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Please recommend a used car, $13-15k

post #1 of 22
10/13/11 at 11:28am
Thread Starter 
I'm looking for a used car in the $13-15k range. Requirements are front wheel drive or AWD, plenty of trunk space, seating for four, and ability to put a bike rack on top. I'm particularly fond of hatchbacks like the Volvo C30 or late body Subaru WRX. This will mostly be a weekend car for getting out of the city or fetching groceries.

Thanks!
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post #2 of 22
10/13/11 at 11:47am
This looks like it meets your requirements.
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post #3 of 22
10/13/11 at 2:45pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks. I'm looking for a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle.
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post #4 of 22
10/13/11 at 3:10pm
The trunk space in that thing is unbeatable.

But seriously, a Hearse is the last car anybody needs in that budget.
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post #5 of 22
10/13/11 at 3:17pm
I zipcarred a toyota matrix hatchback and it was pretty sweet. It was basically a toyota...so nothing special, but everything folded down completely out of the way to the point where you had almost as much space inside as the bed of a ford ranger pickup.

Pretty sure the recent 4-door golf/GTI models do this too. Dunno if the mazda 3 folds down to quite the same extent but a used mazdaspeed3 would be sweet (and has frequently showed up on car & driver's 10 best lists)

If I were buying a utility car (since I wouldn't use it for work...just for travel/far away bike spots/shopping for large items) it would definitely be a hatchback with enough space that I wouldn't even need a bike rack for a single bike by myself.
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post #6 of 22
10/13/11 at 3:51pm
come on, this is SF. i was expecting recommendations like the 458 Italia tongue.gif


(OP, get a VW GTI)
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post #7 of 22
10/13/11 at 4:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackhood View Post

But seriously, a Hearse is the last car anybody needs in that budget.

That's not a Hearse. It's a Cadillac.

Seriously, though, if you're looking for cargo space, as otc suggests, the Matrix is pretty good.
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post #8 of 22
10/13/11 at 6:53pm
Honda fit has a 4wd drive version. It's compact, fuel efficient, surprisingly roomy inside, can install a bike rack, and fits in your price range. It's a really fun ride. I love driving it. May be a little too cute but I've seen plenty of guys drive it. Also topped reviews since it came out
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post #9 of 22
10/14/11 at 8:47am
How about a C30 or late body WRX?
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post #10 of 22
10/14/11 at 8:53am
Get a VW GTI. My wife has owned 4 of them (currently has a 2008 R32 with 250 HP) The back is perfect to haul tons of stuff. The car is fun to drive and the top rated car in it's class by Consumer Reports.

I drive it every chance I can get.
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post #11 of 22
10/14/11 at 9:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy View Post

Get a VW GTI. My wife has owned 4 of them (currently has a 2008 R32 with 250 HP) The back is perfect to haul tons of stuff. The car is fun to drive and the top rated car in it's class by Consumer Reports.
I drive it every chance I can get.

God, I would love an R32.

4DR? Do you still lose a bit of storage in the rear due to the AWD mechanicals or was that only in the MkIV versions (I haven't driven them in the new body).
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post #12 of 22
10/14/11 at 9:22am
Fit, Civic, 2-dr Accord, GTI. Stay away from Toyota's.
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post #13 of 22
10/14/11 at 11:13am
civic, wrx wagon, legacy wagon, mazda 3
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post #14 of 22
10/15/11 at 9:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy View Post

Get a VW GTI. My wife has owned 4 of them (currently has a 2008 R32 with 250 HP) The back is perfect to haul tons of stuff. The car is fun to drive and the top rated car in it's class by Consumer Reports.
I drive it every chance I can get.

How are those for maintenance? How long does she keep her cars for?
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post #15 of 22
10/15/11 at 9:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fashion_newbie View Post

How are those for maintenance? How long does she keep her cars for?

The current one is a 2008 but only has 18K miles on it. Not maintenance issues so far. But, replacement tires are pricey. Her previous two cars were GTI's. She had them about 60K miles or so and always had good luck.
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