Topic: You need a vehicle to last you 10 years, which one do you buy?

[Shnak]

I'm curious about what people will answer because I was thinking about this this morning and I wasn't really sure of what might answer might be.

It has to be a car, not an SUV, with at least 4 doors. So hatchbacks and wagons are ok. And it with an automatic transmission. And of course, decently priced, so something that you would see yourself buying.

I'm wondering about this because of the sludge issue we've been hearing about recently from Toyota, Honda's problem with some automatic transmissions, the Germans' electrical problems, etc, etc.

So, if you needed your new car to absolutely last you 10 years, which would you buy? With which engine? Take into account the whole package too... For example, I'm sure many would say the Echo is the most reliable vehicle on the market, but how many of you would really like to drive an Echo for 10 years?

So, basically, which car do you think will offer you the least troubles and that you can see yourself owning for a long time?

You can choose from any segment (sub-compact, compact, mid-size, full-size), but really, it's the mid-size that interests me the most.

I think I'd go with the Accord 4-cylinder for its outstanding reliability, and it's a car that I can see myself driving for 10 years without having the itch to trade it in quicker.

What about you?

[wing]

TSX

[Shnak]

Yeah I thought about the TSX, but felt that the Accord offered a bit more space, especially in the back, so the Accord would suit me better for 10 years...

Btw, I picked the Accord 4-cyl with its 5-speed automatic transmission thinking that the transmission problems going at Honda/Acura only affect their vehicles with V6s in them... Am I right to think that their 4-cyl and V6 vehicles use different automatic transmissions completely?

[AVToller]

Well this is a really easy one for me as I intend to keep my new car for at least 10 years. 2006 Echo Hatch, RS, "B Package", auto. Synthetic oil - no sludge problems.

[Shnak]

I thought Toyota's sludge problems only affected their cars with the V6 in it? No?

[Giant Dwarf]

This is virtually impossible for me to answer from a personal standpoint since I'm far too frivolous with my car expenditures and couldn't possibly be sentenced to driving any car for 10 years (let alone one with an automatic--- gack!).  

However, if, as you've done, someone asked me what would be a good car for most people's purposes based on the specifications you've listed above, I'd agree with both you and/or James and say either a TSX or Accord (though a V6 model) depending on how much space - versus handling and features they desired.

[Wetson]

Here's my list.

Accord
TL
Grand Prix
LeSabre
Saturn Ion

[Shnak]

Jeff, wouldn't you be worried about the automatic transmission that comes with their V6 model?

And Acura really needs to get off their butts and bring the european Accord WAGON here... Here are some pics! Tell me that wouldn't be one of our best looking wagons here!

[inco]

Impala would be in there too along with Accord.

So would Camry and perhaps Buick/Pontiac twins and maybe even a good old Mustang for sportiness.

[mark]

I still find something wrong with the shape of the Accord wagons.  Maybe the way the roof slopes around the sides of the car towards the rear end, maybe the lower part of the car at the back around the bumper is too boxy.  I dunno, but as much as I want to like it, there's something that puts me off about it.  It's just that last 10%.

[erich]

A long time ago, in a faraway galaxy, I used to drive a '92 Peugeot 205 with a 1.4 engine. It was a company car, belonging to a screwed-up company, so they kept it for 9 (nine) years, instaed of the usual 3. I drove it from '96 until it was sold in 2000. It had 150k km when I got it and I drove it for another 150k - and enjoyed it all the way.
Here my wife's Civic is on a 5-yr lease and I don't see any problem with keeping it for 10 (however she might have some objections). And I am about to buy a Saab that I intend to keep for a really long time.

[mark]

Oh yeah, the question: Probably a Subaru Legacy GT Wagon or somethin such.

PS - my current vehicles better last me (or somebody else) well over 10 years.

[ktm525]

Passat wagon 1.8T 5 speed. My ten year plan for the car is this: Years 1-4 primary family hauler until the k's build then wifey gets new iron while I take the Passat to commute to work and use as secondary car. I will add a trailer hitch and use it to haul dirt bikes etc and trips to Home Depot. Wagons are great because it will five people one day then fold up the rear seats and you can stuff it with an incredible amount of stuff. The 1.8T gets reasonable gas mileage.

[froggy]

Toyota RAV4, or at least, it is the plan...
I know, no SUV, but it is OK on Gas and not that big.

[mrthompson]

I would imagine a Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited would serve my purposes for the next 10 years.  It has reasonable fuel economy, AWD, the functionality of a wagon, and Subaru's reputation for making solid vehicles.  It should have adequate power to tow an aluminum fishing boat, or a utility trailer.

[Shnak]

Yeah I thought about picking the CR-V instead of the Accord, but there's a few things that I don't really like about the current CR-V, so I went with the Accord instead. We'll see if the next CR-V fixes those things (mostly the radio/dash design).

[Scaerio]

Impreza Sport or Saab 9-2x or Volvo V50.

(Message edited by gkjsooley on August 19, 2005)

[Careener]

Shnak: I've seen the Accord wagon first hand. To me it doesn't look anywhere near as good as it does in those pics you linked to.

I'd also pick Accord 4cyl but I think Toyota actually makes a better autobox.

[ktm525]

Oh wait there was no price cap on the original question. I change my Passat to a brand new BMW 530 XI touring wagon.

[Giant Dwarf]

Ktm, I thought about going that route too -- new 545i perhaps? -- but realized that once the warranty runs out on those beasts, the electronic gremlins come out in full force... then look out!

Legacy GT is a great suggestion too...