Asklemmy

"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.

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.

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?

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.

If at all possible, consider replacing your car with an E-bike. Way cheaper, both in upfront and maintenance costs. No insurance, no gas, no registration fees, etc, etc. With the right set-up you can haul a week's worth of groceries in the rain and not even think twice about it.

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.

Alternatively, does anyone know of (a) car(s) which are easy to remove any computer systems?

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?

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

This is only tangentially related, hopefully someone else here knows, are the newer fleet vehicles coming out still barebones? It might be a consideration if so

Your best bet would be to go for something used in good condition before 2014 that's when cars started being internet connected and having controls being software buttons in screens and the like. If you have a bunch of money you could try to import something but the 25 year rule is an issue if you live in the US

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

Whatever vehicle it is ... you should get the option for rich Corinthian leather interior

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.

I think what is a good choice greatly depends on your location, which affects prices, availability, spare parts availability etc.

Is the Holden/Vauxhall/Opel/Chevrolet Astra available in your country? I had one for a few years, tidy little car, built well, runs well. When it was written off I bought another, very happy with it.

I switch back and forth between my 96 Tacoma with 250k miles and my 06 Scion xB with 190k miles. Love them both. Bury me in one of them.

How dumb do you need it? Old used BMWs are supprisingly cheap right now, and BMW was pretty late to adopt "smart" car technology. They also have a reputation for not breaking. For these reasons, I am considering buying one for my first car (uni!), but it sounds like it could work for you, too.