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Looking For a Car for Our 17 Year Old Granddaughter

Rationale for the Camry (or Toyotas in general):

I've been inside those engines, compared to others of the competition the main and rod bearings in those engines are almost twice the width. Parts are cast, not stamped steel.

Boring? yes. But about all you need to know is how to turn it on and go where you need to.

Parts are cheap compared to other more 'upscale' urban transporters, available OTC in most instances.

Mileage is good with the four-banger, performance good for its size.

...and I figger if Lotus used their power units they must be okay. 😉
 
Not a philosophy I can subscribe to or even really understand. I like dependable cars as much as the next person but I also see a car as an extension of myself and that is as important as anything when finding a car.

If dependability is the only criteria then we should be looking at something with a Cummins, or a Mercedes 4 cyl diesel.
 
The Camry is in Her name. As is the five-cylinder diesel Benz.

The toys are here for fun.
 
I thought that it'd be cool for her to have something different to drive,
not just another blob on wheels.
I came across a Ford Focus SVT that needs a head,for $1500,but wouldn't
really want her to drive a small car with that much power,etc.,although I guess
that I'd get to drive it until she gets her license....
 
If she can wait 'til she's 18, I'd suggest she get a car with a small loan that you can co-sign. Learning to change the oil is small potatoes compared to establishing credit.
 
If she can wait 'til she's 18, I'd suggest she get a car with a small loan that you can co-sign. Learning to change the oil is small potatoes compared to establishing credit.
+1 and then she also has skin in the game in terms of care and pride of ownership
 
Check out the Car Wizard channel on YouTube. He recently did an episode Six Super Reliable Vehicles Under 10K. Might help.
 
Wife & I test drove,& then made a deal on it for $2500.
The seller told us (& has receipts for) a lot of work done not
too many miles ago.
It's had the engine rebuilt,new shocks all around,tie rods,
hoses & belts,new brakes all around,& no rust that I could see.
Our Granddaughter is really excited about it.
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