Help with buying a used car...

I am in the market for a used car. I am trying to find a Honda CRV or maybe a Subaru Forester between 2010-2013 to keep it in my budget. My big question about buying used is if I should be seriously concerned about the mileage the car already has on it when looking at these two specific models/makes. For the budget I have I can't seem to find anything with less then 100k miles on it. Is that a bad decision? Should I just look for a model I am not really that fond of with lower miles? Should mileage not matter as long as the carfax looks good and I keep up with the maintenance? I am getting a lot of negative feedback from family about my decision to look at cars with over that amount of miles on it. They are all telling me I am nuts to buy something with that much already driven into it. Thoughts?
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'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Lots of choices in that particular genre; you just happened to select the two that hold their value the best.
Can you give us a little bit more context about this?
Location, driving needs, kids, miles per year, etc.
The more information we have, the better we will be able to help.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I actually just purchased a gen-three Forester this past June to replace the 2010 we had for nearly seven years, and I paid $16.5K for it (which I felt was too much for what it is, but happy wife....). This is a five-year-old car with, at the time, 52,000 miles on the odometer. So, what can you get for those miles and/or price in other brands? Hyundai/Kia, GM, Ford.... In the used vehicle market, I personally do not think you are any more likely to have trouble with those vehicles than with Subaru or Honda.
As you pass 100,000 miles, emissions controls (such as oxygen sensors, EGR), suspension components, transmission, head gaskets.... These all become concerns. So, is getting one of these on your price point worth the added maintenance costs?
My recommendation is to find a vehicle with fewer than 60,000 miles on it. That way, you are likely to enjoy a period of ownership that does not involve additional maintenance costs (while you plan for the inevitable expenses as the car ages). I personally have no issues owning high-mile vehicles, but I won't spend top dollar to acquire one when there are more prudent options out there.
Now, having said that, there are, on occasion, independent used car dealers who are not small and are in fact pretty high-class operations, with a nice showroom, perhaps a 50 to 100 car inventory, all late model stuff.
and at that price point, factoring in running costs on a cheap car, you might be better off getting a blow out lease on something like a Tuscon or Equinox. In 3 years, factoring in depreciation and maintenance/repairs, might be just as cheap to drive new with a warranty.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I do think that for a lot of people, that only have 1 car and really depend on it, and are not handy with DIY fixes, and inexpensive lease is a smart idea. Generally no maintenance issues to worry about, cost certainly, and reliable day in and day out. A $250/month lease is is roughly $10K over 3 years. A $10K, 100,000 mile SUV, that will have better than 130K on it in 3 years might be worth what, $4k? so that is $6K depreciation down. Add in repairs that are bound to happen, so maybe what, $2K at least? on the low side? Maybe $3-4 is something more expensive goes.
so putting it together, based on this, you can easily spend $10K in 3 years to own then dump a higher mile used car, with the time/hassle investment inherent in keeping one going. Or just fix your costs pretty much, and drive something way nicer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/709712103/overview/
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/716369564/overview/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'll update if I find anything I want an opinion on. My dad actually came across a Mazda CX 7 for like 4k with 85k miles on it but it had repairs it needed and I could have sworn someone told me that specific model was problematic with needing things fixed all the time. Is there a make to stay away from these days that has a lot of issues with needing repairs all the time? Anything I should try to avoid?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Also, what are your thoughts on a car with low mileage but is fairly old? I have found a few Honda CRV's that I was interested in but they were 2006 or 2005. The mileage wasn't too high but the year scares me a bit. I like those older Honda CRV models though with the tires on the back. I have always wanted one. But, a ten or more year old car kind of makes me nervous. Is it good to steer clear of a car that old even though it might have lower miles (like 60k)?
And finally, any thoughts on Nissan Rogue models? Are they dependable? I've seen a couple 2010-2011 Rogue's within my price range with close to 80-90k miles on them. Anything bad about those that I should steer (no pun intended) clear of?
Thanks again!
I tend to lean toward a newer car that was driven a lot but maintained well. Something like that red 2014 Escape I posted, but I also don't drive a ton of miles. at least you get a nicer, more modern car out of it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
http://www.starrscars.com/VIN/JN8AF5MV9CT107187?utm_source=CarGurus&utm_medium=referral
http://www.goldenrulecars.com/2010-Honda-CR-V-EX-L-Akron--Ohio/6308614
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/185013537
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/189557404
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/184743180
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/182771417
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
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Of course, I'd be partial to the Magnum R/T. Hell, I wish I could buy it and have it sent to me. But with its accident history and current needs it visibly has, it is likely not a good choice for you.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
@ryanpk2018 - just be aware (as others have warned) that a reliable vehicle DOESN't mean it will be maintenance free. Vehicles above 75K miles and 6+ years old need vital fluids to keep them going besides oil changes. Transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid (hopefully this has been done at least 2x), coolant (hopefully this has been done at least 2-3x). Be on the look out for "el cheapo" tires that a dealer put on just to make an older car look more appealing. At 100K miles, these cars will need spark plugs.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
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'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Of course when I reported back here I was tackled to the ground by some who thought because thiers went bad at 120,000 miles that ALL of them would go bad. Misery loves company I suppose.
Anyway, I retired and forgot all about it until one hot day the compressor in our much loved never a problem 2003 CRV decided to end it's life on earth in DRAMATIC fashion! This was around 75,000 miles.
Of course the metal from the blown up compressor shot all through the system making the replacement of ALL of the A.C components necessary! Luckilly I know an Acura Tech that moonlights and I was able to buy everything wholesale but STILL, it was a nasty hit to the wallet.
Since that time three years ago I have asked two or three 2nd Gen CRV owners if they have had a similar problem and nope, no problems so go figure! We gave the CRV to our son and other than an oxygen sensor it has been bulletproof at 105,000 miles now.
72 pages, 2100 posts.... Plus, it happened to you, and you don't think it's a real issue? Because of the techs at your dealership and three other people that it didn't happen to?
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'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
The number of posts in an Edmunds discussion is certainly not a scientific statistical argument. But, you don't have to hear from all the people that don't have a problem, to know there might be a problem.
The Gen II CR-V might be one of the most reliable vehicles ever made, even with the A/C issue. I put 106K on mine. Wish I had the money back that I paid for that extended warranty..
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It was FWD 2.5...HOWEVER...I cancelled the purchase. Signed the papers on it and everything but called today to cancel. I didn't feel right about it for some reason. I didn't like that I wound up hearing things from Mazda owners after the fact who said, STAY AWAY!!! Back to the drawing board I guess. I still feel drawn to Honda. Having owned Ford, Chrysler and Dodge I want to stay away from those. I had problems with them and want to go with something different. I liked my Explorer but it gave me problems all the time. I was younger though and not as diligent about maintenance with it as I should have been which probably led to it's death at 103k miles. I might just go with a civic and invest in some great snow tires. That could be a good choice for the terrible weather we get here. I'll update if any new serious purchase options pop up!
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Snow hits, throw it in 4WD and off I go! Get tired of it in a couple of years I can sell it and maybe lose a few hundred dollars. It'll probably get 2-3000 miles a year and at that rate it should last awhile.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You did see photos it was black.....probably still is! Sold it to a neighbor who loves it.