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Dear Car Talk: I’m 85 and still driving competently, but who knows how long that will last? I now find myself needing to buy a car to last me a few more years, or as long as I keep driving. Typically, I’ve driven 5,000-6,000 miles a year, mostly on errands. I’m thinking of a Corolla or Camry, as I’m partial to Toyota and think that one with up to 90,000-100,000 miles would work.
Poke holes in my logic or offer any advice you can. I subscribe to your Car Talk podcast, and not a day goes by that I don’t listen to at least one episode and find it calming, interesting and hilarious, a perfect antidote to the rest of the world. — Anne
I can’t poke any holes in your automotive logic, Anne. But I sure do question your listening habits.
I’d lean toward the Camry for you, Anne, only because it’s a little bit bigger and a little bit safer. And if you look for one that’s, say, 3 to 5 years old, it will not only have plenty of life left in it, but it will also have a good suite of modern safety features.
Sticking with a newer Camry will get you key automated safety features (like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind spot warning), which I think are crucial for older drivers, as our own “sensors” wear out a bit. So, if you look for a 2021 or newer Camry with 60,000-90,000 miles, it should serve you well.
There are a couple of caveats. First, drive one and make sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel. Driver comfort is a crucial safety factor. So, if the Camry “feels” too big for you, you can’t see comfortably out of it, or the controls don’t feel easily within your reach, then try a Corolla or something else.
Second, get a CARFAX report, which should catch any major title issues. Then make sure that whatever you buy is thoroughly checked out by a mechanic of your choice — even if you buy it from a dealer.
Ideally, you’d have the seller take the car to your regular mechanic and have him check it out stem to stern. He can tell you what’s wrong with it, what it needs right now, and what it will likely need (that he can detect) in the next year or two.
And here’s how you use that information: If there are serious problems with the car (burning oil, transmission issues, bent frame), you walk away. If there are things it needs immediately (brake pads, tires, air-conditioning work), use that list to negotiate the price down, since those are repairs you’ll have to pay for right away. And if there are things that are not dealbreakers, but will be needed in the next year or two (timing belt, water pump, a brake job), use that list to plan your maintenance budget.
And don’t assume you’ll only be healthy enough to drive for another year or two. You might even meet a fella who’s attracted to your wonderful, logical mind, Anne. And your ability to drive when you go out on dates.
Got a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th St., 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com.