Car purchase check...

[Homerboy]

I HATE buying cars. Never feel confident in what I'm getting. Never know what to get. Look for etc etc etc. Just the whole process sucks for me.

That being said, I'm calling on the experts here to tell me what's right/wrong with this car:

https://cargur.us/lfwyd

We're looking to replace our 2007 Honda Odyssey. Our cars don't get used all that much - maybe 10K-12K miles per year. So while I know the mileage is obviously high on this one, I don't feel overly concerned as we won't be racking up more over the years we'd own it.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Hard to find a used Toyota with <60k miles on it - people don't buy them to sit around. I wouldn't worry about that.

The standard questions:

What's wrong with the Odyssey? (What problem are you trying to fix that's worth spending $21k?)
Do you actually need a minivan or would you be alright with a smaller (more efficient or inexpensive) vehicle?

Car resale prices generally drop as you get out into the sticks. West Allis is pretty close into Milwaukee. If you looked out around Sheboygan or Portage, you might be able to find a similar vehicle for cheaper. Maybe a pain in the rear, but I'd drive 2 hours to save $1k. ;-)

 

[Homerboy]

Hard to find a used Toyota with <60k miles on it - people don't buy them to sit around. I wouldn't worry about that.

The standard questions:

What's wrong with the Odyssey? (What problem are you trying to fix that's worth spending $21k?)
Do you actually need a minivan or would you be alright with a smaller (more efficient or inexpensive) vehicle?

Car resale prices generally drop as you get out into the sticks. West Allis is pretty close into Milwaukee. If you looked out around Sheboygan or Portage, you might be able to find a similar vehicle for cheaper. Maybe a pain in the rear, but I'd drive 2 hours to save $1k. ;-)

Well - long story on the Odyssey, but it appears it may need a new engine. And at 180K+ and a price quote of $5K+ forget it. Getting a 2nd opinion tonight though.
Wife and I have discussed what body style of car. Honestly, we're all over the map. We LOVED having a minivan when the kids were little, and even though they are now teenagers, we hate to lose the practicality of a minivan. Added on top of it, my wife runs a business that we use the van to haul things around in quite often so the utilitarian aspect is not lost on us.

I've looked further out - 50+ mile radius from my house in Milwaukee. There are other cars, but this one was arguably the best deal I could find AND no accidents and dealer/manufacture certified

 

[dave_the_nerd]

How often does she haul? There's a house-painter around here who drives a Nissan Leaf with a mini-trailer. (Just saying.)

How much of the cars cost/use do you get to deduct as a business expense? IANAL, but IIRC there used to be different rules for cars and trucks. (Check with your tax guy - an SUV might be better tax-wise if it's technically a "truck." Or I am full of you-know-what.)

It's not a bad car - the Siennas are solid. I'd buy one if I needed it.

I'm kinda sad you only got 180k out of your Honda though.

Also, I'm getting a vibe that says your wife's empty-nest syndrome will involve a Honda Fit. Or possibly a Toyota 86. I don't know why. Maybe a ~2012-ish Sienna with a few more miles on it would get you through the next few years for a lot less money, and then you can re-evaluate?

I don't really see CPO warranties as all that valuable, since most cars make it well past 100k on normal maintenance, and they aren't putting warranties on these things to lose money. It's peace of mind, but the math is in your favor.

 

[Homerboy]

How often does she haul? There's a house-painter around here who drives a Nissan Leaf with a mini-trailer. (Just saying.)

How much of the cars cost/use do you get to deduct as a business expense? IANAL, but IIRC there used to be different rules for cars and trucks. (Check with your tax guy - an SUV might be better tax-wise if it's technically a "truck." Or I am full of you-know-what.)

It's not a bad car - the Siennas are solid. I'm kinda sad you only got 180k out of your Honda though.

Also, I'm getting a vibe that says your wife's empty-nest syndrome will involve a Honda Fit. Or possibly a Toyota 86. I don't know why. Maybe a ~2012-ish Sienna with a few more miles on it would get you through the next few years for a lot less money, and then you can re-evaluate?

hauling has to be enclosed - and she's not going to want to do a trailer. Not to mention where we live no way to store such a thing.
We do write off the car/van on our taxes so that does come into play for sure.
Trust me, I'm way sadder that the Honda is likley dead. The horrible part is it was still running solidly and in pretty good shape. Started ticking the other day. Then went away once frigid weather passed. Came back the other day. Mechanic said there was no oil in engine. Which is impressive as it was just changed ~6 weeks ago. No drips on driveway. And the light never came on either. Ticking is very loud right now and persistent. Taking to a neighbor who is a former mechanic (now works on GE jet engines) for the final verdict. I'm pretty furious about it. $5K+ to replace the engine... oil? F*ck me.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Oh. That.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...tles-class-action-suit-over-oil-burning-claim

It happened to a lot more cars than were covered by the lawsuit. Basically all their V6's sold for like 10 years. Honda tried to claim that burning 1qt/1k miles was "normal." Bastards. I keep an eagle-eye on my TL.

You could see if Honda would at least consider a discount or something. (Maybe they cover the labor if you supply an engine? A used Odyssey engine should be an easy scrapyard find.) But that still leaves you checking your oil level every Sunday.

 

[Homerboy]

Oh. That.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...tles-class-action-suit-over-oil-burning-claim

It happened to a lot more cars than were covered by the lawsuit. Basically all their V6's sold for like 10 years. Honda tried to claim that burning 1qt/1k miles was "normal." Bastards. I keep an eagle-eye on my TL.

You could see if Honda would at least consider a discount or something. (Maybe they cover the labor if you supply an engine? A used Odyssey engine should be an easy scrapyard find.) But that still leaves you checking your oil level every Sunday.

Yeah but mine's a 2007

 

[Homerboy]

Given the choice between a Sienna like this versus a same year Dodge Grand Caravan for around the same price and 14th the miles, whats the better choice?
Something like: https://cargur.us/l1SfZ

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Given the choice between a Sienna like this versus a same year Dodge Grand Caravan for around the same price and 14th the miles, whats the better choice?
Something like: https://cargur.us/l1SfZ

My bigotry is against Chrysler/Dodge products. If you hunt around a bit, you can probably find a Sienna with fewer miles on it.

https://www.carsoup.com/details/Used/Toyota/Sienna/Mini-Van/2014/5TDKK3DC9ES480908-2128

 

[Homerboy]

Yeah I find a lot of dislike for Chrysler and generally speaking I've had better historical luck with every import car versus every domestic I've ever owned.
Difference in the 2 Siennas too - the ONE piece of input my wife had was "leather" - gotta love a girl that is into leather

 

[ponyo]

Sienna is awesome. And new ones use timing chains so that's one less thing you have to worry about. I wouldn't consider any other minivan.

 

[Homerboy]

Taking this one (and likely a few others) for a test drive tonight. I literally haven't dont this in 20+ years. Besides "liking" it, WTF am I looking for? WTH do I ask?
did I mention I hate buying cars?

 

[razel]

For consumers like yourself, I would recommend certified used with a warranty from the original manufacturer. Eg. Used, certified, with Honda warranty (preferably extended original warranty) from an Honda dealer that's listed off the Honda USA site. Yes it is possible to get a used Honda AS-IS from a official Honda dealer. Therefore all those disclaimers I put.

 

[Homerboy]

For consumers like yourself, I would recommend certified used with a warranty from the original manufacturer. Eg. Used, certified, with Honda warranty (preferably extended original warranty) from an Honda dealer that's listed off the Honda USA site. Yes it is possible to get a used Honda AS-IS from a official Honda dealer. Therefore all those disclaimers I put.

The specific one we're going to test drive tonight, I think there is a link above, is actually certified pre-owned.

 

[mindless1]

I don't think 60K mi is unusual for a 2015 but I'd be concerned about a 3 year old vehicle having two owners already, would wonder if it's been repo'd and the prior owner never spent a cent on it, like changing the oil.

 

[pauldun170]

Links are blocked here at work but rundown for minivans is pretty much
Sienna - > Buy with confidence. It's a "Toyota" so reviews will say it's boring and doesn't perform well at the racetrack. F'them. Basic maintenance for 300K. Expect to be staring at the thing 20 years from now with faded paint, couple of scratches and having to get creative in justifying why you should get another car. I'd take a Sienna with 90K on it over a Honda with 50K. I'd be more confident in a former fleet use Sienna than a one owner Odyssey.

Honda -> Lease and enjoy the party while it lasts. They review well and the first couple of years of ownership will be awesome. Really nice until you learn that the legend of Honda reliability and longevity only applies to some of their cars. That and their dealerships are staffed with dicks.

Grand Caravan -> Dirt cheap. You used to be able to score these for under 20K brand new. Expect issues. Makes a good 2nd vehicle if you have hobbies that require hauling lots of gear. I respect these vans. However, be prepared to spend a bajillion dollars on brake work over the course of ownership. Rotors and pads. Bonus will be when the mechanic tells you the calipers need to be replaced....again.

Hidden party freak no one thinks about
Kia Sedona - Somehow these have picked up a rep for being solid. On the cockroach scale these are pretty high up there. Toughest vehicle Kia builds and been that way for awhile.

Nissan.....just don't. Don't Don't don't.

 

[Homerboy]

Links are blocked here at work but rundown for minivans is pretty much
Sienna - > Buy with confidence. It's a "Toyota" so reviews will say it's boring and doesn't perform well at the racetrack. F'them. Basic maintenance for 300K. Expect to be staring at the thing 20 years from now with faded paint, couple of scratches and having to get creative in justifying why you should get another car. I'd take a Sienna with 90K on it over a Honda with 50K. I'd be more confident in a former fleet use Sienna than a one owner Odyssey.

Honda -> Lease and enjoy the party while it lasts. They review well and the first couple of years of ownership will be awesome. Really nice until you learn that the legend of Honda reliability and longevity only applies to some of their cars. That and their dealerships are staffed with dicks.

Grand Caravan -> Dirt cheap. You used to be able to score these for under 20K brand new. Expect issues. Makes a good 2nd vehicle if you have hobbies that require hauling lots of gear. I respect these vans. However, be prepared to spend a bajillion dollars on brake work over the course of ownership. Rotors and pads. Bonus will be when the mechanic tells you the calipers need to be replaced....again.

Hidden party freak no one thinks about
Kia Sedona - Somehow these have picked up a rep for being solid. On the cockroach scale these are pretty high up there. Toughest vehicle Kia builds and been that way for awhile.

Nissan.....just don't. Don't Don't don't.

LOL good news - we bough the Toyota. Pick up Wednesday or so.