I have a 2010 Toyota Corolla. She's been my trusty steed for the last 14 years and is in good working order. I recognize she won't last forever, and if, god forbid (mostly for her) I get in an accident, I will need to get a new car. So what dumb cars do you drive, and what would you replace them with?
If at all possible, consider replacing your car with an E-bike. Way cheaper, both in upfront and maintenance costs. No insurance, no gas, no registration fees, etc, etc. With the right set-up you can haul a week's worth of groceries in the rain and not even think twice about it.
Is 2002 recent? Still loving my vintage wrx.
When the wheels fall off I'd like to go with something electric, but those tend to be phones with wheels. Maybe a used volt?
Hey if it still runs and they were readily available. In terms of recent I was talking newer than my car, old enough not to have a computer system or backup lights.
If I were you I'd probably just buy another 2020 Corolla or if I was feeling fancy a 2011.
Old stuff is your only option, imo. Almost everything in the last decade has some kind of tech bullshit in it.
I think what is a good choice greatly depends on your location, which affects prices, availability, spare parts availability etc.
I switch back and forth between my 96 Tacoma with 250k miles and my 06 Scion xB with 190k miles. Love them both. Bury me in one of them.
Alternatively, does anyone know of (a) car(s) which are easy to remove any computer systems?
"Dumb car" is kind of relative. Computer engine controls have been around since the mid 1970's. And while the first ones were not very good, they have become pretty darned reliable over the intervening years. And as someone who has owned cars and other heavy equipment with mechanical points and down draft and up draft carburetors, you won't ever see me willingly own a car with any of that anymore.
If you really want to minimize the electronics as much as possible, look at 1990's to no later than 2010 models.
Though to be fair, much of the problems with cars are caused by the accessories like power windows, door locks, air conditioning, and power seats. Those are far more problematic than the basic car itself.
I've read through your comments, and honestly, you're just going to want to buy an old civic or another Corolla, and if you need to, swap in a new engine. You really have to choose working on an old car to keep it running, or live with even the basic standard safety features like a backup camera. Keep in mind that the new lane assist or collision avoidance stuff can be turned off in virtually all new cars. Plenty of new cars don't have an obnoxious infotainment screen as well.
Keep in mind that the new lane assist or collision avoidance stuff can be turned off in virtually all new cars.
Manufacturers are making this more and more difficult to control by the user.
Plenty of new cars don’t have an obnoxious infotainment screen as well.
maybe list them for OP instead of hinting at their existence.
I mean, I can't list every one of them? It all depends on if you find a 6 inch screen too big or something Tesla sized.
I know my Ford Maverick and my wife's Kia Soul are pretty tame with the infotainment system.
just having a couple brands and models to look into is pretty helpful. I know i'm sick to death of massive screens with touchscreen buttons for everything. i drive my step mother's recent model BMW sometimes and trying to just change the radio station is a chore that involves clicking accept on a screen with a huge disclaimer warning you not to get distracted by the touchscreen while driving before you can even operate it.
Get something similar but cheaper. Those things spend decades in the sands and humid cimates and they're still rolling around. That Toyota will probably outlive you and your kids if you treat it well.
They're like those Diesel powered Mercedes from the 90s but much cheaper and easier to fix.
