kelvinkann
New member
Inspired by the 'shocking expenses' in this thread:
Here's what we're doing wrong when recommending a "Honda/Toyota/Subaru from the last 20 years". I work on cars and grew up in a family that owns garages, here's 2.5 easy steps...
1) GET AN INSPECTION: Yes, Toyota/Lexus are generally less problematic but still have some major issues... not to mention that suspension/bearings/exhaust/brakes/etc. that require repair after the 6-7 year mark.
Get the inspection to save yourself from thousands in wear items that need replacement... and I'll probably tell you to avoid the 07-09 4-cylinder Camry as well.
2) BUY SOMETHING FROM THIS LIST
If you have questions about why something was or wasn't recommended, feel free to chat in the comments section.
Honda/Acura to avoid
That said, if you own something on this list and have done well - congratulations! Statistically, there will be some cars of a bad model that haven't been troublesome. Anything on list #3 is there cuz statistically, they're more prone to go bad
Here's what we're doing wrong when recommending a "Honda/Toyota/Subaru from the last 20 years". I work on cars and grew up in a family that owns garages, here's 2.5 easy steps...
1) GET AN INSPECTION: Yes, Toyota/Lexus are generally less problematic but still have some major issues... not to mention that suspension/bearings/exhaust/brakes/etc. that require repair after the 6-7 year mark.
Get the inspection to save yourself from thousands in wear items that need replacement... and I'll probably tell you to avoid the 07-09 4-cylinder Camry as well.
2) BUY SOMETHING FROM THIS LIST
If you have questions about why something was or wasn't recommended, feel free to chat in the comments section.
- Small Sedan/Hatchback: 2014+ Mazda 3, 2013-15 Honda Civic, 2010+ Prius
- Large Sedan: 2013+ Lexus ES, particularly the hybrid variant are very overbuilt. Interior holds up a lot better than the Camry.
- Small SUV: 2013+ CX-5, 2017+ RAV4 (except 2019-2022 hybrid)
- Midsize 2 row SUV: 2008+ Lexus RX350, 2003+ Toyota 4Runner or GX470, W164/166 ML without AIRMATIC or diesel
- 3 rows: 2010+ Sienna with 3.5 or very recent Honda Odyssey (10 speed trans only)
- Midsize Truck: NOT the Tacoma, but the Nissan Frontier
- Fullsize Truck: 2.7/3.5/5.0 equipped F-150, avoid the 4.6/5.4.
- Luxury Sedan: W204 C-class, G20 330/M340, Lexus ES300h or 350/LS430
- Sporty: R171/172 MB SLK, C5/6/7 Corvette (excluding C7 Gran Sport), ND Mazda MX-5, or 2016+ Dodge Charger/Challenger (all engines ok)
Honda/Acura to avoid
- Fit: Leaking issues are quite serious with the 1st generation.
- Civic: Avoid early 7th and 8th gen due to paint, engine, rust, and transmission issues. 10th gen cars have the A/C compressor placed in a very easily damageable spot. 3k+ of repairs are inevitable.
- Accord: Avoid 7th gen V6 due to transmission, steering rack, and potentially front control arms, 8th gen V6 due to oil burning engine, 9th gen 4 cyl due to major starter/air conditioning issues. 2-3k+ repairs guaranteed.
- Pilot/Odyssey: V6 transmission issues and expensive timing belt replacements.
- CR-V: 2014/15 have vibration issues, 2017+ with the 1.5 Turbo are problematic with oil dilution in cold climates
- MDX: Avoid all 1st gen and refreshed 2nd gen due to transmission issues (guaranteed failure)
- TL: Avoid 3rd gen due to transmission failure (except 07/08), avoid 4th gen due to 3.5/3.7L oil consumption issues requiring engine rebuild
- All models post 2007 with EBD eat up their rear brake pads and often have their calipers seize.
- Every 2.5L Toyota from 2007-2012 needs an engine rebuild (Corolla XRS, TC, Camry, RAV4, etc.)
- Every early 3.5L V6 Toyota often requires water pump, oil cooler line replacement, later model years are great.
- RAV4: 2008-12 V6 has AWD issues, 2013-15 had transmission issues, 2019-22 Hybrid had a $4k battery cable issues that's not considred under warranty until very recently.
- Camry: the 2007 model the other guy had 9k of repairs on was particularly problematic for
That said, if you own something on this list and have done well - congratulations! Statistically, there will be some cars of a bad model that haven't been troublesome. Anything on list #3 is there cuz statistically, they're more prone to go bad