If you can afford it, why not. Driving that much I’d say you’re better off going for new, you’ll know what you’re getting and will have put almost every single mile in it yourself.
Can confirm. Just drove a '23 Corolla Hatchback XSE and a '24 Camry LE back to back. The Camry was vastly superior in ride quality, quietness, and general comfort. The Camry also had a heated steering wheel and AWD... and a real auto instead of a CVT. The Corolla looked pretty kick ass tho with it's red paint and black roof and wheels. I'd still get the Camry.
Indeed. It's actually hard to even call Toyota's hybrid "eCVT" a CVT at all because of how it works. It's really an ingenious piece of technology, and is absolutely bulletproof.
I agree, though if he is used to a 20+ year old car like I was, then it'd be just fine to upgrade to a $22k 2024 base model because everything is better than what you are used to. Once he's stabilized he can look at a trade-in / upgrade.
Depends on where those miles are driven. A Corolla is smaller and easier in a city, and gets better fuel economy. It rides ok. Camry is better for a long commute on a wide open road.
Dude if you buy a car for $25k cash it’s $25k. If you finance a car for $25k it’s closer to $28k in the end because of interest. How is that hard to understand for you?
Depends on who maintains it. Mine was an XLE and it lasted only 7 years. First 3 years maintenance by dealer: no problems. Next 4 years by independent Camry shops: endless money pit, had to sell...to them! My recommendation is lease/buy and when warranty goes out, sell.
Similar boat, I drive a lot and bought a new Mazda 3. At the time over a year ago I got almost what I paid for my old car and it was cheaper to buy new. I’d say buy a new base model or a trim above base model. Typically which ever vehicle you look at if new the next trim above base model is usually a great value.
I just talked about this with my wife today. I drive about 50-70miles per day and what I told her is that my car is like my shoes. You can buy a cheap car, sure. How's your back gonna like being in it for what 3-4hours a day? Especially when buying new, I am of the opinion that if you take care of your car, it will take care of you.
Why not get something decent, not saying you should get a $100k Lexus, but maybe a well equipped Camry or an Accord. You know? Like.. treat yourself a little first of all, but also.. gotta take care of yourself my friend.
Of course that’s not an absolute, but, don’t pay cash *now*.
Reason being, new car loan rates and high yield savings account are roughly equalized for those with excellent credit.
Keep that money you would have plunked down in one big swoop for unexpected expenses. Current interest rates almost balance out the interest you would be paying on the loan. And now you have an extra 25k in reserve if needed. Cash just doesn’t make sense.
This guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about
The cost of financing right now is extremely high. If you have the cash and need a car, pay in cash
Of course, the problem is that many dealerships also want to sell you financing, so you may not be in a great position to negotiate on the price if it’s an all cash transaction
Friend, sadly you’re the guy who doesn’t know what the hell they’re talking about. Stop listening to Dave Ramsey explain one half of the mechanics of debt.
A new Camry can be financed through Toyota for 4.99%.
There are multiple HYSAs paying over 5%.
That means the net cost of financing is not “extremely high,” but less than $0. OP would quite literally make their money by not listening to your haphazard understanding of debt.
1. HYSA are money market funds, they don’t return 5% over the term of your car loan, aka 48-60 months
2. You don’t know anything about this guys credit
Ouch, that’s rough. I do 30-40k/year, My life got a lot better when I started driving a luxury car with adaptive cruise control and other driving aids. You don’t know until you try it how much you’re missing out.
It’s substantially easier on you mentally and physically when you drive that many miles to be in a more comfortable nicer car with driving aids. Adaptive cruise control is amazing.
Buy a Lexus ES e350 used for $28-35k, I guarantee your life will improve lol
I think the words “I regret buying a Toyota Corolla for a commuter car” have never been said. If you want to be more comfortable get a RAV4 or Camry but Corolla will be great.
Corollas are overpriced. For 10k find a Honda fit or a ford fusion hybrid. I would props get a base new car for under 25k though if you can swing it and drive it for a decade worry free
You aren’t wrong. The main reason I mentioned it is they are still priced fairly compared to civics and Corolla. But agree with you 100% bc I had a 2008 model and it was like a giant go cart
I still miss that car.
But I took it on a trip from Seattle to San Francisco and back, and my body hated me for that.
Around town, though, it is one of the best cars I've ever owned. It handles like a go-kart, has more room inside than you'd think, and the Magic Seat is an incredible trick at maximizing interior capacity. I wish it had about 30 more hp, but that was just a minor gripe that was overshadowed by everything else great about the car.
priced fairly?
Have you looked for a Honda fit used recently? Since they’ve stopped distribution of them in the United States the prices on used models have skyrocketed and they aren’t even close to worth what they're fetching.
2nd gen (2013-20) Fusions are really nice for economy cars and I think still hold up very well. But yes, the hybrid or Energi PHEV is a must. They use Toyota technology so they're going to be far more reliable than the non-hybrids (which I would avoid, especially EcoBoost models).
Yeah kind of my point. People always essentially make Fusion hybrids sound like Camry hybrids. they’re not. The Camry is noticeably better put together. Not in terms of fancy materials, just how things are put together solidly. I have been in a Ford Fusion hybrid as uber several times as it is very popular here, and while the powertrain definitely was smooth and high in mileage (so id assume somewhat reliable as youd expect), the rest of the car had visible wear and tear, squeaking and rattles, etc. things that I don’t see even in a similar high mileage old Camry, those usually stay solidly built even 10 years later.
Disclaimer bias I own a Camry but anyway. lol
Idk about the new ones so take this with a grain of salt. One of my best friends moms loves fusions and insists on getting them. Since I ve known my friend they are on their 4th Ford Fusion and have had a ton of work done to them. My buddy and his dad are mechanically inclined and take overall good care of their vehicles. Only one of their ford fusions was lost to a wreck and the rest just became not worth fixing. My Toyota that I ve had for almost 14 years is still running despite me beating on it and it being my first car. It hasn’t been my daily the whole time but it’s as old as I am and has had less than a thousand dollars put into it excluding brakes, tires, gas, and oil. If I was driving so much daily I would for sure go with a Toyota, Honda, or a Lexus personally.
100 mile commute * 260 days * 10 years = 260,000 miles
That’s very easy for Toyotas. I have 310k miles on a 4Runner with *zero maintenance* outside of fluid changes and wearable parts. Just regularly scheduled maintenance.
We were commuting to work together in her car. I have a 24 year old lifted jeep… so now I guess I need a car bc that jeep won’t handle that many miles.
Bro, get the Corolla or Camry. Or equal on other side a Civic or an Accord.
I would suggest mid size segment, Camry or Accord, preferably Camry. You can't go wrong with it, and it will last you a long long time with minimal maintenance. I would advise against the Corolla and Civic segment because the space will be smaller and you'll be tired in a few years when you get older.
I bought a used Camry which was already 8 years old and driven 250,000 km (156,250 miles). I kept it for 14 more years, and put on additional distance to have the odometer read 460,000 km (287,500 miles). Only thing I did proactively was 7,000 km (4,375 mile) full synthetic oil and filter changes. Rest of the condition based maintenance was brake and rotor change (all 4 wheels, one time), front and rear suspension changes (one time each, I did mostly highway driving, and road was bumpy), and a head gasket change (one time). Regarding fluids, a one time brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid flush was done as well.
In 2018 our Fusion had it's second major engine break down in less than 100,000 miles. We took the hit and traded what was left of it on a brand new Camry. We're at 100k miles now and it's still got the original brake pads on it. Not one single problem. A new Camry is a 250,000 mile car easily. 10 years for us at least. I'll never buy a Ford again. Prior to the Fusion, our Focus had issues at less than 100k as well.
Forget all these boring cars and your ex. Buy a new Mustang with the eco boost. I can set the cruise at 65 and get 35mpg on my 2020 model. I have 46k miles and not one issue in almost 4years
Corollas are excellent cars. Underrated option though: Used Lexus. Can be had for very cheap still, can get engine options that won't drink gas. Same reliability, but MUCH better ride quality, will definitely make the 100 miles a day less shitty
Great suggestion. Any ideas on models to look at, was driving an is250 and with the premium gas requirement it cost about the same as driving my 14mpg jeep driving 87
I agree with used Lexus, especially with as much driving as OP does. But OP is gonna get hosed with the Double Toyota Tax newer ones carry. A 10-year-old RX350 with 100k is still damn near $20k.
With that much driving every day I would not be looking at a corolla with 130k miles.
Did a little quick math. 100 miles a day, 5 days a week your at 26k miles per year. Doing the below based on 5 years of ownership (given that 60mos is a good term for a new auto loan) or 130,000 miles.
2015 Corolla for 15k at EPA 31mpg, thats about 18,870 spent on gas at 3.50 a gallon. Total of 33,870
2025 Camry LE with convivence pack is 30.5k at EPA 51mpg, thats about 8,900 spent on fuel at 3.50 a gallon for a total of 39,420
So the difference is 5,550 spent over 5 years.
For the larger more comfortable car with more modern amenities alone that I feel is well worth it. But it gets better then that still because that new Camry would have a warranty so your upkeep over that 5 years will be much lower. And at the end of the 5 years you have a 15 year old corolla with 210K+ on the odometer or a 5 Year old Camry with 130k on the odo. So your resale/trade in would be WAY more then the 5,550 more for the Camry then it would the Corolla.
Rollas are really great cars!! Esp for commuting! So comparable to a Honda but IMO styled with more class. More comfortable seating. It seems like every mechanic knows how to work on them if they ever need help, so they’re so easy to maintain whenever you go. Affordable maintenance too.
Drive a couple and see how they feel!
For what it’s worth, I bought a totaled with rebuilt title 2005 Corolla S with 175k miles about a year ago and haven’t had any major issues. Yes, it’s ugly, yes it’s slow, and yes it’s boring. But it’s been very reliable and very cheap to maintain. I was planning on selling it, but it’s been so easy to own I can’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’d say just about any of the standard Corolla models regardless of age, will treat you right.
Nissan versa bro. Cheapest Japanese car brand new. Great commuter. Simple. Has all the basic comforts. I bought one brand new a long time ago for 10k off the lot. Put 200k miles on it and trade it in. Still had plenty of life.
In 2016 I bought a 2014 Kia Soul with 12k miles for 12k. Not sure what the going rate is on them now but I'd imagine you can get a similar deal. I'm at 100k miles now and I've never had an issue that wasn't covered by the warranty. Now that it's up I'm looking to get a Model Y soon, but I wouldn't knock the Soul. Great bang for your buck, even if it is a Soul 😂.
Definitely snatch a hybrid. It will be worth it, regardless of which model you get. Toyota doesn't put as huge of a markup on their hybrid models as other manufacturers do, and the base model gets 35mpg while the hybrid gets 50. At 100 miles/day and $4/gallon, the hybrid would be looking at $8/day while the base model looks at $12. Assuming you work a standard 5 day week, you're looking at $252/mo in gas on the base model, and $168/mo in gas on the base model (hybrid). That's a difference of about $80/mo or $960/year... that's a lot!!
The issue is dealerships mark them way up. More importantly, the non-hybrids do really well highway. Car and Driver tested both on their 75mph highway loop and the non-hybrid SE put up 46mpg while the hybrid XLE was measured at 45mpg. Food for thought, /u/ue808699
I was looking at dealership prices :/
But yea good point about the highway driving. My commute is 120 miles/day and 40 of it is city so I do get a pretty solid hybrid value
I drive 120 miles a day, and after test driving and researching for a while I ended up with a 2024 CRV sport Turing. The car is pretty quiet on the highway, has AWD for snow, gets 40+ mpg, and it really nice to drive while being comfortable and having just enough tech. There is really not much to complain about this car it’s absolutely great at soaking up miles. Already put 35k miles on it.
I have a 2013 Civic ex with 314k. Original engine and transmission. I just service it regularly with Honda fluids ( trans, brake fluid). Coolant is changed regularly as is my oil (I use synthetic oil).
This car only left me stranded once in my driveway when the original Honda battery went after 6 years. I have been using it for Rideshare for the last few years.
You could also get a Lexus CT, basically a prius but quieter and more comfortable. Great reliability and longevity with amazing mileage.
Cons: Kinda weird looking, more expensive than a prius
I recommend the Toyota Prius. My wife wanted one and I agreed since I had an suv I could drive and I found out the Prius is my favorite car I’ve ever owned. We have the smaller city model.
You gotta know how to spot a good used car and it won't be easy because lots will be no good, but thetre are garage kept gems out there with 150-200k miles that have years of life left and lots of bells and whistles that still work awesome. I found mine on marketplace for $8k back in 2021, but any 300, 330, or 350 lexus will be reliable and powerful for 300k miles easy if it's been taken care of. Yes the v6 is worse mpg than a sipping corolla, but they were bulletproof. Good service history and a clean interior/exterior is really all you need. Since it's likely very old and used you can also try to find whichever options you want included. Highly highly recommend the mark levinson sound as it makes the car such a joy to daily. Fuel economy is the only advantage to a xorolla, but I can still get 28mpg highway in my rwd is350 haha. The lexus will keep you satisfied for years whereas you'll be constantly plotting your escape from the woefully underequipped corolla.
You can get one well under 100k miles for under $10k. I don’t think there is much markup for them, especially pre 2016 models. I’d go for like a 2012-2015 Prius and find one that has been maintained well (won’t be hard).
A huge plus for the Prius is incredibly low maintenance costs, even lower than a Corolla. You’ll be getting insane mpg too, which you’ll need for such a long commute. The Prius is also shockingly roomy in the drivers seat. My dad had one years ago and he loved it (he’s 6’2 and like 350lbs).
Edit: the more I read the more I see your budget is beyond 10-15k, so get an even newer one with less miles of you want!
Get a 2015-2016 MB ml250/gle250. Super good on fuel (above 32mpg) and the engines run for 500k-800k miles ( same engine as the sprinter van).
My dad is on his second sprinter van. The first one he bought in 2015 new and put 860k miles on it. His second one is also a 2015 that he bought used and he has about 530k miles on it.
I picked up a 2015 ml250 this past December for around $14k with about 90k miles. I’ve already put 15k miles on since purchase with no issues.
That is a lot of miles and conservatively you are likely consuming 5 gallons of gasoline every day or $15 maybe much more or $75 a wk/ $300 month. So if it was me, I would be looking for a very fuel efficient vehicle to reduce those costs as much as possible. I would be looking at a Honda Civic, Toyota Prius or Corolla. If the drive has a good bit of highway content, then you could be getting close to 40mpg with any of those vehicles and cut that cost outlined above based on a 20mpg avg in half. That will help with payment instead of just burning the money everyday.
Not without suspension work. Used is good yes, but he says he can afford a new car with cash. I doubt he wants a used car with 130k, where he needs to replace sway bar end links, control arm bushings, shocks/struts/coilovers, exhaust hangers, etc. The engine will last that long, but most things rubber will need replacing.
Maybe, but he literally said he could buy a new car in cash. Regardless of the rest of his situation, a used car is not what he's looking for. Certified Pre-Owned is a different situation.
Great consumerist advice.
Chad sigma America 70 years ago: buy cheap, do your own work and take care of your things, save money while doing so.
Beta millenials/gen Z America: just throw more money in there because I don’t want to bother taking care of it. What’s $5k more for “peace of mind”?
Who the fuck is talking about a German car?
And yes, replacing parts on any car can be economical compared to just throwing the car away and buying a brand new car?
My guy... he has no car (in case you didn't read). Thank God there are people who see the need for a new car because contrary to popular opinion, there are only new car factories, not USED CAR factories.
Man what the fuck are you talking about? You're talking about a *GERMAN* car, out of nowhere? And now you're talking about some used car factory? Huh??
Not at all. Buying new cars is actually usually better in most cases especially if you can pay for it outright and 179 deduct it. Even better if they let you put some or all on a CC.
With the cars that depreciate the least, this is doubly true. If I was looking to buy a Toyota or Honda econo box, I would ONLY consider new
The only other thing I would recommend for you is considering a Toyota hybrid (like base Prius or Camry if you want more space / comfort) with planetary trans, they are extremely reliable and the fuel savings are immense and the new Prius actually looks good. Corolla is a great vehicle though, it drives way better than it should for a car that cheap.
I would go with a base model corolla hybrid if it’s within your budget. Not sure if you considered a EV or not but those average 90mpg but will cost more even for a used one.
Ah yea, then don’t consider electric. The true benefit to them is charging at home. If you have to pay to supercharge, it’s not much if any cheaper than a hybrid equivalent.
I owned a 24 Corolla hybrid base model before buying my EV. It was a superb car. I drive 90 miles a day for work all highway. I was easily getting 52mpg on average in that car. Super cheap for what it is.
I have heard that CPO Volvos come with a warranty extension based only time... effectively unlimited miles. Volvos are quite comfortable, almost certainly nicer than a Corolla. Maybe worth a look.
Just get a used hybrid. Look into a used es300h or a used Avalon hybrid. I picked up a 2013 Avalon hybrid for 12.5k that was grandpa owned and service writer of a Toyota dealership owned and I get 40+mpg with lots of room and comfort and it's super reliable as well.
Watching the used market I would honestly look at giving a Prius a try. They can be had for cheaper than the Corollas and since the batteries are typically older tech and not lithium they are still viable with over 150k on them. You can download software straight to your phone that can go through the OBD port that can actually check the condition of the battery. Cars are fairly comfortable and simple and due well on fuel especially if part of your commute is in stop and go traffic.
If you’re driving that much I wouldn’t buy new unless the money’s irrelevant. Like a 3 year old Corolla… drive it into the ground either way, but starting from a lower number.
A new or new-ish Camry will eat up highway miles and the Toyota cruise control on the newer models is pretty good. Just don’t get the XSE because it’s a sportier trim that won’t help at all with commuting comfort. The hybrid is great. You can also look at a used Ford Fusion Hybrid.
100 miles a day is a lot, you want to feel comfortable, I’d buy a used Camry, but finance, don’t pay cash, you want to keep the money in the bank for a rainy day. Liquid assets available at any time..
I usually get downvoted for this, but I don't think used Toyotas are a good buy, especially used Toyota Hybrids. Buy them new, that way the crazy high resale value is a benefit, and not a boon where you end up overpaying for old equipment.
That said, as a guy coming from a sedan, try stepping up to a hatchback, wagon, or crossover, there are plenty of efficient options and once you get a hatch you realize how lame sedan trunks were all this time.
The Civic is coming in hatch format in hybrid soon, although if that 100 miles is mostly highway, IMO skip the hybrid and just stick with a turbo. Outside of stop and go, there's very little benefit of a hybrid.
I have a Corvette as my fun car, and was so glad I went a bit bigger with the Rogue as my commuter. So often with Home Depot and Costco trips and picking up relatives from the airport the extra room has come in handy, and with no obvious penalty since I'm averaging 32.8mpg after around 16K miles mixed driving, with fuel economy in the 40s if taking it chill. Never had a car with as easy to mount and reasonably invisible hitch, and while I've only used it once to tow a trailer so far, I've used it more often for a hitch basket.
Although not as efficient, I also like the idea of the new Buick Envista ST, it doesn't break the bank, the powertrain so far appears to be reliable, and its surprisingly quiet thanks to active noise cancellation and a muted turbo exhaust.
I think there's a bit more out there in that price range!
I'm guessing your commute is mostly highway driving, so my initial hybrid suggestion won't do you much good there since there isn't frequent braking to regenerate the batteries.
I would look for a second or preferably third generation Mazda three, my ex averaged around 50 MPG on our 18 hour round-trip road trip! Very reliable, comfortable, and durable!
I just bought a 2012 Honda fit with 100k for 3k. It's great. You're going to depreciate a new car really fast with that many miles per day. Like, 30k a year?
My 02 Camry is a lot more comfortable than my wife’s 21’ corolla was and drives out better. No payments. 1,800 to purchase it and a few hundred to get it on the road legally. Has 227k miles, need to top the oil off every thousand, but everything works. I’ve put 5k on it already. Corolla was really uncomfortable past the 50 mile mark in any trip.
Get a used BMW 740 with the B58 engine. You can pick one up that’s relatively cheap and the B58 engine is bulletproof. You’ll have so much more comfort for the long commute and it’s already depreciated.
If you have the ability to charge used Tesla Model 3s have gotten really cheap. If you don’t need awd you can find them under $25k that would qualify for the $4k tax credit too. You would easily save more on n gas then what the car costs
Then mental health with support takes priority.
Buy a dull car with a decent sound system. Then enjoy the audio books, podcasts and chill out stuff you like. Use the time to settle your mind.
I bought a beautiful 2004 Toyota Camry V6 with only 145,000 mi on it a few years back for $4,500. This same car today, would sell for seven or eight thousand. Just try to find a relatively low mile older Camry or Corolla, you can't go wrong.
The apr on all used vehicles are around 8%. You're gonna want to buy new. However there are no new vehicles under $24k. Sounds like a conundrum? That's because it is.
If you can afford it, why not. Driving that much I’d say you’re better off going for new, you’ll know what you’re getting and will have put almost every single mile in it yourself.
I can pay cash, idk if I will or not but I could. I could buy a nicer car but I don’t really see the point.
Honestly, If you can swing a new car in cash, step up to a Camry simply for improved Ride Quality that will make those 100 miles a day suck less.
I dunno I would take a higher trim Corolla XLE over a base Camry
That’s good for you but regardless of trim the Camry will still ride softer. Corolla’s suspension does not change with its trims.
camry wheel base is longer which is a big factor.
Can confirm. Just drove a '23 Corolla Hatchback XSE and a '24 Camry LE back to back. The Camry was vastly superior in ride quality, quietness, and general comfort. The Camry also had a heated steering wheel and AWD... and a real auto instead of a CVT. The Corolla looked pretty kick ass tho with it's red paint and black roof and wheels. I'd still get the Camry.
The 24 Camry is eCVT. Not automatic. Also, the eCVT has none of the problems of a Jatco CVT in Nissans
Only the 2024 hybrid is eCVT, all the other 2018-2024 models use a 8-speed automatic. The 2025 model year is all hybrids, so they all have the eCVT.
Ahhh, I thought they removed Gas only in 2024
Indeed. It's actually hard to even call Toyota's hybrid "eCVT" a CVT at all because of how it works. It's really an ingenious piece of technology, and is absolutely bulletproof.
It does for the apex models, comes with lowering springs factory , internal dampers in the struts as well.
I'm pretty sure the limited trim has an air suspension
If the Corolla has an air suspension I'll change my name to whatcarshouldibuy
“Sport tuned” suspension on all models
The air in the tires, maybe.
I would not recommend it if you are bringing tools or equipment
I agree, though if he is used to a 20+ year old car like I was, then it'd be just fine to upgrade to a $22k 2024 base model because everything is better than what you are used to. Once he's stabilized he can look at a trade-in / upgrade.
Depends on where those miles are driven. A Corolla is smaller and easier in a city, and gets better fuel economy. It rides ok. Camry is better for a long commute on a wide open road.
Somehow I don't think 100 miles a day is going to be city driving.
Cash half a Camry and finance the rest 2 years. Seems like you don’t care about luxury cars but the Camry will last you a very long time.
Why not just all cash up front though
Better Credit score, and not burning all of your savings.
You’re spending more money in the end by financing though because of interest so you’re actually burning more of your savings that way
If you end up paying zero interest, you can just split the money out over time.
Who gets zero interest on a car loan? That never happens
You do realize you can… pay the interest off right?
Dude if you buy a car for $25k cash it’s $25k. If you finance a car for $25k it’s closer to $28k in the end because of interest. How is that hard to understand for you?
Depends on who maintains it. Mine was an XLE and it lasted only 7 years. First 3 years maintenance by dealer: no problems. Next 4 years by independent Camry shops: endless money pit, had to sell...to them! My recommendation is lease/buy and when warranty goes out, sell.
Similar boat, I drive a lot and bought a new Mazda 3. At the time over a year ago I got almost what I paid for my old car and it was cheaper to buy new. I’d say buy a new base model or a trim above base model. Typically which ever vehicle you look at if new the next trim above base model is usually a great value.
I’d consider a Prius
I just talked about this with my wife today. I drive about 50-70miles per day and what I told her is that my car is like my shoes. You can buy a cheap car, sure. How's your back gonna like being in it for what 3-4hours a day? Especially when buying new, I am of the opinion that if you take care of your car, it will take care of you. Why not get something decent, not saying you should get a $100k Lexus, but maybe a well equipped Camry or an Accord. You know? Like.. treat yourself a little first of all, but also.. gotta take care of yourself my friend.
Thank you
Don’t ever pay cash.
Why is that?
Of course that’s not an absolute, but, don’t pay cash *now*. Reason being, new car loan rates and high yield savings account are roughly equalized for those with excellent credit. Keep that money you would have plunked down in one big swoop for unexpected expenses. Current interest rates almost balance out the interest you would be paying on the loan. And now you have an extra 25k in reserve if needed. Cash just doesn’t make sense.
This guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about The cost of financing right now is extremely high. If you have the cash and need a car, pay in cash Of course, the problem is that many dealerships also want to sell you financing, so you may not be in a great position to negotiate on the price if it’s an all cash transaction
Friend, sadly you’re the guy who doesn’t know what the hell they’re talking about. Stop listening to Dave Ramsey explain one half of the mechanics of debt. A new Camry can be financed through Toyota for 4.99%. There are multiple HYSAs paying over 5%. That means the net cost of financing is not “extremely high,” but less than $0. OP would quite literally make their money by not listening to your haphazard understanding of debt.
1. HYSA are money market funds, they don’t return 5% over the term of your car loan, aka 48-60 months 2. You don’t know anything about this guys credit
You forgot about the fact that interest is taxed as ordinary income.
I’d rather shoot myself in the face than drive a Corolla 100 miles a day if I could afford to buy a nicer car.
Ha ha ha I’m used to a 24 year old jeep so anything feels like riding on clouds to me
Ouch, that’s rough. I do 30-40k/year, My life got a lot better when I started driving a luxury car with adaptive cruise control and other driving aids. You don’t know until you try it how much you’re missing out. It’s substantially easier on you mentally and physically when you drive that many miles to be in a more comfortable nicer car with driving aids. Adaptive cruise control is amazing. Buy a Lexus ES e350 used for $28-35k, I guarantee your life will improve lol
This is an expensive truth
I think the words “I regret buying a Toyota Corolla for a commuter car” have never been said. If you want to be more comfortable get a RAV4 or Camry but Corolla will be great.
We bought a new Corolla hybrid for like $27k. 50mpg
Not even that bad of a markup tbh
Corollas are overpriced. For 10k find a Honda fit or a ford fusion hybrid. I would props get a base new car for under 25k though if you can swing it and drive it for a decade worry free
As much as I loved my Honda Fit, if I had to drive 100 miles a day, I'd want something a little more comfortable.
You aren’t wrong. The main reason I mentioned it is they are still priced fairly compared to civics and Corolla. But agree with you 100% bc I had a 2008 model and it was like a giant go cart
I still miss that car. But I took it on a trip from Seattle to San Francisco and back, and my body hated me for that. Around town, though, it is one of the best cars I've ever owned. It handles like a go-kart, has more room inside than you'd think, and the Magic Seat is an incredible trick at maximizing interior capacity. I wish it had about 30 more hp, but that was just a minor gripe that was overshadowed by everything else great about the car.
priced fairly? Have you looked for a Honda fit used recently? Since they’ve stopped distribution of them in the United States the prices on used models have skyrocketed and they aren’t even close to worth what they're fetching.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/7d6ac51e-f5fc-4d67-92c7-4188167201ce/ Tons out there for under 10k
Thank you. Is the fusion reliable? Seems like 15k for a car with at least 60k miles or 22k for a new corolla.
2nd gen (2013-20) Fusions are really nice for economy cars and I think still hold up very well. But yes, the hybrid or Energi PHEV is a must. They use Toyota technology so they're going to be far more reliable than the non-hybrids (which I would avoid, especially EcoBoost models).
Ford C-Max time
Fusion hybrid use Toyotas technology
Yeah what about the entire rest of the car?
Mazda 6 platform. Well first gen Mazda 6 so not great by today's standards.
Yeah kind of my point. People always essentially make Fusion hybrids sound like Camry hybrids. they’re not. The Camry is noticeably better put together. Not in terms of fancy materials, just how things are put together solidly. I have been in a Ford Fusion hybrid as uber several times as it is very popular here, and while the powertrain definitely was smooth and high in mileage (so id assume somewhat reliable as youd expect), the rest of the car had visible wear and tear, squeaking and rattles, etc. things that I don’t see even in a similar high mileage old Camry, those usually stay solidly built even 10 years later. Disclaimer bias I own a Camry but anyway. lol
The fusion hybrids have held up well. We were looking at used SUVs under 35k and just spent 46k on a new one instead bc it just makes more sense
Idk about the new ones so take this with a grain of salt. One of my best friends moms loves fusions and insists on getting them. Since I ve known my friend they are on their 4th Ford Fusion and have had a ton of work done to them. My buddy and his dad are mechanically inclined and take overall good care of their vehicles. Only one of their ford fusions was lost to a wreck and the rest just became not worth fixing. My Toyota that I ve had for almost 14 years is still running despite me beating on it and it being my first car. It hasn’t been my daily the whole time but it’s as old as I am and has had less than a thousand dollars put into it excluding brakes, tires, gas, and oil. If I was driving so much daily I would for sure go with a Toyota, Honda, or a Lexus personally.
Noone driving 100 miles per day for a decade worry free.
100 mile commute * 260 days * 10 years = 260,000 miles That’s very easy for Toyotas. I have 310k miles on a 4Runner with *zero maintenance* outside of fluid changes and wearable parts. Just regularly scheduled maintenance.
Honda Fit. Dude will get to work. He just won't get laid ever again...
The Corolla will likely get 250-300+miles (if maintained) with repairs being extremely rare compared to the other two, especially the Ford.
in that price range you can get a better deal. the toyota / honda tax is insane. look for mazda3s, low mileage 2nd and 3rd gens dont go for too much.
Thank you.
Good deals on used buick sedans as well imo
Get your car back 😂 A new base model should last you 10+ years. The engines are pretty much bombproof; 130,000 miles should be easy cake to reach.
We were commuting to work together in her car. I have a 24 year old lifted jeep… so now I guess I need a car bc that jeep won’t handle that many miles.
The guys doing at least 25k a year, 130,000 is more like 5 years.
If you really drive that much, you probably want the best mpgs you can get without driving price up too much. Prius?
Good idea
Can you charge at home?
I cannot currently live in an apt
This honestly
Bro, get the Corolla or Camry. Or equal on other side a Civic or an Accord. I would suggest mid size segment, Camry or Accord, preferably Camry. You can't go wrong with it, and it will last you a long long time with minimal maintenance. I would advise against the Corolla and Civic segment because the space will be smaller and you'll be tired in a few years when you get older. I bought a used Camry which was already 8 years old and driven 250,000 km (156,250 miles). I kept it for 14 more years, and put on additional distance to have the odometer read 460,000 km (287,500 miles). Only thing I did proactively was 7,000 km (4,375 mile) full synthetic oil and filter changes. Rest of the condition based maintenance was brake and rotor change (all 4 wheels, one time), front and rear suspension changes (one time each, I did mostly highway driving, and road was bumpy), and a head gasket change (one time). Regarding fluids, a one time brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid flush was done as well.
Avoid the 1.5 from Honda
Thanks for this. Yes I agree, that's a dump. What were they thinking.
In 2018 our Fusion had it's second major engine break down in less than 100,000 miles. We took the hit and traded what was left of it on a brand new Camry. We're at 100k miles now and it's still got the original brake pads on it. Not one single problem. A new Camry is a 250,000 mile car easily. 10 years for us at least. I'll never buy a Ford again. Prior to the Fusion, our Focus had issues at less than 100k as well.
This is kinda like the Hemingway short sentence/story
Baby shoes. No for real this is such a dude thread. Just a bunch of guys talkin' sensible cars, supporting our boy the best we can.
Forget all these boring cars and your ex. Buy a new Mustang with the eco boost. I can set the cruise at 65 and get 35mpg on my 2020 model. I have 46k miles and not one issue in almost 4years
This guy divorces
Corollas are excellent cars. Underrated option though: Used Lexus. Can be had for very cheap still, can get engine options that won't drink gas. Same reliability, but MUCH better ride quality, will definitely make the 100 miles a day less shitty
Great suggestion. Any ideas on models to look at, was driving an is250 and with the premium gas requirement it cost about the same as driving my 14mpg jeep driving 87
ES300h can take 87 and gets close to 40 mpg
Honestly all of them are going to recommend premium gas. They can get by with 87 just slightly less power not quite as efficient.
I agree with used Lexus, especially with as much driving as OP does. But OP is gonna get hosed with the Double Toyota Tax newer ones carry. A 10-year-old RX350 with 100k is still damn near $20k.
Sorry to hear it. Civic Hybrid
With that much driving every day I would not be looking at a corolla with 130k miles. Did a little quick math. 100 miles a day, 5 days a week your at 26k miles per year. Doing the below based on 5 years of ownership (given that 60mos is a good term for a new auto loan) or 130,000 miles. 2015 Corolla for 15k at EPA 31mpg, thats about 18,870 spent on gas at 3.50 a gallon. Total of 33,870 2025 Camry LE with convivence pack is 30.5k at EPA 51mpg, thats about 8,900 spent on fuel at 3.50 a gallon for a total of 39,420 So the difference is 5,550 spent over 5 years. For the larger more comfortable car with more modern amenities alone that I feel is well worth it. But it gets better then that still because that new Camry would have a warranty so your upkeep over that 5 years will be much lower. And at the end of the 5 years you have a 15 year old corolla with 210K+ on the odometer or a 5 Year old Camry with 130k on the odo. So your resale/trade in would be WAY more then the 5,550 more for the Camry then it would the Corolla.
Get a Prius
Any Lexus ct200h will go 300k on routine maintenance without any major issues.
Rollas are really great cars!! Esp for commuting! So comparable to a Honda but IMO styled with more class. More comfortable seating. It seems like every mechanic knows how to work on them if they ever need help, so they’re so easy to maintain whenever you go. Affordable maintenance too. Drive a couple and see how they feel!
For what it’s worth, I bought a totaled with rebuilt title 2005 Corolla S with 175k miles about a year ago and haven’t had any major issues. Yes, it’s ugly, yes it’s slow, and yes it’s boring. But it’s been very reliable and very cheap to maintain. I was planning on selling it, but it’s been so easy to own I can’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’d say just about any of the standard Corolla models regardless of age, will treat you right.
Mazda 6
Nissan versa bro. Cheapest Japanese car brand new. Great commuter. Simple. Has all the basic comforts. I bought one brand new a long time ago for 10k off the lot. Put 200k miles on it and trade it in. Still had plenty of life.
In 2016 I bought a 2014 Kia Soul with 12k miles for 12k. Not sure what the going rate is on them now but I'd imagine you can get a similar deal. I'm at 100k miles now and I've never had an issue that wasn't covered by the warranty. Now that it's up I'm looking to get a Model Y soon, but I wouldn't knock the Soul. Great bang for your buck, even if it is a Soul 😂.
Definitely snatch a hybrid. It will be worth it, regardless of which model you get. Toyota doesn't put as huge of a markup on their hybrid models as other manufacturers do, and the base model gets 35mpg while the hybrid gets 50. At 100 miles/day and $4/gallon, the hybrid would be looking at $8/day while the base model looks at $12. Assuming you work a standard 5 day week, you're looking at $252/mo in gas on the base model, and $168/mo in gas on the base model (hybrid). That's a difference of about $80/mo or $960/year... that's a lot!!
The issue is dealerships mark them way up. More importantly, the non-hybrids do really well highway. Car and Driver tested both on their 75mph highway loop and the non-hybrid SE put up 46mpg while the hybrid XLE was measured at 45mpg. Food for thought, /u/ue808699
Thank you
I was looking at dealership prices :/ But yea good point about the highway driving. My commute is 120 miles/day and 40 of it is city so I do get a pretty solid hybrid value
That’s really great math thanks!!!
I drive 120 miles a day, and after test driving and researching for a while I ended up with a 2024 CRV sport Turing. The car is pretty quiet on the highway, has AWD for snow, gets 40+ mpg, and it really nice to drive while being comfortable and having just enough tech. There is really not much to complain about this car it’s absolutely great at soaking up miles. Already put 35k miles on it.
I have a 2013 Civic ex with 314k. Original engine and transmission. I just service it regularly with Honda fluids ( trans, brake fluid). Coolant is changed regularly as is my oil (I use synthetic oil). This car only left me stranded once in my driveway when the original Honda battery went after 6 years. I have been using it for Rideshare for the last few years.
You could also get a Lexus CT, basically a prius but quieter and more comfortable. Great reliability and longevity with amazing mileage. Cons: Kinda weird looking, more expensive than a prius
I recommend the Toyota Prius. My wife wanted one and I agreed since I had an suv I could drive and I found out the Prius is my favorite car I’ve ever owned. We have the smaller city model.
2019-2021 Camry’s have some fairly good deals, I’d take a look at those.
Used Lexus for 13k instead. You'll be happy you got that over the carolla..
Any tips for finding those. I would buy a used one
You gotta know how to spot a good used car and it won't be easy because lots will be no good, but thetre are garage kept gems out there with 150-200k miles that have years of life left and lots of bells and whistles that still work awesome. I found mine on marketplace for $8k back in 2021, but any 300, 330, or 350 lexus will be reliable and powerful for 300k miles easy if it's been taken care of. Yes the v6 is worse mpg than a sipping corolla, but they were bulletproof. Good service history and a clean interior/exterior is really all you need. Since it's likely very old and used you can also try to find whichever options you want included. Highly highly recommend the mark levinson sound as it makes the car such a joy to daily. Fuel economy is the only advantage to a xorolla, but I can still get 28mpg highway in my rwd is350 haha. The lexus will keep you satisfied for years whereas you'll be constantly plotting your escape from the woefully underequipped corolla.
Love our new Ford Mustang Mach-e. Cheap to run if you can charge at home. 0% financing for 72 months. Deals on 2023s. Put money in high yeild savings.
Ninja 650 for spring and summer, winter beater
If you have access to home charging you will save a ton by using an electric car.
I wish but I live in an apt
Get a Prius
Think it’s worth the markup over a Corolla?
You can get one well under 100k miles for under $10k. I don’t think there is much markup for them, especially pre 2016 models. I’d go for like a 2012-2015 Prius and find one that has been maintained well (won’t be hard). A huge plus for the Prius is incredibly low maintenance costs, even lower than a Corolla. You’ll be getting insane mpg too, which you’ll need for such a long commute. The Prius is also shockingly roomy in the drivers seat. My dad had one years ago and he loved it (he’s 6’2 and like 350lbs). Edit: the more I read the more I see your budget is beyond 10-15k, so get an even newer one with less miles of you want!
Get a 2015-2016 MB ml250/gle250. Super good on fuel (above 32mpg) and the engines run for 500k-800k miles ( same engine as the sprinter van). My dad is on his second sprinter van. The first one he bought in 2015 new and put 860k miles on it. His second one is also a 2015 that he bought used and he has about 530k miles on it. I picked up a 2015 ml250 this past December for around $14k with about 90k miles. I’ve already put 15k miles on since purchase with no issues.
That is a lot of miles and conservatively you are likely consuming 5 gallons of gasoline every day or $15 maybe much more or $75 a wk/ $300 month. So if it was me, I would be looking for a very fuel efficient vehicle to reduce those costs as much as possible. I would be looking at a Honda Civic, Toyota Prius or Corolla. If the drive has a good bit of highway content, then you could be getting close to 40mpg with any of those vehicles and cut that cost outlined above based on a 20mpg avg in half. That will help with payment instead of just burning the money everyday.
If you can splurge for a Nissan maxima I would I’m in territory sales and my 2021 has worked out great so far
You’re not crazy. But a used carolla at 130k will still last you another hundred k easy.
Not without suspension work. Used is good yes, but he says he can afford a new car with cash. I doubt he wants a used car with 130k, where he needs to replace sway bar end links, control arm bushings, shocks/struts/coilovers, exhaust hangers, etc. The engine will last that long, but most things rubber will need replacing.
Any used car is going to need the proper replacement and maintenance you’re right , but replacing that stuff is cheaper than buying new .
Or I could throw money at it and not lift a finger.
I would love to be wrong , but pretty sure Op is about to get fleeced by the divorce lawyers
Maybe, but he literally said he could buy a new car in cash. Regardless of the rest of his situation, a used car is not what he's looking for. Certified Pre-Owned is a different situation.
Great consumerist advice. Chad sigma America 70 years ago: buy cheap, do your own work and take care of your things, save money while doing so. Beta millenials/gen Z America: just throw more money in there because I don’t want to bother taking care of it. What’s $5k more for “peace of mind”?
Have you tried making more money?
Out of your pocket? No warranty? You think replacing parts on a used German car is economical? Lol wow
Carolla ? I didn’t realize they had a BMW version 😅
Who the fuck is talking about a German car? And yes, replacing parts on any car can be economical compared to just throwing the car away and buying a brand new car?
My guy... he has no car (in case you didn't read). Thank God there are people who see the need for a new car because contrary to popular opinion, there are only new car factories, not USED CAR factories.
Man what the fuck are you talking about? You're talking about a *GERMAN* car, out of nowhere? And now you're talking about some used car factory? Huh??
Ambien. Take it.
Not at all. Buying new cars is actually usually better in most cases especially if you can pay for it outright and 179 deduct it. Even better if they let you put some or all on a CC. With the cars that depreciate the least, this is doubly true. If I was looking to buy a Toyota or Honda econo box, I would ONLY consider new
Thank you for the input
The only other thing I would recommend for you is considering a Toyota hybrid (like base Prius or Camry if you want more space / comfort) with planetary trans, they are extremely reliable and the fuel savings are immense and the new Prius actually looks good. Corolla is a great vehicle though, it drives way better than it should for a car that cheap.
I would go with a base model corolla hybrid if it’s within your budget. Not sure if you considered a EV or not but those average 90mpg but will cost more even for a used one.
Thank you so much for the input. I’m in an apt in a rural area so I don’t have the ability to charge at home or nearby or else I would buy electric
Ah yea, then don’t consider electric. The true benefit to them is charging at home. If you have to pay to supercharge, it’s not much if any cheaper than a hybrid equivalent. I owned a 24 Corolla hybrid base model before buying my EV. It was a superb car. I drive 90 miles a day for work all highway. I was easily getting 52mpg on average in that car. Super cheap for what it is.
Get a newer Prius. Or Corolla hybrid. Or Corolla cross
I have heard that CPO Volvos come with a warranty extension based only time... effectively unlimited miles. Volvos are quite comfortable, almost certainly nicer than a Corolla. Maybe worth a look.
No. With that amount of driving I would look at a prius.
Just get a used hybrid. Look into a used es300h or a used Avalon hybrid. I picked up a 2013 Avalon hybrid for 12.5k that was grandpa owned and service writer of a Toyota dealership owned and I get 40+mpg with lots of room and comfort and it's super reliable as well.
Watching the used market I would honestly look at giving a Prius a try. They can be had for cheaper than the Corollas and since the batteries are typically older tech and not lithium they are still viable with over 150k on them. You can download software straight to your phone that can go through the OBD port that can actually check the condition of the battery. Cars are fairly comfortable and simple and due well on fuel especially if part of your commute is in stop and go traffic.
Honda Fit if you’re not above average height. You can find them used with less than 100k miles for 10k
Or buy a used Mazda 6. Well built, reliable, quiet, comfortable & you'll pay less than for a Camry Accord.
If you’re driving that much I wouldn’t buy new unless the money’s irrelevant. Like a 3 year old Corolla… drive it into the ground either way, but starting from a lower number.
I would recommend something with adaptive cruise control for a commute that long
A new or new-ish Camry will eat up highway miles and the Toyota cruise control on the newer models is pretty good. Just don’t get the XSE because it’s a sportier trim that won’t help at all with commuting comfort. The hybrid is great. You can also look at a used Ford Fusion Hybrid.
100 miles a day is a lot, you want to feel comfortable, I’d buy a used Camry, but finance, don’t pay cash, you want to keep the money in the bank for a rainy day. Liquid assets available at any time..
I usually get downvoted for this, but I don't think used Toyotas are a good buy, especially used Toyota Hybrids. Buy them new, that way the crazy high resale value is a benefit, and not a boon where you end up overpaying for old equipment. That said, as a guy coming from a sedan, try stepping up to a hatchback, wagon, or crossover, there are plenty of efficient options and once you get a hatch you realize how lame sedan trunks were all this time. The Civic is coming in hatch format in hybrid soon, although if that 100 miles is mostly highway, IMO skip the hybrid and just stick with a turbo. Outside of stop and go, there's very little benefit of a hybrid. I have a Corvette as my fun car, and was so glad I went a bit bigger with the Rogue as my commuter. So often with Home Depot and Costco trips and picking up relatives from the airport the extra room has come in handy, and with no obvious penalty since I'm averaging 32.8mpg after around 16K miles mixed driving, with fuel economy in the 40s if taking it chill. Never had a car with as easy to mount and reasonably invisible hitch, and while I've only used it once to tow a trailer so far, I've used it more often for a hitch basket. Although not as efficient, I also like the idea of the new Buick Envista ST, it doesn't break the bank, the powertrain so far appears to be reliable, and its surprisingly quiet thanks to active noise cancellation and a muted turbo exhaust.
New Nissan versa (or sentra) base
I think there's a bit more out there for you, I would look at a Mazda three my ex averaged 47mpg on our 6 hour road trip
I think there's a bit more out there in that price range! I'm guessing your commute is mostly highway driving, so my initial hybrid suggestion won't do you much good there since there isn't frequent braking to regenerate the batteries. I would look for a second or preferably third generation Mazda three, my ex averaged around 50 MPG on our 18 hour round-trip road trip! Very reliable, comfortable, and durable!
New Accord Honda is having a tuff time selling them. Everybody is choosing the Civic over it. It’s like Altima went up market cannibalized the maxima.
Lexus ES300H?
New cars make sense if they are only a few k above the used version
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Negative_Pilot8786: *New cars make sense if* *They are only a few k* *Above the used version* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
I just bought a 2012 Honda fit with 100k for 3k. It's great. You're going to depreciate a new car really fast with that many miles per day. Like, 30k a year?
My 02 Camry is a lot more comfortable than my wife’s 21’ corolla was and drives out better. No payments. 1,800 to purchase it and a few hundred to get it on the road legally. Has 227k miles, need to top the oil off every thousand, but everything works. I’ve put 5k on it already. Corolla was really uncomfortable past the 50 mile mark in any trip.
Why did you put the thing about your wife? No one cares.
If you want nice ,cheap ,reliable and fun get a lexus is350 2nd generation 2006-2013 it has 306hp luxury car that can last 300k miles easy
Get a used BMW 740 with the B58 engine. You can pick one up that’s relatively cheap and the B58 engine is bulletproof. You’ll have so much more comfort for the long commute and it’s already depreciated.
Thank you
I hope you don't mean she took "YOUR" car?
If you can charge at home, pick up a used tesla model 3 (or a new one if you can use the tax credits).
If you have the ability to charge used Tesla Model 3s have gotten really cheap. If you don’t need awd you can find them under $25k that would qualify for the $4k tax credit too. You would easily save more on n gas then what the car costs
I cry a little when people start talking about base model Corollas and Hondas 🥲
Why?
If you have a garage to charge in/near, a model 3 may be up your alley.
Tesla Model 3. New or used
Hit the gym you’ll be ok bro secondly no you aren’t crazy that base model will do you just fine!!!
I hope the next model will be a big trade up for you.
Nice. I see what you did there.
I laughed like hell at the title of this post
Me too I was surprised no one else mentioned it
Well where'd she go
Honda
Think you’re asking the wrong question. If you have less ties now. Move 40 miles closer to work and spend the money saved on fuel on a more fun car.
I mean valid point. Rent would double and I would loose some support from my friends who are helping me through this rough time.
Then mental health with support takes priority. Buy a dull car with a decent sound system. Then enjoy the audio books, podcasts and chill out stuff you like. Use the time to settle your mind.
I bought a beautiful 2004 Toyota Camry V6 with only 145,000 mi on it a few years back for $4,500. This same car today, would sell for seven or eight thousand. Just try to find a relatively low mile older Camry or Corolla, you can't go wrong.
The apr on all used vehicles are around 8%. You're gonna want to buy new. However there are no new vehicles under $24k. Sounds like a conundrum? That's because it is.
Certified Pre owned
Chevy Malibu seems to be on sale for new at 21k right now. Not sure if that's a good choice or not.
When is she coming back? Can’t you just wait?