I’ve had my fair share of bad luck with cars… after spending nearly 5 years with a Jeep Renegade that was nothing but trouble, I’ve decided it’s time for a new ride. I’ve been looking at Toyota models and I’m leaning towards either a new Corolla, but I’ve also heard good things about used Priuses, Corollas, and Camrys. While I know used might be a better deal, I’m hesitant about buying a car with over 50,000 miles and running into the same issues again. Does anyone have suggestions or personal experiences? Are there any models I should avoid? Anything I should look out for? Appreciate the help!
RAV4 hybrid is a solid choice. It gets between 39-46mpg, depending on the climate, and it’s really good for gig work.
Kip said:
RAV4 hybrid is a solid choice. It gets between 39-46mpg, depending on the climate, and it’s really good for gig work.
Thanks!
Kip said:
RAV4 hybrid is a solid choice. It gets between 39-46mpg, depending on the climate, and it’s really good for gig work.
There’s a guy who posts here every once in a while. He has a 2020 RAV4 hybrid and uses it for medical deliveries. I think he’s around 500,000 miles on it, and the only issue he’s had is a bit of wear on the center console armrest.
@Oakes
He actually got rid of the RAV4 hybrid recently, and his GR Corolla got totaled by a deer. He now drives an LC250.
@Oakes
That’s insane! I’ve heard similar stories from Prius owners.
Kip said:
RAV4 hybrid is a solid choice. It gets between 39-46mpg, depending on the climate, and it’s really good for gig work.
My RAV4 hybrid gets a consistent 35mpg, even doing 90% highway at 80mph in the desert.
The Corolla Cross is popular right now, and the wagon version is great too. If you’re considering used, you can’t go wrong with a RAV4 or Highlander. I had a 4WD Matrix that I couldn’t kill. If you can find a low-mileage Matrix in good shape, it’s definitely worth it.
Jeep just doesn’t compare to Toyota or Honda for reliability. If you’re looking for a used car, get something simple, like a 2WD with no sunroof. A low-mileage 2014 Camry Hybrid would be a good choice. We’ve had ours since new, and it’s still going strong at 180k miles. We also have a Honda Pilot, also at 180k miles. Both brands are known for reliability. But keep in mind, all cars eventually need parts replaced, like ball joints, bushings, belts, and pumps.
I have a 2017 hybrid RAV4, and I love it. But if you’re sticking to your budget, the new hybrid Corollas or a Camry hybrid might be a better choice. Unless you’re okay with an older RAV4 or one with over 100k miles.
@Thanos
I’m trying to avoid high miles… don’t want any surprises. This Jeep experience has me a bit traumatized.
@Thanos
Jeep has really dropped in quality, just like other Stellantis brands like Ram and Dodge. Their prices have gone up 30-60%, but the quality has suffered. They are trying to compete with luxury brands like Escalade, but some of their models don’t even last 5,000 miles before having issues.
@Thanos
I grew up in a town where Jeeps were made. I wouldn’t trust them. Most American brands, like Ford, Chevy, and GMC, have poor quality. Toyotas are probably the only ones I’d trust with high mileage, but I wouldn’t want to pay $22k+ for something with a lot of miles. You just don’t know how well the previous owner took care of it.
The RAV4 is a solid choice, but if fuel efficiency is your top priority, the Camry Hybrid is worth looking at. It gets 50+ mpg.
If you’re okay with less space, the Corolla Hybrid is a great choice. You might want to stretch your budget a little bit to get a new one. Used ones aren’t much cheaper, and they’re so reliable, it makes sense to get a new one.
@Jean
That’s what I was thinking. If a new one is $22k, a used one would have to be much cheaper for it to make sense.
Does Toyota offer unlimited mile warranties on their CPO cars? I was looking at Accord/Camry hybrids last year but ended up getting a Lexus ES300h with an unlimited mile warranty. I drive 30-35k miles a year, so warranties are important to me. I got an extra 3 years of warranty for peace of mind. It’s amazing not having to worry about repairs, and I joke that my 9-year-old will get a Lexus with 250k miles for his 16th birthday.
@Gerald
That sounds incredible! I’m looking at doing about 20,000 miles a year. Could you share what kind of deal you got on your Lexus? I think it might be worth paying a little more for something I won’t have to worry about. Dealing with lemons is just terrible.
You can find a slightly used Corolla in your price range.