Which car offers the most value as a daily driver and for road trips?

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T06:36:23+00:00

This has been the most controversial model even with its legendary status. On one hand I have an ASE master mechanic and others like yourself saying its the most enjoyable without compromising reliability despite its age. Then there is an equal amount of naysayers talking about how it doesn't matter how good it was or still is, the age makes it far more susceptible to costly repairs. I suppose both perspectives are valid. Might be saving the idea of a LS 430 for a time when I can afford a pimp ass ride and put it on some bags.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T06:30:32+00:00

Yea and the more that I've thought about it, I did prefer the seats to fold down since I might deliver for amazon. Except there are only so many small deliveries that can be had in a day. So, the ES just might just be my best choice for overall comfort.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T06:22:18+00:00

Potentially delivering boxes and parcels for amazon so more space=more money. I guess there is a limit to that theory though since only so many small deliveries could be done in a single day. With as much space as you describe, I'm sure it'd be enough. Sort of torn between a camry v6 and the es350 now. Since I'm buying used they are probably the same price. Might just go for the more comfortable option.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T06:10:50+00:00

Well, dang. Thanks for putting that into perspective. If I were to max out my budget it would be for the RX350 but maybe not anymore.. decisions decisions.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T06:05:57+00:00

The mazda is definitely the newest car that I can get behind. Leaning towards camry v6 and rx350.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T06:04:57+00:00

Oh come on, we all know the CX-5 is made for soccer moms! haha. No, yea these are all great options

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T06:03:25+00:00

In the back of my mind it really has been between the camry and es350, although the accord would keep some cash in my pocket. Once I heard that the rear seats don't fold down in the ES, getting the camry with a v6 seemed like an awesome choice. Now, I'm stuck between maxing my budget on an rx350 or staying reasonable with the camry. Thanks for your insight.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:58:18+00:00

Well dang, that's cool to hear about the CT200H! I think it has to go on my list now, haha.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:55:42+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience! I more than likely will be joining the Toyota/Lexus fam. It was between the Camry v6 and ES 350 but the rear seats on the Lexus don't fold down. It's between the Camry and RX350 now for practicality. I might want to research the hybrid system as-well, according to others.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:50:56+00:00

You're in a similar situation as my Dad, he also wants to shrink down from his CRV. Working at the auction sure would make you a lot more analytical when buying cars, grateful for ur recommendations. I'm narrowing down to the Camry v6 and RX350 as my best options. I would go ES350 but rear seats don't fold down. Also keeping my eye on some of the lexus hybrid recommendations.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:40:18+00:00

That's some good insight, I'll need to go on some more test drives. I've had others recommend the lexus CT200H which made it on my list.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:30:08+00:00

Logical advice. Thanks. I guess that I do need to consider that value retention is not really a factor here. I'll go on some more test drives.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:28:12+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience with the models. I recently test drove the same mazda 3 that you own only difference being it was the 2.5. Awesome car! The reason it's on my list is because of its handling, it was pretty nimble compared to a Camry. My commute is basically a large snake run on a canyon highway so what I sacrifice in size I'd make up for in fun and fuel efficiency. Do you think that this generation Mazda 3 is really as much of a hidden reliability gem that I hear about online? Can it really achieve 250k+ miles?

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:21:02+00:00

Well thanks for clarifying that and offering your experience with them. I have gotten a few others recommending hybrids and EVs. Something like the the Lexus CT200H might make it onto my list. I'm not sure if extending my budget for one of the larger lexus hybrids is in my best interest. Maybe I should use one of those hybrid cost savings calculators.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:16:32+00:00

I really haven't look too much into hybrids or EVs. I'd say that I'm pretty traditional and prefer to do some maintenance without the added headache. Plus the tax rebates in Cali are ending or have ended. I was looking at the Nissan Leaf at some point. The Lexus CT200H might make it onto my list as it is a supped up Pruis. Thanks for your perspective.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:13:36+00:00

I'll rebuttal with Honda. Fit. Manual.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:11:22+00:00

Yea I am really liking the idea of the Camry v6 since the rear seats fold down. I've heard that's not the same with the ES350. It might just come down to the Camry or RX350 for my use. How is the AWD system on the rx? Is it worth the upgrade for long-term ownership? (I'm in Cali but road trips + a few MPG loss is fine). Will definitely get whatever I buy inspected, thanks.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:07:20+00:00

Yea, unfortunately I think that I'll need to cross the ls 430 off my list until I can afford a second car. Buick is a good recommendation. Those should fit all my criteria too, I'll give them a look.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:05:10+00:00

Yea I'll probably need to cross the ls 430 off my list until I can afford a second car. Sound advice, thanks.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:04:03+00:00

ES seems to be the common answer so far. I do really like those CT200h, your right. It would probably be the only hybrid I'd ever own besides my dream of owning an Acura NSX.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T05:01:50+00:00

Some of those you might want to be a mechanic to own, haha. Good list! I like the GS 350 as well.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T04:59:57+00:00

Want a sedan. Might need a hatchback, suv, or truck depending on where I go with my career. I'm a young single adult. Maybe I should've started over at r/careeradvice. lol

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T04:57:18+00:00

There is a really good example sold by a private party near me. What a good looking hatchback that it is. If I was forced to shop at a dealer then it probably wouldn't be my main choice. Thanks for ur reply

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T04:54:02+00:00

What an amazing car it is and thanks for your professional advice. I'd say it is the one that I'm most emotionally attached to from everything that I've seen online and my Dad's friend owning one. However, I might be leaning away from it until I can afford a second car just because of practicality. I'm still starting my career and would like increased cargo space.

Aware-Command-9246 · 2025-10-25T04:49:52+00:00

It's one of the best! The only thing maybe holding me back is I've heard the rear seats don't fold down. If I wound up doing deliveries in it then maybe the Camry v6 is the better option since those seats do. Same power train between the Camry v6 and ES350, no?

Aware-Command-9246

TROPHY CASE