3rd May 2016, 00:46
That wasn't a reliability statement. It was added expense on top of the expensive trans and radiator. To me that's not reliable as well. You reach a point where a car isn't cost effective to continue to own it.
3rd May 2016, 12:00
Having difficulty understanding what you are trying to say here. Those are maintenance items that any vehicle would require, so why are they even being mentioned?
3rd May 2016, 20:39
The comment is extremely simple. Combine the high dollar transmission repairs with routine repairs cost wise. It's no longer an economy model. We are talking money. I have had only routine maintenance on my GM models. An oil change, tires or brakes. That's my only expense. I have not needed transmissions, radiators etc on top of that expense. Get it?
4th May 2016, 12:49
So, if you want to consider routine maintenance (tires, brakes and batteries are NOT "repairs"), then why not include gas, oil, antifreeze, insurance, registration, inspection fees, taxes, tolls, etc?
Yeah, I "get it": you did not need to replace the transmission or radiator on your GM. You did incur maintenance costs just like anyone else. Those have nothing to do with whether a car is reliable or not NOR how much a car costs to own compared to another, as you are going to have to pay them on any vehicle regardless of whether there are or are not mechanical problems, assuming you want to keep driving it.
Done here. You need a ladder, but you keep asking for shovels!
4th May 2016, 22:18
This car is now almost 20 years old... old cars tend to have issues. There you go. Buy a newer car.
4th May 2016, 23:00
Again it's cheaper to have routine maintenance only. Does anyone else get my comments? Buying transmissions, radiators etc, over the top routine maintenance is a lot. Sure we buy gas. But I suspect you won't be driving too far in the month it goes and you have a 3-4k replacement. Sidestepping major repairs is not hopefully escaping the other people reading this.
5th May 2016, 12:00
I have never needed to buy a transmission in any domestic owned since 1969. And I have quite a list. I can stay well grounded, not needing to climb a ladder to keep my financial head above water. The huge repair invoice will bring you back down to earth very quickly. I would rather have just simple plain routine bills. 40.00 for oil changes vs 4000.00 for a trans. But hey it's a Toyota. If the manufacturer paid for my cars, it would make sense, but they are not. And neither are the domestics. So my loyalty on major issues is not creating a repeat buyer. I despise wasting time dropping off vehicles often to a dealership for major problems.
6th May 2016, 22:54
Oh here we go. No post that involves a Toyota would be complete without someone making a generic comment about how their "domestics" never-ever have problems and that of course all furrin' cars break down the second they leave the lot...
8th May 2016, 10:58
I thought you turned the corner and bought a domestic Volt as your newest car. If you do not like domestics, why did you buy one with great technology?
8th May 2016, 11:07
Think he meant fur'n refers to "The furry fandom is a subculture interested in fictional anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics."
8th May 2016, 12:29
Actually if I recall he has 2 domestics. And an old Tacoma. But I agree on many luxury imports, strictly from Europe only, I really like. You can find many new luxury cars and crossovers from Europe and the USA in the 45k-90k price range to purchase. Even many full size trucks with a rear seat can be loaded with amenities. Again many fall into a very high price point brand new. I was particularly shocked with how great the ride is in the newest Silverado and Ford F Series. These cars have progressed to a high level vs the 30 years ago review topic going on.
9th May 2016, 17:13
The other domestic is a '55 Mercury. For the life of me I can't figure out why they would own such a car, when posting negative comments about older full size models and people sitting around talking about the good ole days with the attitude of that big slabs of cars with floaty springs are the best thing since sliced bread... whatever.
9th May 2016, 19:47
Some people have an agenda or for whatever reason like to rain on other people's parade. Personally I wish everyone loved their cars as much as I do. We all have a choice or personal preference. Someone we don't know or likely never will in person is not affecting my family. We worked really hard for ours. Be proud of what you own and to have the capability to have them! He may not like that my domestic taillights are off by an incredible 3/16" of an inch. It's happened on some and so what! Must be tough living that way.
9th May 2016, 21:11
Each to their own, but I'll add my 2 cents to this never ending old vs. new cars debate you see on this site now and then - The truth is both have pros and cons. New - better safety, security, arguably better/easier to drive, but high purchase price, and usually called ugly compared to outgoing models. Old - more for your money, still can keep up with modern cars in terms of performance, but not quite as safe as modern cars, maybe need a few repairs now and then. I have to come down in favour of used cars every time though; find a nice serviced example, looked after from any era, and it will serve you well and work out cheaper than a new car in the long run.
Incidentally, in my humble opinion again of course, cars from the 90s like the Toyota Camry and so on, were the best time for cars. Any older than the 90s and you have economy and reliability issues on a lot of cars, and any car made after the year 2000 seems to be plagued with electronic flaws. So the 1990s was a balanced time, and it's still feasible to drive a car from that era as an everyday driver.
10th May 2016, 10:35
I have yet another opinion. High mileage on old or new cars can present a real headache. You can miss school or work. Or have a wife or daughter stranded at night. Or with young kids in the car. Some of the areas I have to drive into work are not safe. Both my kids commuted daily to college while my driving took me out of state. My wife also drives. I feel a new car in these circumstances has merit. You have less to go wrong and we get loaner cars. My kids also worked. If you miss work with some beater, you don't have a job long.
I like cars with warranties. Sometimes they don't cover some areas, but it's still better than having aged systems. Cars are complex today and there are YouTube videos so they aren't helpless. But missing school or work over an old or high mile car isn't ideal.
You can buy older and new cars with some decent looking styling. My youngest son's red Honda 2 door stock EX with the small spoiler and nice factory alloys is a sharp little car. As an example in my opinion. My daughter with a brand new Mazda 3 Touring was a perfect girl's car. Not as nice looking, but wasn't some old heap parked in our drive! Both worked to help pay for them. We tried buying old cars and I got tired of hearing them being stranded. I am sure some guys can fix whatever quickly on the side of the road. I personally hate it.
2nd May 2016, 12:40
Tires, brakes and batteries have to be replaced on any car. What does that have to do with reliability?