Car buying advice

[CycloneRulzzz]

Time is approaching that I need to find a new vehicle. Not a guy that knows a ton about cars.

What are some brands / makes I should avoid and what are ones that are good?

Would like to get something preferably in Ames area so what places in Ames are the best to deal with?

 

[Gonzo]

Honda and Toyota usually are at the top in terms of brands that are the most reliable and hold their value the best.

Hyundai is a brand I'd probably avoid. I say that now, we helped our daughter get a nearly new Hyundai Elantra around 2020 for her last few years in college, and it's had issues. We just had a major repair that would've cost >$5,000 but thankfully the car only has 88k miles so it was within its 100k mile warranty. But I've heard a lot of technicians saying that Hyundai engines are among the least reliable.

Not knowing your budget or preferences that's all I've got.

 

[RagingCloner]

As a car sales guy in the Ames area @CycloneRulzzz, id be happy to give you any tips if you needed them!

 

[Clonehomer]

There’s also the electric vehicle thread if that’s the direction you’re inclined to go. But a big factor in that is whether you have a place to charge yourself or not.

But we’ve bought Toyotas over and over for a reason. They last 200,000 to 300,0000 miles and have few major repairs. But they aren’t usually flashy and don’t always offer all the bells and whistles that other brands do. And you’re paying a premium. So how long you plan to keep it matters.

 

[Cyched]

Honda and Toyota usually are at the top in terms of brands that are the most reliable and hold their value the best.

Hyundai is a brand I'd probably avoid. I say that now, we helped our daughter get a nearly new Hyundai Elantra around 2020 for her last few years in college, and it's had issues. We just had a major repair that would've cost >$5,000 but thankfully the car only has 88k miles so it was within its 100k mile warranty. But I've heard a lot of technicians saying that Hyundai engines are among the least reliable.

Not knowing your budget or preferences that's all I've got.

High school car was an old Accord. The only problem with it was that it wouldn't die.

Back in a Honda (CR-V) after driving a Hyundai for 10 years, and am happy with it.

 

[4cy16]

There’s also the electric vehicle thread if that’s the direction you’re inclined to go. But a big factor in that is whether you have a place to charge yourself or not.

But we’ve bought Toyotas over and over for a reason. They last 200,000 to 300,0000 miles and have few major repairs. But they aren’t usually flashy and don’t always offer all the bells and whistles that other brands do. And you’re paying a premium. So how long you plan to keep it matters.

A guy I do volunteer work with, had a Honda Ridgeline that he put over 300,000 miles on it before someone hit it and finished it off.

 

[BCClone]

Time is approaching that I need to find a new vehicle. Not a guy that knows a ton about cars.

What are some brands / makes I should avoid and what are ones that are good?

Would like to get something preferably in Ames area so what places in Ames are the best to deal with?

Toyotas run a long time.

Kia is one I hear a lot issues with once they hit 100k miles.

What kind of vehicle are you looking for?

 

[Lineup]

Honda

 

[CyCrazy]

Go to Wilson Toyota and get a Toyota.

 

[cyfanbr]

Agree with what most have said. Honda and Toyota seem to be the most reliable trends. Think last time we bought a car I also signed up for a consumer reports membership for a month to see ratings difference for specific make years for each model.

 

[madguy30]

A few years ago I traded one in and good advice I read and used was to let the dealer figure out what the trade in should be (usually after they 'test drive' it) when they ask you what you're looking for.

Then if they go lower than the Kelley blue book price, you can haggle from there.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

Honda and Toyota usually are at the top in terms of brands that are the most reliable and hold their value the best.

Hyundai is a brand I'd probably avoid. I say that now, we helped our daughter get a nearly new Hyundai Elantra around 2020 for her last few years in college, and it's had issues. We just had a major repair that would've cost >$5,000 but thankfully the car only has 88k miles so it was within its 100k mile warranty. But I've heard a lot of technicians saying that Hyundai engines are among the least reliable.

Not knowing your budget or preferences that's all I've got.

I should of mentioned the last sentence in my op. Not wealthy by any means so around 10 to 12k is my limit. Although I'm seeing from last time I looked the used car market is higher than last time I looked.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

Also vehicle I've been driving is my mom's old 2003 Honda crv.

With my mom's new crv I barely fit behind the wheel. My aunt has a equinox and I couldn't even get behind the wheel.

So I might be too fat for these newer suv models.

 

[Gonzo]

I should of mentioned the last sentence in my op. Not wealthy by any means so around 10 to 12k is my limit. Although I'm seeing from last time I looked the used car market is higher than last time I looked.

One thing to keep in mind, 100k miles means different things on different car brands. Honda/Toyota sedans will go forever if well maintained. If you see those from a reputable dealership don't let that high mileage scare you off. You may be better off going with a Honda/Toyota that has 100k miles than most other brands that only have 50k.

 

[KnappShack]

Be boring.

If you want to get from here to there

Toyota Camry
Honda Accord

About as vanilla, reliable, cheap as it gets

And pay cash. This is CF and we only buy vehicles and homes with cash

 

[simply1]

I should of mentioned the last sentence in my op. Not wealthy by any means so around 10 to 12k is my limit. Although I'm seeing from last time I looked the used car market is higher than last time I looked.

Yeah, the used car market is a mess still.
How many miles on your crv and why do you want to move on?
Toyota and Honda have the reputation, but you still need to look at each model and year.

Toyota Avalon can be a steal of a bigger and comfortable car with the reliability.

 

[nfrine]

Remember, whatever you do, Dave Ramsey says cash only.

 

[RagingCloner]

Yeah, the used car market is a mess still.
How many miles on your crv and why do you want to move on?
Toyota and Honda have the reputation, but you still need to look at each model and year.

Toyota Avalon can be a steal of a bigger and comfortable car with the reliability.

Used car market does not appear to be rectifying itself any time soon

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

Yeah, the used car market is a mess still.
How many miles on your crv and why do you want to move on?
Toyota and Honda have the reputation, but you still need to look at each model and year.

Toyota Avalon can be a steal of a bigger and comfortable car with the reliability.

248k but it is a 2003 model.

Had a oil change the other day and about 1,700 in recommended services and the mentioned the frame is rusting.

 

[Clonehomer]

Another tip would be to befriend in independent repair guy. They’ll be able to tell you cars and years to avoid. They’ll also be helpful later. An independent repair guy will almost always be cheaper and more honest than any dealer.