I'm going to buy a used car for a relative. My inclination is to keep it cheap, say around $4,000, and focus on a reliable brand like Honda. That can get you something circa 2004. Wanted to ask if this is penny-wise and pound-foolish. Is that too old a car, cost too much in maintenance and repair, and need replacement too soon? Would I actually be better off in the long run to take a loan and spend more for a younger car? EDIT: Dammit, supposed to go in Hangout! Now, I'll get the pile-on of political cracks!
A 2015ish used Honda with a manufacturer extended warenty is probably a better option unless your relative or someone close to your relative knows how to wrench and do basic maintenance and repair such as timing belt, alternator and fuel pump replacements. No matter how reliable a manufacturer is, eventually age and wear is going to have you replacing those type of parts. A 15 years old Honda is cheap and easy to repair with an abundance of cheap parts if you know how to wrench but if you have to take it to a shop, the cost of labor isn't worth it. Also, a 2004 Honda is on Its last legs for potential resale. Your relative would most likely be the last owner and would have to either salvage or part out the car. Basically, 10+ year old cars are economical if you know how to do your own labor.
I’m assuming you are doing this as a good thing and favor for your relative. First, kudos. Second, you don’t want to buy them a car that may cause them expenses to fix, so as fchow mentioned, you may want to consider something a bit newer. Good luck.
When you get into 10-12 year old used cars, you have some real problems unless you are handy with making repairs. You are likely better looking at a car from 2010-12. Some of those cars will have problems but a lot of them will not.
I have not had much problem with my 2005 toyota Camry, we had another Camry for 19 years before I sold it. Hardly any repairs at all other than things like brakes, tires etc.
I would have said all good if the owner is a DIY mechanic. But not so sure with imported parts on a path of accelerating inflation rate.
To those who've mentioned it, no there's no DIY mechanic in the family. I have a trustworthy mechanic, but of course he needs to eat. I will meditate deeply on the advice everyone has given.
Yes, I do the oil change filter maintenance three times a year and I do the the big maintenance every 30-40 thousand miles. I think those cost like 500-1000 range if I remember correctly.
I had a Ford Taurus and it keeps on breaking, had to fix engine, transmission and other stuff. You tell me what would you do? Keep buying cars that you need to fix or buy one that just need periodic maintenance. This is just from my personal experience.
Ford is owned by stockholders from all over the world, including people outside the United States. Ford vehicles are made all over the world. “Buy American” in many cases does not mean what it used to mean.
Drive a Tesla for awhile and you won’t want a day to day gas car. My wife has one, it is extremely quick going 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. It has exceptional braking, it is very comfortable and quiet and smooth. You also can have sex in it while driving.
