What car would you buy and hold for 10+ years

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by robg

Thanks! I vaguely recall this thread now, but it was fun reading through it again (complete with many posts from TD!). That gen X5 is still my favorite from in terms of looks. There seems to be a consensus that they are problematic but glad to hear that yours has been pretty bulletproof. I think i'd be very content daily driving one of those.

I think a lot of the 'problematic' comes down to the options you select.
Generally speaking
The v8s are much worse than the i6
Later build I6s are better than earlier
diesel is much worse than gas (emission control stuff)
air suspension / dynamic components can be costly

Ours is a 2013, so the last year of e70 production. N55 versions of those seem to be solid. I'd think a good example of one would be in the high teens now, so you'd have plenty of headroom to budget for maintenance. It is already 7 yrs old, so I don't know if I'd be comfortable counting on it for another 10. But if you were able to get a nice one for $17k, budget ~$3k of maintenance total for 3 - 5 yrs and get $12k for it, that's a pretty inexpensive overall cost of ownership ($166 / month + gas and insurance).

At least that's our plan. Unfortunately we put so many miles (~24k/yr) on it that I don't know if we'll get 3 more years.

[clyde]

Originally Posted by robg

It does seem that Toyota takes a very conservative approach with their trucks so as to maximize durability/reliability, so I'm sure that's part of it, but for a luxury brand I think they have to do better. If not, just make the equivalent of a GX as a higher trim model of the 4runner.

Uhh... Toyota has settled multiple major multi-billion dollar class action lawsuits regarding frame rot issues on their trucks in recent years.

Google "toyota truck frame failure" for details...

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by clyde

Uhh... Toyota has settled multiple major multi-billion dollar class action lawsuits regarding frame rot issues on their trucks in recent years.

Google "toyota truck frame failure" for details...

Also, apparently making the same model for 10 years in a row, doesn't mean you get it right...

"Toyota recalling 1.2 million vehicles, including Camry, Sequoia and Tundra, to fix fuel pumps"

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...mp/4957929002/

[robg]

Ha- good points guys. Also, these links will provide good fodder for trolling some Toyota fanboys that I work with.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by robg

Ha- good points guys. Also, these links will provide good fodder for trolling some Toyota fanboys that I work with.

Then our work is done here.

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by robg

Ha- good points guys. Also, these links will provide good fodder for trolling some Toyota fanboys that I work with.

Well if that was your goal, you should just start and end here:

http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showth...ighlight=caMRY

[kognito]

Originally Posted by kognito

If we hadn't moved from WA to SC, Our Ford Fusion Titanium (AWD, turbo, nicely loaded) would have been a ten year car.

Originally Posted by robg

I rented one of those in Hawaii several years ago and really liked it. Still a good looking, comfortable sedan. Ford sync was buggy but i'm sure that's better now.

And now I find myself looking at new and certified Fusions for sale.

I bought the Focus for dragging behind our motorhome. Which is now sold. I hate this Focus so much. Well, I hate the fucking transmission, the rest of the car is just small and uncomfortable on long trips.

A new Fusion Titanium (trim) is less money today than what we spent on our 2014 version, plus it now has heated and cooled seats ours was just heated

[robg]

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

I think a lot of the 'problematic' comes down to the options you select.
Generally speaking
The v8s are much worse than the i6
Later build I6s are better than earlier
diesel is much worse than gas (emission control stuff)
air suspension / dynamic components can be costly

Ours is a 2013, so the last year of e70 production. N55 versions of those seem to be solid. I'd think a good example of one would be in the high teens now, so you'd have plenty of headroom to budget for maintenance. It is already 7 yrs old, so I don't know if I'd be comfortable counting on it for another 10. But if you were able to get a nice one for $17k, budget ~$3k of maintenance total for 3 - 5 yrs and get $12k for it, that's a pretty inexpensive overall cost of ownership ($166 / month + gas and insurance).

At least that's our plan. Unfortunately we put so many miles (~24k/yr) on it that I don't know if we'll get 3 more years.

Probably goes for all BMWs with I6 versions being the safest bets. Looks like the current gen x5 is quickly dropping price (2019s are already at 50k). In a couple years, it'd be tempting to pick one up in the low 30s. A great jack of all trades vehicle to have around. Latest A6 allroad looks interesting as well and likely will drop to similar levels in a few years (although the likely low volume might keep prices higher than similar x5s).

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by robg

Probably goes for all BMWs with I6 versions being the safest bets. Looks like the current gen x5 is quickly dropping price (2019s are already at 50k). In a couple years, it'd be tempting to pick one up in the low 30s. A great jack of all trades vehicle to have around. Latest A6 allroad looks interesting as well and likely will drop to similar levels in a few years (although the likely low volume might keep prices higher than similar x5s).

There is this near me. It's tempting, despite being larded up with fun things that will break. (Actually, it's speced with everything our current 2016 has. But that car will be going with my ex.)

...It's cheaper than the smoked topaz wagon in CT...

https://www.unitedbmw.com/inventory/...kr6c37h0u13020

[JST]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

There is this near me. It's tempting, despite being larded up with fun things that will break. (Actually, it's speced with everything our current 2016 has. But that car will be going with my ex.)

...It's cheaper than the smoked topaz wagon in CT...

https://www.unitedbmw.com/inventory/...kr6c37h0u13020

Looks like a lot of truck for the money.

As an aside, I love the new thing of re-characterizing depreciation on used cars as "savings."