A newer car with more miles or an older car with less mileage?
I have a 1995 honda civic ex coupe with 176,800 miles on it. It's been leased the first few years then my friend drove it until now some city driving some not, I've also put $2000 into it; new radiator, new belts, axle fixed etc. A client then gave me a 2001 ford ranger with 198,000 miles on it. I believe it hasn't had much city driving and it's also had two owners. I think both have gotten into very minor accidents. What car do I keep?
I would go with the Civic. Sure, it's a few years older, but Civics are famed for going well over 200,000 miles without issues. The Ranger was good for what it was--a light pickup--but not known as a reliable high-mileage vehicle. Plus, you've already invested in the Civic. The Ranger may well need $2000 in parts as well. I would expect it would need some kind of work, given that it has so many miles. Back in 2001, Ford quality wasn't what it is today.
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