Hey, guys.

Just need some ideas from all of you car fanatics out there.
I'm looking for an everyday driver car or truck. Just something comforatable
and not too ugly and something that would not break my pocket either.

So if you were in my shoes what would you get?
Thanks a lot.

 

Whats your general budget?

 

Dave, it's about 20-25 grand.
And it does not have to be a new ride, it's just gonna be an everyday car.
But having a Lexus raises the bar on all other cars. That's why I'm having
a hard time picking this one.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

Rover...if you want to buy brand-new and you just want comfortable transportation and not a lot of power or sportiness, and reasonably good looks, here are your best choices for 20-25K:

Toyota Camry 4 cylinder
Honda Accord 4 cylinder
Subaru Legacy 4 cylinder (if you need All-Wheel-Drive or winter traction)
Nissan Altima 4 cylinder (though the interior is a little cheap-looking, it is a good car)
Mazda 6 4 cylinder (check the ride first, it may be a little firm for your tastes)

If you want something a little more versatile...maybe to carry things:

Subaru Baja (without a lot of options). It has an exposed outside bed to carry things.
Toyota RAV4 (base model) (see first if the styling is too geeky for you)
Honda CRV (base model)
Subaru Forester (base model, non-turbo).....this is an EXCELLENT all-around use vehicle I rcommend highly.

All these vehicles, whith the possible exception of the Baja, have been average or better in reliability, drive and handle reasonably well, and should be in your price range. All the Subarus have All-wheel-drive. The Subaru Baja has a lower reliability rating from Consumer Reports...mostly from body intregity (rattles, squeaks, etc...), but it is very useful for carrying bulky items.

( just or the record, for my money, for all-around use I would choose the Forester )


If you buy used, of course, you have many more options....but, of course, the purchase itself will be somewhat riskier.

Good luck.

 

That's about what I wanted to spend for my 'beater' last year and I had it narrowed down to a few cars / trucks.

I ended up getting a 1998 LS400 w/ Nav for similar reasons that you list above as an everyday driver / beater. Found a good deal on one for <23K (can find them for less now). Great car, don't regret the decision at all.

Others in consideration in similar price ranges (all used, some more than others depending on brand to get into that price range).

Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Tundra v8
Lexus LX470
new Honda Accord
Subaru WRX Wagon

 

slightly used G35/IS300 or
Toyota Landcruiser for a truck

 

Several of you guys have mentioned used Land Cruisers. Don't you think that is an awfully big, complex, heavy, gas-guzzling, and expensive to repair vehicle for a daily driver? The original caller....Rover.....said he wanted something that wouldn't break his wallet.

 

Gas guzzling aside, they're still reasonably reliable vehicles from what I've read so I personally don't consider them a risk to the wallet. My v8 LS isn't exactly a gas sipper in the city either.

As you mention, they DO have a big impact at the gas pump and a cost to the environment. Maybe add a Prius to the list?

I like the LandCruiser for a good blend of comfort, utility / carrying capacity, ability to handle inclimate weather and offroad for fishing trips and traffic visibility. Those would have outweighed the incremental cost of the gas if I'd found the right one.

 

Guys, you are incredible awesome, all of you.

Honestly, I did not expect that much of an input into solving my problems.
But I should know better by now, I've been here for a while to know that people
care and you all know your stuff. Thanks again for helping me out.

Dave, I did look into getting a LandCruiser or another Lex but those are really nice cars.
Which means I would have to take care of them as if they were my kids. But I want something
that I can drive and don't really feel bad if my accessory belt is wearing down or if I'm 200-300 miles
overdue on my oil change. You know? Plus the gas economy is also a factor in the decision.

mmarshall, you've mentioned Mazda 6 and I've looked at that ride as well myself. My main concern
is the fact that Mazdas used to have problems with the auto trannys. Is that still the case or did Mazda
address the issue and automatics are running fine now? I can't get anything in stick because my lady will be driving the car as well.

Thanks again guys.

 

Rover, whats up man? good to see you around again.

Anyway, do not look to purchase a car to neglect it, it doenst matter if its a Lexus, a Ferrari or a Ford, it needs maintenence at regular intervals to keep it going.

For 25k, you may be able to get a CPO GS3, just get one with silver exterior and black interior to keep the maintenence down!! LOL

If you want to stay on the more economical side of things I vote for a slightly used maxima (maybe2yrs old). They are roomy, quick (255hp) and crammed full of features(leather, HID, premium sound, etc). They are also FWD (good for NewEngland winters), and reliable. Not to mention they have to get better gas mileage than a SUV. ()

 

The Mazda 6, of course, is still fairly new on American roads, so we don't really know yet how its long-term reliability will fare, but its first year was better than average. Mazda in general have been better than average....with some automatic transmission and air-conditioning problems, as you note, on older ones.

For 20-25K, check out a new Forester 2.5X. Starts at $21,020....probably 22-23K with automatic. You won't need a lot of options either...it comes well-equipped.
This is an amazingly good all-around vehicle for the price...it has good reliability and can do almost anything short of hauling really heavy loads or drag racing....and for that there is the Forester XT turbo.

 

the audi s4 is nice =)

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a 4 Runner.

My dad still has a 1990 4 Runner that is the most reliable vehicle I have ever been in contact with.

-Anthony

 

wrx perhaps used one, toyota tundra 4x4, ls400/higher milege 430/ sheez thats alot of change for a beater. Make it nice, you will be driving it!!

 

another vote for the tundra...doublecab..lots of space