Newer Chevy or Older Toyota?

J162_165342
Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:15:17 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

Going to get a cheap car for winter. Have narrowed down 2 options.

1.) 2012 Chevy Impala LS. Clean title 135k miles. Original Engine and Transmission. Has the 3.6L V6 and 6L80 Transmission. Passed Virginia Inspection a year ago. Seller asking $1700

2.) 2005 Toyota Solara with the 2.4L 4 Cyl. Clean title 205k miles. Original Engine, Lower mileage 120k 4 speed transmission put in last month. Seller has receipts for transmission replacement, however it was from a junkyard and there is no warranty. This vehicle also passed Virginia inspection about a year ago. Seller asking $1800

Assuming that they both run and drive good as of right now, which would be a better buy from a reliability standpoint alone? Obviously Toyota wins if we’re comparing apples to apples. However, the Chevy is 7 years and 70k miles newer. So I’m not sure if that cancels out.

I am wary about buying American vehicles with mixed reputation. Yes I have a 2013 Mustang GT but the 1st gen 5.0 and 6r80 in that car are both well known to be generally very reliable.

I have previously owned a 2001 explorer with the 4.0 that developed timing chain rattle after 9 months of ownership at 210k miles despite no rattle when I first bought it and religiously changing the oil. (Probably changed the oil and filter 3 times within 9 months PLUS I had replaced the tensioners as well first thing when I got it. and it still blew up). To be fair, the Ford 4.0s are INFAMOUSLY horrible and have a major flaw by design due to the PLASTIC guides and weak tensioners…There are many cases of peoples chains rattling under 100k miles even with religious oil changes, but I digress. Just don’t want to go down this rabbit hole again.

Point being, I am wary of the Chevy since I had a bad experience before with questionable American engines (4.0). MOST sources I have looked into say the 3.6 L from Chevy from 2012 and on is a very reliable engine. Some people say they had timing chain issues but that was due to lack of oil changes if anything.

I am wary of the Toyota as well but for different reasons. Even though yes it can last a long time even at 205k miles, it’s still 7 years / 70k miles older I’m not sure if this is a good buy - Gaskets, fuel lines, brake lines, hoses and seals are all 7 years older and I feel like by Mid 2000’s (2010 and on) most auto manufacturers used better quality gaskets, hoses, seals, etc.

Unfortunately I can’t quite swing the finances for lower mileage 05-06 camry or solara, otherwise I’d just get that…Any insight is appreciated.

12 posts - 9 participants