OT: Most reliable vehicle out there?

A buddy commutes about 160 km/day (Ottawa/Perth) in his Honda Civic which when last I spoke to him (last summer) had about 520,000 km on it ... maybe he'll part with it, but I doubt it :-)

I've owned 30+ vehicles in my 54 years--for your described needs, I'd recommend Toyota Corolla, no doubt, no competition, no question. You simply CANNOT go wrong.

Paul B.

Holie molie ... 30+ vehicles in 54 years? I kinda liked my '81 Tercel 5 spd (better than either of my Corollas) ... real easy on gas ... a lotta fun to drive ... and 0 maintenance.

I will also agree with the Toyota sentiment expressed already. Other than my TJ I have a 98 Sienna, 140000 miles of just turn the key and it goes, no problem. I am figuring that it is not yet half old yet. There were 2 reasons that I chose this one. One is the reliability of Toyotas. The other is the crash test data I saw at the time. It was the absolute highest rated vehicle ever at the time. The Previa was the absolute worst in that test so Toyota 'fixed the problem' and they did well.

Previous to my old YJ I had a Chevy Nova (Corolla clone) that was similarly indestructible for over 200K. Tomes

Yup--lemme think--4 Corollas, 1 Corona, one Celica All-trac in that mix, at least!

travis, I love my subaru's. I have had ZERO issues with both of them. As you know, I'm near you (just a few miles). I'd be glad to let you take my legacy out for a spin.

I liked my Legacy too ... but the awd and good mileage don't mix ... I believe cheap reliable transportation is the goal?

milage is far from bad. very very very safe too.

travis ( snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com) wrote on Wednesday 10 December 2003

I'd go with the Honda. Several co-workers have them, and they don't seem to want to die. Just keep up with the maintenance.

I've owned three Corolla's, bulletproof, two were wrecked nearing 200k miles with nothing but routine maintenance, I have no doubt that I would have gotten another 100k or more out of either of those two. The third is over 20 years old (81 SR5) with 230k or 330k (can't tell which) it's sitting under a tarp now needing a timing chain/belt and possibly a carb overhaul the first repairs besides a water pump that it ever needed, it was getting 30 mpg for about two years daily driving before the timing issue about a year ago.

Well there's your problem. The most reliable vehicle is one that's brand new under warranty and protected with the lemon laws.

I'm a big fan of Honda's, owned many but I would give a slight edge to the Toyota Camry only for their fit and finish. I see lots of 98+ Honda's starting to show a bit of rust around the rear wheel wells... don't recall ever seeing a 98+ Camry rusting. Rust is not likely a concern for you. I am assuming you want something 5 yrs old or less for daily trouble free commuting.

Civics are ridiculously over valued on the used market because every warm blooded male under 20 wants one and they are driving up the cost... you'll find better *value* in an Accord not to mention comfort. I'd take a Camry over a Corolla even at twice the price.. not that the Corolla is a bad car but they feel so cheap in my opinion.

Volvo, Subaru are both great cars but not as thrifty.The good old Chevy Cavalier is cheap to buy/maintain but they tend to deteriorate very quickly beyond the 5-6 year mark. I wouldn't touch a Ford or Chrysler without a lifetime warranty!

-Brian

volkswagen golf/rabbit DIESEL

-- bob z.

"people with less brain power than you are doing more difficult things everyday"©

Funny that - European Fords are reliable, one of the cheapest for parts and much easier to work on than anything Japanese as well. If I had to buy a second hand commuter car, it would definitely be a Ford.

Dave Milne, Scotland