Car for medical school and beyond?

[darklabel]

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Alright so here's my dilemma. School starts in a few months and my car is a huge piece of crap that continues to break down. Now I've read past messages about buying gently used car and run it to the ground. So I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on make, year or mileage I should look into buying a car (so, med students opinions or premeds who have had cars last them for a long time). I wanted to buy a new car since I'm always wary about used cars continually breaking down and costing more than just buying a new car (such as in lost time, repairs, losing faith in times when it is needed, etc).

Anyways, does anyone know any car that can last 8+ years until attending? Also has cheap, replaceable parts would be a plus. I know from the school I'll already need it for first year for travelling and my main concern is reliability.

Any info is appreciated, especially ones that can navigate tight spaces in hospitals and school parking lots.

 

[medhopeful2018]

I really like my 1999 Chevy Lumina. It's a little bit if a grandma looking car, but it drives bump free and also has been reliable for me. I wouldn't suggest such a late year if you want a definitive 8+ years out of it, but something a little newer shouldn't cost too much. Maybe 5K.

 

[Oso]

I wanted to buy a new car since I'm always wary about used cars continually breaking down and costing more than just buying a new car (such as in lost time, repairs, losing faith in times when it is needed, etc).

Just wanna say you don't have to buy a new car, you could get a pre-owned with little use and low mileage. It's basically new, but will cost much, much less.

Any info is appreciated, especially ones that can navigate tight spaces in hospitals and school parking lots.

Also, you planning on driving inside the hospital? 😛
[jk I know what you mean]

I know some toyotas, hondas, and subarus that have lasted a loooong time, so you could look into those! Hope you find something

 

[darklabel]

Actually yes, maybe I should invest in a segway to maneuver around the hospital 😉

I wonder what @Agent B drives around

 

[Oso]

I wonder what @Agent B drives around

maybe? I could see it.

 

[Pacna]

Lease. Drive a spanking new car for less than a car payment with full coverage. Leases are for people who are just not going to be able to pay off a car in the car's lifetime (like someone with essentially 8 years of no income like med students).

 

[Vanity&Ecstasy]

Definitely recommend a Honda.

My previous car was a '96 Honda Civic my family had bought new and it finally started kicking the bucket at ~211000 miles last summer. I purchased a used '04 Honda Accord with ~50000 miles on it and it works just fine after adding almost 10000 miles onto it already.

The only issue is probably the price since Honda does have a reputation for lasting cars.

 

[lobo.solo]

Get a motorcycle. they are cheap, sexy and dangerous.

 

[masaraksh]

Honda. There are soooo many of them that parts should be cheap.

 

[Life Sucks]

Every doctor should have American Modified Muscle. No exceptions.

 

[rainbow girl]

Toyota and Honda are very reliable.

 

[mehc012]

You're looking for Volvo, Toyota, Honda.
Cheap parts, easy to work on (low labor cost), last 200,000 miles plus.
Buy with 100k miles or less and it will last you another 100k minimum, probably more. Whether that's 8 yrs really depends on how much you drive it, I suppose.
If you're willing to fork out a bit more, do as suggested above and buy one that's less than 50,000 miles for far cheaper than new.

Subaru is also a great brand which lasts a looong time (usually 250k), but unfortunately, they're slightly overpriced in the used car market. Also, most of them are 4WD, which GREATLY boosts repair costs while being of little benefit for the lifestyle you're talking about.

Personally I'm all about the station wagon...you can fit anything, still park easily, low gas mileage, done.

 

[circulus vitios]

Lease. Drive a spanking new car for less than a car payment with full coverage. Leases are for people who are just not going to be able to pay off a car in the car's lifetime (like someone with essentially 8 years of no income like med students).

Depending on your school, a lease might be a bad idea when 3rd and 4th year rolls around. If you go over the 12k or whatever annual mile limit, you get absolutely ****ed -- something like 25 cents per extra mile.

I'm buying a new car. A brand new Focus SE is about $16k plus taxes/tags. It'll last me throughout med school, residency, and beyond, and the warranty will be nice.

 

[SN12357]

My family's hondas have run like dreams. We keep our cars forever, too. I have a nissan that has needed minimal repair in the 4+ years I've owned it, and since I bought it used its now in its 7th year of life.

Buying lightly used is a good idea but the difference between doing that and buying a new car is less than it used to be (it's never going to be zero) because of the recession and in some parts of the country, hurricane sandy (which destroyed and removed from the market thousands of cars that would have otherwise entered the used market).

I would recommend against leasing. The only people it makes financial sense for are rich guys who want to drive new cars every year or two. If you do decide to lease do lots of googling first to make sure you understand all the terms of the lease (the monthly payment is not the only thing you should base the decision on) and can negotiate well.

 

[LabratABQ]

Actually yes, maybe I should invest in a segway to maneuver around the hospital 😉

I wonder what @Agent B drives around

 

[stlrams22]

Alright so here's my dilemma. School starts in a few months and my car is a huge piece of crap that continues to break down. Now I've read past messages about buying gently used car and run it to the ground. So I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on make, year or mileage I should look into buying a car (so, med students opinions or premeds who have had cars last them for a long time). I wanted to buy a new car since I'm always wary about used cars continually breaking down and costing more than just buying a new car (such as in lost time, repairs, losing faith in times when it is needed, etc).

Anyways, does anyone know any car that can last 8+ years until attending? Also has cheap, replaceable parts would be a plus. I know from the school I'll already need it for first year for travelling and my main concern is reliability.

Any info is appreciated, especially ones that can navigate tight spaces in hospitals and school parking lots.

I recommend searching craigslist looking for a cheap car and show up with cash (avoid dealerships). Some of the previous cars listed have a reputation for lasting a long time and I would add a chevy cavalier to that list. After the test drive, offer no more than 75% of the asking price. I purchased my car for $1600 and the asking price was $2200. I strongly suggest not buying a new car. Run the numbers and you'll see it is not cheaper even in the long run. Consider sales tax, full coverage insurance, monthly payment, and property tax. These expenses are much higher in a new vehicle vs. used vehicle.

 

[PleaseCallMeDoc]

I recommend searching craigslist looking for a cheap car and show up with cash (avoid dealerships).

This. Bought a nice car under its KBB value (paid $2800 for a $4000+ car) which should last me as long as I take care of it. Like everyone else said, Hondas are your best bet. I had a honda with 250,000+ miles that just did not die.

 

[Tungsten5]

Look, the fact is most cars are 'reliable' if you take care of them. That means replacing the timing belt at 60k, replacing the brake master cylinder, replacing transmission fluids every so often....

In my opinion, any car can easily hit 200,000 miles if you do this.

Certain cars like Hondas, Toyotas, and others SEEM to have cars that will often go this far even if you neglect to do this maintenance.

That said, why would you bank on your car being one of these vehicles? Just do the damn maintenance. Read the manual and follow the directions.

My personal vote is for a Ford Crown Victoria bought at a state auction. They've been we'll maintained from their life as a police car, parts are very cheap, and every mechanic knows to work on them.

The last part is very underrated - when you take you car to a half decent mechanic chances are he's looking up things on google or the technical manual provided by the company. Most cannot work on any random car without reading up first. If they claim to do so, they're either experts in your car (depending on how common your vehicle is they might just be) or they plan on replacing things at random and figuring stuff as they go (more common).

 

[stlrams22]

I recommend searching craigslist looking for a cheap car and show up with cash (avoid dealerships). Some of the previous cars listed have a reputation for lasting a long time and I would add a chevy cavalier to that list. After the test drive, offer no more than 75% of the asking price. I purchased my car for $1600 and the asking price was $2200. I strongly suggest not buying a new car. Run the numbers and you'll see it is not cheaper even in the long run. Consider sales tax, full coverage insurance, monthly payment, and property tax. These expenses are much higher in a new vehicle vs. used vehicle.

I also want to add I have had the car four years with no serious problems. I would guess maybe $1500 worth of repairs total, although I think the actual amount is lower. The cost of ownership has been about $65 - $70 per month considering cost and repair expenses. My car insurance is ~$290/year and property taxes are $30/year. The best part.....no monthly car payment.

 

[notbobtrustme]

still rocking my 2000 Honda which I bought in 06.

 

[sbEMT33]

honda civic

 

[FlatFour]

As my username might suggest I recommend Subaru. They're reliable, fun, quick (if you go for a WRX or STi), AWD is useful/safe in the snow and rain, and they're relatively cheap as well. Just something to look into.

 

[circulus vitios]

Look, the fact is most cars are 'reliable' if you take care of them. That means replacing the timing belt at 60k, replacing the brake master cylinder, replacing transmission fluids every so often....

What percentage of used cars, let alone 10 year old high-mileage cars, would you say fit that bill? Parts and labor for a timing belt on my car (transversely mounted inline 4) is about $750 at an independent mechanic. I'm still on original brake rotors, master cylinder, transmission fluid, etc. Buying a 10 year old car with 100k miles might seem like a good idea, until everything starts breaking because the previous owners didn't bother to follow the maintenance schedule.

 

[Tungsten5]

What percentage of used cars, let alone 10 year old high-mileage cars, would you say fit that bill? Parts and labor for a timing belt on my car (transversely mounted inline 4) is about $750 at an independent mechanic. I'm still on original brake rotors, master cylinder, transmission fluid, etc. Buying a 10 year old car with 100k miles might seem like a good idea, until everything starts breaking because the previous owners didn't bother to follow the maintenance schedule.

That's exactly what I'm saying. Don't bank on the previous owner doing these things unless he gives you receipts. You must make sure you do maintenance on any car, new or used but especially used because it might be neglected.

Don't assume your car will easily survive high mileage just because its a Honda.

That said, getting a 100k car and doing this maintenance is still cheaper than a new car. A used Honda for 3k with all new belts, fluids, etc will run you a couple grand extra but it's worth it if you want to have a problem free driving experience.

As for what percentage of used 100k cars are actually well maintained enough to not need work within 20k miles? I'd say less than half, maybe a third.

It also depends on what your definition of well running is. For me it's like new. Somebody else might be willing to drive on shot suspension, I'm not.

 

[mehc012]

Look, the fact is most cars are 'reliable' if you take care of them. That means replacing the timing belt at 60k, replacing the brake master cylinder, replacing transmission fluids every so often....

In my opinion, any car can easily hit 200,000 miles if you do this.

Certain cars like Hondas, Toyotas, and others SEEM to have cars that will often go this far even if you neglect to do this maintenance.

That said, why would you bank on your car being one of these vehicles? Just do the damn maintenance. Read the manual and follow the directions.

My personal vote is for a Ford Crown Victoria bought at a state auction. They've been we'll maintained from their life as a police car, parts are very cheap, and every mechanic knows to work on them.

The last part is very underrated - when you take you car to a half decent mechanic chances are he's looking up things on google or the technical manual provided by the company. Most cannot work on any random car without reading up first. If they claim to do so, they're either experts in your car (depending on how common your vehicle is they might just be) or they plan on replacing things at random and figuring stuff as they go (more common).

Overkill. No need to replace the timing belt at 60k, and CERTAINLY no need to replace the master brake cylinder, ever. I have had so many cars hit the 200k mark, and never once even considered the brake cylinder, not even when I rebuilt the brake system from scratch.

The tranny fluid, maybe...but honestly as long as you keep it topped off you should be good. And do NOT flush your transmission when you do replace - that's a great way to knock all of the gunk loose into your trans.

To keep a car going, make sure the oil is never low, the trans fluid is never low, and the tires are well inflated (if you don't want to drop $800 or so on the suspension every year). You're in luck if you live somewhere without salt on the roads - the real car killer is rust. Replace parts when they break. Google is your friend.
Personally, I would avoid the American made cars (including Ford, Chrysler, Pontiac, etc), but that's probably biased because I always worked on them myself and they're a pain in the arse.

And hey, nothing wrong with your mechanic looking stuff up in the shop manual or online! All you need to fix your OWN car is Google and a wrench set...you don't pay a mechanic because it's something you can't do, you pay them because it's something you don't have the tools, time, or inclination to work on yourself!

I would still stick with Toyota as option numero uno- everyone says 200k because that's what you can hit pretty much everytime. If you maintain it, yes, you can get far more. Toyota parts are generally about as cheap and easy to find as they come.

 

[ninjaman22]

Get a year or two old Hyundai Sonata...maybe with 20000-30000 miles

 

[darklabel]

Look, the fact is most cars are 'reliable' if you take care of them. That means replacing the timing belt at 60k, replacing the brake master cylinder, replacing transmission fluids every so often....

In my opinion, any car can easily hit 200,000 miles if you do this.

Certain cars like Hondas, Toyotas, and others SEEM to have cars that will often go this far even if you neglect to do this maintenance.

That said, why would you bank on your car being one of these vehicles? Just do the damn maintenance. Read the manual and follow the directions.

My personal vote is for a Ford Crown Victoria bought at a state auction. They've been we'll maintained from their life as a police car, parts are very cheap, and every mechanic knows to work on them.

The last part is very underrated - when you take you car to a half decent mechanic chances are he's looking up things on google or the technical manual provided by the company. Most cannot work on any random car without reading up first. If they claim to do so, they're either experts in your car (depending on how common your vehicle is they might just be) or they plan on replacing things at random and figuring stuff as they go (more common).

Well, when I bought my car for dirt cheap, it was a total loss before the owners fixed it up and sold it. I've taken it for repairs and done repairs myself, but when it comes to very old cars with high mileage and once was considered a "total loss", well it gets to a point where its just time to buy a new car and not really the fault of the owner.

So as you suggested, I wanted to buy something that most people have that are like "wow this lasted me a while" and when they take it to the mechanic for advanced stuff, its actually pretty cheap parts compared to the rest.

 

[Tungsten5]

Overkill. No need to replace the timing belt at 60k, and CERTAINLY no need to replace the master brake cylinder, ever. I have had so many cars hit the 200k mark, and never once even considered the brake cylinder, not even when I rebuilt the brake system from scratch.

The tranny fluid, maybe...but honestly as long as you keep it topped off you should be good. And do NOT flush your transmission when you do replace - that's a great way to knock all of the gunk loose into your trans.

To keep a car going, make sure the oil is never low, the trans fluid is never low, and the tires are well inflated (if you don't want to drop $800 or so on the suspension every year). You're in luck if you live somewhere without salt on the roads - the real car killer is rust. Replace parts when they break. Google is your friend.
Personally, I would avoid the American made cars (including Ford, Chrysler, Pontiac, etc), but that's probably biased because I always worked on them myself and they're a pain in the arse.

And hey, nothing wrong with your mechanic looking stuff up in the shop manual or online! All you need to fix your OWN car is Google and a wrench set...you don't pay a mechanic because it's something you can't do, you pay them because it's something you don't have the tools, time, or inclination to work on yourself!

I would still stick with Toyota as option numero uno- everyone says 200k because that's what you can hit pretty much everytime. If you maintain it, yes, you can get far more. Toyota parts are generally about as cheap and easy to find as they come.

-Telling people not to replace their timing belt is incredibly irresponsible. Some cars have interference engines that if the belt snaps, you're looking at a complete overhaul of the top end.

-Tranny shouldn't be flushed only if you never replaced it at regular intervals for a long time. It's better if you do, but if you still have the original fluid at 100k it's said to be better to just leave it,

-I agree with keeping the tires well inflated but its not going to do much for suspension wear.

 

[frosted_flake]

I got a 2013 kia rio new. Worst decision I have ever made. Within the first year I owned it, the AC went out, lost power steering and makes awful grinding noises when I turn.
AVOID kia if you want any kind of car that will last you for a decent amount of time.

 

[Tungsten5]

I got a 2013 kia rio new. Worst decision I have ever made. Within the first year I owned it, the AC went out, lost power steering and makes awful grinding noises when I turn.
AVOID kia if you want any kind of car that will last you for a decent amount of time.

All of that should be covered by your warranty.

Power steering, AC failure is probably your accessory belt. Should be easy fix actually.

 

[frosted_flake]

All of that should be covered by your warranty.

Power steering, AC failure is probably your accessory belt. Should be easy fix actually.

It was under warranty, but it was such a pain in the A to have a new car in the shop 3 times in three months.

 

[at24]

m3 bro

 

[knv2u]

Alright so here's my dilemma. School starts in a few months and my car is a huge piece of crap that continues to break down. Now I've read past messages about buying gently used car and run it to the ground. So I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on make, year or mileage I should look into buying a car (so, med students opinions or premeds who have had cars last them for a long time). I wanted to buy a new car since I'm always wary about used cars continually breaking down and costing more than just buying a new car (such as in lost time, repairs, losing faith in times when it is needed, etc).

Anyways, does anyone know any car that can last 8+ years until attending? Also has cheap, replaceable parts would be a plus. I know from the school I'll already need it for first year for travelling and my main concern is reliability.

Any info is appreciated, especially ones that can navigate tight spaces in hospitals and school parking lots.

I'll be honest with you; a lot of the older cars are gas hogs and even cars that had good gas mileage statistics when they were released tend to depreciate in fuel efficiency as they age even after a tune-up. And I would wager that you will require numerous repairs of a used car during the period (and probably would require repairs to newer cars as well although presumably fewer.). It might be more cost effective to buy a new car if you can afford it. To me, the answer comes down to 1) how much cash you have now, 2) your credit history, 3) your ability to obtain a low interest loan, and 4) the amount of "disposable" income that you'll have after you are refunded your GradPLUS loans. It may make more sense to buy a lower priced newer car. If this doesn't work, then I would look for a vehicle that was made within the last 2-3 years and had about 20-30k miles. Good candidates would be the Honda Civic and similar vehicles as the other posters have mentioned.

 

[knv2u]

Lease. Drive a spanking new car for less than a car payment with full coverage. Leases are for people who are just not going to be able to pay off a car in the car's lifetime (like someone with essentially 8 years of no income like med students).

This would also make sense, but be careful about any restrictions on mileage and any additional amount above the normal payment you might need to pay.

 

[darklabel]

I'll be honest with you; a lot of the older cars are gas hogs and even cars that had good gas mileage statistics when they were released tend to depreciate in fuel efficiency as they age even after a tune-up. And I would wager that you will require numerous repairs of a used car during the period (and probably would require repairs to newer cars as well although presumably fewer.). It might be more cost effective to buy a new car if you can afford it. To me, the answer comes down to 1) how much cash you have now, 2) your credit history, 3) your ability to obtain a low interest loan, and 4) the amount of "disposable" income that you'll have after you are refunded your GradPLUS loans. It may make more sense to buy a lower priced newer car. If this doesn't work, then I would look for a vehicle that was made within the last 2-3 years and had about 20-30k miles. Good candidates would be the Honda Civic and similar vehicles as the other posters have mentioned.

My only hesitation is I've read past forums by residents and medical students to limit debt load and that a ~20k care can turn into a ~40k car after loans. I agree that used cars are a pain and I don't want what little free time I have in medical school to be dedicated to keeping a used car going. Are you thinking of buying a new Civic in next two years?

Also disposable income..haha I wish. Currently in a graduate program and will probably fund the majority of the car on loans.

 

[knv2u]

My only hesitation is I've read past forums by residents and medical students to limit debt load and that a ~20k care can turn into a ~40k car after loans. I agree that used cars are a pain and I don't want what little free time I have in medical school to be dedicated to keeping a used car going. Are you thinking of buying a new Civic in next two years?

Also disposable income..haha I wish. Currently in a graduate program and will probably fund the majority of the car on loans.

I'm not applying until the next cycle, so it is hard for me to answer the question. It depends on where I end up. I live within 20 minutes from a medical school where my stats should be very competitive. If I ended up there, then probably not. If I end up going to a school that is a longer distance, I would probably try to buy a new car (or at least a newer care - 2-3 years old at most) to travel to see family during the summer and holiday breaks. (My current vehicle is also very old - a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis - and I don't know how long it will last.)

Also, by disposable income, I meant if you had any loan money left over after your tuition and living expenses that was refunded from GradPLUS loans. If you have a good credit score and enough income or a cosigner, it might be possible to get an auto loan with a lower APR and then use any left over money you have from the loans to pay the car payments while in school. Interest is definitely a major factor as you mention, but the plan for me was to live very frugally throughout residency and the first few years after residency to pay off my loans as quickly as possible to save interest.

It's all about opportunity cost and personal finances. I hope it works out well for you!

 

[histidine]

Civics have gone terribly downhill. I'd avoid. For nearly the same price, you can get VW golf or jetta. There is no comparison.

 

[SunsFun]

Civics have gone terribly downhill. I'd avoid. For nearly the same price, you can get VW golf or jetta. There is no comparison.

I heard that it depends where VW was assembled. Some of them that are assembled in Mexico aren't that reliable.

 

[histidine]

I heard that it depends where VW was assembled. Some of them that are assembled in Mexico aren't that reliable.

Eh, the location of assembly doesn't matter too much. So much is automated that as long as the oversight is solid, the car is solid. Most cars aren't built where we assume they are anyways.

 

[darksurg]

06-09 Mazda 3 - this cars are really fun to drive, cheap and very reliable. For med students looking for a car, is a must.

09-11 Scion tC - very reliable, good MPG as Mazda 3 and cheap.

You should not buy a new car, it's so expensive and unnecessary since you lose a lot of money when you take it out of the dealer.

 

[Jimsy]

As my username might suggest I recommend Subaru. They're reliable, fun, quick (if you go for a WRX or STi), AWD is useful/safe in the snow and rain, and they're relatively cheap as well. Just something to look into.

What do you think of the new crosstrek?

 

[SnakeOilForSale]

Honda, toyota, nissian.

My first car was a 1993 Honda Prelude that ran until ~6 months ago. Now I have a 2008 Civic @ 20k miles. Hondas are great cars and can last at LEAST 10 years, and if you buy a certified used a few model years earlier, you get it for half of what a new car would cost.

 

[FlatFour]

What do you think of the new crosstrek?

I actually think they're really cool and definitely represent a unique approach to the hatchback market, especially from an aesthetic perspective. Plus, like most Subarus it drives very well and is priced extremely reasonably. Is that yours in the picture?

 

[Jimsy]

I actually think they're really cool and definitely represent a unique approach to the hatchback market, especially from an aesthetic perspective. Plus, like most Subarus it drives very well and is priced extremely reasonably. Is that yours in the picture?

I wish..I found this picture on reddit. The crosstrek is definitely an awesome ride

 

[Lucca]

My only hesitation is I've read past forums by residents and medical students to limit debt load and that a ~20k care can turn into a ~40k car after loans. I agree that used cars are a pain and I don't want what little free time I have in medical school to be dedicated to keeping a used car going. Are you thinking of buying a new Civic in next two years?

Also disposable income..haha I wish. Currently in a graduate program and will probably fund the majority of the car on loans.

Car parts are only a big deal if you are buying American or a really old model on any other maker. My advice? Go to the dealer right before the 2015 models come in (October, November, December) and towards the end of the month. Your best bet is Black Friday ( do not recommend) and the day after Christmas (Dec.26th), car dealerships usually have ~6-7% off MSRP on these dates. Go in at the end of the model year, or on those days, and buy a 1 year used car. At the end of the model year the dealership really wants to push the still-new cars that belonged to the past model year off the lot, and the 1-year used cars even more. If you come armed with knowledge (Kelley Blue Book, Good inspection of the car, competitor numbers, etc.) you should be able to negotiate down A LOT. We followed this strategy for the last car my family bought and we talked down about $7,000 off MSRP, although it was a Chevrolet and American auto dealers always have more room to negotiate than foreign dealers.

Bottom line? Brand new Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach

My serious recommendation? Used Toyota Camry or Corolla, avoid Honda, avoid Kia unless it's the Soul, and I've never heard anyone complain much about Nissan although I dont really like their models.

A 2004 Camry much like the one above lasted my family ten years without ever spending a day in the shop. Now that's reliable.

 

[grivacobae]

If you know someone with dealership license, go with them to auction. Just bought my car for $4200, including license and tax and title transfer, etc. It's a 2008 Nissan Altima with only 80k miles, KBB values it at $12,500, might just sell it and do the process over .
And if you can, get a Manual car, not only are they awesome and so much fun to drive, you can save a lot more gas and the car will most likely last longer than it's automatic counterpart!

 

["The Stig"]

Chocolatecookiesandcrisps

 

[darksurg]

Telling any car is good is just stupid. Don't follow that advice.

 

[shaybaybay91]

Definitely a bike... better mileage, cheaper price, more reliable, good for traffic, fun to ride

 

[ChineseKid]

^ I thought about a bike too.
Wouldn't ppl steal it though? Always feel safer parking my car vs. a bike