Drive it 'til it dies, or trade it in while it still runs?

[Anonymous]

I was never smart with cars and modern electronics isn't helping. So I'm always going to the dealership for repairs. Still modest usage for a brand new as of 2014. Got the z tag.

So what should be the tipping point to buy a new car for someone financially independent but also a complete idiot. It's to me a go to tool not so much fun hobby.

I also got fucked on finding replacement electronics for steering on my ram 1500 for months so I'd want to avoid that. What brand of vehicle is best for idiots?

[Orion84]

The best advice I can give you is to trade it in when it makes more financial sense to do so.

What I mean, buying a new (or newer used) car is always going to be a more significant up front investment, but if you're constantly repairing your current vehicle, there comes a point at which repairs are going to cost you more than just getting a newer vehicle.

A blown head gasket one week, then a bad alternator the next week, power steering pump the week after that, etc; all of those repair costs would eventually add up to well more than a down payment for something else.

It'd hard to make that determination for you, without knowing your financial status, or the necessary repairs for your vehicle, but you should have a pretty good feel for whether or not your vehicle is costing more than it should, just to keep it running.

As far as what brand: ask 30 people, and you'll get 30 different answers, as there isn't one single vehicle brand that's foolproof. They all have their high points, and their low points.

I think the only two brands that you'd find more than one person agreeing on would likely be Toyota & Honda. They are generally seen as pretty reliable. Personally, I would avoid any Chrysler products, though: Dodge/Ram/Jeep, they are routinely towards the bottom of the "most reliable" studies.

[jshm2]

Depends. If you're incompetent, but really need a car for business, then get a lease instead. You can take the car off your taxes as well.

But if you just need a car for social/leisure then buy Japanese or South Korean. Cheaper to run and maintain as well.

[DryGermanGuy]

Buy Japanese, if possible without the newest and silliest electronic helpers. Check the car manufacturers‘ warranties, don’t buy useless warranties from the stealership.

[Anonymous]

I'm more of a drive it 'til it almost dies, but still runs well enough to sell it. Been driving my 2016 Toyota Tundra since I bought it new and it's still going strong.

[strateguy632]

Trade in

[strateguy632]

Because of expenses will need constantly repair.