I would actually avoid buying a used car that was a surfers daily driver.... I'd assume it was subject to constant salt and sand inside and out.
For me this is exactly it. The Japanese know how to build cars, and they know how to (more or less) ensure quality. First car was an 87 Sentra. That thing kept going up to 140k when I pulled the plug. Brakes, rotors, belts, clutch at 110k, minor stuff had to be done...from all the salt from the winter roads the car body was rusting apart, but man the heart of that thing just wanted to keep goin! Owned one ford in my life - I think some dude put it together with an erector set and tinker toys - ford blows. Still goin on Nissan (altima) and a Mazda 5 (32 mpg hw!) they're both great, have had the altima for close to 4 years w/110k...no serious issues to speak of
I currently have a 2005 scion xa with 350,000 miles. Still looks and drives like new and has never been in the shop, amazing.
Yeah, it was my wifes commuter. She drives from maryland to new jersey everyweek to run her business. All highway which i guess explains the lack of wear.
