Thoughts on buying used cars.

[89911]

Currently, I have 3 vehicles. An 89 911, 2002 X5, and 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan. I have 3 kids with one more on the way which is making my X5 too small to move my family and the one or two odd friends that need a ride. I also tow with my X5 a Tailex trailer and my 911 to DE's. I just looked at a brand new 2007 Lexus LS:



If your like me, you wouldn't look twice at a Lexus unless your a retiring Cardiologist that just want dependable transportation. Think again. I was in the car yesterday and it really looks sweet. Nice update. The downside is that it is really only a 4 passanger vehicle with a large trannsmission hump making the middle rear seat useless. Oh, and its $80,000 dollars also.

The search goes on. I've looked at Audi Q7's, MB's, BMw X5's, all with little interest in driving another SUV. My next line of thought is that I'll buy 2 vehicles. First a used, dependable, SUV that I can tow, haul my family and the odd large object or two. I've narrowed it down to a Toyota Sequoia. Seems to get great dependablility ratings. They've been making them since 2001 also so some could be had for the high teens if you care. This truely will be a car that I will buy out right and then just run it into the ground. With that out of the way, I can then buy the 4 Door Sedan I really want. Doesn't have to be the size and expense of the LS. Doesn't really even have to be new either. What do others like? I'm thinking BMW 5 series as a guide to size and price. The only real criteria is that it is 4 doors, 5 passenger, and performs and handles well enough that I don't miss my 911 every time I drive it.

As always, opinions here are welcomed. One other question. When buying a dependable used car like a Toyota, is it better to go with a higher milage "newer" car or one that is a few years "older".

[1973911s]

I love the new Lexus LS,

[89911]

Bueller.......

[Dottore]

Originally posted by 89911


The only real criteria is that it is 4 doors, 5 passenger, and performs and handles well enough that I don't miss my 911 every time I drive it.

Take a Chrysler 300C SRT8 for a drive. It's a relatively inexpensive way to meet those requirements and it will put a huge grin on your face.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally posted by Dottore
Take a Chrysler 300C SRT8 for a drive. It's a relatively inexpensive way to meet those requirements and it will put a huge grin on your face.

If you don't mind the fact that they look like ghetto @ss and are made by Chrysler.

Sorry but it had to be said!

[Porsche virgin]

How about the Infiniti M35/M45? A step up from the G35 sedan and should be reasonably sporty. I admit I've never driven one, though.

Just a thought.

[Big Ed]

I've been happier choosing older model year vehicles withg low miles. It seems valuation is driven more by age than mileage. Newer, but higher mileage vehicles have always (for me, anyway) required more maintenance. And, it seems that the low miles cars have newer looking interiors, from less @ss time.

Example of the former: my wife's current car is a 2001 BMW 325xi. Bought last March with (get this) 18,000 miles on it for $21,000. 10 months later it still looks and drives like a brand new car, and has had no maintenance except oil changes. For that price, another choice was a road warrior '04 with 100K miles. I think the low miles car is a better deal.

[911boost]

+1 on the M45 (the M35 is a 6 cyl and you don't want that). A M45 won a comparison test a couple of years ago in C&D, and they really liked it. PLus you get the reliability of a Nissan. I have never owned one or anything, just thought they were cool.

I agree with your plan on the SUV. I have an older Tahoe that does not get driven unless the weather is poor, and it is my tow vehicle as well. I have 70,000 miles on it and have never had a problem with it. Don't overlook the Tahoe/Yukon's, I think they are a great val;ue right now, just make sure you get the 5.3L motor. Mine tows my camper and my dirt bike trailer behind my camper, just fine at Colorado altitudes.

Bill

[sketchers356]

Driving a 300C has less steering feel then driving a 911 without your arms.

[89911]

Originally posted by sketchers356
Driving a 300C has less steering feel then driving a 911 without your arms.

Funny. Yes, its all about how the car feels. Main reason I'm buying a SUV for needed tasks. I'd say the leading contenders are Audi, BMW, and Lexus. Maybe Acura? I'm really unfamiliar with Audi's of the last few years, but don't they make some A4's and A6's with some serious power? I have heard nightmares of the reliability with these so that is a factor.

The BMW 545i SMG:



Audi A6 4.2 Quattro:

[MRM]

If you are buying a Toyota or Honda, you are often times better off buying new because they are so desirable as low milage used cars that the used prices rival what you can get the car new for.

That being said, look at the new Avalon. 0-60 in 5 flat. It's faster than the 300C and it's a Toyota. So, that's kind of like saying it's a Buick that won't need any work on it for 150,000 miles, but it is a reliable car that does 0-60 in five seconds and will haul your family around.

My wife and I drive Camrys (Camri) and love them. The money we save driving them pays for my 911 and will pay for my new one when I buy it.

[bigchillcar]

5 seconds flat?? an avalon?? my mom has a '96 avalon that i replaced the starter in this weekend. obviously things have evolved..lol.

[Big Ed]

Avalon: 3500 lbs propelled by 268hp...I find 5 seconds a little hard to believe unless falling off the side of a cliff.

[bigchillcar]

lol..ed.

[Rick Lee]

My boss has a 2005 Avalon and I drive it all the time. It is very peppy. But better yet, it has a super turn radius. I always thought BMW's had great turn radii, but the Avalon rivals one of those Iveco trucks. You can do a quick u-turn on a very narrow street.

[89911]

Thanks so far. While I'm sure the Avalon is a great, reliable car, I'm clearing my needs so I can get a car that would be a 4 door 911 substitute. I'm not sure if Toyota (even with it's 5 sec. 0-60 ) qualifies. Practical yes, exciting, no. Thanks so far.