What is the most interesting reliable DD under 20k

"JR1" (type35bugatti)
02/01/2015 at 16:14 • Filed to: None

Above is an example of a supremely interesting car that unfortunately isn't very reliable.

Reliable means less than 1k maintenance per year. Assuming one cannot wrench.

Also the vehicle needs to have 4 seats.

DISCUSSION (39)

bob and john > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:17

I'm going to be the weird one right off the bat.
a newer audi with a tdi.

we had our A3 since new (10 model year, boughtr in 09) only thing to have gone bad with the EGR valve.

IDK what it is, but those TDI motors.....they freaking last

we have about 80 K on it last i checked. still runs like a peach

Manuél Ferrari > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:18

Impossible!

You're not going to find anything that interesting that can stay at $1000/year or under every year!

My citroen won't start > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:19

Lexus IS350.

44444444444 > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:21

Volvo XC70. It's the ultimate wagon... If only it had a manual transmission... Only needs a timing belt, LCAs, coil packs, and PCV system every 120k miles. For a 3800lb wagon it's surprisingly sporty.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:26

Some form of Pontiac G8

Interesting because they aren't that common and a Holden of a different badge. Plus V8 RWD sedan.

It has an LS motor under the hood, so it's going to be very reliable.

Plus it has 4 comfortable seats and one emergency hump.

I'm sure you could find a GXP for under $20k.

JR1 > 44444444444
02/01/2015 at 16:28

You're probably right but I have never liked wagons. Or Volvos. I can appreciate them but I wouldn't want to own one.

JR1 > Manuél Ferrari
02/01/2015 at 16:29

Yeah I thought it was a hard question. What is the coolest thing you can find?

JR1 > My citroen won't start
02/01/2015 at 16:31

That's actually a good choice. It has a solid V6 right?

Stupidru > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/01/2015 at 16:32

Those GXPs hold their value way too much. The few that do exist are still commanding mid/high 20s and some even in the 30k range

JR1 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/01/2015 at 16:34

Also last performance Pontiac ever made which is cool.

Stupidru > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:35

There are a lot of interesting DDs, but most of them aren't that reliable. I'd have to vote for a WRX or Forester XT. My friend is having good luck with his Audi A5 2.0T (only 68k miles right now) and he swears by it, but the jury is still out. I'm rocking an 04 Acura TL. 268hp, manual, hilarious torquesteer, Brembo brakes, very comfy, and has been nothing but reliable. You could definitely get a TL Type-S for under $20k

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Stupidru
02/01/2015 at 16:36

Even a GT would work, they both have honk in' V8s under the hood.

My citroen won't start > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:37

Editor's Note: Consumer Reports released its 2014 Reliability Survey this week. Lexus came away as the highest rated luxury brand in survey, and its IS sedan finished as the most reliable luxury car.

Yep.

Stupidru > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/01/2015 at 16:48

Unfortunately the manual is only available in the GXP, but if all you're after is V8 + RWD, then the GT would do just fine

44444444444 > JR1
02/01/2015 at 16:51

I agree with the TDI Audi guy then... Diesel, AWD, really nice inside...

TractorPillow > JR1
02/01/2015 at 17:28

Lexus is not a bad idea. It's funny to see how fast MB depreciates compared to Lexus.

If you up it to maybe 22k get a Lotus Elise from wirewheel.com (rebuilt title but they do a damn good job and are well known in the Lotus community for good work; doesnt take much to total loss an Elise)

Amoore100 > 44444444444
02/01/2015 at 18:15

Yeah, after 120K services it can go pretty reliably until the next 120K service...my dad has an '01 V70 with just over 200K miles and he picked it up for about $4K when it had 175K miles...

44444444444 > Amoore100
02/01/2015 at 18:16

Yes indeed. My 04 R has 280k and just needs rear struts and a rad fan soon.

Manuél Ferrari > JR1
02/01/2015 at 18:40

I'm still stumped

Can you maintain a C5 for $1000/year?

RedPir8Roberts > JR1
02/01/2015 at 18:48

Kinja'd!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Model…

JR1 > Stupidru
02/01/2015 at 19:07

Yeah that Audi has potential to quickly go to shit 68k isn't even broken in. I always found the older Acuras intriguing they are certainly styled better than current Acuras.

JR1 > TractorPillow
02/01/2015 at 19:09

But that does't meet the 4 seat requirement. But I do agree it would be more reliable.

I think ze Germans depreciate so much because they are so damn expensive to repair compared to Lexus.

JR1 > RedPir8Roberts
02/01/2015 at 19:11

Doesn't have 4 seats but that isn't a bad idea to go old school. And it is very interesting.

JR1 > Manuél Ferrari
02/01/2015 at 19:11

Doesn't have 4 seats. But I am sure Corvettes can be maintained under 1k per year.

TractorPillow > JR1
02/01/2015 at 20:08

ah my bad I didn't see 4 seater. I've been driving this - 4 seater, V8, Euro spec 60,000 miles. Cost me less than 10k. Pretty reliable but I'm in the process of selling it.

Kinja'd!!!

I just put a deposit on this, also less than $20k; it also has 4 seats - hopefully reliable, but at least pretty easy to work on:

Kinja'd!!!

The Elise is the most reliable DD I have had (almost at 80k miles and no issues) but it gets old daily driving it. I know, I know...

JR1 > TractorPillow
02/01/2015 at 20:28

I really like that Mercedes. I don't have the money to buy it but the brown paint works very well on that CL. Is it a pillarless coupe?

And it is hard not to love a Mini

TractorPillow > JR1
02/01/2015 at 20:55

It is a pillarless coupe; fanciest car I've ever owned. Not bad for 30 years old. I have a deposit from a car collector on it who is buying it which sparked me to put a deposit on the Mini yesterday.

I used to have a mazdaspeed 3. You can get them for less than 20 for sure. It was SO much fun, reliable as could be, easy to work on, easy bolt-on mods, plenty of room, pretty cool looking but not too flashy. I miss mine so much, but moved across the country so had to sell it.

Are you in the market to buy something or are you just curious?

JR1 > TractorPillow
02/01/2015 at 21:02

Just felt like creating a conversation online. But is always fun to have ideas to keep in the back of your pocket for later. And I have always heard good things about the Mazdaspeed 3.

Manuél Ferrari > JR1
02/01/2015 at 21:39

Crap I forgot about that requirement

Ok how about a 10 year old used Caddy CTS Manuél ?

TractorPillow > JR1
02/01/2015 at 21:56

I'm addicted to ebay-autotrader-craigslist. Always looking for a good buy.

I think if I had $20k right now to spend on a car it would be the MS3. Either that or a 12k MB with a V12 and save 8k for repairs.

JR1 > Manuél Ferrari
02/01/2015 at 22:17

Ok now that is an interesting idea and I bet maintenance is under 1k a year.

Manuél Ferrari > JR1
02/01/2015 at 22:18

I know

But it's impossible to find truly interesting with your parameters

JR1 > TractorPillow
02/01/2015 at 22:18

I think I would do the MB and save 8k for repairs. V12 Merc trumps about any modern Mazda

JR1 > Manuél Ferrari
02/01/2015 at 22:21

Someone had the idea to go classic and if you do that you would find a lot of interesting stuff under 20k. However then the safety would be appalling.

Manuél Ferrari > JR1
02/01/2015 at 22:22

Safety isn't the issue

Maintenance costs are the issue cause you said $1K without DIY wrenching

If DIY then lots of classics would be $1K a year

JR1 > Manuél Ferrari
02/01/2015 at 22:29

I haven't had the opportunity to own one so I wouldn't know. But with a lack of available parts I could see how some could go over 1k.

Manuél Ferrari > JR1
02/01/2015 at 22:41

Just forget the rules and buy a Mondial

RedPir8Roberts > JR1
02/01/2015 at 23:49

Two can sit in the rumbleseat! I rented a replica once and there were four of us. Tons of fun.

DipodomysDeserti > JR1
02/02/2015 at 06:24

I bought a brand new Abarth for $18k. Interesting, four seats, regukar maintenance, and new car warranty (it's been more reliable than my BMW)