What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Questions on how we spend our money and our time - consumer goods and services, home and vehicle, leisure and recreational activities
Post Reply
Topic Author
bigguy8437
Posts: 404
Joined: Tue May 26, 2015 12:02 am

What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by bigguy8437 »

I'm about to make my first car purchase and I want to hear what Bogleheads like to drive. I'm looking for a sedan type, and something with good gas mileage and is very reliable. Not looking for anything flashy either.
User avatar
abuss368
Posts: 27850
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2009 2:33 pm
Location: Where the water is warm, the drinks are cold, and I don't know the names of the players!
Contact:

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by abuss368 »

Nissan Altima?
John C. Bogle: “Simplicity is the master key to financial success."
User avatar
LadyGeek
Site Admin
Posts: 95686
Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 4:34 pm
Location: Philadelphia
Contact:

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by LadyGeek »

This thread is now in the Personal Consumer Issues forum (car).

Don't forget to price insurance costs. Get a few quotes before you make your purchase. Remember that you'll need to be covered before you can take it off the lot.
Wiki To some, the glass is half full. To others, the glass is half empty. To an engineer, it's twice the size it needs to be.
User avatar
ResearchMed
Posts: 16795
Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:25 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by ResearchMed »

A safe one,

RM
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
User avatar
abuss368
Posts: 27850
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2009 2:33 pm
Location: Where the water is warm, the drinks are cold, and I don't know the names of the players!
Contact:

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by abuss368 »

I always contact our insurance agent first before purchasing.
John C. Bogle: “Simplicity is the master key to financial success."
User avatar
abuss368
Posts: 27850
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2009 2:33 pm
Location: Where the water is warm, the drinks are cold, and I don't know the names of the players!
Contact:

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by abuss368 »

A Hummer? I had a Brother In Law who purchased one. Being in that thing was like riding in a tank!
John C. Bogle: “Simplicity is the master key to financial success."
dannyboy
Posts: 114
Joined: Tue May 17, 2016 10:51 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by dannyboy »

This was discussed at length a while ago (and is still being discussed today). I'll link the thread below.
viewtopic.php?t=106068
To sum it up, however, a vast majority of Bogleheads drive old cars until they can't be driven anymore. Luxury cars (or even new cars) are seemingly a rarity here.
Danny
User avatar
BostonBoy
Posts: 173
Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2009 10:10 pm
Location: New Smyrna Beach

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by BostonBoy »

2011 Honda Accord
gundlached
Posts: 117
Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2015 11:45 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by gundlached »

I've had bad luck with used. Also lousy luck with Ford...they don't do recalls for brakes etc.

Currently have 2016 Toyota Avalon XLE. Get a 6 cylinder...after all these years with a 4 banger, it really is worth it to upgrade.

Check out tirerack.com for a set of steel wheels and winter tires. They do a great job mounting...a lost art. Will protect your new alloys in the winter and save the $200 per year in remounting.
Dontridetheindexdown
Posts: 372
Joined: Sat Feb 14, 2015 9:08 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Dontridetheindexdown »

Paid for and running!
User avatar
munemaker
Posts: 4338
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:14 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by munemaker »

bigguy8437 wrote:I'm about to make my first car purchase and I want to hear what Bogleheads like to drive. I'm looking for a sedan type, and something with good gas mileage and is very reliable. Not looking for anything flashy either.
Most popular makes seem to be Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Lexus
User avatar
ejvyas
Posts: 773
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2011 12:09 am
Location: Boston, MA

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by ejvyas »

Check out Toyota Prius
User avatar
jabberwockOG
Posts: 3087
Joined: Thu May 28, 2015 7:23 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by jabberwockOG »

For many years we always drove Honda and Acura cars but last 6 years its been 2006 Lexus sedan and 2007 Toyota SUV
Last edited by jabberwockOG on Fri Jul 15, 2016 6:53 am, edited 2 times in total.
sambb
Posts: 3257
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 3:31 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by sambb »

i like porsche, lexus, and some exotics.
edge
Posts: 3833
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 6:44 pm
Location: NY

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by edge »

I like Jag, BMW, Porsche
cheesepep
Posts: 1295
Joined: Wed Feb 17, 2010 9:58 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by cheesepep »

This is not the car that I drive, but if I had a choice of a daily driver, maybe an Audi A1, or if cheaper, Honda Civic/Fit.

I like small cars.
DSInvestor
Posts: 11647
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:42 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by DSInvestor »

I have a 97 Toyota Camry. My next vehicle will probably be a Subaru Outback.
Wiki
finite_difference
Posts: 3633
Joined: Thu Jul 09, 2015 7:00 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by finite_difference »

Safe, reliable and possibly affordable, too.
The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. - Thich Nhat Hanh
wander
Posts: 4424
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:10 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by wander »

Bogleheads like reliable cars, same as any average Joe so they don't look like millionaires. Many of them choose between two brands (Toyota and Honda). :sharebeer
User avatar
patriciamgr2
Posts: 861
Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:06 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by patriciamgr2 »

If you need AWD, I've had good experience with Subarus. Drove my last one for 14+ years; hoping to beat that with the new one. New CVT has improved gas mileage, but still not stellar.
User avatar
JoMoney
Posts: 16260
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2013 5:31 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by JoMoney »

I prefer to let someone else drive.
When I do drive, I've enjoyed most any model of Mazda that I've had the opportunity to drive.
Zoom zoom 8-)
"To achieve satisfactory investment results is easier than most people realize; to achieve superior results is harder than it looks." - Benjamin Graham
Bigfish
Posts: 211
Joined: Wed May 07, 2014 5:41 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Bigfish »

2008 Subaru Outback 120,000 miles and going strong.
TheOscarGuy
Posts: 1561
Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 1:10 pm
Location: Where I wanna be.

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by TheOscarGuy »

bigguy8437 wrote:I'm about to make my first car purchase and I want to hear what Bogleheads like to drive. I'm looking for a sedan type, and something with good gas mileage and is very reliable. Not looking for anything flashy either.
I like to drive Toyota Landcruiser. All I can afford is Honda Pilot :D
There are so many existing threads on this very same subject. I am sure there was a pole once too. Pick your choice between Toyota and Honda. That's what most BHs drive.
IowaFarmBoy
Posts: 1240
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:19 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by IowaFarmBoy »

ejvyas wrote:Check out Toyota Prius
And Prius v (wagon). It's quite roomy. Hard to beat the Prius line for fuel and maintenance costs.

Before the v, it was old rwd volvos that I maintained myself.
TT
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2009 7:27 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by TT »

delete
Last edited by TT on Mon Feb 05, 2024 3:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Live Life Simple and Less Soft
Standup
Posts: 19
Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 8:20 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Standup »

I drive a 2006 Acura TL that I bought new (for shame!) but it just crossed the 76,000 mile mark, and imagine I'll be driving it for at least another 10 years.
beardsworth
Posts: 2135
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 4:02 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by beardsworth »

It's nearly always a good idea to use that forum "search" box at the top of the page to check on similar threads before starting a brand new one.

A search for "Boglehead" "car" yielded these, including one from just a few months ago:

viewtopic.php?t=110290

viewtopic.php?t=179157

viewtopic.php?t=185341
User avatar
cfs
Posts: 4154
Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:22 am
Location: ~ Mi Propio Camino ~

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by cfs »

I'm looking for a sedan type, and something with good gas mileage and is very reliable. Not looking for anything flashy either.
In this case, go with a the Honda Accord.

Thanks for reading.
~ Member of the Active Retired Force since 2014 ~
CoAndy
Posts: 901
Joined: Thu Jun 06, 2013 4:45 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by CoAndy »

I LIKE to drive fast, road gripping sports cars (Corvette Z06) but I have a 2012 Honda Accord with 52k miles. The car has been nothing short of perfect.
mattshwink
Posts: 455
Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2015 10:01 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by mattshwink »

Wife 2005 Honda Accord
Me 2010 Toyata RAV4

Both purchased new, both will be driven until too expensive to maintain
takeshi
Posts: 1175
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2013 10:02 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by takeshi »

bigguy8437 wrote:I'm about to make my first car purchase and I want to hear what Bogleheads like to drive. I'm looking for a sedan type, and something with good gas mileage and is very reliable. Not looking for anything flashy either.
For any sort of question like this you need to sort out your needs/wants, prioritize and then use that information to find options that suit you. You can't just poll others. Bogleheads are not all identical clones and don't all drive the same vehicles. I happen to be a Porsche person so what I'd buy wouldn't be relevant to you. Cars are a very common topic here so don't overlook existing threads as a resource.

If you want feedback then provide as much information as possible about what you're looking for to help others help you. You've provided some information but try being a bit more specific. What's "good gas mileage"? Provide a number or range of what you're expecting. What's your budget? Flashy is another subjective matter. Provide examples of sedans that you find flashy and sedans that you find acceptable to your aesthetic preferences. Don't just assume that everyone else is identical to you no matter what the topic.

Definitely make sure you're considering total cost of ownership and not just the sticker on the vehicle. Others have mentioned checking into insurance but you'll also want to see what maintenance, wear items, fuel, etc are going to cost you.
User avatar
goingup
Posts: 4910
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:02 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by goingup »

How could there possibly be any consensus on brand?!

BH car? One you can afford (and enjoy) while still maxing out retirement accounts.
User avatar
leonidas
Posts: 487
Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:58 am
Location: Mansfield Township, NJ

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by leonidas »

I have a 2007 Hyundai Sonata (bought new) and the wife a 2012 Honda Pilot (bough used in 2013).
alfaspider
Posts: 4816
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2015 4:44 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by alfaspider »

bigguy8437 wrote:I'm about to make my first car purchase and I want to hear what Bogleheads like to drive. I'm looking for a sedan type, and something with good gas mileage and is very reliable. Not looking for anything flashy either.
You sound like a perfect candidate for an Alticamcord6. Despite the various engineering differences, they are basically the same thing: comfortable, reliable, cheap (relatively), efficient, boring. This class is perfect for someone that is not into cars. For me, I would probably cause an accident after I pass out from boredom :mrgreen:

My daily driver is a Subaru WRX STI. It's loud, flashy (has an enormous wing), gets terrible fuel economy, and has a harsh ride. I wouldn't have it any other way.
User avatar
Toons
Posts: 14467
Joined: Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:20 am
Location: Hills of Tennessee

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Toons »

Honda,
Mercedes.
:mrgreen:
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
new2bogle
Posts: 1779
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2009 2:05 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by new2bogle »

Honda Odyssey and Toyota Camry. Cheap to drive, insure and maintain - the way I like it.
OatmealAddict
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2013 4:03 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by OatmealAddict »

Paid off a 2015 Acura TLX last week. Love it.

Purchased a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited this past weekend for my wife. Love it as well.

Neither are the most economical choices, but we enjoy our vehicles.
Brewman
Posts: 201
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 7:17 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Brewman »

Toyota Corolla - low cost, reliable, good gas mileage. Great car so far - 150,000+ miles
Jack FFR1846
Posts: 18499
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2013 6:05 am
Location: 26 miles, 385 yards west of Copley Square

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Jack FFR1846 »

Hmmmm.....like to drive....

I liked driving my 07 Lotus Elise. More handling, attention getting and fun than anything else I've driven. Sold to help pay son's college costs...plus I was ready to get out of it.

I would like to get a Honda CR-Z manual. The shifter is as slick as a Civic Si and there are plenty of engine swap supports available. Throwing in a K24 would certainly wake it up. Honda actually has a full supercharged upgrade kit available. I like 2 seaters and this little hybrid is the only one out there with a "real" transmission.

For a fun, everyday car, I'd like to get a new Subaru WRX. The car handles so much better than the Impreza or Crosstrek. Night and day (I own a Crosstrek). With the new 2.0 L engine and front mounted turbo, low RPM torque is much better than the old 2.5 L.

When it's really snowing out (my definition is that there's already 18 inches of snow on the ground and it's coming down at well over an inch an hour), the Wrangler Unlimited is my choice (and I own one). Equipped with tall, narrow snows and a rear limited slip, locking it into 4 wheel drive (don't confuse this with AWD) gives me the best chance to get where I need to go. It's horrible on gas, rides like a 70's pickup and is legendary for things failing. But resale value is better than most everything out there. It's one of those vehicles where you can order exactly what you want and it costs less than a 3 year old used one with the same equipment (I found this to be true before ordering mine). 4 doors, plenty of cargo space and if you want a convertible.....you have one. Heck, you can even take the doors off it!
Bogle: Smart Beta is stupid
DaufuskieNate
Posts: 605
Joined: Wed May 28, 2014 11:53 am

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by DaufuskieNate »

I like to drive any car that is paid for with cash. Other than that, I really like my Subaru Forester.
jsapiandante
Posts: 300
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:58 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by jsapiandante »

I drive a 2009 Honda Accord with 120k miles in it. I do mostly my own maintenance if it isn't too complicated. The rest, I pay a good friend of mine who's a mechanic $300 every 2 years for major tune ups. I've had Honda's all my life as they're dependable and reliable. I've only had one major issue with my recent car which was my starter that gave out last year.
WhiteMaxima
Posts: 3338
Joined: Thu May 19, 2016 5:04 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by WhiteMaxima »

Geo prizm (Toyota corolla clone). good gas milage, super reliable. easy to maintain.
User avatar
just frank
Posts: 1949
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:13 pm
Location: Philly Metro

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by just frank »

Nissan LEAF EV with a $200/mo lease.
United2008
Posts: 153
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2015 6:01 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by United2008 »

Mine: 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (fully loaded) w 167k miles; bought used in 2004 with low miles for 20k under sticker.
Wife: 2015 Honda Odyssey Ex-L (bought new); low mileage used versions were literally $1000s more than buying new, and dealer had great financing offers

Hopefully the Jeep will soon be replaced (at least as daily driver) by a Tesla Model 3 (or perhaps an S). Before kids the wife drove a used Prius.
Mike Scott
Posts: 3579
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 2:45 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Mike Scott »

You didn't get that info with the secret handshake? :)

Bogleheads is not a cult and they drive whatever they like just like anyone else does. Paid for and reliable are good things but that leaves a lot of variety in automobiles.
dave_k
Posts: 406
Joined: Sat Dec 26, 2015 7:25 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by dave_k »

Not what you're looking for, and not very Boglehead-ish, but I like my old 2000 BMW M5. It's been pretty reliable, and quite fun to drive. Mileage is terrible but I drive very little and will probably keep it until it dies.
User avatar
tinscale
Posts: 401
Joined: Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:16 pm
Location: North Carolina

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by tinscale »

I prefer 4 cyl. Nissan Altima or Sentra because they have "non-interference" engines with real timing chains and not belts that have to be replaced to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Nissan 2.5L engine is awesome. For "$12-15,000 you should be able to find a late model 1-owner with less than 30k miles and clean carfax.
letsgobobby
Posts: 12073
Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2009 1:10 am

deleted

Post by letsgobobby »

deleted
Last edited by letsgobobby on Fri Jan 31, 2020 1:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Will do good
Posts: 1138
Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:23 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Will do good »

When I first started out making low income I purchased a Toyota Corolla.
As my income grew and earned my financial freedom, I now drives a BMW.
I'll retire in about a month. :beer
Teague
Posts: 2524
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2015 5:15 pm

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

Post by Teague »

I mainly drive a 2003 Ford Explorer, 196K on the odometer. For my son, next week I am buying a used 2015 Hyundai Elantra from a rental agency, to replace a 2003 Elantra GT with 162K miles we gave him a few years ago. He has a kid with some medical issues and needs reliable transportation. I also have a 2014 Ram truck for towing things, and a 1999 Corvette with 145K miles I am selling.
Semper Augustus
Post Reply