How long will I drive Used, Beater cars for?

[@thatguyben3128]

*_Beaters are cool and have an important purpose, without beaters a lot of ppl wouldn’t be able to get around and without beaters everything is more expense … so long live the BEATER!_*

[@TheGerbsteve]

💯

[@corychecketts]

My daily driver is a 2001 Lexus LS430 with 205k miles. I bought it from the original owner last year for $6,000. It's been in the south all of its life and came with a stack of service records. I drove it 5,500 miles around the US last year with my wife and kids. I had to change the original alternator halfway through the trip but that was the only issue. The car has been rock solid. It's the nicest car I've ever owned and I have no intention of selling it. The LS 430 is truly one of the best, if not the best, mass-produced vehicles ever made. I drive a "beater" because I'm more concerned with earning interest versus paying interest. Once I hit my $1M net-worth goal, I might buy a newer car. Great discussion.

[@emehlhar]

I prefer the term "survivor" over "beater". 1988 Toyota still starts like new.

[@Kujokouklos]

Just subbed. Great content. My 1998 Corolla is all I need and I do not NEED or WANT anything newer. Parts are cheap as chips and if I find it dented or somehow scratched I just DO NOT care. I will drive it as long as it drives. Then I will fix it and drive it some more. I get the everyday joke or look down from the neighbours or family but at the end of the day I am 55 and completely free owing nothing and owning even my own house. Nothing beats that.

[@AmirulAbu1]

im driving a used car because no way I'll be buying a new BMW. I have another japanese car as backup whenever the BMW is in the workshop. with this, i have to experience both, reliability with Japanese car and fun driving with the BMW

[@jonslyh2742]

The older I get the less I want a new car. I’d rather put the money in the house. Still rocking a paid for 2008 4 runner with 212,000 miles

[@Learnmoretoday59]

I have a 2010 4Runner with 200,000 miles. It’s been great with low maintenance costs.

[@TheGerbsteve]

Good stuff guys!

[@PABLO6941]

My dad had a 2006 Toyota Highlander that went to 378k miles before he sold it. It didn't break; he just wanted to get rid of it and keep in mind he was renting it to someone, so it was treated like a rental. I have a 2006 Lexus RX400h with 224k miles. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. It is super reliable, and like I said, I own it. It feels good to have one less bill to worry about every month. It gets me from point A to B, and I don't drive that much to really worry about MPG. My biggest hurdle right now is the timing belt is overdue by 2 years and 20k miles but I really don't want to drop 1k on the car, but at the same time I want to take care of it.

[@thegame8791]

I bought my 9th gen Civic SI in 2015 with 8,000 miles on it she now has 157,000 still on the original clutch. My daily is a 2008 Mazda 3 with 236,000 miles on it. I will never buy a new car again. It’s just nice to own my own vehicles. I have money saved for when the K24z7 blows to do a K20/K24 build.

[@koz108]

I have a 07 Rav4 myself. I brought it back in 2020 with 164k. As of today I have 195k on it. I love it. Great car for daily fun

[@ozzierabbit587]

A well-maintained older Rav4 and most other Toyotas are not beaters, but smart choices. I own an '06 Honda CR-V that I bought new, now with 185k. No reason to dump it.

[@koz108]

​@@ozzierabbit587correct. I will keep it as long as possible

[@TheGerbsteve]

Nice! It is a bit “plain” compared to my si, but it grew on me a lot and I appreciate it. Bringing her up in the woods today to check out some property 😎

[@zachg9065]

I have a 2016 Lexus IS, not really a beater car but I paid $18k cash for it and I own it outright. Feels great to not have car payments.

[@TheGerbsteve]

I’ve never had a car loan, but I can imagine. Definitely frees up some cash flow 🤙🏼

[@Healthylifelex]

I like your videos! I’ve switched cars 6 times in my life. That was due to my discontentment, I always wanted to drive something else. I only totaled/wrecked my first one. Anyway, i’ve never owned a new car, but I’ve always gotten certified preowned cars, which were still really expensive btw. In 2021 I bought one of my dream cars which was a 2017 Lexus GS200t. I did have payments for six years but thankfully, I paid it off in three years. So it’s safe to say that I’m trying to keep this car for as long as possible 😂 because it still has a lot of life left in it and it only has about 67,000 miles on it. The prices for Lexus are insane. I learned my lesson and will continue driving this because I’ve started investing in my brokerage account and would prefer to have a high net worth and not just look rich based on what I’m driving.

[@tselinsky6452]

I had what I call the “two clunker system”. Two beaters, if one had a problem the other one was drivable. I had plenty of situations where I’d be taking the functioning beater to get parts for the other one. If you just have ONE clunker then you can be out of a car when you need it most. It’s very frustrating working on a car when you can’t have any easy way to get parts for it, unless you want to rely on delivery (and how many situations have you had when you thought you got the right part but had to get it exchanged, or a bolt snaps, or you need another tool, or you need more fluid etc?). The other thing is you need room if you want to work on your car. If you end up working on the street it’s a real pain. Ideal situation is having a two car garage, then you have room to do a lot including do project cars.

[@andrewmartinez1669]

You got yourself a new sub . I drive a 2004 Honda accord coupe i4 with 145,000 miles. It’s my daily , as long as it takes me to work.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheGerbsteve]

Appreciate that. Great car! My cousin has a 2005 accord 2.4 that he’s been driving for awhile now and it’s basically bulletproof

[@JBr-xw4xt]

2007 Civic Si 307k miles, mint inside and out… love it

[@TheGerbsteve]

That is wild. Any major maintenance that you had to do?

[@kiwiinterstates3190]

I still daily a 2010 Camry with 235k miles. I drive 110 miles round trip to work 4 days a week and lots of weekend trips. It certainly has little issues but it does the job no mechanical problems. I would like a newer car and can afford it just don’t want the money gone 😂. I bought it for $5700 5 and a half years ago and daily driven it ever since. I’ve got my moneys worth I’d say. My in-laws had a 2013 Sienna they put 50k miles a year on right up until 375k miles when they sold it (still ran perfect by the way).

[@jayvan9603]

It’s funny to see you getting more mature in your videos.

[@bb_lz9790]

Two vehicles in the family at the moment, a 2015 Subaru and a 2004 Odyssey. A couple months ago, we went out looking for something a little bigger than the Subaru for longer road trips, but didn't really care for anything. The prices were horrifying! In addition, I'm really not excited about the screen-centric interiors of new vehicles. I think I'll put off the next purchase for as long as possible. I forgot to mention that we attended the 2024 Chicago Auto Show and the only vehicle that I enjoyed sitting in was the Nissan Aryia. I had a 2014 LEAF, but it was broadsided two years ago and was Totaled. I enjoyed my EV, but it no longer makes sense for us, so we didn't replace it. Good on you for never having a car payment! I wish I could say that, but I can't. We do generally keep our cars well over 10 years, so we're often car payment free.

[@edwardinvegas]

At 291.5K on a 07' Civic Si I bought new in April 2007 it's my daily for work 330 miles a week. I have a 22' Si I bought in full Oct. 2022 and it has 12.5K on it. It sits in the garage a lot as I don't like to put on the miles. I love the 07' Si as it's connected and engaging to drive. See how long it will go? 😀I just put in Valvoline Restore and Protect and noticed after 1 fill up went from 28 to 30 MPG to 34 MPG. See what happens long term with flushing carbon build up out of the engine along with minimizing oil consumption.

[@TheGerbsteve]

I am impressed! That's why I love the 8th gens, you always feel connected to them when you drive one! What oil are you running in the 8th gen? 34mpg is great! Think my best was like 28-30mpg when I had k20. Keep it up

[@edwardinvegas]

@@TheGerbsteve Since 100K was doing only Valvoline Syn Blend Maxlife 5w/30. I just started about 1K ago last oil change with Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w/30 Full Syn. I think the 34 was a "one off reading" seeing around 26 to 28 I am totally OK with anywhere from 25 to 30 MPG as I don't drive it hard.

[@calebmoyer5989]

I’m driving a 2013 civic si as a daily. I feel like it’s more of a beater to me just because it has 250,000 miles on it. Completely exhaust other than an invidia q300. But it’s super reliable. Is it fun? Yes but I baby it. My 2008 civic si is more of a weekend car just because I want to keep the miles off of it although the paint fade is pretty bad on the roof. Also with our economy right now I like have money in my pocket than a flashy Supra or Type R until I buy one in cash.

[@Cris-me7ee]

still driving my first car (97 camry) great car got it used, i love driving it it is so fun and it puts in work. 219k miles on the odo and still going strong. this is the type of car that gets to 500k easy. beaters are the way to go.

[@TheGerbsteve]

That is discipline right there! Keep it going and stack your cash ;)

[@jbravo7542]

I have a 2007 Honda ridgeline and 2008 toyota prius. Both with low miles. We also have a 2022 toyota highlander. That being said, I have 3 very reliable cars. I love my beaters.

[@TheGerbsteve]

I need a prius for mpg in my life ;)... Those are all extremely reliable, good stuff!

[@noblewon3507]

So what do you call it when your shift after 2nd? 3rd geeeearrrr

[@kyyyy21]

Damn I like that Rav. I drive a 2010 Yaris that's got a lot of kilometers on it, but it's paid and it just keeps driving. Might drive it for a while then get a RAV like yours. Because cash in the bank is better.

[@TheGerbsteve]

Being my first rav, it grew on me a lot. Ton of room, good gas, and simplicity! You could trade in the Yaris towards a rav. Cash in the bank is my security and what makes me happy 🤛🏼

[@oherroprease207]

My 4Runner had 315,000 on it when I sold it and she’s still driving today. Our current vehicles are a 2005 tundra with 205,000 miles and a 2014 Camry with 175,000 miles. Don’t plan on selling them anytime soon. I would trust either of those vehicles driving across the country. They don’t have 6,000 sensors that will force the engine to go into limp mode if your post-cat 02 sensor is reading off. I'd love a new vehicle but im seriously worried about being stranded in the middle of nowhere for a sensor reading off that has nothing to do with the engines ability to get me home.

[@TheGerbsteve]

I love 4runners! That is a lot, no rebuilds or anything? I wouldn't either, they are both toyotas ;). Same, but I don't want all this fancy tech, I like mechanical simplicity. The only tech i really like is a heated seat lol. I guess I'll be doing a lot of research before I'd purchase a newer car.

[@willy_akino]

I just pick up my beater last week! 08 Acura TSX with 203k on it. 1 owne who took to the Acura Dealer for everything! My goal is to this engine as far as i can.

[@TheGerbsteve]

That is a gem, not a beater haha. Seemed like it was cared very well!

[@teokastelan2930]

I would fix the rust as soon as possible.

[@chadfield376]

I just want beater that I can get sorted mechanically/preventive maintenece wise, then drive it unit the tires fall off, wash rinse repeat. It has taken me to almost 50yo to understand what a depreciating asset cars truly are. At my age, just need something with no major trans or engines issues and working a/c🙂

[@TheGerbsteve]

I love that phrase haha. I never knew myself, but it's wild how you drive a car off a lot, the car ages, and more miles, they keep losing value. I have faith that you'll find that

[@prbegt]

Beater always n forever, much easier to work on, more reliable, all the newer cars are made to break and have some special tool that you have to take it to a dealer. I'll stick with my used solid clunkers lol. What are you doing for work now a days, always you getting back into trucking? I'm local LTL P&D driver doing well with it and semi normal schedule.

[@TheGerbsteve]

Have to appreciate vehicles that are easier to work on for DIYer’s 🤛🏼… yes. Was going to go back Regional, but just landed a new gig. I’ll actually be hopping in a local gig next month. Hourly, home daily, 4 10’s. Only thing that’ll suck is it’s third shift to start

[@prbegt]

@@TheGerbsteveawww man don't rub it in now lol. That's my ultimate goal is a 4 day. That's extremely hard to find. Good luck to you with it. I did 3rd shift for about 2yrs I honestly didn't mind it, 6pm-4am. Definitely had more time to do things working that schedule then what I'm doing now.

[@richardmendez6162]

I own2008 toyota sequoia limited love it keeping it 186 k still driving like new maintenance always

[@TheGerbsteve]

Are those the v8, luxury ones??

[@richardmendez6162]

Correct

[@slowka]

I own a 2008 350Z 6MT with 197K on it, had it since 24K miles. Daily is my 2013 Civic Si with 70K on it, had it since 25K. I will def not be buying a new car, no car payment beats new car payments all day long.Still thrash the Z daily, when it goes down for the count , throwing another HR motor in it.Not beaters but no payments, I guess you can call the Z a beater since its so old.

[@zy5915]

My networth hit $8m this year. I pull in around $800k a year. I still drive a Honda Accrod which I bougth in 2010. It's realiable, drives good and brings me to wherever I want to go. Why replace it then....

[@Kashi_bangz]

Same why I feel about my Honda fit/pilot/6speed tsx can’t wait to finish my k24 swapped ek hatch

[@TheGerbsteve]

Would love me a nice tsx, 6 speed. k24 hatch is going to rip! Miss my k24 engine

[@Kashi_bangz]

@@TheGerbsteve yea bro

[@RogerM2404]

Most people's largest monthly pymnt is the house, which generally goes up in value. Next largest pymnt is the car, which definitely goes down in value. Cars are one of the biggest obstacles to building personal wealth. Tip for easy, simple investing: buy a no-fee / low fee Standard & Poors 500 Index mutual fund. Contains 500 of the biggest, best companies in the nation. Sit back and don't touch it. My two cars are an '07 and an '08, both bought with cash.

[@TheGerbsteve]

Right, mortgage coming in at $1200-$2500 depending... From the majority of finance and wealth pros, they have all stated that a car payment is one of the worst things you can do to affect net worth. Love your input! I use poor man s&p500, two REIT's, and few other low expense ratio funds. I will never sell the s&p, it's made me $2k alone. What kind of cars?

[@RogerM2404]

@@TheGerbsteve The '07 is a Solara with 75k on it....got lucky finding it, put about $2k into it for tie rod ends and motor mounts. The '08 is a Japan built Toyota HIghlander Base w/172k on it. Had to do the a/c, bought in March, didnt realize evap core was leaking, that cost $. Since then nothing. Two great older cars.

[@YzyMovies]

That's totally normal in Europe. We drive 15+ year old cars normally as a standard.

[@EMENIKEP]

I think they need to redefine "Beater" cars

[@glennz6686]

2008 Rav4 137,000 miles and 2013 Corolla 98,000 miles. I'm planning to keep them both another 10 or maybe even 15 years.

[@TheGerbsteve]

Nice choices. I’m sure they will last much longer than that. Can’t go wrong with a Toyota 💪🏼

[@joshua_lee732]

I've never owned or driven a card with less than 200k miles and under 10 years old without at least evidence of one wreck.

[@AshAlvavi]

I wouldn't say the rav4 you got is a beater for real though. it's more like a heater car.

[@sebastianricci6517]

to put things into perspective, people who drive new cars are able to expense or write off certain losses. like the immediate 10-25% depreciation the moment you drive it off the lot. I have a 2023 lexus is350...and i prefer to drive my 06 habanero red si that rusty rocker panels and an exhaust/gas leak. also have a 2000 tundra

[@TheGerbsteve]

I mean, technically I could do that if i bought a newer car and used it for content. That tax write-off would decrease my total earnings, saving me money in taxes. Si ftw! Keep that car going

[@BawbEedie]

These cars that people refer to as: "Beaters"... I refer to them as my car or my truck... Too many people spend money they don't have... To buy things they can't afford... To impress people they don't like...

[@erocker78]

You could fix that car up a little and make it cleaner than it is. Just some TLC is all it needs.

[@TheGerbsteve]

This is true, but I do have another, cleaner car civic si that I’m working on.

[@andreideac3962]

240k miles honda accord 2014. Goal?? Yes, I'm not being broke all the time. Imagine how much money an average individual spends every 5 years for 30 years in car payments. All that money being saved or invested?? I don't think it's a bad idea.

[@TheGerbsteve]

I don’t even want to imagine… I think if the average person with a car loan would’ve invested the money instead, they would’ve had money down the road to buy something outright and most likely be somewhat close to a millionaire in new worth.

[@DBbytheSea]

For a few grand more couldn't you get into another civic si or something a lot more fun to drive than that Toyota? I know its cheap but life is short bro. I watch some of your old videos and see how much joy the civic brought you.

[@TheGerbsteve]

Yes, but at the time of the auction, this is one of the vehicles that peaked my interest. The next week they had two tsx’s.. I should’ve waited 🤦🏼‍♂️. Still love the rav, just love vtec more. Oh and I have another si I’m rebuilding. You haven’t seen it, have you? Midnight brought me a ton of joy and kept me in great moods, that’s why I want to get my other one on the road

[@MasterYooda94]

In my opinion driving a beater is cool if your like making a minimum wage job but if your making over 50-60k a year you should get yourself something a little nicer and definitely not buying beyond your means I can’t fathom how people who have like a 600 dollar plus a month car note shits wild even when making a lot of money like if you make good money buy the car outright and never exceed more than 25% of your yearly income on a a vehicle

[@tacosanloresno]

Am I the only one who did get the pic of his si pop up?

[@TheGerbsteve]

I forgot to add my new si in the slide 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@davidmann4533]

I buy nothing but 10 year old cars and drive them at least 10 years all Toyota’s would drive it anywhere

[@Induetime7]

Use beater until you get rich , never make the poor person mistake of getting debt(car payments) to make the richer rich just to look cool !!!

[@TheGerbsteve]

Very well said! I’m glad that I never fell into the car payment trap, just didn’t make sense to me.

[@804_wetlines]

In the market for a clean 8th gen.. driving my beater till she give up on me 😂 😂

[@GT-pl1wx]

Financial freedom! According to that I don't really like cars that came past 2018 or so. I hate screens and crappy downsized engines, EVs and HEVs.

[@TheGerbsteve]

🤛🏼

[@metaorior]

Don't bother the comments. i love beater cars also you save 50% money lol

[@TheGerbsteve]

@@metaorior 🙏🏼

[@jeedwards1981]

Thats not a beater thats an avg normal used car that lots of the population own.

[@ryder4508]

Exactly. This car would be 5500 on Craigslist where I live.

[@dalesmith4985]

I don't like new cars with all that stop start tech garbage and GDI gasoline direct injection....long live the simple older vehicles

[@aznsumthing]

The reality is that people would keep cars much longer if they didn’t care to impress anyone. Most of the lies they tell themselves, about wanting safety or the current car having issues, is just to justify having a new car to look rich. No thanks.

[@TheGerbsteve]

Agreed. I think people should stop keeping up with the joneses. It's just sooo easy to walk into a dealer and grab a new car.. Think about it, they do ALL the work for you. I almost got caught in that trap, but kept telling myself I did not want another monthly bill.

[@Chris-hw4mq]

Just get a used Mustang gt with the coyote engine dont spend lots of money on the gt350

[@TheGerbsteve]

Yeah, probably a $20k + jump from 5.0 to gt350

[@davidmann4533]

Subaru sucks 😂

[@TheGerbsteve]

@@davidmann4533 do they lol?