Do holiday gifts (cars) need to be new?

December 11, 9:41 PMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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Everyone knows that we are in a tough economic climate
and it is difficult to get a handle on exactly what is going
on. One thing that is for certain (the retailers tell us so!) is
we are in the holiday season.

Do all gifts need to be new? Well, you might be considering
giving a car as a holiday gift or you might be receiving such a
gift. In these times, a used gift (car) might make the most sense.
After all, a car is for transportation to get to work and other
places.

What cars will make a sensible used gift for about $2,000 –
$2,500? Well, two used gifts that may well run almost
like new gifts are the 95-96 Toyota Camry LE or Honda
Accord LX. Both of these cars are economical getting
about 32 mpg on the highway using regular unleaded
gas. They will seat up to four passengers and with their
split-folding rear seats, they can move some cargo.

Maintenance on these gifts is relatively easy as their engines
are transversely mounted with plenty on room in the engine
bays. The interiors are a bit plain, however, both are durable
and reasonably comfortable.

Since the beginning, the repair histories as tracked by
Consumer Reports has been excellent on these cars. Car
repair histories are one thing on paper but what are they for
day in and day out driving?

Well, I recently spoke to a mechanic who informed me he
had a Camry with 500,000 miles. The head was never off
the engine and it never needed a wheel bearing. The Honda
Accord is much the same way, after all, both Toyota and Honda
competed directly with these cars and thus pushed forward the
reliability factor. So, a well maintained Camry or Accord with
say 125,000 may well go more miles that some new gifts.

If your recipient or you desire a softer ride, consider the Camry,
however, if a bit more buttoned down European ride is desired,
consider the Accord. And remember to make certain that the
gift is right by taking it to a mechanic for a look on a lift, general
inspection, test-drive!

These used cars are gifts that can keep giving for holidays to
come!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com