The wife and I were discussing new vehicles the other day . We're not really in the market yet but we were just kicking around ideas . Presently she drives a Mazda CX-9 which has actually been a good car . It seems like all of the old faithful makes and models have issues these days . Is there anything out there that isn't a problem waiting to happen ? Other than the Nissan CV transmissions that everyone seems to hate , engines seem to be a huge issue these days . From reading BITOG , I don't have a lot of faith in any of them anymore . Is that just an over reaction on my part ?
What new vehicle / engine is worth owning ?
- Thread starter nomas
- Start date
I was considering a Lexus IS350F, before they are discontinued. Port & DI injected, NA V6. Not very good mpg, but quite reliable. Problem, to me, they cost almost $50k, and the design is OLD. Old isn't exactly bad when it comes to reliability, though. Struggling to pull the trigger...
Propflux01
$100 Site Donor 2025
I think it's a bit overreaction. Keep in mind, that you don't see forums that do nothing but praise a vehicle or engine and never report a problem with them. You only see the forum posts that indicate the issues. Everyone has them. One might be 'reliable' in the sense that it 'doesn't have a turbo or GDI', etc., but gets ratty mileage, slow power instead, so in a sense you end up paying in the long run. The best you can do these days is pick out the 5 cars you really like the looks and features of, compare them all, and see which one you believe will make it to its built-in 'ten-year average lifespan' with the least amount of issues. Chances are, no matter which one you buy, you'll probably get there issue-free.
Patman
Staff member
It’s probably a little too small for a lot of families but the new Honda Civics are still available with the port injected 2.0L engine and that has been proven to be quite reliable and long lasting. The CVT that comes with them also has a great reputation too.
The Honda HR-V
2025 models are still port injection. However, DI is coming to the HRV for the 2026 model year. Fortunately, still no turbo.
Honda's CVT is excellent.
2025 models are still port injection. However, DI is coming to the HRV for the 2026 model year. Fortunately, still no turbo.
Honda's CVT is excellent.
2025 Silverado with 6.6 liter gas engine. Does have direct injection and VVT but no DFM. Cap says 5w30.
I'm kinda in the camp of "nothing"...
Maybe some of the EV's are fine. All cars are disposable. But many of the EV's are heavy and hard on tires. Toyota's hybrids come in a bit better I think. I wouldn't touch the minivan, the RAV4 has had problems, but the Camry, Corolla, Prius seem ok.
Best bet is to wait 5 to 10 years, then we'll know what was a good car for 2025 was.
Maybe some of the EV's are fine. All cars are disposable. But many of the EV's are heavy and hard on tires. Toyota's hybrids come in a bit better I think. I wouldn't touch the minivan, the RAV4 has had problems, but the Camry, Corolla, Prius seem ok.
Best bet is to wait 5 to 10 years, then we'll know what was a good car for 2025 was.
Patman
Staff member
Or look backwards to what cars were made between 5-10 years ago that are reliable and haven’t changed too drastically since then. There are probably more vehicles like that than you realize.
Gotta act fast, and find a 2024. The 2025 model year Civic dropped the old port injected engine.
Another thing that I would add with any modern car is that YOU HAVE TO DO THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE!
I see too many cars nowadays that have problems that could have been prevented with reasonable care and maintenance.
Change the oil at half the recommended mileage intervals, change the coolant every 3 years or sooner, clean the car appropriately including flushing road debris off the underbody, and wipe down the interior door sills, and door frames each time you wash the car.
Clean and treat the paint at least once per year to a coat of some kind of polish and protecterant.
Ok, I am stepping down from my soap box now......LOL.
I see too many cars nowadays that have problems that could have been prevented with reasonable care and maintenance.
Change the oil at half the recommended mileage intervals, change the coolant every 3 years or sooner, clean the car appropriately including flushing road debris off the underbody, and wipe down the interior door sills, and door frames each time you wash the car.
Clean and treat the paint at least once per year to a coat of some kind of polish and protecterant.
Ok, I am stepping down from my soap box now......LOL.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Highlander Hybrid.
We just replaced our CRV EX-L 1.5t with a 2025 HRV EX-L, primarily the wife's grocery getter, mostly short trips with a bit of hiway. No DI, no turbo, no auto start-stop, adequate power smooth and quiet. Probably the last chance for a simple reliable engine, Honda CVTs have always worked well for us, just change the fluid every 30k.
IONIQ 5
Their battery and charge tech is great, and because its an EV, so much fewer moving pieces
Their battery and charge tech is great, and because its an EV, so much fewer moving pieces
Probably too big for most, but I have the Ford 7.3l Godzilla old design push rod V8.... but a modern build. I love it in my Class C RV. Ford has since developed a 6.8l in the same basic, simple engine design....
Yes please......
........
Yes please......
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The odd thing about them is the rwd version gets an 8 speed automatic while the awd version has a 6 speed. Seems weird. You could always go for an RC-F with the carbon fiber roof and wing. Lexus did bring back the v8 IS-F .
Patman
Staff member
I didn’t realize that they had added direct injection to the 2.0, I thought it was still the same as my 2016
That being said, the direct injected turbo 1.5s that have been in the Civic since 2016 have proven to last a long time, despite many people having fuel dilution issues in the beginning. There are quite a few 1.5 Civics that have gone over 400k and there is one out there over 700k.
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