I am often asked what type or make of car/truck would I recommend, and my answers are not always the same. Much of the decision rests with who it will be driving the vehicle, for what purpose the vehicle will be used, and of course, how much money will be spent and how much is available to make repairs and keep the vehicle serviced.
Many inquiries are for what people want to get for their newly driving youngsters. That category needs a car to get to and from school, events such as sporting and shopping. Most of the driving is done around town by pretty inexperienced people so I recommend a mid sized vehicle which offers a bit more safety than the smallest cars. I also suggest something that can be dinged or dented a bit in the school parking lot or around town without it becoming a major family event. Unless the family is well to do, I recommend against European vehicles as they tend to come with the most expensive repair histories. Everything else is pretty much in play, though I suggest that the vehicle be well seasoned in case of a mistake by lack of experience resulting in a lot of body work or even totaling by the insurance adjuster.
For the rest of us, I have found that American made vehicles will stand up with those from the rest of the world when properly operated and maintained. However, you do get what you pay for, and that means that if you buy an “entry level” vehicle for not so much money, you will get what you pay for. In fact sometimes, those entry level vehicles can actually be more expensive to repair. Saturn comes to mind. My family owns GM, Honda, Toyota, and Subaru with a Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible (1974) thrown in for summer fun. All of them have been good quality vehicles and repairs have been minimal and reasonably cost effective. All of them have attained pretty good to great fuel mileage with the Honda and Toyota being the best. But the GM and Subaru and Bug are not far behind.
Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns before buying a new or used vehicle feel free to give us a call. We can check for any recalls or technical service bulletins that have been issued for a vehicle you are looking at. And I cannot emphasize enough the absolute necessity of getting it checked out before you buy or if you are wondering whether to replace your trusty steed.
Call us and ask. We are ready to answer.