Advice on long-distance car

pfalcon

Hi all. Big fan of the forum! I live in NYC and may need to work in Charlotte 2-3 days a week. I need some advice on affordable but reliable and safe options for a used car. I don't often drive in NYC so something with good navigation for doing the 8-hour drives to Charlotte, twice a week, would be helpful.

I am not looking for luxury but as I am a woman, ideally looking for something not to break down on me during these long drives, especially at night. I appreciate any tips!

Thank you.

oldfarmer50

Could you quantify “affordable”? Off hand I’d say something from Acura or Lexus would be a good combination of comfort and reliability.

Maybe even a used Toyota Avalon.

pfalcon

Thank you @oldfarmer50. I was hoping to finance for $20k and under. Are there certain years of Toyota's you would recommend over the others?

oldfarmer50

For that price point you’ll get an Avalon in the 2016-2020 range with 60k-90k miles. I think all years are equally reliable although the newer models might have more tech. I mention Avalons because I’ve driven them on 3 hour trips at work and they are comfortable if not very exciting. I’m guessing comfort is more important to you than carving corners.

Your next step should be to do some general research on platforms like Autotrader to see what’s available. Some people like visiting dealers in person while other are more comfortable doing everything online. Either way, get a pre purchase inspection before you buy.

qbrozen

This is a tough one. Probably better off just moving than spending so much time in a car.

If it were me, I'd certainly want good fuel mileage, reliability like you said, comfortable seats, and cheap to maintain because you'll be doing A LOT of maintenance OFTEN.

This is such a specific demand, I think I'd create a specific car. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking a Prius with a Volvo driver's seat installed (if it will fit). Or I guess just a good aftermarket seat.

28firefighter

@qbrozen said:
This is such a specific demand, I think I'd create a specific car. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking a Prius with a Volvo driver's seat installed (if it will fit). Or I guess just a good aftermarket seat.

“Coming up on @qbrozen’s frankencars…Sweden and Japan unite to create the ugliest most comfortable car you can imagine.”

roadburner

Maybe a CPO Accord Hybrid or Camry Hybrid?

corvette

Prius was the first thing that came to mind. An Accord or Camry hybrid would also fit the bill. I preferred the last Accord hybrid I rode in as an Uber to the equivalent Camry, but I haven't driven the hybrid versions of either.

texases

The Camry hybrid would be great, as long as the seats fit you. Honda has had problems with their hybrids over the years.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

<

“Coming up on @qbrozen’s frankencars…Sweden and Japan unite to create the ugliest most comfortable car you can imagine.”

We could throw in a Citroen suspension while we are at it.

pfalcon

oldfarmer50 said:

For that price point you’ll get an Avalon in the 2016-2020 range with 60k-90k miles. I think all years are equally reliable although the newer models might have more tech. I mention Avalons because I’ve driven them on 3 hour trips at work and they are comfortable if not very exciting. I’m guessing comfort is more important to you than carving corners.

Your next step should be to do some general research on platforms like Autotrader to see what’s available. Some people like visiting dealers in person while other are more comfortable doing everything online. Either way, get a pre purchase inspection before you buy.

This was so helpful, @oldfarmer50. I am looking into an Avalon quote. May I ask your thoughts on the Toyata Tacoma's? Am not a van person per se, but read they are very reliable too.

pfalcon

oldfarmer50 said:

For that price point you’ll get an Avalon in the 2016-2020 range with 60k-90k miles. I think all years are equally reliable although the newer models might have more tech. I mention Avalons because I’ve driven them on 3 hour trips at work and they are comfortable if not very exciting. I’m guessing comfort is more important to you than carving corners.

Your next step should be to do some general research on platforms like Autotrader to see what’s available. Some people like visiting dealers in person while other are more comfortable doing everything online. Either way, get a pre purchase inspection before you buy.

Thank you, again.

qbrozen

@pfalcon said:
This was so helpful, @oldfarmer50. I am looking into an Avalon quote. May I ask your thoughts on the Toyata Tacoma's? Am not a van person per se, but read they are very reliable too.

The Tacoma is a truck, not a van. You should avoid either, however, just from a fuel efficiency standpoint.

oldfarmer50

I just drove one 150 miles yesterday. They are certainly more “truck-like” than a sedan. The only thing I don’t like about Tacomas is that it has a low seat so your legs are more straight out which for me creates an unnatural seating position. I’m 6”2’ so your perceptions may be different if you’re shorter. They certainly have a firmer ride than other Toyota offerings. Probably not as comfortable on a long drive but has extra versatility if you are hauling lots of luggage.

Trucks generally command a higher price than sedans. For that $20k price target you will get a much older or high mileage vehicles.

pfalcon

oldfarmer50 said:

I just drove one 150 miles yesterday. They are certainly more “truck-like” than a sedan. The only thing I don’t like about Tacomas is that it has a low seat so your legs are more straight out which for me creates an unnatural seating position. I’m 6”2’ so your perceptions may be different if you’re shorter. They certainly have a firmer ride than other Toyota offerings. Probably not as comfortable on a long drive but has extra versatility if you are hauling lots of luggage.

Trucks generally command a higher price than sedans. For that $20k price target you will get a much older or high mileage vehicles.

Thank you. Great advice as always. I am looking into your suggestions from the Edmunds used car forum.

Brahimdiaz

Calling all NYC car enthusiasts! A fellow New Yorker here, potentially commuting to Charlotte 2-3 days a week. Looking for reliable, safe, and affordable used car recommendations for these 8-hour highway treks. Navigation would be a huge plus, but safety, especially at night, is paramount (being a woman driver and all). Any advice is appreciated!

roadburner

Questions:
Budget?
Car or SUV?

qbrozen

This is the same question as above. Has to be same person but now with different screen name.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

This is the same question as above. Has to be same person but now with different screen name.

Maybe everybody is trying to get out of NYC.😉