So I’m going to buy a used car soon. Here’s what I’m wondering: Is it better to buy an older but top-quality car or a newer but mediocre vehicle?
For instance, does a 2007 Ford with 22,000 miles beat out a 2004 Volvo or Volkswagen with 50,000 miles, assuming the price is about the same?
Does anyone have enough experience with used cars to offer an informed opinion?
I’d certainly consider a 5-year-old Volvo over a similarly-priced 2-year-old Ford any day. The biggest thing I’d worry about is why it’s selling so cheaply.
Volkswagen is top quality now?
Depends on the vehicles. A VW will likely be a lot more expensive to repair than a Ford, not sure about Volvos.
Clark,
Are you asking about reliability here?
If you are, the general rule is that Japanese brands trump American brands, and American brands trump European brands.
New cars trump older cars with more miles.
That being said, it’s down to specifics. Some models from Maker A suck, while some models from Maker B are great, contrary to their general reputations.
In particular, though, I’d be more comfortable with almost ANY vehicle besides a Volkswagen right now.
Their recent reliability reputation is quite poor.
Take a list of cars in your target size/feature range and throw a dart at the list. You will probably hit a vehicle more reliable than the VW you’re looking at. If you’ve got the money to just rent a vehicle any and every time the VW breaks down, and the time to deal with any breakdowns, and you’re in love with the particular car, go ahead and get the VW.
Barring that, stay away.
I wouldn’t rank them as highly as Volvos but my impression – and it’s just an impression – is that they’re well-made. German engineering and all that stuff, you know.
Mr. Slant, thanks for the VW info. I’ll do some more research on that.
Yes, I’m generally talking about reliability, along with durability. In other words, not just whether the engine will break down but whether the glove compartment will start sticking or interior trim will fall off or something.
I don’t think a Ford Fusion is as well-made as a Volvo S40, but maybe three extra years of wear-and-tear on the Volvo has closed the gap?
You do realize Ford = Volvo, right?
In some cases they’re built at the same factories.
Seriously, check consumer reports/Edmunds/JD Power etc for THE PARTICULAR MODELS you’re contemplating.
I realize Ford owns Volvo. Didn’t realize they are sometimes made in the same factories.
I will be doing more research. I was just wondering if someone with automotive experience had some insight, or even a rule of thumb, on the impact of age and miles.
Thanks again.
Oh, taken VERY specifically, the answer is that age/miles trumps quality, in ANY brand.
My gut feeling is that your odds of a breakdown per mile probably double every 25,000 miles the vehicle has on it, assuming average maintenance.
All vehicle models tend to have “weird” problems right around 7 years, when various polymers and rubbers begin to wear out. I’m thinking of various electrical elements not working due to shorts, etc.
I think generally after about 10 years things like belts and hoses will start to wear out. Plus you might have issues like plastics getting dull and brittle, and headlights getting fogged up.
So, really the newer the car the better. Also think of repair costs, a VW or BMW alternator will likely cost a lot more than a Ford or Chevy.
Addon:
Remember, poor maintenance will make a reliable car hose up, so…
That 22K mile Ford you just mentioned? If it’s had 2 or 3 oil changes since the previous owner bought it, you should be set as far as maintenance goes. Just have your mechanic do anything needed when you get it, and you’re set.
There’s a lot more maintenance to neglect when you’re looking at a car with 50K and 5 years on it.
VW parts are expensive, but unless you’re talking 25-year-old beaters, a VW alternator probably doesn’t cost more than a same-year Ford passenger sedan.
American cars are more reliable than European ones? No. Way. Jose.
Except for late-model VWs, which admittedly suck. Or anything Italian. Or British.
I’ll concede there are 1001 exceptions.
I’d ask a reliable tech to look it over before purchasing it. There aren’t many Ricks or GaryTs out there but I’ll bet you could find one if you looked real hard.