[quote=flu][quote=bearishgurl]I think it’s preferable (AND safer) to drive an older (loaded) high-mileage luxury car to one which is newer and cheaply made.
But that’s just me …[/quote]
IIHS crash test data and european crash test data would suggest otherwise…Older cars are not safer than newer cars. Newer cars have been engineered to adhere to the newer and latest safety standards….
A car 10 years or older from today probably does not have all the standard safety equipment that is available now
Modern, new cars, from all manufacturers are now manufactured to these latest crash standards and tests, from all different makes and models. Yes, even the latest Hyundais score high in safety, probably more so than any other car from 10 years back.
Understand this, flu, but I was posting from the affordability standpoint … for myself ($4-12K). I realize the older models only have 2 front airbags, etc. However, the older Lexuses, for instance have VERY heavy multi-layered doors with steel bars across the insides (don’t let one fall back on your leg). The older luxury sedan is built like a tank and gets 29 mpg on the open road (if properly maintained). ALL the Lexus sedan models have been shortened (less trunk space) and slightly stripped down since model-year ’99 (to compete with Acura and other Japanese luxury models). I often need to travel with a dog and/or cats and a lot of stuff.
I couldn’t afford a newer comparable vehicle that is built the way I have “become accustomed to” and could care less about navigation, dvd players, ipod hookups and such. I just use paper maps (if needed) but usually I am traveling somewhere I have been to many times.
Having the finest engines in the world, the average odometer miles on these vehicles before finally being salvaged varies between 350-500K (depending on how well it has been maintained). At 200K+, they are still “teenagers.”
If you don’t believe this, ask any experienced Toyota certified mechanic.
Even though major repairs can be expensive, it is cheaper overall to buy a used private-party vehicle (well-maintained, with svc records), fix as needed and pay FAR less registration and insurance premium on it every year :=]
Having monthly payments and a high cost of registration and insurance would NOT work out for my budget.
edit: both the front and rear-wheel drive sedans handle VERY well in the snow … with tire cables on. I’ve driven a LOT of different vehicles in the snow in my lifetime and the sheer weight of these vehicles (along with their double-wishbone suspension) helps tremendously on snow and ice.
