What's the best future proof daily driver?

[Vovchandr]

Long term ownership has been on my mind a bit lately. 

 

Some of us will still own 7s into the future and these are somewhat easy to keep going. Very simple overall and many parts can be made or swapped although some things are proving difficult long term like sourcing 13in tires. 

 

What about dailys? I like to have my daily car for as long as possible which means it needs to be pretty simple to begin with and have future parts availability. 

 

Whats a car that could be good to own for next 10 to 20 years into 200k miles +. Modern cars become a nightmare for long term ownership. 

 

Likely should be from a major brand and pretty mass produced. Likely should be relatively simple and possible open to an engine swap if necessary. 

 

I'm sure a number of you had issues with sourcing parts in recent years or just in general to nature of some of your other vehicles @Croc . If rebuild parts are NLA it makes it very difficult to keep a car on the road. 

 

Id like to say something like a Wrangler but their thirst for parts rules them out. 

 

Anything 2010+ generally speaking will be too dependent on too many sensors and overly complicated for no good reason. 

 

Something like an original Defender or MB G500? 

 

Both are similar to a 7 as they had a very long run on the same platform and are relatively simple?

 

 

[MV8]

Mazda 2/Demio 5 spd.

[Marek]

My son is a young mechanic for an independent Mercedes specialist shop that works on mostly late model and classic Mercedes/BMW/Audi/Porsche and we discuss this on occasion. His advice:

• Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche have good options, but not all models.  Avoid Audi.
• Know your engines and start there when choosing the car you want.  There are often big differences in reliability across the range of engines from any given manufacturer.
• BMW iDrive V1 is fine.  After that the complexity went way up.  Mercedes complexity took a turn for the worse around the same time (early 20-teens).
• Base models.
• Manual transmission.

He has worked on Defenders and numerous G-Wagens and is not a fan of their unsophisticated handling.  If you want something that simple, drive an 80s BMW 5-series or Mercedes E-class.

 

This is an interesting topic and it keeps coming up with friends.  One friend expects to switch from buying new cars to driving restomods.  I think there is a future where we all know someone daily driving a classic with restomodded engine/brakes/interior.

[Croc]

13 hours ago, MV8 said:

Mazda 2/Demio 5 spd.

 

Every so often a post on USA7s stops me dead in my tracks.  Genuinely confused here.  What has you thinking this is a good choice for longevity over any other car? You are thinking outside of the box in a way my little mind cannot comprehend right now other than manual transmission is a good thing. 

 

Parts supply will be same if not worse as any other Mazda.  Its chock full of plastic componetry, 50K mile mandatory replacement parts, emissions gadgetry, etc.  Its genuinely a sophisticated little commuter car - quite a good one.  Wouldn't this preclude it from @Vovchandr 's group of contestants?

 

 

[mrmustang]

Usually overlooked, I'll throw the hat of the Subaru Legacys in to the fray, having been known to go 200,000-300,000 miles with just regular maintenance. We are planning to test that theory with a 2023 Legacy Touring XT, as SWMBO has told me this will be her last car. Our family history with Subaru shows a major change from the original tin can of the 80's (our 87 GL sedan for example) to our latest XT Touring sedan, factory Turbo charged and quite nimble, to be a modern day luxury car. Sadly an automatic, but paddle shifters make up for this on occasion. As the old saying goes "try one, you'll like it".

 

Bill S.

[Christopher smith]

 I am going to risk a strong opinions minefield here- But searching for fun to drive vs. longer term reliability has been tricky. I have experienced some extremes here as almost all of us 7 guys have. First crack could be looking at the used car reliability ratings in both new and old April issues of Consumer Reports. You will notice some usually boring brands like Honda and Toyota who almost always get the reliability right but turn out mostly (not always) pretty boring models. At the other extreme are brands like Land Rover and Jeep who are pretty consistently unreliable (and recently Mercedes seems to have worked their way to the bottom-not sure why). From the more reliable models you might then pick something that suites your practical needs and keep your extreme fun factor with your 7. In the past, this approach might have had someone abandon a Europa to get an MR2 or get a Miata to relive just a bit of that old feeling they had with an Elan. Not sure what to get now however. I have experienced cars that Consumer Reports said were crap, and they were, and a couple that they rated reliable- and they were, but I would not rely on their picks for fun. My extreme example was being stranded for a few hours  near the Kenya -Tanzania border in an open Land Rover surrounded by Cape Buffalo and Lions. Exciting for sure, but I would not recommend Land Rover. I am now thinking a Subaru BRZ might be fun.

[speedwagon]

my daily go to for the last 3 years is a 2007 Toyota highlander hybrid. Not simple and came with a climate control module that didn't control (an independent electronics shop in misery fixed it for less than $200.  since then just oil, filters and tires. Complex is OK if it don't break . And the expectations of 300k are realistic. Front wheel, so not a lot of fun to drive, but it does get out and scoot quite well when asked. My daughter and I call it "perfectly adequate"  mpg in the mid 20s. At 83 it could easily be my last.   But I do have a 94 f150 that is in process of getting the 500hp ?   "lightning Clone" ( and no ford is what I consider reliable especially post jaguar ownership. Current policy is for dealers to make their profit by repairing what the accountants masquerading as engineers give you "the service" (farmers definition).     Bottom line is that I would buy another toyota/lexus hybrid, but of an older year where they still used the v6 engines rather than the overworked 4s with the more complex turbos.  OR if it is absolute economy you want a Prius.  john      PS the Miata was hard on my back but the most fun for very small bucks.

[MV8]

4 hours ago, Croc said:

 

Every so often a post on USA7s stops me dead in my tracks.  Genuinely confused here.  What has you thinking this is a good choice for longevity over any other car? You are thinking outside of the box in a way my little mind cannot comprehend right now other than manual transmission is a good thing. 

 

Parts supply will be same if not worse as any other Mazda.  Its chock full of plastic componetry, 50K mile mandatory replacement parts, emissions gadgetry, etc.  Its genuinely a sophisticated little commuter car - quite a good one.  Wouldn't this preclude it from @Vovchandr 's group of contestants?

 

 

Where to begin... I bought the older Mazda2 2nd gen (07-14) to replace my last mazda econobox which had over 350k miles and was still going strong when it was totaled last year. It is a very basic car, with rear drums, traditional one-piece flywheel (versus dual mass), a clutch slave instead of a hydraulic release bearing, schematics are available, timing chain versus belt, etc. Think of it like a '90s Mazda 323 (funny that the wheels will interchange). It is so basic, it has no temp gauge; just a blue led for when it is cold and a red led for when it is too hot. Yes, I will be adding a gauge for personal comfort but the point is, it is basic, efficient transportation.

 

However, my wife took it almost immediately, so I am driving the 30+ year old Mazda 323. I don't know anything about the 2015 and newer models.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Edited Sunday at 03:30 PM by MV8

[wdb]

Toyota Camry, 5 to 10-ish years old, find one that an old person bought and never drove. I think the 4- and 6-cylinder are equally bulletproof. As boring as drying paint but you should get long life.

 

Toyota Tacoma/4Runner/whatever with the 4L V6. The frame might rust out but everything attached to it will still be fine.

 

Honda Fit. I loved mine until the hailstorm killed it. 100K miles, zero issues. But they're definitely at the 'economy' end of the scale.

 

I currently drive Euro cars for dailies but I'm not sure they are the best if you're looking for trouble-free miles. My 2013 E350 had front cam cover oil leaks, very common; it's also a direct injection engine so I assume there will be a walnut blast in my future. And the rear subframe rotted out! Which was strange given the car's history, but it was a problem with the vintage and M-B replaced it on their dime. So maybe now I can just drive the car for 50K more miles with no problems! But I doubt it.

[Vovchandr]

Good to see other mind sets here. 

 

In my world daily doesn't need to be fun at all. More practical and Certainly preferred with some character compared to lets say an F150 or something. 

 

Strong preference for AWD, no coupes or sedans and no crossovers. Definitely needs to tow at least 3500lbs and fit family. 

 

That leaves Wagons and SUVs mostly. 

 

I don't expect it to be trouble free going hypothetically into 300k or whatever over next 15 years however long term parts availability is a must. Can't fix it if parts arent there. 

 

 

33 minutes ago, wdb said:

 

I currently drive Euro cars for dailies but I'm not sure they are the best if you're looking for trouble-free miles. My 2013 E350 had front cam cover oil leaks, very common; it's also a direct injection engine so I assume there will be a walnut blast in my future. And the rear subframe rotted out! Which was strange given the car's history, but it was a problem with the vintage and M-B replaced it on their dime. So maybe now I can just drive the car for 50K more miles with no problems! But I doubt it.

 

2011 MBz E350 is a strong contender for my next daily but not necessarily a 20 year car. Maybe a 5 to 10 year. 

 

If I can skip it now with a better daily I might just go that route. I've considered Cayennes here previously of the same 2011 or so Era but I don't think I'd trust that long term. 

 

A 2008 or so Era V8 G500 is currently a potential front runner in my world. Certainly wouldn't lose any depreciation money on it anymore. 

 

With that said I'm still very curious about what mindset others have going into the future. 

 

Whatever car I'll end up with ill likely pre buy a bunch of consumables like brakes to stock up on just in case. 

 

[theDreamer]

6 hours ago, Christopher smith said:

< snip >  I am now thinking a Subaru BRZ might be fun.

I was a big, HUGE fan of Subaru. We have had 6 (7 if you count the BRZ Inazuma I bought but was unable to take delivery of due to being terminated without cause) 3 STi’s, 2 Crosstreks and another BRZ tS. I love the late model 2018-2021 first gen BRZ.

I bought my 2006 STi as a demo with 10k (kilometers) on it. I drove it daily like the fast and furious for 13 years and 280k. I did the regular maintenance (oil, tires, brakes but not the clutch) and only had to replace two O2 sensors in all that time. The wife had a 2011 STi Hatch and hated it. She traded it in on a 2016 STi sedan which although bigger and heavier than my ’06 handled and rode about the same. She then switched to a 2022 Crosstrek Limited which she traded n for a 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness which has a 3500lb tow rating. When I won my wrongful dismissal lawsuit I went out and found a left over 2018 tS limited edition in Crystal Black Pearl. When I bought my Caterham I gave it to my oldest grandson.

The good part was the older Subarus were tough and could take a beating. The bodies in Canadian weather however require repeated rust proofing or they just disappear.

The bad is the new cars have lots of little problems that cost big. At least that’s been our experience.

Lots of problems with they’re “Eye-Sight” camera system and other electrical nannies. Not to mention engine issues.

If we buy another daily vehicle it will be used not new. It will have as few electronic aids as possible. I doubt I’ll be around in 15 years. If I am I probably won’t be driving.

[Christopher smith]

I am sold as well. I snatched the last Forester stick shift made as a special order 6-speed from Japan. Now they all have an automatic with variable ratios that nobody likes. I think some of their other models are still available in stick shift however. The Impreza a 2018 is a little more fun to drive then the Forester but it is a five-speed so I have to be careful not shifting it into sixth which is actually reverse. That could get pretty noisy. But an awful lot of people have grown up now with really lame handling front-wheel drive cars so it is no wonder that there are less enthusiasts around anymore. I'll stick to my seven for fun. But I do like the idea of the BRZ so if the Impreza ever has to go I might get one of those

[Marek]

It was the '20 years' of the original post that I latched onto. There are a long list of vehicles which can remain mechanically reliable over decades. It is plastics and electronics which are unknown. Every shop seems to have stories about customers with failed modules (usually body controllers) which they can't justify or can not find the part to fix. And so the customer lives with warning lights and disabled features. The push to reduce weight has increased the use of plastics in engines - which don't have the same long term durability and will over time become fragile. While manufactures seem content to supply mechanical parts for many years past the end of production, it seems not so for electronics in particular.

[John B]

My two cents: Just grab a used Tesla Model Y and be done with it. No valves, cams & cam chains or belts, injectors or carburetors, radiator, water pump, or even transmission to wear out or replace. With regenerative braking it barely ever uses the brakes, so pads and rotors hardly wear. Just an electric motor or two that need virtually no maintenance. Batteries are maintaining 85% of their capacity after 200,000 miles, so they’re still very useable. And if you’re feeling sporty, get the Performance version and enjoy beating Hellcats in the traffic light drags. 

[wdb]

The 'buy a Tesla' comment might prove to be the best one. They've been around long enough that one hopes the worst gremlins have been banished, and they are actually astoundingly simple, especially for a modern automobile. My personal bugaboo would be Elon peering over my shoulder every time I pressed 'start'.

[Vovchandr]

1 hour ago, John B said:

My two cents: Just grab a used Tesla Model Y and be done with it. No valves, cams & cam chains or belts, injectors or carburetors, radiator, water pump, or even transmission to wear out or replace. With regenerative braking it barely ever uses the brakes, so pads and rotors hardly wear. Just an electric motor or two that need virtually no maintenance. Batteries are maintaining 85% of their capacity after 200,000 miles, so they’re still very useable. And if you’re feeling sporty, get the Performance version and enjoy beating Hellcats in the traffic light drags. 

 

53 minutes ago, wdb said:

The 'buy a Tesla' comment might prove to be the best one. They've been around long enough that one hopes the worst gremlins have been banished, and they are actually astoundingly simple, especially for a modern automobile. My personal bugaboo would be Elon peering over my shoulder every time I pressed 'start'.

 

For most people who drive A to B in their appliances it's a perfect car. 

 

Its not at all for me, whether financial or practical. I don't want to own depreciating assets nor do I want to deal with problems that used ones present. See above parts supply and troubleshooting. Used ones can be had for pennies and there are reasons for that. 

 

It would make a perfect second daily in addition to the main forever daily. 

[Vovchandr]

56 minutes ago, wdb said:

The 'buy a Tesla' comment might prove to be the best one. They've been around long enough that one hopes the worst gremlins have been banished, and they are actually astoundingly simple, especially for a modern automobile. My personal bugaboo would be Elon peering over my shoulder every time I pressed 'start'.

 

The fact that he recently released all the data from the cyber truck explosion AND all the charging station data and pictures is way over the top for me. 

[IamScotticus]

The most exported junk/salvage car for parts, reassembly and resale is the Toyota Camry.  Nothing else comes close.

 

[John B]

I can’t stop looking at this for a winter beater. Somebody please talk me off the ledge.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGD9hxWwd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[speedwagon]

john b  A little high for a beater but if you can justify a possible 50% loss in two years it could well be worth it for the experience,  if not run.  " I ain't never lost money on something I didn't buy".