Chris wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 9:35 pm
Likely targets will include: long production runs (like the original Beetle), commuter econoboxes (Corolla, Civic, Elantra), fleet cars (Crown Vic), work vehicles (Econoline).
I think this is the best way to ensure your car will be reliable and that there will be a surplus of resources/parts to solve any issues that may resolve. For example, my Pontiac Vibe uses a Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine. This engine is also in the Corolla, Celica, RAV4, Matrix, and a dozen other models around the world. There is no shortage of parts.
Another strategy is to be a car enthusiast for a specific model. I know a few people who like certain models or types of cars, whether that’s Japanese imports, sports cars from yesteryear, trucks, vans, etc. They buy used, do their own maintenance, and enjoy the vehicles. Then they resell them down the line for a low/no annual cost because many of these vehicles retain value. The downside of a strategy that relies on retaining resale value is you probably have to pay for collision insurance. The other downside is that if you care for safety measures like SRS airbags, side curtain airbags, etc then these cars usually won’t have that. I’ll leave Sclass to comment further on this since he knows way more than me.
Edit: I will also add that there can be value in having a larger car with some storage/towing/hauling capacity. A larger vehicle allows one to take advantage of serendipity. Maybe you stumble upon some wood/furniture on the side of the road that you can load up. Maybe your friend is getting rid of an old appliance and will offer it to you for free if you can haul it away. Yes, you can rent a truck for a few hours, but in my experience a lot of these opportunities come up unexpectedly and can’t even wait a few hours. The downside is balancing operating and capital costs of a larger vehicle.