I currently have a manual 2000 Honda CRV, purchased in 2014 for $5k. I've put 120,000kms on it (now at 290k) and servicing has never needed anything more than standard maintenance. My current plan is to run the car into the ground to save money long term, and that should be at least another 3-5 years barring any major issues touchwood.
This got me wondering, what would people choose if they were doing something similar today. With a budget of 10k, 20k or 30k what cars would people here buy with a long term plan of running them until its not worth repairing them. New or used is fine, as long as used stock is somewhat reasonably available.
I'd also be interested in what people think of options or other extras that would be worthwhile if buying new. I figure it might be different if you're buying for life rather than for resale but it also might depend on what you value.
10 years ownership is considered run in to the ground? Or are you saying over 300k on the clock? I've owned a few cars longer than 10 years and they were still in very good nick when I sold them. No major issues either in that time. Regular preventative maintenance goes a long way.
If I wanted something to last say 20 years/400k, I don't really know what I'd get… maybe a diesel (no DPF though)? Minimal electronics/tech, nothing fancy!
Buying something new for 10-30k these days, I pretty much expect the car to be disposable and would be surprised if I still had it after a 7 year warranty period.
The way prices are at the moment, you could sell you car for the same price you paid for it 6 years ago lol