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Is there a limit on the number of years a car can have before you would buy? Friend is looking to sell me a 12 year old es300 for a good price and I was looking to change to a sedan for a long time. Any thoughts?
That model was essentially a dressed up Toyota Camry V6, miles would be more of a concern than age and make sure if it needs a timing belt that you get it swapped.
We have nine cars.
1973
1992
1994
1994
1995
1998
2003
2003
2006
They all serve their purpose. All have over 100,000 miles, some have over 200,000. They have functioned well and not left us stranded in any ways that would not also possibly occur with a newer car (tire blew, overheating, ran out of gas, suspension damaged by a pothole).
You have to stay on top of repairs and not let things build up, but so far, it is generally cheaper than making payments on a financed new car (not sure about the Dodge Caravans we had for a while, they were constantly being repaired).
I just got rid of my 2011 jeep for a 2001 silverado. I love not having payments! I went with the silverado because it has my minimum safety requirements that I want from a truck, abs, airbags, etc.
For me, I can do most of my maintenance and repairs so its not a bad option.
If you cant do basic repairs, an older car can be expensive having repair shops fix things.
I have a 19 year old (94 Ford Ranger), a 13 year old (2000 Dodge Neon), and a 7 year old (06 Dodge Charger). The Ranger has a bit over 100K on it, but is used mostly around town and for those "Home Depot" type trips when you need stuff for the house. The Neon has over 233K miles and is primarily used as a commuter vehicle. I have a 100 mile round trip/day commute for work. The Charger is a part time show car (its a rare numbered car) and a part time commuter. It has 73K on it. I do most routine maintenance myself when I can . I have a good shop I know in my town to do other repairs/maintenance. Now I did buy the Neon and the Charger new. The Neon is starting to get a bit shabby but its nothing I can't handle. I would love to buy a newer (to me, no more brand new cars!) car but I am holding off right now. Every day I hold off, I save tons of money.
For the most part it would depend on the overall condition of the car a lot more than just chronological age. That said, I probably wouldn't be buying and investing in a car that was over 10 years old, Now, I say that because around here (Buffalo) it is going to be difficult to find a 10+ year old car that doesn't have significant corrosion from road salt. Unless it was driven infrequently in the the winter.
I do have a 28 year old car in my garage, 100K miles, which is perfectly reliable and problem free. It's old but well maintained. It's also not been in winters around here, so it is structurally sound too.
Brand and model is going to play a key factor. A dramatic comparison:
1996 Camry: Id have no problem buying one
1996 Taurus: No way in hell I'd even buy a 2005 Taurus. They were total crap back then.
If you plan on making it your daily driver you best not get one so old it will require a restoration. Age and condition are 2 separate things. Drive-ability is what you need . Any used car must be inspected for wear and given a test drive. Even a 30 year old car can be a good safe driver,
I have one currently that I drive daily that's 16 years old, and was 13 when I bought it for $950. I had one that was 32 years old and more recently one that was 35 years old when I sold it. My wife's is now 11 (only has 92,000 miles) and my newest is 6 years old but both of those we bought new.
As long as you know that it has been well maintained and know what to look for in what wears out more due to age than miles, and get a good enough deal to afford the repairs, there's nothing wrong with a 12 year old car. Look for rust under the door doors, cracked rubber suspension bushings, worn valve stem seals (smoke when started up after sitting)
and cracks on the tire sidewalls. Check the floorboards for rust or soft spots from the underside.
You bought it for $950, and are still driving in daily 3 years later...that is WONDERFUL. Just think how much money you saved! You are really inspiring.
I hope you pat yourself on the backwhen you hear people complaining about their $450 car payments. It feels so good to own your car free and clear, doesn't it?!
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