My 2016 search

Member6664

I am 81 years old, wanting a VERY reliable car, as good as my 1997 Camry which has had scheduled services, needing no other services. I want that kind of car again, but mine has 135,000 miles and it looks and feels kind of old. I want something newer, and am worried about it's age and reliability. I have considered Avalon and Lexus in the 2005 region and like them very much, even knowing they will use a bit more fuel. Are there any other cars that would be similar?

Priorities: Exterior styling / Interior styling / Reliability & durability

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Sedan

Car Needs: Errands about town

Primary Driver(s): Senior driver

Need minimum of 4 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 85000
Maximum age: 9 years

Maximum price: US $ 11000

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If you're satisfied with your actual car model/brand and by your dealer service, why not simply considering ugrading to a more recent Camry? For reliability, I can't recommend better than a Toyota Camry and Honda Accord following your needs.

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Maybe the Honda Accord. But for reliability at 10+ years of age it's very hard to beat a Toyota / Lexus. If you want a four-cylinder again, though, it would have to be the Camry, unless...

Lexus did offer the HS 250h hybrid sedan for a few years from 2010 on, but these are still too new to fit under your price cap unless miles are well over 100,000. You might be able to find a 2010 with 80,000-100,000 miles for about $13,000. In return for spending a little more, you'll get a considerably newer car. The hard part will be finding one nearby. But maybe you'll get lucky.

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I would suggest a Kia Soul. My wife is 62 and I am 65. Car is roomy, seats four comfortably, is dead relaible. Our 2012 is the only brand new car I ever bought that nothing went wrong with at all. Brakes at about 35,000 miles and oil changes is all. Prices are reasonable and holds value very well. Milage is good, averaging 26-27 in town and often 30 or so on the highway at 70 mph. Only downside on ours(fixed on newer models) is a slighly choppy ride due to the short wheelbase and a sensitivity to side winds at speed. Slighty higher off the ground makes entrance and exit easy. Not as fancy or swoopy as a Honda but a very good value. Try one and see.

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You like your Camry and at your age, you deserver to treat your self to the next step up. By a Lexus ES350. You should be able to find a 2007-08 model with around 85K miles close to your price limit. The thing about the ES350 is it will be a very similar driving experience to what your used to - only better. It's built on the same architecture as the Camry, so it won't be too big a departue from what you're driving. The Avalon is another good pick. You're a Toyota (Lexus) person, I say stay with what you know.

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