13th Jun 2018, 01:44

The person who stated Toyota's build a subclass car must have an axe to grind. I have owned a 1995 Toyota Celica GT since 1997. It has 128K miles and in 2018 drives like new.

The only repairs are the half shafts have been replaced twice. The transmission light has been replaced, as has the radiator been replaced. It requires no oil between oil changes. After 23 years of great service, I would say Toyota builds great

cars. In fact, my Grandson has a 2008 Scion that has 250K and only the water pump has been replaced.

RaggTopp.

15th Jun 2018, 16:56

Agreed. I'm now going on year 23 in my old Toyota Tacoma. It's very easy to work on, parts are cheap and all I've ever done was replace typical wear items like the brake pads, clutch, a new water pump and starter motor - all things that can be done in a few hours at most. Over 300,000 miles so far, and it more or less drives and runs like it did when I bought it off the dealer lot brand-new. In fact I get offers to buy it all the time. No way will I ever sell it either.

15th Jun 2018, 23:13

I have people all the time wanting to buy my cars. Use to decline to sell as well. Some were extremely sentimental. But then I starting putting out a very high verbal $ number and having it actually accepted. You laugh all the way to the bank. There’s always another. That’s the real fun of the car hobby. Even if a vehicle was a gift, a 300k odometer read would prompt me to sell while it still runs or does not encounter high repairs. Or paint and interior is going. Then find another, the exact same make with low mileage, and buy that even if I had to put up a bit more extra cash. They are out there and it's easy with the internet. Get a friend and drive out to pick up a nicer used identical one. I lastly don’t think an Aztek buyer is cashing in for a used Tacoma.

16th Jun 2018, 05:41

Must be a real dilemma owning both a Toyota truck and GM car bought much later by exactly the same owner. Unless both are absolutely fantastic.

20th Jun 2018, 21:51

And why would that be? Both vehicles so far have been totally fine. The GM car I have, a 7 year old Volt, has around 105,000 miles. Not enough miles for me yet to say hey - it's been a stellar, reliable vehicle. Once it gets past 200k? Sure. I took a chance on a brand I have no experience with, but I liked the product and so I bought it.

As far as miles and age, I don't see a reason to sell something that otherwise runs perfectly fine. I look at it this way: I could have done like most people do and buy a new vehicle every 5-6 years, meaning the accumulated sum of 100's of thousands of dollars over a lifetime, or simply drive vehicles for years and years and save the difference.

21st Jun 2018, 10:58

What if you already have the money? Here’s an interesting comment. They say it costs 100k each average to raise each and every child in your household to adulthood. We could have saved the money not having any and been a childless household. But the wonderful experience isn’t just about money. Same with vehicles. The quality of life is your real value.

24th Jun 2018, 15:03

Most people do is absolutely correct. Depending on your location, the elements alone (intense sun, rain, road salt, dust etc) take a big toll on daily drivers. Nearly half the day exposed to these issues and not garaged. Sitting at work or commuting. Paints are not as good today, interior fades, seats rip, headliners drop, dashes crack. Plus time and wear on every mechanical part. Hardware often goes. Air conditioner quits. One major drivetrain repair can change your thought process. And who wants that hanging over you on a long vacation destination or trip?

24th Jun 2018, 23:37

"Paints are not as good today" is absolutely incorrect. The paints of years ago required regular waxing to maintain their shine or they would quickly oxidize. Most modern finishes need nothing more than occasional washing to keep their appearance.

25th Jun 2018, 11:35

Due to environmental issues I totally disagree. If anything it’s quite the reverse. I have also had a lot of cars painted. You have to be very careful with polishing and clearcoats.

25th Jun 2018, 13:46

I have had issues with chipping and thin paint on a Ford Edge. Clearcoat failure, especially on hoods with engine heat causing the failure. Due to changing environmental and health standards, car manufacturers have had to shift away from durable lead-based paint. Most modern cars are painted with water-based emulsions that are cheaper, and also satisfy the demands of the regulatory bodies. Unfortunately, water-based paints tend to be less robust than their lead-based predecessors. Water-based paints are notoriously vulnerable to slight impacts and natural phenomena.

25th Jun 2018, 23:34

Lead based paints were a lot more durable. It seems like today it depends on the brand of vehicle, I see many late model Nissan Altimas and Honda Civics that have clear coats that have turned into the texture of sandpaper. Another common example are full size Chevy Express vans where the paint is peeling off the hood and the roof right above the windshield.

26th Jun 2018, 10:56

Some things you can economize on, but daily driving to work can be much more enjoyable in a really cool car. Spending a lot of the day behind the wheel, there’s more joy driving something very nice. Put the top down, take different back ways on the way home; puts a smile on vs drudgery on a daily grind. Stress goes.

I always enjoyed the new car feel going to work and looking forward for the work day to end. And jump behind the wheel. Then there’s the tangible reward that you worked for something and can have fun vs stare at a paper balance.

My skimping went very early, going further in grad school to land better career opportunities and higher pay scale. Got to enjoy more things while healthier to do so. I could have retired several years ago with everything paid off.

Cars can be a lot of fun, but time, sun ravage and the elements take a toll on vehicles. Even with tint, wax etc, sitting on hot blacktop, cars we have had look weathered. You can have them detailed every few weeks, which one of our friends does at the dealer. If you have time for that. To me it’s not really a expense on car replacement, it’s my nicer quality of time that has more value.