Best used Car for $13K

[soxpats]

Son was in an Auto accident last night. His fault, cut up forehead and swelling but otherwise OK. Thank God for airbags. His car is totaled. He had a 2006 Scion xB that was perfect for him. Plays in a band and had plenty of space for his amp, couple guitars etc. Looking at maybe replacing it with a 2008 Scion xB possibly. Or maybe buying my mothers 2008 Civic hatchback with very low miles. Not sure, any suggestions?

 

[Sherlock]

Pontiac Aztek. I know some don't like its looks but it is an incredibly versatile vehicle with tons of space in the back. It even comes with a tent that attaches to the end:

You should be able to find a low mileage 2003-2005 or thereabouts for well under your budget.

 

[soxpats]

Thanks for suggestion, but I can't do that to him.

 

[dcg]

Originally Posted by soxpats

Thanks for suggestion, but I can't do that to him.

I was going to suggest S2000 upon reading the thread title, but that seems a bad idea for a variety of reasons....

Glad to hear your son is ok. Any other requirements, other than the price limit and cargo room? MPG, would 4WD/AWD be beneficial (I suspect so, given your s/n), etc?

 

[soxpats]

Really just a car to get him through college and something nice. I'm leaning toward another Scion I guess but open to any suggestions. Like to get good gas milage and insurance is an issue with an 18year old male so S2000 is out (no room anyway).

 

[BrianVarick]

I'm not sure what kind of Subaru Forrester you can get for $13k, but I think they are great cars. Maybe look into wagons and hatchbacks as well.

 

[impolyt_one]

Insurance might get a little hairy looking, so keep it under 200 horsies, a minimum of 4 doors, and not something modifiable (ie Honda, Scion, Subaru WRX, any sport compact, etc) and you won't need to pay $4000/year in insurance. A total on your record is gonna mean your premiums jump up until you've paid the payout off, basically. lol FWIW I say this from experience, as I totaled my share of cars in high school as well.

.... and I got a Civic hatchback after that, thinking insurance would take it easy on a little 77hp Civic CX - turned out all the thefts that occurred on the coasts of Civic hatchbacks made them one of the highest cars to insure pound for pound, nationwide.

That was about 10 years ago or more, but I'm sure it has not changed much since then. Got a BMW 540i after that, and it was cheaper to insure than the Civic, and it was red, to boot.

 

[suzuka]

Honda Element. It has a all plastic interior, seats 5 comfortably with a ton of space to lug stuff around.

 

[Rambo]

Honda Fit. You could get one full loaded with only a year or 2 of use for under 13k. Saving that, a used Rav-4 or CRV.

 

[MrGoodBytes]

Originally Posted by Rambo

Honda Fit. You could get one full loaded with only a year or 2 of use for under 13k. Saving that, a used Rav-4 or CRV.

+1!!!!!!!!!!

for such a compact car, it is GREAT for hauling gear. Mine has 13k on the clock and I've averaged 42mpg. Its a fun little car to drive.

also worth noting that its been on Car & Driver's top 10 list for 5 consecutive years.

 

[sonick]

Volvo wagon... I am (mostly) serious too.

 

[mikeman]

^ The V50 is a nice wagon. I have had zero problems with my volvo.

 

[sonick]

+1, a realistic dream car of mine is an 850R Wagon.

 

[unjung]

Jeep Patriot.

 

[rathebaindc]

You've got a teenager with a proven track record of iffy driving at best. I'd would absolutely not put him in a small car. I'd go with a Volvo station wagon or at least a safe, mid size car.