Buy a used car that owner kept for only 5 months?

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Mykl

I found a 2003 Camry that appears to be in excellent condition for about $6000. We'll have a look at it tomorrow and if looks/drives as good in person as it looks in pictures, we can take that route.


The early 2.4L Camrys of that generation had issues with the head bolts. The threads would crumble and cause coolant leaks. The only fix would be to put time-serts into those holes or an updated block. I would avoid.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/104-5t...head-bolts.html

 

[Mykl]

Yeah, I just found that issue with that vintage Camry doing some research on the car. That's a shame.

I joked with the wife that at this rate we might end up in a Crown Vic or a Grand Marquis.....

 

[edhackett]

See if you can find a 2007-2009 Mazda 3 to check out. The 2.3 is a real driver's car.

Ed

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: edhackett
See if you can find a 2007-2009 Mazda 3 to check out. The 2.3 is a real driver's car.

Ed


Yeah... I'm personally beginning to consider bringing compact cars into the mix.

I'm a big fan of that particular generation of Mazda 3, and I think the Honda Civic is about to enter consideration as well. Used, they're both cheap enough that they can be treated as nearly disposable.

The issue with the engine in the 2003 Camry really is sad. I was surprised when I discovered it... never would have thought that something like that would be an issue on such a mass produced Toyota engine.

 

[The Critic]

You can look at the 1MZ-FE Camrys - those are solid engines as long as they have been maintained. There is a timing belt, but it only requires replacement every 90k.

The 2006-09 Civics also have block porosity/cracking issues, but Honda is offering a very generous warranty extension:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/honda-is-extending-my-civic-warranty.210799/

I am not too familiar with the Mazda 3s of that generation, but their fuel economy on the 2.3 version is rather uncompetitive.

 

[hattaresguy]

I'm shocked by how many people burn money playing musical vehicles with used cars. When I was looking for a used car for my sister awhile back I was amazed at how many people only owned a vehicle for a few months.

Feel the seller out, see what his story is. If he is a part time used car flipper pass, ask him where he bought it.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
I'm shocked by how many people burn money playing musical vehicles with used cars.


If you're burning money flipping cars you're doing it wrong.

Where's geartoolhead?

 

[hattaresguy]

After reading this thread why do you need a third car? Why not keep the two in your signature?

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
You can look at the 1MZ-FE Camrys - those are solid engines as long as they have been maintained. There is a timing belt, but it only requires replacement every 90k.

The 2006-09 Civics also have block porosity/cracking issues, but Honda is offering a very generous warranty extension:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/honda-is-extending-my-civic-warranty.210799/

I am not too familiar with the Mazda 3s of that generation, but their fuel economy on the 2.3 version is rather uncompetitive.


Good point regarding the Mazda 3. Fuel economy is something to consider, but right now I'm placing a higher premium on long term durability and reliability.

That is good to know about the Civic. I'll do a bit more research on them and see what I can come up with.

I keep coming back around to the convenience of a brand new car, and not having to deal with all this other stuff. In the end it makes sense as long as we can devote ourselves to the vehicle for 200,000 miles or more. But the lesson I've learned with the GTI, which I had intended to keep for that long, is that certain life events force big changes in priorities when it comes to vehicle purchases. I'm afraid that I'll get bitten twice here... buy a brand new car and then dump it at the worst possible time in its depreciation curve.

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
I'm shocked by how many people burn money playing musical vehicles with used cars. When I was looking for a used car for my sister awhile back I was amazed at how many people only owned a vehicle for a few months.

Feel the seller out, see what his story is. If he is a part time used car flipper pass, ask him where he bought it.


I know, right? The guy probably dropped nearly $1000 just on sales tax for the purchase of a vehicle that he's immediately trying to dump. Never mind the brand new tires he put on it....

Unfortunately the car that inspired the thread has become a non-option. It actually turned out to be a very nice looking vehicle, but my wife finds it painful to ride in. Maybe some day in the future I could buy an Accord as a "daddy-mobile." I found that it was surprisingly enjoyable to drive.

 

[SatinSilver]

Check out www.carcomplaints.com on some of the choices. I guess I'll go back to a 3 year old Camry with less than 15k miles for $14k plus tax, misc fees. Oh and certified up to 100k miles. Not perfect but a nice choice. I had a 99 accord for 10 years and liked it. Plus I'm on an Accord forum daily so I do like them. I just hear about their issues on a regular basis. So I'm probably a little biased.

I have an 05 Matrix, Dad a 2012 Camry, brother a 2014 Camry who just donated a mint 93 Camry to charity.

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Check out www.carcomplaints.com on some of the choices. I guess I'll go back to a 3 year old Camry with less than 15k miles for $14k plus tax, misc fees. Oh and certified up to 100k miles. Not perfect but a nice choice. I had a 99 accord for 10 years and liked it. Plus I'm on an Accord forum daily so I do like them. I just hear about their issues on a regular basis. So I'm probably a little biased.

I have an 05 Matrix, Dad a 2012 Camry, brother a 2014 Camry who just donated a mint 93 Camry to charity.


We keep coming right back around to that particular generation (2007-2012) Camry. As far as I can tell it is, if nothing else, an exceptionally reliable and durable car that offers an acceptable level of comfort. The worst trend I seem to be able to find concerning how these cars hold up would be some early transmission issues which mostly seemed to revolve around the V-6 model.

I just have to find the right one in the $8k to $12k range. I've found a decent dealership here in town that moves them pretty fast for just slightly higher than what I would consider to be a reasonable price with a sales team that is actually pleasant to deal with. If we found the right one perhaps some negotiation could get it in line with the value of the car.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: Mykl


Good point regarding the Mazda 3. Fuel economy is something to consider, but right now I'm placing a higher premium on long term durability and reliability.

That is good to know about the Civic. I'll do a bit more research on them and see what I can come up with.


The 2.0L Mazda 3i version gets really good fuel economy. I'm extremely happy with mine and at 110k miles I had to change the thermostat, an engine mount, busted due to pothole and tensioner pulley. It's a very underrated car with a nice drivetrain.

 

[antiqueshell]

Unfortunately I think in your situation you have to make some pretty significant compromises. You should seriously consider a compact car.

You seem to be interested in minimizing your hassles with repairs and such, that would direct you towards a new vehicle because at least you know when you spend your money everything will be covered.

Why not look at the Nissan Versa or Nissan Sentra.

The Versa sedan has plenty of room is a reasonably compfortable ride and has that new car warranty. I think they start at just 12k. Another option is the Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio both as very nice have generous warranties and can be had for less than 14 grand if you bargin.

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: antiqueshell
Unfortunately I think in your situation you have to make some pretty significant compromises. You should seriously consider a compact car.

You seem to be interested in minimizing your hassles with repairs and such, that would direct you towards a new vehicle because at least you know when you spend your money everything will be covered.

Why not look at the Nissan Versa or Nissan Sentra.

The Versa sedan has plenty of room is a reasonably compfortable ride and has that new car warranty. I think they start at just 12k. Another option is the Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio both as very nice have generous warranties and can be had for less than 14 grand if you bargin.


Yeah, you are right. Although what's funny about the Versa is that when we were at the Nissan dealership I noted that there was one sitting next to the Altima we looked at.... and it was the same price.

I'm not opposed to going and looking at smaller, less expensive, newer cars. But traditionally it seems as though one of the places this segment skimps is in the seat department. I'd be happy to be pleasantly surprised though.

One other car that popped up on the radar was the Chevy Cruze. I've heard good things about those all around. There's also at least one brand new 2013 Chrysler 200 w/Pentastar lingering in town for a very attractive price (which I would completely prefer over a Versa or Accent), so we may go have a look at that next weekend. If she found that comfortable I'm sure I'd at least find some enjoyment in the extra horsepower if nothing else.

The main reason I keep swinging back to the late model Camry is because I know my wife thinks they're comfortable and I don't think it's very risky from a reliability standpoint.

 

[99Saturn]

OP - noticed you mentioned the Cruze - I was going to mention one before but my impression was you were set on something bigger.

Seems like you are looking hard now but not sure if you can wait a few months, the rebates picked up last year probably in April, if that matters. If you didn't know already, big differences before the 1.8 (LS) and the 1.4 (LT and up).

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: 99Saturn
OP - noticed you mentioned the Cruze - I was going to mention one before but my impression was you were set on something bigger.

Seems like you are looking hard now but not sure if you can wait a few months, the rebates picked up last year probably in April, if that matters. If you didn't know already, big differences before the 1.8 (LS) and the 1.4 (LT and up).


Honestly, my mind is open to pretty much anything at this point. I don't know if I mentioned it in this thread or not, but the combination of severe fibromyalgia and mild scoliosis make purchasing her primary vehicle to be a little more tricky than it otherwise would be.

So I place finding comfort for her above all else, but in a near second place is that mechanical reliability/durability that would make owning it easier.

As I'm told, the Cruze is a decent car to drive and I'm told is surprisingly comfortable. So maybe it's time to hunt down one of those. I have no reason to believe that it wouldn't hold up over the long term.

Thankfully we're not in a position where we need to rush. Her Scion is still going strong at 208k miles and it's showing no signs of quitting any time soon.

 

[k24a4]

Have you considered a 4cyl seventh generation Accord, 2003-2007? Thrifty on gas, reliable, easy to work on, 5 speed auto....Many think the 8th gen was a downgrade from the 7th.

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: k24a4
Have you considered a 4cyl seventh generation Accord, 2003-2007? Thrifty on gas, reliable, easy to work on, 5 speed auto....Many think the 8th gen was a downgrade from the 7th.


Yeah, I do like those a lot, and they seem to be a pretty fair value if you find a decent one. If we come across one in the condition I'm seeking we'll certainly take it for a spin, but my concern is that my wife will have the same issue with it as the 2008.

 

[Mykl]

We found our car. 2007 Camry XLE V-6 with 93k miles in very good condition for $12k. I'm not sure what is standard on the XLE model, but this one has leather, auto/dual-climate control, moon-roof, keyless entry/start; I'm pretty sure it's loaded with everything but nav.

After all the searching we've done in our market I feel like this was the best deal we were likely to get. I'm actually a little surprised that we got it for that cheap from a dealership because most of them want more than that for the I-4 model.

CARFAX records showed a nearly complete service history and my inspection revealed nothing alarming. No overspray or misaligned panels, paint is decent, interior is almost spotless, it drove straight and the steering wheel was aligned properly, no flares or hunting from the transmission, and the engine did exactly what you expect it to.

On research the biggest issue I was able to find regarding the '07 V-6 Camry was that some of them had transmission problems. The car was the right price in the right condition with enough evidence that showed that the car had lead a good life so I felt like it was worth rolling the dice over.

 

[Vikas]

does it come with any warranty from the dealer?