The secondary market is a Klondike for potential car buyers, where there are no limitations in the choice of brands, models, types of vehicles. Someone is looking for new models with little external damage, but there are also those who prefer somewhat outdated copies. Some old cars have a huge resource, so even cars with high mileage will serve you faithfully for many years. At the same time, they have practically no competitors in price. We have selected the most reliable old cars that are cheap to maintain and will not need serious repairs for a long time.
Top 7: choosing an old reliable car
There are seven autos involved in our review.
Toyota Camry XV10 (1991-1996)
The generation that was produced in sedan body from 1991 to 1996. This generation bore the name Scepter. Since 1992, the car became available in a station wagon body. Since 1993, the car was produced for export under the Toyota Camry brand, so in one period of time there were two versions of the vehicle: for the Japanese market and for export.
The Toyota Camry XV10 was produced at plants in Germany, USA and Japan. The total number of cars that left the assembly line was about 100,000. The design of the car for export was similar to that of the original Camry, but the dimensions were larger and it was equipped with more powerful 2.2 and 3.0 liter engines.
Most of these cars were sold in the US, and the rest were sold in Japan, Europe, CIS, etc.
Honda Accord CB (1989-1993)
Honda Accord is one of those cars that never ceases to be relevant. The model is produced from 1976 to this day in three body variants – station wagon, sedan and coupe. In the period of the late 80s and early 90s of the last century, it was the leading model of the brand.
The cars were equipped with 1.8 and 2-liter gasoline engines with an output of 105, 110, 135 and 150 hp, 5-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic, reliable independent suspension, front-wheel drive. Reliable engines and chassis, reinforced rigidity of doors – basic characteristics, thanks to which models with 30-year mileage remain on the move and retain an impressive working resource. Of course, the factory equipment of the car is obsolete, but on the market you can find very interesting copies, on the modernization of which the previous owners have worked hard.
Volkswagen Beetle (1950-1979)
A unique specimen in our rating. The basis for the development of this car was the concept of creating a “people’s German car”. The initiator of the idea was Hitler. However, the creation of the “people’s” Beetle occurred after the end of the war, in 1947 the serial production of the car, which became a cult for Germany, began. And in 1950, the Volkswagen Beetle also conquered the world market. In the future, it gained the reputation of a reliable and almost eternal car.
The millionth copy of this model was released in 1955, and in 1972 sales exceeded 15 million. Beetle was constantly subjected to modernization and improvement, gradually increased in size, received more voluminous and productive engines, “starred” in films and even won the rally. The last Beetle rolled off the assembly line in 1974. Until 1978, Beetle convertibles were still sold in the USA.
After almost 50 years, you can find perfectly preserved copies of Volkswagen Beetle in the original configuration. And they are valued very highly, and collectors are willing to pay tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars for them.
Mercedes-Benz W123 (1976-1986)
The W123 is the most mass-produced model of the Mercedes-Benz brand in the history of its existence. The model was available in four body types: sedan, coupe, extended sedan and station wagon. For the model was offered an impressive line of motors with gasoline and diesel in-line engines, turbodiesel. The car had modern equipment – climate control, ABS, driver’s Airbag, signature turntable, disc brakes on all wheels. Instead of velour it had optional leather interior upholstery. In addition, the car showed excellent results in crash tests.
A total of 2.6 million copies of the W123 were sold. And now, after many years, it deserves the attention of motorists. If you want to find a used car of this or other model in our rating, we recommend you to go to car auction.
Ford Crown Victoria (1992-2011)
Ford Crown Victoria is an American six-seat executive sedan with rear-wheel drive, which was produced in Canada from 1991 to 2011. The car had a simple design, but had a huge reserve of strength and durability, demonstrated excellent cross-country ability and endurance, had a very spacious interior and progressive technical equipment.
That’s why he was purchased en masse by police stations and taxicabs in the United States and Canada. It became a participant of many movies, TV series and computer games. It went down in history as the last typically American car, and cost about 21% less than other cars in its class.
Ford Crown Victoria was equipped with powerful engines 190, 213 hp, 4-speed automatic transmission, suspension adapted to the most extreme loads. It had electrically adjustable seats and power windows, keyless access, a system of automatic on/off dipped beam when changing the time of day, buttons to open the gas tank and trunk, high-quality audio system, electronic dashboard, air conditioning (and since 1995 – climate control).
Jeep Cherokee XJ (1987-2001)
Reliable and highly marketable despite its age, the Jeep Cherokee is the second generation of the XJ model, which has been in production since 1983. The SUV has a rough, recognizable square shape.
The engine range includes a variety of modifications of gasoline engines, with a volume from 2.1 to 4 liters and power from 85 to 190 hp, so even today you have a lot to choose from. Modifications with rear and all-wheel drive, manual and automatic transmission are available. The car is practically not subject to body corrosion, equipped with a hardy suspension, which is characterized by high repairability.
This SUV is almost a legend. It has incredibly high cross-country ability, reliability of the chassis, high level of comfort, functionality. Since 1989, it has been equipped with an anti-lock braking system, and since 1992 it has been equipped with ABS by Bosh.
Geo Prizm (1989-1997)
The Geo Prizm sedan is a product of joint work between Toyota and General Motors. It is, in fact, a twin of the popular Japanese Toyota Corolla. Geo Prizm is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, 105 hp, front-wheel drive, five-speed automatic transmission (optionally with 3 and 4-speed automatic). The average fuel consumption of the car is about 7 liters per 100 km.
The production of the car continued until 1997. It was very popular and a large share of sales (namely ¾) came to female customers. According to the manufacturer itself, this was due to the high reliability and loyal cost of the car – advantages relevant for this car even today.
and then