Thoughts...!

[Afam28]

So I've been thinking of buying a new/used vehicle...
I think it's about time to let my poor Toyota with 230,000 miles on it rest for a while(135i being my second car)...
I have a list of vehicles that i have been looking at:
- X6(not sure of the year or model)
- 328I(2015 and up)
- 320i(2015 and up)
- Nissan Maxima SR(2016 and up)

Would rather a car that I daily to require little to no maintenance besides the typical oil, tires, etc...
My Toyota has literally been flawless for the time that I have had it which has me thinking to to not even spend the money on a new car...
But with a family(growing) I want the piece of mind for something newer and younger...

Thoughts?
Anyone have to make a decision like this with a family?
What direction did you go in?
(Been doing my research on all these cars for a while btw)

Just looking for some general convo on the matter, maybe something will help my decision!

[Gray_Panther]

If you want a bigger car with little to no maintenance, a RAV4 is the way to go.

I picked up a 2013 model with 32k miles on it last October from an old man. We expect to keep the car for many years because of Toyota's reliability. All I plan to do this summer is do a brake fluid flush.

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by Gray_Panther

If you want a bigger car with little to no maintenance, a RAV4 is the way to go.

I picked up a 2013 model with 32k miles on it last October from an old man. We expect to keep the car for many years because of Toyota's reliability. All I plan to do this summer is do a brake fluid flush.

My lady has a 2014 RAV4!
So I agree with the reliability...
Two RAV4's might be too much though lol!

[gjm120]

If reliability is important to you, I tend to agree with the Toyota suggestion. Can be something other than a Rav4 like a Highlander, but, either way.

Are the Maxima's CVT? If so, that's something you need to look into.

You won't get the driving dynamics of a BMW, so that vs BMW is a personal decision.

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by gjm120

If reliability is important to you, I tend to agree with the Toyota suggestion. Can be something other than a Rav4 like a Highlander, but, either way.

Are the Maxima's CVT? If so, that's something you need to look into.

You won't get the driving dynamics of a BMW, so that vs BMW is a personal decision.

Yes the Maxima's are CVT's...
Been reading up on the issues with them, but from what I've read it seems like they should have all been recalled if an issue is/was present...

I think my decision will come down to a Toyota or Nissan sedan...
I want a Toyota Land Cruiser, but way to expensive for me...

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Afam28

Yes the Maxima's are CVT's...
Been reading up on the issues with them, but from what I've read it seems like they should have all been recalled if an issue is/was present...

I think my decision will come down to a Toyota or Nissan sedan...
I want a Toyota Land Cruiser, but way to expensive for me...

If you want a good reliable car, you can't go wrong with either unless you just get unlucky.

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by gjm120

If you want a good reliable car, you can't go wrong with either unless you just get unlucky.

Understood...

I thinking I will stick with Toyota/Lexus then...
My research continues!

[desertman123]

Perhaps a 4Runner? Or could go with a sedan like a GS or LS if you were looking at the F30s. A really quick glance showed some nicely spec'd GSs around 2016 for 25-30k USD. Might be able to catch the tail end of a CPO warranty

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Afam28

So I've been thinking of buying a new/used vehicle...
I think it's about time to let my poor Toyota with 230,000 miles on it rest for a while(135i being my second car)...
I have a list of vehicles that i have been looking at:
- X6(not sure of the year or model)
- 328I(2015 and up)
- 320i(2015 and up)
- Nissan Maxima SR(2016 and up)

Would rather a car that I daily to require little to no maintenance besides the typical oil, tires, etc...
My Toyota has literally been flawless for the time that I have had it which has me thinking to to not even spend the money on a new car...
But with a family(growing) I want the piece of mind for something newer and younger...

Thoughts?
Anyone have to make a decision like this with a family?
What direction did you go in?
(Been doing my research on all these cars for a while btw)

Just looking for some general convo on the matter, maybe something will help my decision!

You mention reliability as something important yet you are considering two BMWs. I own two BMWs and I don't recommend it if reliability is an issue. Also you are listing newer BMWs with more gadgets and complex things to break than older ones. You already have a reliability burden with a 135i, so you should offset it with something more reliable I feel. I think a Honda, Toyota or Mazda would be better than the Nissan but my friend has that 2016 Nissan and has been fine for him. To illustrate, I have 2003 330i and 2003 Honda CRV. The 330i 136K miles, the CRV 154K miles. The CRV has had 1 starter, 1 door lock servo, 1 door lock cylinder and 1 radiator replaced aside from maintenance in 17 years. My 330i has had headlights, 2 radiators, 2 water pumps, expansion tanks, every window switch, 3 window regulators, control arms and bushings, seat bag sensors, side mouldings, radio and stuff I can't remember now. All of this in the same timeframe and with about 18K less miles than the Honda CRV. So because you already have a "toy car" to play with, get something reliable. You asked for thoughts so here is one. The X6 is an abomination. It is one of the most silly designs in my opinion ever. You get all the weight and mass of an SUV, the terrible BMW reliability without the practicality and room. At least with a real SUV, you get some benefit for all the weight like useful cargo space. Consider finding a used Lexus

Finally, you are listing 5 year old-ish BMWs and that's when things start to break. At least a new one you get a warranty, but at 5 years old is when things start. Anyway, good luck on your search if you want something heavy but that is actually useful and reliable pick up an old Lexus LX470. It is basically a Toyota Landcruiser driving by Suburban moms and Ralph Lauren wearing guys. These are stout, useful vehicles that have seen a gravel parking lot at worst during their kid's dressage practice. : )

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by desertman123

Perhaps a 4Runner? Or could go with a sedan like a GS or LS if you were looking at the F30s. A really quick glance showed some nicely spec'd GSs around 2016 for 25-30k USD. Might be able to catch the tail end of a CPO warranty

Was looking at an IS 250 and Toyota Camry...
The IS caught my eye honestly...
I really want a land cruiser though but can't justify the cost...

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by nachob

You mention reliability as something important yet you are considering two BMWs. I own two BMWs and I don't recommend it if reliability is an issue. Also you are listing newer BMWs with more gadgets and complex things to break than older ones. You already have a reliability burden with a 135i, so you should offset it with something more reliable I feel. I think a Honda, Toyota or Mazda would be better than the Nissan but my friend has that 2016 Nissan and has been fine for him. To illustrate, I have 2003 330i and 2003 Honda CRV. The 330i 136K miles, the CRV 154K miles. The CRV has had 1 starter, 1 door lock servo, 1 door lock cylinder and 1 radiator replaced aside from maintenance in 17 years. My 330i has had headlights, 2 radiators, 2 water pumps, expansion tanks, every window switch, 3 window regulators, control arms and bushings, seat bag sensors, side mouldings, radio and stuff I can't remember now. All of this in the same timeframe and with about 18K less miles than the Honda CRV. So because you already have a "toy car" to play with, get something reliable. You asked for thoughts so here is one. The X6 is an abomination. It is one of the most silly designs in my opinion ever. You get all the weight and mass of an SUV, the terrible BMW reliability without the practicality and room. At least with a real SUV, you get some benefit for all the weight like useful cargo space. Consider finding a used Lexus

Finally, you are listing 5 year old-ish BMWs and that's when things start to break. At least a new one you get a warranty, but at 5 years old is when things start. Anyway, good luck on your search if you want something heavy but that is actually useful and reliable pick up an old Lexus LX470. It is basically a Toyota Landcruiser driving by Suburban moms and Ralph Lauren wearing guys. These are stout, useful vehicles that have seen a gravel parking lot at worst during their kid's dressage practice. : )

Appreciate your posts perspective...
I have a test drive with a 2014 IS 250 and 2014 Toyota camry(v6)...
Will see what comes of it...

I think I have a long road ahead in regards to really finding what I want but I'm ok with that...

Like I said in my previous post, I do want a land cruiser...
I work on the land cruiser 200's at work and I really like it, it's got the space, looks nice and has a V8 for when I need it(gas, I know$)

We will see...

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Afam28

Appreciate your posts perspective...
I have a test drive with a 2014 IS 250 and 2014 Toyota camry(v6)...
Will see what comes of it...

I think I have a long road ahead in regards to really finding what I want but I'm ok with that...

Like I said in my previous post, I do want a land cruiser...
I work on the land cruiser 200's at work and I really like it, it's got the space, looks nice and has a V8 for when I need it(gas, I know$)

We will see...

All three are great and better choices. The Lexus IS nice because it's a land cruiser not driven by adventurers and are in good shape. You can't go wrong with IS 250 etc. Just one parting thought. If you love a V8 get it while you can! They are. It going to be around and you can still find them with decent mileage. Personally I like sporty sedans like the IS but if anyone enjoys V8s and manuals get them now while you still can and have choice. Best of luck!!!

[iminhell1]

Just bear in mind that there are dealerships that will offer maintenance plans and extended warranties. Having that may open the door to something a little less reliable but more fun, practical, want/need, etc.

[chris_flies]

X6 - Eww, hell no.
4-Cylinder F30's - Eww, also no.
Maxima - Eww, CVT trash, and...just no.

Maybe look at an early F10 528i with the N52. That would make for a nice daily cruiser that's reliable and luxurious. I think it was only available for the first model year with the N52.

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Just bear in mind that there are dealerships that will offer maintenance plans and extended warranties. Having that may open the door to something a little less reliable but more fun, practical, want/need, etc.

I hear you...
My coverage for the 135i ends soon(through my credit union)
Plan on signing up with another aftermarket company...
So I will only need to add this to that coverage if need be...

I'm very familiar with most Toyota's(worked at a Toyota dealership for about 5 years)...
And i do all work needed on my current Toyota, so I may not even need coverage for my next car...
But I know it will be a Toyota/Lexus...

I did test drive a Dodge Challenger though(2020) and loved it!!!

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

X6 - Eww, hell no.
4-Cylinder F30's - Eww, also no.
Maxima - Eww, CVT trash, and...just no.

Maybe look at an early F10 528i with the N52. That would make for a nice daily cruiser that's reliable and luxurious. I think it was only available for the first model year with the N52.

Will look into this...
Reliability is my number option...
Well, looks and fun to drive is also up there but reliability has to take the drivers seat...
So hopefully I can get something with everything I want/need...

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Afam28

I did test drive a Dodge Challenger though(2020) and loved it!!!

Speaking of horribly unreliable heaps of crap. Steer clear of EVERYTHING made by FCA BMW is to them what Toyota is to BMW in terms of reliability.

And then there's the build quality. Ouch.

[Afam28]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Speaking of horribly unreliable heaps of crap. Steer clear of EVERYTHING made by FCA BMW is to them what Toyota is to BMW in terms of reliability.

And then there's the build quality. Ouch.

Lol...
It was nice though...
Maybe it was because it had 3000 miles on the dash!

Very heavy though, straight line only type of car!

[markslc1]

Originally Posted by Afam28

Will look into this...
Reliability is my number option...
Well, looks and fun to drive is also up there but reliability has to take the drivers seat...
So hopefully I can get something with everything I want/need...

https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...ble-used-suvs/

The x3 made the list.