Looking to tap into the CL knowledge base for some suggestions. A family I know is in need of a car. They are two elderly indigent parents taking care of their disabled adult child. Their car is not reliable at all and must be replaced. They need a reliable car to go to and from frequent doctor appoints, pharmacy, food shopping, etc. I am looking to gift them a car. I am hoping to get some suggestions for used cars that will be as trouble free as possible. I am hoping to spend under $8k but if I have to go up I will. I am aware than nothing used will be 100% trouble free but it will be better than what they have. I was looking at some Lexus vehicles like an LS430 or a ES because they could have it serviced at the local Toyota dealer but good ones seem to be holding their value so I am expanding to any make and model as long as it is a 4 door. Can be sedan or SUV. Thanks for your help.

 

Toyota Camry would be my choice for elderly folk.

Any Lexus under 10k will have tons of miles.

 

What kind of disablement does this person have? I ask because it could make a big difference as to what kind of vehicle (and its ride-height/ground-clearance) would be suitable for his or her rides to the doctor and other errands.

 

I say Toyota Prius. Super reliable and cheap to own and decent space.

 

Rav4 might be easier from an entry / exit perspective.

 

Probably Camry as well for my vote. Kudos for doing something awesome for these folks.

 

What type of disability? Vans offer a wide entrance. For some mobility issues some SUV's may be high as was the case with mom getting into the Tahoe or Suburban. The Camry is good and for a slightly larger car the Avalon. A Highlander may be a possibility in the SUV platform.

 

as wonderful as they are i would not get a lexus, simply because they don't need luxury, and some of what you'd be paying for is the luxury. so for similar money you can get a newer more 'basic' vehicle.

for older folks and especially with a disabled adult child, i'd recommend a crossover. tons and tons of options: rogue, crv, rav4, mitsubishi ones, buick encore, cx5, etc. i'm sure any of those would be great.

 

I too would avoid Lexus. It's a perk they will not need or take advantage of, but have to pay for.
A later Camry or Accord would be wise if getting in and out isn't a big issue. Camry probably best choice if you add up the longterm reliability.

 

If you want a really cheap car and if you aren’t picky then you can always get an LS460 or a Geo Prizm. The Prizm will be more expensive but not by much.

 

Subaru Outback would be my choice. good and easy entry height. Very versatile vehicle and reliable.

 

To carry them all and be flexible for other loads, I would say smaller SUV such as CRV, Rav4, Forester. Know a couple in their 80s that have a Ford Escape, and he said it is great for getting in & out, and getting groceries, etc out of the back without bending over.

 

90s-vintage Prizm (a rebadged Corolla) more expensive than an LS460? I don't think so.

 

That was some sort of joke I didnt get either lol

I too would go with something simple, like a Camry.

 

Camry or Rav4 - very reliable and practical. Also, relatively simple and inexpensive to repair and maintain.