4 Months - 1 Car (Summer) What to buy?

"Moves-Like-Senna" (moves-like-senna) 01/18/2015 at 20:34 • Filed to: None

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So last summer, my girlfriend was working several hours north of where I live (Montreal) as you may remember from my heralding tale of wolves, and one Hyundai Sonata.

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This year, she'll be working an extra hour and a bit further North for 4 months. Basically, renting a car will run me a solid 400$ a trip + gas so if I make a couple trips a month it can add up and I'm sick of borrowing my friends cars. Though they have quite a few (one lent me an XKR-S .. it was his third car) but it just doesn't feel all that great to do.

So this year, I'm thinking I'd buy a used vehicle and resell it with an extra 15k miles on the odometer. My question becomes what would lose the least amount of value?

Perhaps a first gen CTS? If possible, I would love a go with a manual as I've never piloted one. I know it's a sin but even my first track car in Japan was flappy paddles. My budget isn't all that set as I plan on reselling but note that I am 6ft 3 and often struggle to find comfort in cars.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:37

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The cheaper you buy the less 15k miles really matters. 15k on a $5,000 means a hell of a lot less than a 15k on a $25,000 car.

Any idea what range price wise you want to be in?

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:40

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oh boy...you might hate me for this one, but hear me out.
beetle TDI.
WAIT, PUT DOWN THE AXE.

1-the beetles have been known to be VERY comfy for tall people. their shape lend themselves EXCELLENT headroom
2- TDI = AWSOME fuel milage. think 45+mpg
3- relativly cheap no one wants to buy a beetle. they were a fashion item, and the depreciation shows
4- cheap insurance.
5- because they are cheap to begin with and its a diesel (diesels loose very little value with higher KM's) , you might be able to come out on top if you smart about it.
6- I think they were made with manuals...not sure.

FromCanadaWithLove > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:41

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Toyota Tacoma. They keep their value really well, regardless of kilometres.

44444444444 > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:42

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Volvo V70/S60/S70. Cheap, reliable, market exists, comfy seats. Stay away from 2001-2003.

Moves-Like-Senna > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis 01/18/2015 at 20:42

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That's a really good point, I didn't really think about that. The cheaper the better. I have perfect credit and savings but I have some very large costs coming up so I don't want to dig in too far. At the same time, I'm hoping to see most of that money back.

Moves-Like-Senna > 44444444444 01/18/2015 at 20:44

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Good point, I guess I just have to keep an eye out for timing belt/waterpump timing for those eh?

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:45

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SUBARU...

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:45

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To a certain extent, I want to say 8-12 year old Toyota Corolla or Camry. You'll be able to resell it easily for probably the same price.

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:46

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2001+ volvo S40s work great too. VERY comfy cars, dead reliable, and sip 89 on the highway

Moves-Like-Senna > FromCanadaWithLove 01/18/2015 at 20:46

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Really? Do you know the rough MPG? I'll be doing about 700km highway each way haha.

Moves-Like-Senna > bob and john 01/18/2015 at 20:47

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I don't hate you for this one haha. I love to hate on the Beetle but at my height it so damn comfy (like you said). My gf's parents have one themselves.

I didn't know there was a TDI but you're right this seems like a great option and I'm going to do a quick search now!

Thank you!

DrScientist > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:48

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wait a second... what happened to...

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/back-to-the-li…

(not that im paying specific attention to your love life, just saw the headline over on the left)

Moves-Like-Senna > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:50

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http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:50

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At the mid-range level, Acura TL. Not super expensive, can be got in a manual, nice cars, good equipment. You could find a good one around 8 or 9k I'd guess.

Other options are Mazda3, Civic SI, Mini's or Golfs.

Disclaimer: I'm only 5'9" so I know nothing about headroom...

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:50

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check my other reply as well, 2 very good options for you

OPPOsaurus WRX > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:51

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its summer. get a T-top

Moves-Like-Senna > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis 01/18/2015 at 20:52

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I like the idea of the Acura TL! I'm going to have to investigate this one.

Unfortunately the 3/civic/mini/golf aren't great options here. They're priced very high aside from the 3 which has rust issues. (I'm in the rust belt)

Moves-Like-Senna > DrScientist 01/18/2015 at 20:54

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Haha, no worries. Long story short, she admitted her mistakes and things. Basically, maturity doesn't equal experience especially at a young age. I'm a bit older than she is.

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:55

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yo.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/J…

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/N…

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/N…

Moves-Like-Senna > bob and john 01/18/2015 at 20:55

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Ou, good call! They come in fairly cheap too and I have a soft spot for sweedish automobiles.

FromCanadaWithLove > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:55

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You said you were looking for resale value. If you want both, go for a Golf/Jetta TDI.

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:56

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just posted some link to a bunch of Manual, VW diesels (including a couple of beetles) withing 250KM of montreal. should be within budget

Moves-Like-Senna > OPPOsaurus WRX 01/18/2015 at 20:57

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I'll admit I was looking up some 300ZX's with the twin turbos and T top

Moves-Like-Senna > bob and john 01/18/2015 at 20:58

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Thanks for the links!

Moves-Like-Senna > bob and john 01/18/2015 at 20:58

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Thanks a million!

Moves-Like-Senna > FromCanadaWithLove 01/18/2015 at 20:59

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Thanks!

bob and john > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 20:59

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no prob! there was another yellow bettle, tdi, manual for 1500, but it was jusveast of toronto, not sure if you would have wanted to travel THAT far

not for canada - australian in disguise > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:03

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First-gen CTS, Manual, $7,277

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/CADILLAC/CTS…

OPPOsaurus WRX > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:10

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and if i was a female i'd be wet right now

44444444444 > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:20

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Yep, timing belt at 10 years or 120k and PCV system around 150k.

Stephen the Canuck > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:21

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With the fuels prices right now, I'd suggest getting the gas version. They still get around mid 30s mpg. Where I am diesel is 30 cents more per litre, which is a big difference.

Stephen the Canuck > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:23

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For this, you just need something cheap, good on fuel, and has a decent stereo. An early 2000s civic/neon/cavalier/etc. would be pretty much perfect.

Cajun Ginger > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:25

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a motorcycle

I own dead car brands only > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/18/2015 at 21:32

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I agree with him. A Camry or a Corolla would fit you best. It may be super beige but you get good mpg and can sell it for near what you paid.

If you're not planning on keeping it, go cheap as fuck.

Moves-Like-Senna > 44444444444 01/18/2015 at 21:32

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Thanks!

Moves-Like-Senna > Stephen the Canuck 01/18/2015 at 21:32

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That's a good point! I'll keep an eye on gas prices until summer and pick and choose then :)

Moves-Like-Senna > Stephen the Canuck 01/18/2015 at 21:34

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Actually, that gives me the idea for a Cobalt? There's not many neons/caviliers/civics from that era left here due to the rust but the Cobalt/G5 could be an option. The chain driven engine is pretty darn reliable from recolection.

Moves-Like-Senna > Cajun Ginger 01/18/2015 at 21:35

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I wish! By the time I get my license, fees/tests/school/more fees I'd have spent 10k. It's why I'm trying to move out of this province... right next door it's basically a weekend course for 500$

DrScientist > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:37

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ok... well here's my thoughts... the first gen cts's seem to be in the $7-10 range down here, so i'll use that as a guesstimate for budget.

these are the parameters i think youre requesting: you can fit in it (not tiny), reasonable highway long distance hauler (comfy, not loud), reasonable mileage (4+ hr drives can suck at your wallet even with falling prices, low likelihood for an additional 15k miles to take much out of the value

1. 1st gen cts, good choice, you know the details

2. e39 5 series. you can find a pretty sweet e39 for that money. there isnt much extra cost between the v8 vs i6 models, so you can choose power or gas money savings, most are in the 80k-120k mile range, so another 15k isnt going to hurt much, many previous owners have already swapped out the oe 15 and 16 inch wheels for nice 18s, manuals are available, there are literally thousands available, comfortable for highway cruising, and most importantly, its probably listed on the top 10 most-likely to be in a jalop's garage

3. 2000-2002 or so LS. this is if youre just concentrating on long distance highway comfort. i'm going to go out on a limb here and say that i find lexus' across the entire model lineup to be a more comfortable ride than the mercedes options. (maybe mercedes has been moving more sporty to compete with bmw, but whatever). anyway, a nice 10-15yo lexus won't give you many problems, they're all probably in the 100k+ mileage range, so the miles plus 4months of ownership won't hurt the value. the only problem i see is that it might be so comfortable to may just fall asleep driving it

4. big ass benz coupe. CL see tavarish's posts, i'm sure he has something on these. i assume you can find one old enough and with enough miles to pull it into your budget. the rationale is the same as for the LS. but this is just a huge roll of the dice with regard to whether or not something breaks. if it does... you'll likely be looking at a mid 4 digit repair bill. BUT... these cars like long, smooth, highway drives. thats what they were built for, and they generally don't hurt the car the way lots of short commutes through town might. mileage would be crap though.

5. first gen cayenne. now... you're going to have to hunt for one of these in your budget, and it'll likely have 120k+ miles on it, but they're out there. i also have to say i dont particularly like the styling of them. but they're comfortable, they're big, the 6cylinders get reasonable mileage (~20 if youre taking it easy)... and hey, its a porsche! just don't go buying all the baseball caps and t-shirts and all that other nonsense.

i had no idea i'd spend this much time on this, but hey, car shopping is fun.

DrScientist > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:38

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you'd probably need the t-top open to fit in there. i'm only 5ft8 and i remember feeling cramped in one during a test drive.

Cajun Ginger > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 21:43

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dang. Down in Wisconsin it only cost me a few hundred USD, two weeknights and a weekend. Then my bike was $1500.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 22:11

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I have some suggestions for you available in the Montreal area. And all of these won't lose much in resale value with an additional 15,000km... as long as you're selling it certified and etested.

A couple of TDI VWs:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

A Prius:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

An Acura 2.3CL (basically a more luxurious Honda Accord coupe):

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

A Honda Accord:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

Mazda 6

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/…

Nissan Maxima

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

Subaru Legacy Wagon

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Moves-Like-Senna 01/18/2015 at 23:56

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If it's summer, miata with the top down would work pretty well. If you buy cheap with no rust, it should be good on the price return too.

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 07:24

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What town will she be working in? Just curious (guy who is driving to Radisson QC later this year)

If you want a car that doesn't depreciate, find a minty Cavalier. Can get for $2-3K easily and sell for 1.5-2K. Assuming I could sell mine for $1000, I have averaged about 2 cents depreciation per km.

Stephen the Canuck > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 10:24

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That should work pretty well too.

Moves-Like-Senna > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/19/2015 at 13:05

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That's true! I love Miatas but I'd have to do some customization to be able to fit let alone 7 hours straight seems like it's not worth the mods. :( I love Miata's and do drive the odd one from a friend who has his interior redone to suit 6ft 2 -5 people but it's a limitation.

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss 01/19/2015 at 13:06

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She'll be an hour or two west of Rouyn-Noranda in Ontario. I'm not sure which town for now but Radisson is so far north! DAMN!

Oh really? I'll look into them but that's really decent depreciation!

Moves-Like-Senna > DrScientist 01/19/2015 at 13:10

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It's that tight? Wow, I may have to pass on it then :/ ... but then there are those 90's Camaro's with the TT and if I remember they get pretty darn decent milage and are cheaper than fox body mustangs.

Moves-Like-Senna > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 01/19/2015 at 13:11

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Thanks for all the suggestions and the round up! The Maxima and CL are definitely top of my list out of those! Thanks again! I really appreciate it.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 13:15

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No prob. And I suggest the CL is a better bet over the Maxima from a maintenance, repair and fuel economy perspective.

Moves-Like-Senna > DrScientist 01/19/2015 at 13:20

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Thanks for the tips and for the suggestions!

The CTS is really appealing but the lack of manual has been it's lowest point for me (well none around where I live) but the e39 5 series ... I've always wanted one of those and it's now on the list to check out!

Those 2002 Lexus LS <3 I have a soft spot for these as well growing up with them around me in Tokyo. Definitely makes the list too.

I remember those posts by Tavarish, and a CL would be pretty damn epic! I'm not sure if I want to risk the repair bill hahaha

First Gen Cayenne... that is the most out there suggestion so far but I'll check one out. I know the V6 manuals are pretty cheap up here these days.

Thanks again!

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 13:21

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No towns for the last 600 kms on the way up there. Looking forward to the trip.

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss 01/19/2015 at 14:11

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Wow! Are you going to be carrying some gas? or are there stations?

I always had the problem between Montreal and Rouyn Noranda with a lack of stations. Especially Mont Laurier to Val D'or. When I drove a Jag XKR-S and a Nissan Frontier I had to basically nurse it there. With the XKR-S I had way too much fun for the first couple hundred that I just killed the MPG and the Frontier was loaded.

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 14:14

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I am going to take some gas with me but there is a fuel stop at km 381.

No cops, but you have to use common sense, because God forbid you run out of fuel. I made it to Maniwaki in the middle of the night the other day (coming from Ottawa) and was beginning to think I may have to overnight as I left town on the north side and there was no gas stations, but the last building in town was a 24 hour gas station thank god!!

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss 01/19/2015 at 14:34

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Good call but you're right. No cops is great but at the same time, if something goes wrong, no cops kinda sucks. I had the same thing driving down from Rouyn, I hit Mont Laurier with my low fuel light going for quite a while. I rolled into the station and the truck cut out and the pumps had just shut off for the day.

Fortunately, the kid working recognized me as he's been there the dozen or so times I'd driven by over the past couple months and turned everything back on to let me refuel but it was a close call.

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 14:48

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Dayyyuuum. That is a close call. People are always pretty nice up north though they know how it is. Trip planning essential though, in case you know, you get attacked by a wolf or something.

Not that'd you know anything about that. :P

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss 01/19/2015 at 15:35

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Most definitely! The people up there are really up for helping you and are really friendly but it helps to speak French haha. I actually had an awesome time during St Jean Baptiste up there but when I walked into the venue the woman suggested we don't talk unless it's in French but didn't run into any problems speaking English as long as I tried French first.

Are you driving your Cavalier up?

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 15:40

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That's the plan at the moment!! Probably be in the late summer so that the weather is good and the bugs relatively limited. My french not so good but north of Val D'or it's most english and cree as far as I understand although I haven't been yet.

DrScientist > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 16:22

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here you go... laid out perfectly. :) these are all probably fairly thirsty cars though.

http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/here-are-ten-o…

Stephen the Canuck > Moves-Like-Senna 01/19/2015 at 16:23

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Even a Corolla/Camry/Echo would probably work

Moves-Like-Senna > Cajun Ginger 01/19/2015 at 21:02

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I'm so jealous!