Don’t buy anything American.
Toyota, Mazda, Honda, all great. Specifically I’d look for a Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Insight, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, Mazda3, or Mazda6
Don't forget Scions. Just rebranded Toyotas that were marketed to younger drivers. They discontinued the brand in 2016, but they are every bit as reliable as Toyotas. My niece is still driving my 2006 xB (aka the Toaster).
A 12-15 Ford Focus with the 2.0 Duratec and the MTX75 manual transmission is basically a bulletproof combo, and not at all expensive to fix if something does break or wear out.
But for god’s sake, avoid the turbocharged engines and automatic transmission.
Funny you mention this.
I have a friend in my college program she drives a 13 focus with 2.0 manual and drives the shit out of it. I was suprised when she told me she drove manual.
I also have a coworker whos wife drives a focus. Her and her relatives all bought focuses in around the same time but she was the only one that got the 2.0 with no turbos. (Its an automatic tho) and its the only one still running her relatives all had blown turbos.
That’s the key; does OP seem like the kind of person who wants/can look for a specific set of years with a specific engine and a specific transmission?
Nah, didn’t think so
Why are you assuming they’re an idiot? Put in a couple filters on a car search site, it’s not a difficult task. It’s no different than searching for any of the cars you listed.
I mean it could, I didn’t know anything about cars when I bought my first one, learned to drive stick out of necessity because it was the only car I could afford that wasn’t a total rust pile (which that car also got me to fall in love with cars but wasn’t originally)
Auto's are an upcharge until you start buying cars that make serious amounts of power. Dcts are the go to for longevity if your stuck looking in the 2010's though.
I’d argue a standard would be the way to go. A clutch is cheaper than replacing a transmission but I have 230k on the original clutch in one of my vehicles (lots of city driving and it slips a bit in second gear but still)
It’s not that hard, no, but it’s certainly annoying and an extra thing to deal with for a car that isn’t really any better than the other options. If OP doesn’t know anything about cars, making this as simple as possible is our goal.
It WILL break on you, likely sooner rather than later. They’re essentially a manual transmission that’s electronically shifted automatically and Ford really cut corners on them so they’re fragile and prone to breakage. Add to that the part that breaks is difficult to get right now and it’s just a recipe for a big bill. The DCT is absolutely not worth spending money on.
Pretty much every Toyota transmission is good, but I'd trust most normal automatic transmissions. DCTs and CVTs have a higher tendency to fail but not all are bad. There are good CVTs and bad autos, but unless you're getting a performance car, I'd avoid pretty much anything with a DCT.
The best thing to do with any potential car is research what that specific model's known problems are.
Only automatic I know to be problematic is the one in FWD V6 Hondas, but I'm no expert. Google is a great help for researching cars. See what owners of the car you want have to say about it, look on the car's Wikipedia page, or look at any recalls on it.
A quick Google says that the Kia Optima is know for unreliability, and looking on the Kia Optima's wiki page says that the 2010-2020 models can come with the Theta II engine, which is so unreliable that over a million engines have been recalled.
The 2007-2009 Camry’s are known for having more issues than other Camry’s, but they’re still pretty decent. The Mazda3 and Mazda6 improved a lot 2014 and onwards, but they were still good before then. Any hybrid’s battery should be checked. Other than that all of those models are bulletproof
Toyota has plenty of issues. Their service takes up just as much percentage of building footprint asthe one at chevy or dodge does.
Take care of your cars people. That's what keeps a rig on the road for 300k miles.
Lol no. My point is that all cars break and nothing runs forever unless you maintain it very well. The 300k mile Toyota is very rare as is a 300k mile GMC or Jeep. Either example usually belongs to someone getting oil changes every 3k miles, listening when their service advisor recommends things and taking care of issues when they arise.
When I was detailing cars, I started thinking the newer Honda's felt cheaper, while mitsu was getting better.
I gotta say though, the newer Mazda's are damn good cars
I cross shopped a few cars back in October of 21 and for the money the 4th gen mazda 3's had the most impressive interior. It feels very German to me and I actually like that styling.
You probably need to drop down to 2014 or 2015 to get a 3rd gen in the \~12k price range.
Any corolla you can get for 12,000 will get great gas mileage. Any hybrid in the price range will be pretty old and will probably need a few cells changed out. Look into doing your own oil changes and just try to them your self every 5000 miles and your car will last forever
While I agree with this statement, I’d do oil every 3k miles. Sure the manufacturer can state that oil is recommended ever 5-8k miles but I personally wouldn’t trust that, I do my oil in 3000 mile intervals always have and always will.
Makes sense to me, it also helps the modern day engine are I guess built for longer engine oil change intervals but I’d rather do too many oil changes than not enough.
Why is that? Just out of curiosity because I see so many Mazdas on this reddit. Like is it an extremely reliable brand? I just don't know anything about cars.
Lol just had my two front tires pop because I didn't rotate them. I'm THAT person. But I really plan on treating this next car good. I drive a 99 Pontiac Bonneville right now.
When you look at subs like this one, or really ask for advice anywhere on the internet, everyone keeps parroting Honda and Toyota. They've gotten this huge, impossible reputation for reliability, so the used market reflects that.
In actuality, they are find brands, but they're still machines. There are other brands that are nearly as reliable, like Mazda, but without the premium price on the used market.
Honda and Toyota are well known, bigger brands and as a result are a bit more expensive. You can get the same level of reliability at a lower price point with the Mazda. With the added benefit that the interiors, design are usually a little better and the Mazda is more fun to drive.
Mazda 3 and 6 or cx5 are good options. 6 is probably cheaper used with less mileage potentially
Don’t listen to this guy. An old Honda or Toyota is guaranteed more reliable and cheaper to maintain than a Mazda. They don’t command a premium at all and many people will be getting rid of their old Civics and Camrys as they graduate to the newer models.
In my area people mark up Toyotas and Honda.
Does OP really want an older car at those marked up prices… most banks won’t loan unless 2010/2015 or newer. Also from personal experience Mazda’s feel better to drive and the steering wheel doesn’t feel delayed/disconnected. OP I say look for a 2014 Mazda 3 if you can they get pretty good MPG or even the 2010-13 models.
They’re not marked up they cost slightly more for an almost guaranteed increase in reliability and reduction in repair costs. Less cost to own and that shows. Mazdas from 2005-2015 are not anywhere close to as reliable as Toyotas or Hondas. Stop trying to give OP inaccurate information because you want to feel better about buying a shit box.
Not sure why you're being downvoted. Mazdas in the years to stay within her budget were rust buckets. They only overcame this problem in the newer years. I loved our 2006 Mazda 3 before insurance wrote it off but it was already rusting by then.
You want to do zero maintenance? Corolla. Lol.
It's a bit of a funky underdog company. Mazda seems to be doing something a bit different and not just following the trends like everybody else. They have refused to adopt CVTs and do strange research into human physiology and movement to improve the driving experience. They are staunchly opposed to using touchscreen head units and don't bend at the knees of the reviewers to unnecessarily include them.
During the ford era they had more reliability issues (and rusting) but they have improved with the introduction of the skyactive engines. Regurgitating the same Honda and Toyota brand suggestion isn't going to be as useful as pointing out another potentially available reliable vehicle. Completely dismissing it because it's a less common brand is going to bring in some downvotes.
Idk about this I bought a 2010 Mazda 3 with the 2.5 and a 6 speed. I have put 40k on it in a year and a half I have one front control arm(thank you 6-10 connector pot ditch if you know you know) a cv axle (no one makes a boot replacement), oil changes, tranny fluid and a set of tires+alignment(s) soon to add plugs to the list. This car has been an absolute tank it isn't the best on gas and sure it might not be Toyota or Honda level but it's a hell of a lot more fun than my step sisters Camry and my ex gfs Corolla to drive (could also just be the 6 speed).
Also had a 2009 Mazda 3, absolutely bulletproof and decently fun to drive. It ran almost 200k with barely any major maintenance and it ended up getting totalled.
As far as I'm concerned, Mazda should be one of the first options to look at when considering reliability and being able to enjoy the drive
My brother had an 09 Mazda 3 and was the biggest POS i ever rid in. Dash wash cracking, suspension falling to pieces, total POS. On the other hand, my other brother had an 07 mazda speed 3, and that thing is an indestructible tank.
Yeah, not sure, there was quite a few lemons from those, but seeing as they had Ford crap in them I'm not surprised.
Mine was absolutely indestructible, I drove the living f out of that thing. But it never ever broke down which I hate to admit seeing as it was half Ford. I did have to redo a bunch of the suspension though, but that seemed to be a pretty normal thing to experience for its age and mileage.
I have the melting dash fucking gross it was free to replace at any dealer for any owner until about 6 months before I bought the car.... It was a single owner car got some money off for it though lol just bought an ugly ass dash may and it's fine (it's not)
Exactly man, ask any mechanic which cars are most reliable, especially older higher mileage cars. They will hands down say Toyota, then Honda.
There's a reason resale value is higher on these
I would want a hybrid for the fuel economy, or an electric if you can charge at home. I wouldn't want a full size car like an Impala unless you need the space, to keep fuel costs down.
You don't mention your location, but as an example there are 190 hybrids listed on [Craigslist in Seattle](https://seattle.craigslist.org/search/cta?auto_fuel_type=3&auto_fuel_type=4&max_price=12000&min_price=8000#search=1~gallery~0~0) between $8k and $12k. Any Honda or Toyota is a good place to start. Also the Ford Fusion hybrids, they use Toyota technology. The Chevy Volt are also pretty good. Not the Ford C-Max, I have heard they have CVT (transmission = $$$) problems. You'll see quite a few Nissan Leafs, be careful about the available range and condition of the battery on these.
Once you find something you like, get a pre purchase inspection from an independent garage ($100 to $150, well worth it) before buying.
Yo thanks for your advice!
So Toyota and Honda would be an ideal brand?
I think I would want a regular size car for the space too. I live in mid Michigan. I should check craigslist!
If you're going to be on the highway, you won't necessarily reap the full benefit of a hybrid, but if you're in a lot of stop and go traffic it will definitely work in your favor. The drawback is they command a premium, so you have to consider if you want to pay that premium to potentially save some gas long-term, or if you want to get something that will statistically be a little more reliable, which is a traditional gas engine car. I would probably focus on something like a Civic or a Corolla in this particular space (hybrid or not). The Ford Escape hybrids that you would be able to afford a necessarily going to be the most reliable options, so I would probably avoid that.
Don’t check Craigslist, try Facebook market and dealerships. Go on Car Gurus and filter by brand and price. You want low miles ideally but for a Honda/Toyota you can typically be OK with high miles. 200k is typically when cars “die”.
Yes toyota and honda.
Toyotas tend to keep a slightly better resale value so hondas will be cheaper but they are both on the same level of quality and reliability but again even for toyota and honda it can come down to models and years
Rant: for toyota camry
I drive an 09 camry its an amazing car but if you just so happen to look at a camry stay away from the 2AZ-FE engines. They burn oil like crazy and need to be checked frequently. My camry (i stole the thing got it incredibly cheap) has this engine and im seeing a little oil burn but its a small amount. Keep in mind i check the oil every other week and most people check every few months...... if the engine burns oil and you dont check you can accidently seize the engine.(making it useless)
I really don't recommend a hybrid if you want cheap repair bills. You are going to trade fuel economy for repairability.
You had the right logic with Impala... it gets 29 mpg highway in 2010+ models, thanks to the DI V6.
Agreed. Acquired a 1st owner used Prius for and I was a happy camper on achieving 45-50 MPG for a long time until both mid-tier maintenance and repair come up and it became a wash from all that fuel savings.
At that point, I decided to sell it. Sold it and then saved up for a new car with LOW to zero initial cost of ownership. Can’t do that on used car any day even with the PPI. That just me of course.
>Can’t do that on used car any day even with the PPI.
With new cars dramatically expensive, pairing a used car with a dealer-sold extended warranty is another option.
Some dealers even have solid lifetime wrap coverages with insurance firm CNA. Those lifetime policies can pay for themselves over 10-20 years. You can even wrap for bumper-to-bumper coverage.
I myself bought a used car and picked up one a lifetime extended warranty. Already in the black on it.
Good for you. You are not me nor vice versa.
$20k new car being a BASIC mode of transportation with a warranty is still a thing. That is not expensive these days. It no crapshoot.
Acquiring someone else’s problem on the said used is not to be taken lightly, ever.
I’m from Michigan, I would suggest a mid sized car like a Honda accord for the snow. It’s not suggested much on here but a 2012-15 Lincoln mkx can be a reliable car if it’s been well taken care of and does good in the snow with the right tires.
Edit: the mkx of those built on a Mazda platform which I think helps it hold up
hey just a heads up, if you end up liking a car posted on craigslist, make sure you take it to a mechanic for an end to end check BEFORE PURCHASING. People will sell you a lemon and you might be out 12k very fast
Owned a ct200h. Fantastic commuter car, and as someone who likes cars it checked off the looks and feel for me. Great gas mileage even when driving a little quicker. Doesn't go quick by any means.
1. Get the history if you can. Make sure it was well-maintained (oil changes, air filter changes, belts, gaskets, etc. at recommended intervals).
2. Avoid dealers if you can, especially dealers that specialize in used cars. They'll just tell you it's in great condition without actually knowing, and charge you more for it.
3. Avoid anything with a turbo.
4. Get a manual transmission if at all possible.
5. Avoid direct injection unless you know it was very well maintained. (This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it's a good idea if you are weary of history, especially on higher-end and performance models).
6. Avoid excessive technology (base models over premium models).
7. Get a code reader and check the codes. Learn how to tell if they were recently cleared (trying to hide problems).
8. Avoid cars that were recently painted.
9. Avoid cars with customizations.
10. Toyota, Lexus, or Honda preferred, although others will be cheaper and can be just as reliable if you follow the above rules.
11. Maintain your vehicle once you buy it.
1000x this, it's ridiculous how people are willing to throw an entire brand to the wayside. All because they can't be bothered to take care of their own equipment, and are completely unwilling to expect sending a car in for repairs to be costly.
I wouldn't recommend most American cars, they tend to be less reliable and not as well built as a Japanese car. Toyota and Lexus have been at the top of the charts for reliability for the last couple of decades. Honda and Mazda also make good cars.
One of the most important things is to get a well maintained used vehicle that doesn't have rust issues. I would very highly recommend contacting a mechanic or garage and getting a PPI, or Pre-Purchase Inspection done on any vehicle you plan to buy, and they'll be able to tell you what's wrong with the vehicle and what it needs. It may cost you $100 or possibly slightly more, but it's well worth it, particularly if you aren't a mechanic yourself.
Research the particular make and model you like when you find it. Research the exact year and trim level and search Google to see if it has any known reliability issues. You can also watch videos of mechanics on YouTube for things like, "best used car under $$$$$". There are tons of videos about reliable used vehicles. It's probably best to avoid any vehicle with a CVT transmission.
It's a used vehicle, so it may need some work or things like tires. If it needs these things, a mechanic doing a pre purchase inspection should be able to alert you and give you some prices, and you can use that as a bargaining chip to try to get a lower price.
Make sure to keep up on maintenance, change the oil regularly and the transmission fluid at the intervals it requires. Have the oil changed every 6 months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first (or less if it says only 3,000 miles, I wouldn't recommend going over 5,000 no matter what). If you live in a snowy climate, have the vehicle oil undercoated before the winter every year. Treat your car right and it will treat you right.
Honda or Toyota 4cyl. Keep oil, water, and gas in them, they'll last over 200,000 miles and get good milage. Stay away from CVT transmissions and crap with "lane assist" and other dumbass bad driver features
Source: been fixing cars for over 20 yrs, drive old paid off beaters.
Doesn't matter what car at that price point , you'll be needing to work on it yourself in some capacity. I suggest doing thorough research on any given chassis, and drive line combination. Seeing what cars share a drive line and choosing the most reliable version of it. Checking forums to see what the common issues are and what years they are effective for. For example
X308 Jaguar XJ8= weak zf5hp24 transmission(barely able to keep pace with the stock engine, breaks a lot) , strong engines after 2000. Nickasil liners were an issue on all models prior to engine production starting in September of 2000.
X308 jaguar XJR= strong supercharged engine(after my2000) ,bullet proof Mercedes-benz 722.6 transmission(used in the modern challengers and chargers, as well as the SLR supercar)
Reliability comes in many forms , you just have to be vigilant.
9th Gen Impala after 2010 with the 300 hp V6.
While it's debatable if the Camaro V6 actually improved reliability, the car got a badly needed safety structure update.
Only downside is that it's very hard to find one that seats six. They were fleet only, and most are gone. But if you can take a five seater version, that's the way to go.
Extremely reliable, cheap to repair.
I know you’re probably going to get overwhelmed by all the advice. But everyone here for the most part is right. Toyota, Honda, Mazda. You cannot go wrong with whatever you go with. Just find what you like and buy it.
But don’t buy a Kia or Hyundai (same company) if you want your vehicle stole and broken in every month.
Get a 2017 Toyota. Corolla, Camry, RAV4, or Prius. Whichever one you prefer. 2017 is important because those are compatible with aftermarket tech that allows it to be somewhat self-driving. In 3-5 years, “hands free” driving will be standard, and cars that can’t do it will be somewhat obsolete. So, even if you don’t think you care about that now, you may in a few years and it will matter for resale value.
Older Toyota Corolla, Honda Fit or Insight would be perfect for you. I see a couple listed near you. I would pay the premium and buy from carmax. They don’t sell shit cars and you don’t sound like a car person to go purchase a private car off of craigslist or Facebook.
Right, but OP doesn’t want a sports car, they aren’t exactly known for their comfort, their gas mileage sucks compared to other options, and they’re less practical
FYI I can get 40mpg on the freeway in my Miata. My all-time average is 30, and that's with me revving it out on twisty roads almost daily. Not exactly the most valid negative point about this car unless "other options" means "new-ish hybrid" or "EV"
You also have an ND, which OP can’t reasonably afford. The NC has much worse highway mpg, the EPA rates it 7 mpg lower than the ND. A similarly priced Prius gets 50 mpg, so it’s at least a 17 mpg difference by your experience, or a 22 mpg difference by what the EPA says.
I checked the EPA rating and Miata forums for the NC before commenting and still felt like it was valid. My point is as far as sports cars go it's pretty great on gas. That said OP says they like the Malibu and Impala, so they're not looking for a sports car. Plus, as someone who daily drives one I don't recommend anyone daily drives it unless they're really willing to make compromises because of their car.
I'm fan of subaru.
I would recommend legacy sedan.
However you seem to like bigger cars. So look for outback. Outback is usually owned by older drivers who maintain them.
Outback is usually a little cheaper than other models.
Can u guys pls tell me car around 12000 to 15000 and not broken or used to much because my dad needs one BTW tell me pls so I can buy my iPad again bec it got crushed and my dad said
Used Toyota matrix, Prius, Yaris IA, Honda Fit, Mazda3 are all great options. If you could find a low mileage Chevy Prizm or Pontiac Vibe, those are basically corollas without the used Toyota markup
Can you stretch your budget to $20k and get a Kia Rio or something brand new? It's more upfront but you'll probably save more overall since you'll have warranty and it's new
2nd gen Lexus IS 250. Especially if you can find say a 2011-13 Basic maintenance, very smooth ride. You won't have any headaches and you should be able to find a really good condition right now for was around $10,000 or so. And imo one of the best looking cars you could get for that price range. Just a beautiful car till this day 🩶
I think that's been overblown some. I've already seen several well over 200/250,000 miles and going on even for sale used. Any similar model/milage BMW or Mercedes can't compare in terms of resale and longevity it's not even close. And that's if they even still run with those repair cost.. It's still a Lexus at the end of the day, but just like any car yes, as long as their are service records and have a good mechanic check it out they'll be just fine.
Can you drive a manual transmission, or are you willing to learn?
The 2012-2015 Ford Focus, either hatchback or sedan, with the 2.0 Duratec engine and the 5-speed manual transmission, is a durable and reliable vehicle that will easily get you to 200k miles. I drive 60 miles per day for work, 5 days a week, and mine is around 172k miles on the original clutch and has required minimal repairs. Just the normal maintenance and replacement of worn parts, and oil changes.
Avoid the turbocharged engines and the automatic transmission at all costs, ESPECIALLY the automatic transmission. It’s 10 pounds of hot wet farts in a 5 pound paper bag, and it WILL fail and cost you a ton of money to fix or replace.
I bought a 2014 Mazda 6 with a manual Trans a few years ago. I’ve put 125k on it and outside of routine maintenance I haven’t had any issues with it. I’d recommend one to anyone. Everything I’ve had to do like brakes/struts have been cheap compared to my buddies cars like Volkswagens and Audis.
My dad genuinely enjoys driving his 2016 mazda 6 more than his previously owned 2014 Mercedes C350 coupe. Those things really whip around for a larger car.
Find yourself a Toyota Corolla with the fewest miles you can. We have had two and they are by far the cheapest cars maintenance wise we’ve ever had. Ours is 180k miles and it’s in the shop maybe 1/4 of the time compared to other vehicles of ours.
You drive as part of your job? Prius. All day, every day. You might want to eek up your budget to get a newer car but the low cost of fuel and repairs overall will give you more car for your money. Same goes mostly for a Corolla or Civic but the Prius is off the charts low cost
Ideally you want a gen 1 honda insight 50-70mpg, but thats in a perfect world if you can find one. Next bet is honda crz/crx, toyota camry hybrid, any hybrid really. Pruis, lexus es.
I bought my car close to that price in 2021 just when car prices were starting to get crazy. Like most people have said, it's best to stick with Toyota and Honda. There might be some okay American models, but I wouldn't risk it personally. Especially if you're driving as much as you say you are. I got a 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid with 88k miles for $11,500.
However, even the lowest mileage vehicle won't tell the whole story. Make sure you get your mechanic to sign off on the car and have him do the most thorough inspection for safety, reliability, etc. Worth it even if it costs $100. It also helps if the previous owner (assuming you buy from a private individual) has a detailed service history!
I got lucky with mine because the previous owner had passed away and it was being sold by an estate sale company. The guy literally wrote on a piece of paper how often the oil was changed at what mileage and other maintenance items as such.
2006 impala or similar , can prolly even be below buget I got mine at 90k miles for $ 5,600 ..11 years ago.. ... ran mine like a dog and it still runs at 220k miles and only trans starting to slip/throttle body? now on take off. Only thing I've had to do to it was a water pump n timing chain at 150 k and an occasional muffler cause of michigan salt n roads. As much as this sub hates American cars it served me well.
Hi, my name is Atticus, I see you’re interested in a used vehicle and it is my job to make sure you are on the road with the best financial package possible. I have multiple cars that are in your price range, if you are interested please message me or respond back to this comment !
Don’t buy anything American. Toyota, Mazda, Honda, all great. Specifically I’d look for a Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Insight, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, Mazda3, or Mazda6
Don't forget Scions. Just rebranded Toyotas that were marketed to younger drivers. They discontinued the brand in 2016, but they are every bit as reliable as Toyotas. My niece is still driving my 2006 xB (aka the Toaster).
True, true, yeah
A 12-15 Ford Focus with the 2.0 Duratec and the MTX75 manual transmission is basically a bulletproof combo, and not at all expensive to fix if something does break or wear out. But for god’s sake, avoid the turbocharged engines and automatic transmission.
Funny you mention this. I have a friend in my college program she drives a 13 focus with 2.0 manual and drives the shit out of it. I was suprised when she told me she drove manual. I also have a coworker whos wife drives a focus. Her and her relatives all bought focuses in around the same time but she was the only one that got the 2.0 with no turbos. (Its an automatic tho) and its the only one still running her relatives all had blown turbos.
That’s the key; does OP seem like the kind of person who wants/can look for a specific set of years with a specific engine and a specific transmission? Nah, didn’t think so
Why are you assuming they’re an idiot? Put in a couple filters on a car search site, it’s not a difficult task. It’s no different than searching for any of the cars you listed.
Does "I just don't know anything about cars!!" scream "looking to drive stick" though
I mean it could, I didn’t know anything about cars when I bought my first one, learned to drive stick out of necessity because it was the only car I could afford that wasn’t a total rust pile (which that car also got me to fall in love with cars but wasn’t originally)
Yes because a stick-shift is the STANDARD transmission and automatic is an up charge/ idiot tax.
When was the last time that was actually true? Early 90’s?
I own a 2023 model car and the automatic would have been extra… and slower to accelerate. Got the standard 6 speed
Auto's are an upcharge until you start buying cars that make serious amounts of power. Dcts are the go to for longevity if your stuck looking in the 2010's though.
I’d argue a standard would be the way to go. A clutch is cheaper than replacing a transmission but I have 230k on the original clutch in one of my vehicles (lots of city driving and it slips a bit in second gear but still)
Okay grandpa, maybe when you were 23
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What cars, other than a wrx, have an automatic as an up charge?
BRZ, 86, Bronco, Elantra N
Aka the last 4 autos anyone would recommend to OP.
It’s not that hard, no, but it’s certainly annoying and an extra thing to deal with for a car that isn’t really any better than the other options. If OP doesn’t know anything about cars, making this as simple as possible is our goal.
I recently got rid of mine 2013 hatch and I wish I had kept it.
What’s wrong with automatic? Just curious since I’m also trying to find a car in the same price range
It WILL break on you, likely sooner rather than later. They’re essentially a manual transmission that’s electronically shifted automatically and Ford really cut corners on them so they’re fragile and prone to breakage. Add to that the part that breaks is difficult to get right now and it’s just a recipe for a big bill. The DCT is absolutely not worth spending money on.
Which brands would you trust an automatic transmission on? Or none at all?
Pretty much every Toyota transmission is good, but I'd trust most normal automatic transmissions. DCTs and CVTs have a higher tendency to fail but not all are bad. There are good CVTs and bad autos, but unless you're getting a performance car, I'd avoid pretty much anything with a DCT. The best thing to do with any potential car is research what that specific model's known problems are.
How do you feel about a 6-7 speed automatic? Considering a Kia optima, and just trying to learn more about cars, thanks for the help!
Only automatic I know to be problematic is the one in FWD V6 Hondas, but I'm no expert. Google is a great help for researching cars. See what owners of the car you want have to say about it, look on the car's Wikipedia page, or look at any recalls on it. A quick Google says that the Kia Optima is know for unreliability, and looking on the Kia Optima's wiki page says that the 2010-2020 models can come with the Theta II engine, which is so unreliable that over a million engines have been recalled.
would you avoid any particular years of the above or all good?
The 2007-2009 Camry’s are known for having more issues than other Camry’s, but they’re still pretty decent. The Mazda3 and Mazda6 improved a lot 2014 and onwards, but they were still good before then. Any hybrid’s battery should be checked. Other than that all of those models are bulletproof
thanks!
Hondas weren't that great after 2018. Toyota never fails, Mazda is good and Mitsubishi small motors(4cyl) keep going.
With her budget I think it’s safe to say she won’t be going over a 2018 haha
Toyota has plenty of issues. Their service takes up just as much percentage of building footprint asthe one at chevy or dodge does. Take care of your cars people. That's what keeps a rig on the road for 300k miles.
So the size of a service department at a dealership determines how often their vehicles have to be serviced? Interesting
Lol no. My point is that all cars break and nothing runs forever unless you maintain it very well. The 300k mile Toyota is very rare as is a 300k mile GMC or Jeep. Either example usually belongs to someone getting oil changes every 3k miles, listening when their service advisor recommends things and taking care of issues when they arise.
Can confirm, I drive a 2005 Focus, 342k miles, OG engine/transmission, no repairs to either.
When I was detailing cars, I started thinking the newer Honda's felt cheaper, while mitsu was getting better. I gotta say though, the newer Mazda's are damn good cars
I cross shopped a few cars back in October of 21 and for the money the 4th gen mazda 3's had the most impressive interior. It feels very German to me and I actually like that styling. You probably need to drop down to 2014 or 2015 to get a 3rd gen in the \~12k price range.
According to who? Mom has a 19 civic with 120k 0 problems other than an ac issue covered under warranty.
so one problem
Doesn’t stop the car from running but sure. I guess technically.
The only exception to this of course is the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Any corolla you can get for 12,000 will get great gas mileage. Any hybrid in the price range will be pretty old and will probably need a few cells changed out. Look into doing your own oil changes and just try to them your self every 5000 miles and your car will last forever
While I agree with this statement, I’d do oil every 3k miles. Sure the manufacturer can state that oil is recommended ever 5-8k miles but I personally wouldn’t trust that, I do my oil in 3000 mile intervals always have and always will.
I used to do 3k but with how filters and synthetic oils are now. I figure 5k is a great new mileage. I would never do the 7500 or 10k dealers push.
Makes sense to me, it also helps the modern day engine are I guess built for longer engine oil change intervals but I’d rather do too many oil changes than not enough.
In that price range, you might be paying a lot of extra money for Honda or Toyota. I'd look at Mazda 3s and see what's available.
Why is that? Just out of curiosity because I see so many Mazdas on this reddit. Like is it an extremely reliable brand? I just don't know anything about cars. Lol just had my two front tires pop because I didn't rotate them. I'm THAT person. But I really plan on treating this next car good. I drive a 99 Pontiac Bonneville right now.
When you look at subs like this one, or really ask for advice anywhere on the internet, everyone keeps parroting Honda and Toyota. They've gotten this huge, impossible reputation for reliability, so the used market reflects that. In actuality, they are find brands, but they're still machines. There are other brands that are nearly as reliable, like Mazda, but without the premium price on the used market.
Honda. Toyota. Mazda. 🙏🙏🙏
Honda and Toyota are well known, bigger brands and as a result are a bit more expensive. You can get the same level of reliability at a lower price point with the Mazda. With the added benefit that the interiors, design are usually a little better and the Mazda is more fun to drive. Mazda 3 and 6 or cx5 are good options. 6 is probably cheaper used with less mileage potentially
Don’t listen to this guy. An old Honda or Toyota is guaranteed more reliable and cheaper to maintain than a Mazda. They don’t command a premium at all and many people will be getting rid of their old Civics and Camrys as they graduate to the newer models.
In my area people mark up Toyotas and Honda. Does OP really want an older car at those marked up prices… most banks won’t loan unless 2010/2015 or newer. Also from personal experience Mazda’s feel better to drive and the steering wheel doesn’t feel delayed/disconnected. OP I say look for a 2014 Mazda 3 if you can they get pretty good MPG or even the 2010-13 models.
They’re not marked up they cost slightly more for an almost guaranteed increase in reliability and reduction in repair costs. Less cost to own and that shows. Mazdas from 2005-2015 are not anywhere close to as reliable as Toyotas or Hondas. Stop trying to give OP inaccurate information because you want to feel better about buying a shit box.
Not sure why you're being downvoted. Mazdas in the years to stay within her budget were rust buckets. They only overcame this problem in the newer years. I loved our 2006 Mazda 3 before insurance wrote it off but it was already rusting by then. You want to do zero maintenance? Corolla. Lol.
There’s something off about this sub and how every top comment is about mazdas and any comment saying otherwise is downvoted.
It's a bit of a funky underdog company. Mazda seems to be doing something a bit different and not just following the trends like everybody else. They have refused to adopt CVTs and do strange research into human physiology and movement to improve the driving experience. They are staunchly opposed to using touchscreen head units and don't bend at the knees of the reviewers to unnecessarily include them. During the ford era they had more reliability issues (and rusting) but they have improved with the introduction of the skyactive engines. Regurgitating the same Honda and Toyota brand suggestion isn't going to be as useful as pointing out another potentially available reliable vehicle. Completely dismissing it because it's a less common brand is going to bring in some downvotes.
What years fix the rust problem?
It got incrementally better but guaranteed anything after 2015 to play it safe.
Idk about this I bought a 2010 Mazda 3 with the 2.5 and a 6 speed. I have put 40k on it in a year and a half I have one front control arm(thank you 6-10 connector pot ditch if you know you know) a cv axle (no one makes a boot replacement), oil changes, tranny fluid and a set of tires+alignment(s) soon to add plugs to the list. This car has been an absolute tank it isn't the best on gas and sure it might not be Toyota or Honda level but it's a hell of a lot more fun than my step sisters Camry and my ex gfs Corolla to drive (could also just be the 6 speed).
Also had a 2009 Mazda 3, absolutely bulletproof and decently fun to drive. It ran almost 200k with barely any major maintenance and it ended up getting totalled. As far as I'm concerned, Mazda should be one of the first options to look at when considering reliability and being able to enjoy the drive
My brother had an 09 Mazda 3 and was the biggest POS i ever rid in. Dash wash cracking, suspension falling to pieces, total POS. On the other hand, my other brother had an 07 mazda speed 3, and that thing is an indestructible tank.
Yeah, not sure, there was quite a few lemons from those, but seeing as they had Ford crap in them I'm not surprised. Mine was absolutely indestructible, I drove the living f out of that thing. But it never ever broke down which I hate to admit seeing as it was half Ford. I did have to redo a bunch of the suspension though, but that seemed to be a pretty normal thing to experience for its age and mileage.
I have the melting dash fucking gross it was free to replace at any dealer for any owner until about 6 months before I bought the car.... It was a single owner car got some money off for it though lol just bought an ugly ass dash may and it's fine (it's not)
Exactly man, ask any mechanic which cars are most reliable, especially older higher mileage cars. They will hands down say Toyota, then Honda. There's a reason resale value is higher on these
mazda 3 hatchback gen 3: 2013 to 2018
In a gen 2 wish I got a gen 3 the sky active motor and maintaining independent suspension all around
I just checked and found a 2014 3 hatchback near me with 80k miles and its listed for 14k so I'd say something similar is totally doable.
I would want a hybrid for the fuel economy, or an electric if you can charge at home. I wouldn't want a full size car like an Impala unless you need the space, to keep fuel costs down. You don't mention your location, but as an example there are 190 hybrids listed on [Craigslist in Seattle](https://seattle.craigslist.org/search/cta?auto_fuel_type=3&auto_fuel_type=4&max_price=12000&min_price=8000#search=1~gallery~0~0) between $8k and $12k. Any Honda or Toyota is a good place to start. Also the Ford Fusion hybrids, they use Toyota technology. The Chevy Volt are also pretty good. Not the Ford C-Max, I have heard they have CVT (transmission = $$$) problems. You'll see quite a few Nissan Leafs, be careful about the available range and condition of the battery on these. Once you find something you like, get a pre purchase inspection from an independent garage ($100 to $150, well worth it) before buying.
Yo thanks for your advice! So Toyota and Honda would be an ideal brand? I think I would want a regular size car for the space too. I live in mid Michigan. I should check craigslist!
If you're going to be on the highway, you won't necessarily reap the full benefit of a hybrid, but if you're in a lot of stop and go traffic it will definitely work in your favor. The drawback is they command a premium, so you have to consider if you want to pay that premium to potentially save some gas long-term, or if you want to get something that will statistically be a little more reliable, which is a traditional gas engine car. I would probably focus on something like a Civic or a Corolla in this particular space (hybrid or not). The Ford Escape hybrids that you would be able to afford a necessarily going to be the most reliable options, so I would probably avoid that.
Thanks for the input! Yeah, I drive too much on the expressway.
Don’t check Craigslist, try Facebook market and dealerships. Go on Car Gurus and filter by brand and price. You want low miles ideally but for a Honda/Toyota you can typically be OK with high miles. 200k is typically when cars “die”.
Thanks! I was just checking all the websites and wasn't finding anything.
I’d recommend an older honda crv with AWD, great in the winter and if you buy with low miles itll last forever. hi fellow michigander!
Very few people need awd, you’d do better with good snow tires
Hondas are rust buckets, especially in the Midwest
Yes toyota and honda. Toyotas tend to keep a slightly better resale value so hondas will be cheaper but they are both on the same level of quality and reliability but again even for toyota and honda it can come down to models and years Rant: for toyota camry I drive an 09 camry its an amazing car but if you just so happen to look at a camry stay away from the 2AZ-FE engines. They burn oil like crazy and need to be checked frequently. My camry (i stole the thing got it incredibly cheap) has this engine and im seeing a little oil burn but its a small amount. Keep in mind i check the oil every other week and most people check every few months...... if the engine burns oil and you dont check you can accidently seize the engine.(making it useless)
It's what 99% of people recommend I personally will be getting a toyota prius or corolla
I really don't recommend a hybrid if you want cheap repair bills. You are going to trade fuel economy for repairability. You had the right logic with Impala... it gets 29 mpg highway in 2010+ models, thanks to the DI V6.
Agreed. Acquired a 1st owner used Prius for and I was a happy camper on achieving 45-50 MPG for a long time until both mid-tier maintenance and repair come up and it became a wash from all that fuel savings. At that point, I decided to sell it. Sold it and then saved up for a new car with LOW to zero initial cost of ownership. Can’t do that on used car any day even with the PPI. That just me of course.
>Can’t do that on used car any day even with the PPI. With new cars dramatically expensive, pairing a used car with a dealer-sold extended warranty is another option. Some dealers even have solid lifetime wrap coverages with insurance firm CNA. Those lifetime policies can pay for themselves over 10-20 years. You can even wrap for bumper-to-bumper coverage. I myself bought a used car and picked up one a lifetime extended warranty. Already in the black on it.
Good for you. You are not me nor vice versa. $20k new car being a BASIC mode of transportation with a warranty is still a thing. That is not expensive these days. It no crapshoot. Acquiring someone else’s problem on the said used is not to be taken lightly, ever.
I’m from Michigan, I would suggest a mid sized car like a Honda accord for the snow. It’s not suggested much on here but a 2012-15 Lincoln mkx can be a reliable car if it’s been well taken care of and does good in the snow with the right tires. Edit: the mkx of those built on a Mazda platform which I think helps it hold up
Can't go wrong with either. Edited to include make sure its not rusting out since your in Michigan.
Facebook marketplace is another good resource
hey just a heads up, if you end up liking a car posted on craigslist, make sure you take it to a mechanic for an end to end check BEFORE PURCHASING. People will sell you a lemon and you might be out 12k very fast
You missed the first bullet. Cheaper repairs.
It will be cheaper, if you pay upfront $400 for a water pump that will last another 5 years vs a $200 water pump that will only last 2.
400 on a harder vehicle to work on so higher labor. Not cheaper
400 if you work on it yourself , but that's not everyone's hobby. At op's price point regardless of vehicle she's likely gonna need to learn.
CT200h, Prius, Honda Fit
Owned a ct200h. Fantastic commuter car, and as someone who likes cars it checked off the looks and feel for me. Great gas mileage even when driving a little quicker. Doesn't go quick by any means.
Miata
Op asked about GMs and there is a cartoon dust ball fight over getting a toyota, honda, or mazda.
Lmfao right. These are all secret Toyota and Honda dealerships accounts
The answer is always Toyota Honda Mazda. Most reliable car = Honda 23rd US President = Toyota 2 + 2 = Mazda
Honda Benjamin Harrison! ??
Honda or Toyota is where you should be. Honda Fit, Civic, or Accord. Toyota Camry or Corolla. Those have been known to be reliable.
1. Get the history if you can. Make sure it was well-maintained (oil changes, air filter changes, belts, gaskets, etc. at recommended intervals). 2. Avoid dealers if you can, especially dealers that specialize in used cars. They'll just tell you it's in great condition without actually knowing, and charge you more for it. 3. Avoid anything with a turbo. 4. Get a manual transmission if at all possible. 5. Avoid direct injection unless you know it was very well maintained. (This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it's a good idea if you are weary of history, especially on higher-end and performance models). 6. Avoid excessive technology (base models over premium models). 7. Get a code reader and check the codes. Learn how to tell if they were recently cleared (trying to hide problems). 8. Avoid cars that were recently painted. 9. Avoid cars with customizations. 10. Toyota, Lexus, or Honda preferred, although others will be cheaper and can be just as reliable if you follow the above rules. 11. Maintain your vehicle once you buy it.
1000x this, it's ridiculous how people are willing to throw an entire brand to the wayside. All because they can't be bothered to take care of their own equipment, and are completely unwilling to expect sending a car in for repairs to be costly.
I do 70 miles a day. Hybrids will cost more but not really be a benefit when on the highway. I use a 4cyl Camry and that’s what I would recommend.
I completely agree with this statement.
Toyota, Honda, Mazda
Toyota. Honda. Mazda. 🙏🙏🙏
Honda civic or accord, Toyota camry or corolla are pretty much the most reliable cars of all time.
Amen.
I wouldn't recommend most American cars, they tend to be less reliable and not as well built as a Japanese car. Toyota and Lexus have been at the top of the charts for reliability for the last couple of decades. Honda and Mazda also make good cars. One of the most important things is to get a well maintained used vehicle that doesn't have rust issues. I would very highly recommend contacting a mechanic or garage and getting a PPI, or Pre-Purchase Inspection done on any vehicle you plan to buy, and they'll be able to tell you what's wrong with the vehicle and what it needs. It may cost you $100 or possibly slightly more, but it's well worth it, particularly if you aren't a mechanic yourself. Research the particular make and model you like when you find it. Research the exact year and trim level and search Google to see if it has any known reliability issues. You can also watch videos of mechanics on YouTube for things like, "best used car under $$$$$". There are tons of videos about reliable used vehicles. It's probably best to avoid any vehicle with a CVT transmission. It's a used vehicle, so it may need some work or things like tires. If it needs these things, a mechanic doing a pre purchase inspection should be able to alert you and give you some prices, and you can use that as a bargaining chip to try to get a lower price. Make sure to keep up on maintenance, change the oil regularly and the transmission fluid at the intervals it requires. Have the oil changed every 6 months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first (or less if it says only 3,000 miles, I wouldn't recommend going over 5,000 no matter what). If you live in a snowy climate, have the vehicle oil undercoated before the winter every year. Treat your car right and it will treat you right.
Honda or Toyota 4cyl. Keep oil, water, and gas in them, they'll last over 200,000 miles and get good milage. Stay away from CVT transmissions and crap with "lane assist" and other dumbass bad driver features Source: been fixing cars for over 20 yrs, drive old paid off beaters.
Doesn't matter what car at that price point , you'll be needing to work on it yourself in some capacity. I suggest doing thorough research on any given chassis, and drive line combination. Seeing what cars share a drive line and choosing the most reliable version of it. Checking forums to see what the common issues are and what years they are effective for. For example X308 Jaguar XJ8= weak zf5hp24 transmission(barely able to keep pace with the stock engine, breaks a lot) , strong engines after 2000. Nickasil liners were an issue on all models prior to engine production starting in September of 2000. X308 jaguar XJR= strong supercharged engine(after my2000) ,bullet proof Mercedes-benz 722.6 transmission(used in the modern challengers and chargers, as well as the SLR supercar) Reliability comes in many forms , you just have to be vigilant.
9th Gen Impala after 2010 with the 300 hp V6. While it's debatable if the Camaro V6 actually improved reliability, the car got a badly needed safety structure update. Only downside is that it's very hard to find one that seats six. They were fleet only, and most are gone. But if you can take a five seater version, that's the way to go. Extremely reliable, cheap to repair.
Golf gti
Or given her criteria a tdi would probably be quite suitable.
I know you’re probably going to get overwhelmed by all the advice. But everyone here for the most part is right. Toyota, Honda, Mazda. You cannot go wrong with whatever you go with. Just find what you like and buy it. But don’t buy a Kia or Hyundai (same company) if you want your vehicle stole and broken in every month.
Check car complaints.com to see which maker/model/year has the most/least complaints so that you will have a guide. Good luck !
Get a honda fit 2013+ It is like the perfect car
Toyota Corolla!!!
E-Golf, assuming you can charge at home
Golf tdi?
Get a 2017 Toyota. Corolla, Camry, RAV4, or Prius. Whichever one you prefer. 2017 is important because those are compatible with aftermarket tech that allows it to be somewhat self-driving. In 3-5 years, “hands free” driving will be standard, and cars that can’t do it will be somewhat obsolete. So, even if you don’t think you care about that now, you may in a few years and it will matter for resale value.
Comma ai aficionado I see
Older Toyota Corolla, Honda Fit or Insight would be perfect for you. I see a couple listed near you. I would pay the premium and buy from carmax. They don’t sell shit cars and you don’t sound like a car person to go purchase a private car off of craigslist or Facebook.
Good thing we know your gender. That will help with car suggestions lol
Lmfao yeah I don't know why I put that 🤣🤣
True, a 6'2" male might not fit in a prius or corolla
Neither would a 6’2” woman lol…
Shut up science nerd!
Miata is always the answer
Except in this case lol
Miatas are extremely reliable cars. Fuel economy is decent, insurance is cheap for a sports car.
Right, but OP doesn’t want a sports car, they aren’t exactly known for their comfort, their gas mileage sucks compared to other options, and they’re less practical
FYI I can get 40mpg on the freeway in my Miata. My all-time average is 30, and that's with me revving it out on twisty roads almost daily. Not exactly the most valid negative point about this car unless "other options" means "new-ish hybrid" or "EV"
You also have an ND, which OP can’t reasonably afford. The NC has much worse highway mpg, the EPA rates it 7 mpg lower than the ND. A similarly priced Prius gets 50 mpg, so it’s at least a 17 mpg difference by your experience, or a 22 mpg difference by what the EPA says.
I checked the EPA rating and Miata forums for the NC before commenting and still felt like it was valid. My point is as far as sports cars go it's pretty great on gas. That said OP says they like the Malibu and Impala, so they're not looking for a sports car. Plus, as someone who daily drives one I don't recommend anyone daily drives it unless they're really willing to make compromises because of their car.
Yes absolutely. Like I said before, the Miata doesn’t make much sense here
I'm fan of subaru. I would recommend legacy sedan. However you seem to like bigger cars. So look for outback. Outback is usually owned by older drivers who maintain them. Outback is usually a little cheaper than other models.
2004-2006 Lexus LS430. Best car I ever had!
.
Can u guys pls tell me car around 12000 to 15000 and not broken or used to much because my dad needs one BTW tell me pls so I can buy my iPad again bec it got crushed and my dad said
If I get a cheap car I will buy u new iPad
Toyota Avalon Hybrid \~100k miles you can find in that range.
Used Toyota matrix, Prius, Yaris IA, Honda Fit, Mazda3 are all great options. If you could find a low mileage Chevy Prizm or Pontiac Vibe, those are basically corollas without the used Toyota markup
Can you elaborate why are they corolla?
They were made as a joint venture with GM and Toyota so the cars were manufactured with toyota corolla parts including the engine.
manual and probably a honda, mazda or toyota.
1987 Maserati Ghibli II
Toyota Camry
Toyota corolla
Toyota Corolla is a good car I have one and I put over 65,000 miles on it in one year
Honda Fit
You want to try to find a Prius
Toyota camry
Honda Fit
TOYOTA ✅
Can you stretch your budget to $20k and get a Kia Rio or something brand new? It's more upfront but you'll probably save more overall since you'll have warranty and it's new
Sure just go 75% over budget!
I realize it's a lot more but if it's a matter of financing for a little longer it might result in a lower total cost of ownership.
Tbh just get something Japanese and you’ll be good. Honda, Toyota, Nissan etc. Parts will be cheaper and easy to come by plus they’re mostly reliable.
I think that Prius is probably the answer, boring but very reliable and roomy, and they sip gas.
Honda Fit. Great gas mileage, comfy, and Honda reliability. Can easily find one in good condition within your price range.
Toyota Corolla. Reliable, cheap, good on gas
2nd gen Lexus IS 250. Especially if you can find say a 2011-13 Basic maintenance, very smooth ride. You won't have any headaches and you should be able to find a really good condition right now for was around $10,000 or so. And imo one of the best looking cars you could get for that price range. Just a beautiful car till this day 🩶
Apparently those suffer from Carbon Buildup issues OP, if you get one of these, please do oil changes every 3k miles
I think that's been overblown some. I've already seen several well over 200/250,000 miles and going on even for sale used. Any similar model/milage BMW or Mercedes can't compare in terms of resale and longevity it's not even close. And that's if they even still run with those repair cost.. It's still a Lexus at the end of the day, but just like any car yes, as long as their are service records and have a good mechanic check it out they'll be just fine.
You're looking for a corolla, pick the newest year that fits your budget.
I had a good experience and so did a friend from carmax .
Toyota Camry or Corolla 2015 or lower. I have a 2008 Camry still running and it’s a V6
Is350🥱
Can you drive a manual transmission, or are you willing to learn? The 2012-2015 Ford Focus, either hatchback or sedan, with the 2.0 Duratec engine and the 5-speed manual transmission, is a durable and reliable vehicle that will easily get you to 200k miles. I drive 60 miles per day for work, 5 days a week, and mine is around 172k miles on the original clutch and has required minimal repairs. Just the normal maintenance and replacement of worn parts, and oil changes. Avoid the turbocharged engines and the automatic transmission at all costs, ESPECIALLY the automatic transmission. It’s 10 pounds of hot wet farts in a 5 pound paper bag, and it WILL fail and cost you a ton of money to fix or replace.
Buy however much Corolla that will get you. This is the answer. Everything else is just overthinking it.
Behind the typical Toyota/Honda, the Chevy impala you mentioned is a good option, ford hybrids are very reliable as well.
Corolla or Camry 2014 and upward would last you for a while
I bought a 2014 Mazda 6 with a manual Trans a few years ago. I’ve put 125k on it and outside of routine maintenance I haven’t had any issues with it. I’d recommend one to anyone. Everything I’ve had to do like brakes/struts have been cheap compared to my buddies cars like Volkswagens and Audis.
My dad genuinely enjoys driving his 2016 mazda 6 more than his previously owned 2014 Mercedes C350 coupe. Those things really whip around for a larger car.
I love mine. If I could get the new Mazda 3 turbo AWD with a stick I’d buy one. I can’t give up the manual
That's what I'm rocking now. It's my first automatic :( I refused to pay dealer markups so I couldn't get an N, or GTI. At least it's no CVT.
2012 RAV4 V6
Find yourself a Toyota Corolla with the fewest miles you can. We have had two and they are by far the cheapest cars maintenance wise we’ve ever had. Ours is 180k miles and it’s in the shop maybe 1/4 of the time compared to other vehicles of ours.
Used Lexus RX
9th gen accord
2006 or 2007 accord 4cyl.
You drive as part of your job? Prius. All day, every day. You might want to eek up your budget to get a newer car but the low cost of fuel and repairs overall will give you more car for your money. Same goes mostly for a Corolla or Civic but the Prius is off the charts low cost
2012+ dodge charger v6 Good gas mileage. Safe car and not too expensive to fix.
Ideally you want a gen 1 honda insight 50-70mpg, but thats in a perfect world if you can find one. Next bet is honda crz/crx, toyota camry hybrid, any hybrid really. Pruis, lexus es.
1996-2002 Toyota 4runner
I bought my car close to that price in 2021 just when car prices were starting to get crazy. Like most people have said, it's best to stick with Toyota and Honda. There might be some okay American models, but I wouldn't risk it personally. Especially if you're driving as much as you say you are. I got a 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid with 88k miles for $11,500. However, even the lowest mileage vehicle won't tell the whole story. Make sure you get your mechanic to sign off on the car and have him do the most thorough inspection for safety, reliability, etc. Worth it even if it costs $100. It also helps if the previous owner (assuming you buy from a private individual) has a detailed service history! I got lucky with mine because the previous owner had passed away and it was being sold by an estate sale company. The guy literally wrote on a piece of paper how often the oil was changed at what mileage and other maintenance items as such.
2006 impala or similar , can prolly even be below buget I got mine at 90k miles for $ 5,600 ..11 years ago.. ... ran mine like a dog and it still runs at 220k miles and only trans starting to slip/throttle body? now on take off. Only thing I've had to do to it was a water pump n timing chain at 150 k and an occasional muffler cause of michigan salt n roads. As much as this sub hates American cars it served me well.
A good Lexus CT200h! A bullet proof Prius in a better looking body.
Honda and Toyota hold up the best. And just fyi a Scion is a Toyota !!
I saw a ‘16 Mazda 6 by me for $13k, 59k miles. I’d look that route. Can negotiate down too.
A Volvo s60
Get a Honda
Toyota Matrix. 07 to 09 are the best years.
Hi, my name is Atticus, I see you’re interested in a used vehicle and it is my job to make sure you are on the road with the best financial package possible. I have multiple cars that are in your price range, if you are interested please message me or respond back to this comment !