Latest news with #MarcSkirvin
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I'm a Mechanic: 5 Affordable Family Cars That Don't Break Down as Much
Need to trade in your coupe for a minivan or SUV as your family grows? You'll want something reliable and preferably approved by someone who knows a thing or two about cars. Learn More: For You: If you need a highly reliable family vehicle that won't break the bank, start with these models recommended by mechanics and auto repair experts. Toyota RAV4 New Models Start At: $30,645 (Kelley Blue Book) Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus rank second and third among the most reliable car manufacturers, according to the 2025 Consumer Reports study. For decades, Toyota's top priority has remained dependability. 'The RAV4 is highly reliable, especially in model years 2019-2023 which had simpler electronic systems,' explained Marc Skirvin, cofounder of Cash Auto Salvage. 'Parts are readily available, and servicing is cheap, with independent mechanics being able to work on these vehicles without expensive diagnostic tools.' I Bought a Hybrid Car: Honda CR-V New Models Start At: $31,495 One of the prime competitors of the RAV4 as a compact SUV is Honda's CR-V. Skirvin especially likes model years 2017-2022 for reliability. 'Our salvage operations yield a high reliability on Honda CR-V models, where less than 5% end up having engine or transmission issues,' he said. 'When CR-Vs show up in our yard, they're usually the result of collision or flood damage, not mechanical issues we find with other brands.' Honda Odyssey New Models Start At: $43,670 Looking for a minivan with three rows of seats? The Honda Odyssey remains a perennial favorite among mechanics. Alan Gelfand, mechanic and owner of German Car Depot, raved about the Odyssey's spacious interior and reliability. 'The Variable Cylinder Management system in the 3.5-liter V6 engine provides high fuel efficiency without compromising on reliability standards,' he explained. 'The sliding door tracks of this vehicle and its belt-driven accessories have proven to be long-lasting and avoid sudden trips to the repair shop.' Toyota Sienna New Models Start At: $40,635 Landing on Kelley Blue Book's list of Best Family Cars, the Sienna offers another great option for a three-seat minivan. It doesn't hurt that the starting price clocks in $3,000 lower than the Odyssey. 'The Sienna offers a hybrid model which provides excellent fuel efficiency alongside the typical Toyota durability standards,' added Gelfand. 'The e-CVT transmission features a sealed design that requires no maintenance because it does not leak.' The minimal height step entrance helps families hop in, and the foldable flat seats simplify hauling both sports equipment and bulky furniture. Hyundai Palisade New Models Start At: $38,695 Prefer a three-row SUV rather than a minivan? Try the Hyundai Palisade. It, too, scored a slot on Kelley Blue Book's list of Best Family Cars. 'The Palisade has gained a reputation for reliability based on its dependable first-year performance and long warranty,' noted Andrew Franks, cofounder of accident management service Claimsline. 'It has a highly equipped interior with advanced technology and safety features.' More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on I'm a Mechanic: 5 Affordable Family Cars That Don't Break Down as Much
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I'm a Mechanic: 5 Affordable Family Cars That Don't Break Down as Much
Need to trade in your coupe for a minivan or SUV as your family grows? You'll want something reliable and preferably approved by someone who knows a thing or two about cars. Learn More: For You: If you need a highly reliable family vehicle that won't break the bank, start with these models recommended by mechanics and auto repair experts. Toyota RAV4 New Models Start At: $30,645 (Kelley Blue Book) Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus rank second and third among the most reliable car manufacturers, according to the 2025 Consumer Reports study. For decades, Toyota's top priority has remained dependability. 'The RAV4 is highly reliable, especially in model years 2019-2023 which had simpler electronic systems,' explained Marc Skirvin, cofounder of Cash Auto Salvage. 'Parts are readily available, and servicing is cheap, with independent mechanics being able to work on these vehicles without expensive diagnostic tools.' I Bought a Hybrid Car: Honda CR-V New Models Start At: $31,495 One of the prime competitors of the RAV4 as a compact SUV is Honda's CR-V. Skirvin especially likes model years 2017-2022 for reliability. 'Our salvage operations yield a high reliability on Honda CR-V models, where less than 5% end up having engine or transmission issues,' he said. 'When CR-Vs show up in our yard, they're usually the result of collision or flood damage, not mechanical issues we find with other brands.' Honda Odyssey New Models Start At: $43,670 Looking for a minivan with three rows of seats? The Honda Odyssey remains a perennial favorite among mechanics. Alan Gelfand, mechanic and owner of German Car Depot, raved about the Odyssey's spacious interior and reliability. 'The Variable Cylinder Management system in the 3.5-liter V6 engine provides high fuel efficiency without compromising on reliability standards,' he explained. 'The sliding door tracks of this vehicle and its belt-driven accessories have proven to be long-lasting and avoid sudden trips to the repair shop.' Toyota Sienna New Models Start At: $40,635 Landing on Kelley Blue Book's list of Best Family Cars, the Sienna offers another great option for a three-seat minivan. It doesn't hurt that the starting price clocks in $3,000 lower than the Odyssey. 'The Sienna offers a hybrid model which provides excellent fuel efficiency alongside the typical Toyota durability standards,' added Gelfand. 'The e-CVT transmission features a sealed design that requires no maintenance because it does not leak.' The minimal height step entrance helps families hop in, and the foldable flat seats simplify hauling both sports equipment and bulky furniture. Hyundai Palisade New Models Start At: $38,695 Prefer a three-row SUV rather than a minivan? Try the Hyundai Palisade. It, too, scored a slot on Kelley Blue Book's list of Best Family Cars. 'The Palisade has gained a reputation for reliability based on its dependable first-year performance and long warranty,' noted Andrew Franks, cofounder of accident management service Claimsline. 'It has a highly equipped interior with advanced technology and safety features.' More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on I'm a Mechanic: 5 Affordable Family Cars That Don't Break Down as Much
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I'm a Mechanic: 5 Affordable Family Cars That Don't Break Down as Much
Need to trade in your coupe for a minivan or SUV as your family grows? You'll want something reliable and preferably approved by someone who knows a thing or two about cars. Learn More: For You: If you need a highly reliable family vehicle that won't break the bank, start with these models recommended by mechanics and auto repair experts. Toyota RAV4 New Models Start At: $30,645 (Kelley Blue Book) Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus rank second and third among the most reliable car manufacturers, according to the 2025 Consumer Reports study. For decades, Toyota's top priority has remained dependability. 'The RAV4 is highly reliable, especially in model years 2019-2023 which had simpler electronic systems,' explained Marc Skirvin, cofounder of Cash Auto Salvage. 'Parts are readily available, and servicing is cheap, with independent mechanics being able to work on these vehicles without expensive diagnostic tools.' I Bought a Hybrid Car: Honda CR-V New Models Start At: $31,495 One of the prime competitors of the RAV4 as a compact SUV is Honda's CR-V. Skirvin especially likes model years 2017-2022 for reliability. 'Our salvage operations yield a high reliability on Honda CR-V models, where less than 5% end up having engine or transmission issues,' he said. 'When CR-Vs show up in our yard, they're usually the result of collision or flood damage, not mechanical issues we find with other brands.' Honda Odyssey New Models Start At: $43,670 Looking for a minivan with three rows of seats? The Honda Odyssey remains a perennial favorite among mechanics. Alan Gelfand, mechanic and owner of German Car Depot, raved about the Odyssey's spacious interior and reliability. 'The Variable Cylinder Management system in the 3.5-liter V6 engine provides high fuel efficiency without compromising on reliability standards,' he explained. 'The sliding door tracks of this vehicle and its belt-driven accessories have proven to be long-lasting and avoid sudden trips to the repair shop.' Toyota Sienna New Models Start At: $40,635 Landing on Kelley Blue Book's list of Best Family Cars, the Sienna offers another great option for a three-seat minivan. It doesn't hurt that the starting price clocks in $3,000 lower than the Odyssey. 'The Sienna offers a hybrid model which provides excellent fuel efficiency alongside the typical Toyota durability standards,' added Gelfand. 'The e-CVT transmission features a sealed design that requires no maintenance because it does not leak.' The minimal height step entrance helps families hop in, and the foldable flat seats simplify hauling both sports equipment and bulky furniture. Hyundai Palisade New Models Start At: $38,695 Prefer a three-row SUV rather than a minivan? Try the Hyundai Palisade. It, too, scored a slot on Kelley Blue Book's list of Best Family Cars. 'The Palisade has gained a reputation for reliability based on its dependable first-year performance and long warranty,' noted Andrew Franks, cofounder of accident management service Claimsline. 'It has a highly equipped interior with advanced technology and safety features.' More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? This article originally appeared on I'm a Mechanic: 5 Affordable Family Cars That Don't Break Down as Much
