04-21-2025, 08:25 AM | #1 |
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Car for my parents
My parents currently have a 220k mile 2014 Toyota Rav4 and a 140k mile 2002 Lexus SC430. The Rav4 isn't really worth anything anymore, so they'll likely keep that till the wheels fall off (sort of already are). But they're thinking of getting rid of the SC430 and getting into another SUV.
Any recommendations? My thought is to keep the budget under $50k (preferably closer to $40k). They prefer new cars over used - and would like to get into a premium brand (i.e. lexus, bmw, audi, merc, etc). Options that immediately stick out to me are the BMW X1 (bought this last year for the in-laws and they love it), and the Volvo XC40 (I like this option but unsure about longer term reliability with volvo). The Lexus NX is another option but it's similarly priced to the X1 and I find the X1 to be superior. I know EVs have some pretty insane deals, but my parents are 70 years old and I feel there will be a learning curve for them (and I can envision them forgetting to plug it in and then being stranded) They do drive a lot, so I'd only consider a lease where the numbers make sense to eventually buy it out at lease-end. Otherwise will just look to purchase.
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04-21-2025, 08:35 AM | #2 |
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If they drive a lot does a Hybrid or something that runs on basic gas makes sense? I drove the Lincoln small SUV, the gussied up escape, and it was a really nice ride for the price. Premium cars come with premium maintenance costs, maybe the Lexus will be OK but everything else is a world of price pain and tech laden bullshit.
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04-21-2025, 08:57 AM | #3 | |
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I'm wondering if the Lincoln is reliable. I've heard not so great things about their larger SUVs.
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04-21-2025, 09:04 AM | #4 |
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Old people seem to like the Caddy XT4 a lot. The NX is a good choice too, as is the Lincoln. Acura RDX wouldn't be bad either.
I like X1, but I don't know that I'd want one long term as old people. Genesis GV70 might be an option? I doubt they're going to find anything as reliable as their old Lexus and Toyota though. |
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04-21-2025, 09:31 AM | #6 |
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Lexus NX (hybrid if they can swing it). Easy car to drive, fuel efficient, and reliable.
I know you said premium, but the Toyota Crown Signia is very nice and is knocking on Lexus' door in terms of quality. Easier mid-level step-in height as well being a little shorter than an NX but higher up than a sedan (for when they get even older).
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04-21-2025, 09:53 AM | #7 |
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My wife loves her Mazda CX-5. I would suggest that or a CX-50. Get the turbo edition. Both are superior to an X1. We are grandparents so are in the same age category as your parents.
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04-21-2025, 09:54 AM | #8 |
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Have them drive a Volvo XC60. You mentioned under $50K, I think they start somewhere in the high $40s. I would shop around to find a good deal.
They are absolutely excellent drivers. My mom's on her 4th, they are extremely comfortable, easy to see out of, and quiet. I think they would appreciate one.
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04-21-2025, 10:15 AM | #9 | |
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04-21-2025, 10:16 AM | #10 | |
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04-21-2025, 10:17 AM | #11 | |
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When you say superior to an X1, in what way?
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04-21-2025, 10:18 AM | #12 | |
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04-21-2025, 10:29 AM | #13 |
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RAV4, CR-V.
German premium brand if major repair <100k miles is OK for them. I have owned them all from the German companies. German brands truly are junk. Attractive, fun and engaging junk. |
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04-21-2025, 11:03 AM | #14 | |
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04-21-2025, 12:15 PM | #15 | |
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Here is Car and Drivers review of CX-50. https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-50-2024 Here is Car and Drivers review of X1. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/x1
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04-21-2025, 02:28 PM | #17 |
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Why do you say that?
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04-21-2025, 03:15 PM | #20 | |
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Older folks don't want the sporty ride of the German car and don't like hassles or expensive maintenance. If their budget is $40-50K, then that means they'd be looking at 2-3 y/o BMWs with little warranty left. Late model BMWs are generally reliable, but out of warranty repairs can be eye-watering especially considering the cars they'd be coming from which have very little in the way of running costs compared to a BMW, Audi, etc.
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04-21-2025, 03:19 PM | #21 |
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Yeah I see no case for the Germans and TBH the Volvo is hardly a beacon f reliability. The LExus makes the most sense TBH and i'd cross shop against the Lincoln.
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