Asklemmy

I recommend a 2010 Toyota Corolla.

If you don't live in that one country where they get stolen easily, Hyundai I10 and I20 base models are the perfect dumb car

Absolutely nothing to go wrong; the most technological thing on them is a Bluetooth stereo, and the little 1.25L motor only needs an oil change every 20k kilometres to keep it sweet

When you say dumb, do you mean like with minimal computers? I think I remember reading about Mercedes or something working on a vehicle that's entirely mechanical with zero computer integration. I imagine it would be pretty expensive though

Many Toyotas. Even their newest series LandCruiser is doing well and will continue the legacy of doing well because durable mechanical simplicity is what it brings to the competitive table.

A lot of Toyotas last a long time and are easy to work on. That in turn makes them popular, making parts for them even cheaper.

Honestly? Consider grabbing another Corolla if you liked your Corolla. The Toyota price tag pays itself off in longevity and low ongoing cost. They just don't die and do their job well for a long time.

I've read through your comments, and honestly, you're just going to want to buy an old civic or another Corolla, and if you need to, swap in a new engine. You really have to choose working on an old car to keep it running, or live with even the basic standard safety features like a backup camera. Keep in mind that the new lane assist or collision avoidance stuff can be turned off in virtually all new cars. Plenty of new cars don't have an obnoxious infotainment screen as well.

Toyota all day every day. The best, most reliable car brand.

One rule of thumb; Never buy a Chevy. Absolute garbage vehicles that you will pay endless money to maintain.

"Dumb car" is kind of relative. Computer engine controls have been around since the mid 1970's. And while the first ones were not very good, they have become pretty darned reliable over the intervening years. And as someone who has owned cars and other heavy equipment with mechanical points and down draft and up draft carburetors, you won't ever see me willingly own a car with any of that anymore.

If you really want to minimize the electronics as much as possible, look at 1990's to no later than 2010 models.

Though to be fair, much of the problems with cars are caused by the accessories like power windows, door locks, air conditioning, and power seats. Those are far more problematic than the basic car itself.

Can you clarify exactly what you mean by a "dumb car"? Do you just mean that it doesn't have a screen in the cockpit? Or something else?

Gonna catch some flak for this, but a Ford Focus... Just get the manual transmission. That car will easily go 200k miles, and all the bad press about the automatic has pushed the price down. My friend has the manual version and it's about as bulletproof as you can get.

For about ten years prior to 2020, I only had a company car. I've gone the past four without a car but I'm looking around for something to make it easier to visit family and take short trips.

Not only is the cost of a new car mindmelting, all the crap they put in them now is detrimental to me considering anything made in the past few years. I would sooner opt for a car with roll down windows and an AM radio than have to drive down the street with a giant computer screen shining in my face pinging me with all sorts of distractions. And that's coming from someone who spent over ten years installing car stereos and remote starts, etc.

I don't know what to do either. I'm looking at cars made around 2010-2015. I'd probably drive less than 2,000 miles a year but I'd still worry about wasting money on something that isn't going to last me at least ten years. I also have a thing for cars that feel good to drive, typically German cars, so these cheap little Hyundais and such probably aren't something I'd consider.

My 2019 Hyundai Ioniq SEL has been incredibly reliable for the last 5 years. It's a very boring car compared to alternative hybrids, but I save money on gas, which is what I got it for.

I’m assuming US?

One thing to note is that the US started requiring back up cameras in all cars manufactured after May 1, 2018. Your best bet to find a dumb car would be to look at base trims of some cheap 2015, 2016, and 2017 cars. Cars like the Elantra, Forte, Sonata, Altima, Versa, and Sentra did not have touchscreen displays in their base trim. I know because I basically lived in rental cars during those years and am very familiar with all of them.

Now, definitely watch out on the Korean ones though due their cheapening out of security equipment…but the Kia Boyz have probably salvaged titled all of them by now. I would also be hesitant on buying a used car with a CVT because it’s a crapshoot if the previous owners actually kept up with the mandatory maintenance on them.

I think the Mazda 3 or Toyota iA are good used car choices to keep on your radar. There is a “screen” in both cars, but they are dialed controlled when the car is in motion. They both have a REAL automatic transmission too. No CVT stuff to worry about.

2018 Subaru Forester

It might be a bit more updated than most, but in general less smart than most cars today.

• Still have to press a button on the key to unlock the doors, or use the convenient key.
• Need to put the key into the ignition to start.
• Doors do not automatically lock out unlock.
• Manual parking break.
• Rear door is 100% manual (if you didn't count un/lock with key fob).
• Basic Bluetooth functionality.
• Equipped with OnStar, and Sirius.
• Shipped with 3G cellular, which no longer works. They do offer a free upgrade, I never bothered.

By my own assessment, it's the dumbest modern car you can get.

I'm rocking a 1998 Toyota 4runner and when she dies I'll replace her with another one

I have a 2015 Dacia Logan, that's just smart enough (can connect to Bluetooth).

Get something similar but cheaper. Those things spend decades in the sands and humid cimates and they're still rolling around. That Toyota will probably outlive you and your kids if you treat it well.

They're like those Diesel powered Mercedes from the 90s but much cheaper and easier to fix.

Is 2002 recent? Still loving my vintage wrx.

When the wheels fall off I'd like to go with something electric, but those tend to be phones with wheels. Maybe a used volt?

The new corollas are just as good.

Buy another Toyota no newer than 2013 and you'll be good.

My wife has driven both her Hyundai Accent (2012), and her Kia Forte (2011) for 300k miles. Technically I think they're the exact same car. Transmissions have never given us a problem, but we change the fluid in them religiously at 50k miles; and oil every 10k.

Occasionally we'll have to change a battery, alternator, or coil-pack, but other than that they've been great.