every day of the week. I will stick with my F350 though.

[Topspinmo]

I once had a 1986-1/2 Toyota Supra. It was an incredible car, drove like a dream and had very comfortable seats. Toyotas do last.

Driving I-10 and I-40 between CA and NM two or three times a year 20 -30 years ago on two separate occasions I saw terrible wrecks where Honda cars were literally cut in half. They appeared back in the 1980s and 1990s to be so fragile I would not consider buying one although their reliability and performance were good. I would like to survive an accident.

Although I am not sure I think it was Honda which at one time offered to supply the US with free vehicles for safety tests which offer was initially accepted. It was discovered the Japanese company had specially constructed the donated vehicles to perform well in crash tests, double welding floor pans and more. Afterwards the government agency then bought the vehicles to be tested randomly off car lots. Here is a more recent cheating from Suzuki. Suzuki is recalling 2 million cars in Japan after cheating on safety tests (https://www.businessinsider.co.za/suzuki-is-recalling-2-million-cars-after-cheating-on-safety-tests-2019-4)

Any unibody vehicle going crumple like tin can, they are designed to do so up to certain speed. Just cause you spend more don’t mean it will crumple less. Just look at recent Audi crash behind the square. Ripped the famed Germany car apart. All compact cars from 50’s on are and were death traps. Now shall we take bout VW cheating? Maybe we should try to name one manufacturer that didn’t cheat at one time or another?

[bobdeb]

I believe I read that both Audi and Volvo have also diminished in quality.

Remember when Volvo was like bullet proof back when?

I believe that Volvo is the official State Car of Vermont. Don't be surprised. Vermont has a State Frog and a State Turtle. I kid you not.

Rumor has it that they're leaning towards Birkenstock being the official State Sandal. Except you gotta wear socks with them cause, hey, it's cold up in Vermont.

They have a popular bumper sticker that reads, " Keep Vermont Weird". Dead serious.

[bobdeb]

I know, I know, we got a State Turtle too. And don't forget the Aligators.

Are Flip Flops far behind? How can you wear those thing?!

[DeanFL]

[QUOTE=wereback;1931675]Not sure if it will be good or bad but just bought a 2021 Buick Envision. I know is was made in China but what isn't and some of the newer things are quite superior to others. /QUOTE]
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wow. I tend to follow the automotive market pretty closely - but DID NOT know the Envision was made in CHINA! That said - unless parts etc were readily available in USA, I would not purchase a car made there (or even a golf cart). I know that China is a large importer of luxury American cars (lots of GMs), and no doubt have an agreement with GM to mfr some of their cars over there. No thank you. I have to buy enough stuff made in China - and that's were I draw the line.
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[Northwoods]

I want a car that runs. Reliability is very important to me. The last 2 cars I've had have been Honda's. I've been very happy. I have a CR-V and when I look at Car and Driver and other vehicle reviews, I'll probably buy another CR-V. It's so reliable.
I'm not thrilled buying a car where manufacturers' ownership isn't in the US. I could never buy a car that is manufactured in China. I just can't.

[Topspinmo]

I want a car that runs. Reliability is very important to me. The last 2 cars I've had have been Honda's. I've been very happy. I have a CR-V and when I look at Car and Driver and other vehicle reviews, I'll probably buy another CR-V. It's so reliable.
I'm not thrilled buying a car where manufacturers' ownership isn't in the US. I could never buy a car that is manufactured in China. I just can't.


Hard to find any vehicle now days that don’t have Chinese parts in them, Honda has parts plants in China, Volvo Chinese’s owned. I agree with late model Honda’s. 14’s and earlier. I’m on the fence with new 1.5/2.0 direct injection engine. Plus CVT transmission?