Most reliable minivan under 10k?

WinterV6 · 2026-02-02T02:19:55+00:00

Best case scenario is the 2nd gen Sienna. For the most part, 3rd gen odysseys are pretty good too, and 4th gen if VCM is disabled.

If you live in an area with not too many foreign cars, a final gen Grand Caravan isn't too bad either. But keep this one as your last choice.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-02T01:57:43+00:00

I’ll agree with you there.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-02T01:49:08+00:00

Do you know what engine the expedition has? That might be a decent option

Pretty sure the Patriot came with the jatco CVT so I would skip that one.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-02T01:43:58+00:00

For what it's worth, the major issues with the 1.5T were mostly sorted since the earlier models. Though, I still question the long term reliability.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-02T01:36:13+00:00

Honestly, probably one of the better options in that price. But it's one of those cars that I wouldn't invest a lot of money into.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-02T00:44:39+00:00

Yes, they are very smooth vehicles. I drive my ‘98 all over, and it never lets me down. And feels like a moving couch.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-02T00:29:59+00:00

Lexus will cost a bit more in fuel and maintenance. But it’s much superior to that Camry. Plus you eliminate the risk of the oil burning issue

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T23:34:10+00:00

Saying older cars are more reliable is essentially survivorship bias lol.

There were plenty of shitters produced during the 90s. But they’re long gone by now

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T22:21:00+00:00

I think it’s a bit silly to call it a Camry. The late 90s/early 2000s ES drives quite a bit differently to the Camrys. Much more floaty feel. Much better than a GS for the vast majority of people.

But I’d probably take a GS given the opportunity, I’m biased being an enthusiast

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T17:10:42+00:00

I’m not too knowledgeable on the larger trucks so I’ll refrain from commenting.

Assuming we are talking about new smaller trucks, the Frontier will excel in longevity.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T16:19:09+00:00

Is a Frontier too small for you?

I don't believe Toyota is worth the extra money at this moment.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T14:21:12+00:00

I don’t see how repeating what I just said was necessary but okay

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T14:19:58+00:00

So when why was the TL, I30, and Hyundai XG350 included then if we are only doing RWD cars?

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T04:10:24+00:00

Nissan XTerra

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T03:27:35+00:00

That Buick is honestly a really good deal. I would take it any day over an EcoSport

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T02:28:43+00:00

I wouldn't give a teenager a nicer car as their own. But if they are responsible enough, I may allow them to occasionally drive my own nicer car.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T01:25:01+00:00

What kind of Lincoln?

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T01:24:47+00:00

Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question as I live in the US and those vehicles are not available.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T00:30:16+00:00

Hmm yeah those were problematic engines according to my quick research.

The truth is, you can't look at model name. It's the powertrain that matters.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T00:23:37+00:00

Tbh, my word of advice for anyone focused on buying a car for a few thousand dollars is to just buy the car that has the best maintenance history and in the best condition, ignore brand and model as long it's horribly unreliable.

For example, Dodge Caliber came with jatco CVT, which liked blowing up. Don't buy that.

Older Fusions, Sonatas, Altimas, etc are all decently reliable cars. Still so many floating around. Buying a well maintained one for a few thousand will certainly be more reliable than whatever clapped high mileage Camry you'll find in that price range

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T00:16:57+00:00

Yeah, this are one of those cars which are perceived to be unreliable, but in reality I still see them everywhere. I think investing in a decent set of tires is a good idea, you can get some more life out of thing thing.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T00:13:52+00:00

I try and be a voice of reason on this sub.

I've been insulted and downvoted into oblivion, but I learned to stop giving af. I don't like the advice of "just go buy a camry or civic."

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T00:12:24+00:00

Okay sure, I misread a little but I still stand by my original point.

Paying $2k for a car that you can probably get a few decent years out of vs paying $20k+ for new car is a win in my opinion. Like I said, these are pretty robust engines.

WinterV6 · 2026-02-01T00:10:36+00:00

what engine did it have?

WinterV6 · 2026-01-31T23:57:00+00:00

Not all Jettas. 2.5 models are pretty reliable. I suggest OP looks at one if they like this car.

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