Cheap and low maintenance car that isn't a P.O.S?

[GreenFrog]

No to the rental car. People treat rental cars like ****.

Also, did you factor in insurance and retirement contributions to your take home pay?

 

[BlacKidLA]

No to the rental car. People treat rental cars like ****.

Also, did you factor in insurance and retirement contributions to your take home pay?

Yup.

 

[skitlets]

My 2000 Accord is dying, transmission will need to be replaced. Just pony up the repair costs or look for another beater? I've got about 150k on it already.

 

[indesertum]

i really like the honda fit. regularly gets 30 mpg, surprisingly spacious (we fit in a whole 3 seater ikea sofa in it), nice tight turns. rated really highly for the past 3 years

 

[Rockwell]

If you want something that will last a long time, Toyota Corolla or Toyota Camry. I have a bunch of friends who have had both and they never had problems with them and if you pick up a used one they can be very economical.

 

[billsayers]

The Hyundai Elantra is a good choice...suppose to be rock solid and a Consumer Reports Top Pick for two years in a row. However, I think the $13,500 asking price is a bit high, especially for a rental with 35k miles on it and since the newer Elantra model is already out. I am sure you can find one that was previously not a rental for around $11,500 if you look around.

Also, second the Fit recommendation if you need a basic car...it is fun to drive, pretty roomy for a small car and gets decent fuel economy.

I would stay away from Corolla and Camry. Not because they are not reliable but because they are overpriced for what they are; especially since Toyota's reputation for quality is not what it used to be. Those two models are boring as heck...all I see are old, middle-aged/older people driving them.

 

[impolyt_one]

They just changed the Elantra, and the newest one looks pretty good for a small car, very different from the previous model. Better than a Civic or a Corolla, probably.

 

[Joffrey]

The Veloster looks cool

 

[deadly7]



A 2006 Civic for $15K is horrible IMO, why would I want to pay 75% of a cars new sticker price when it only has less 50% of it's life left? That is why used car prices are out on control these days. 'Negotiable' doesn't mean you're gonna walk in there and walk away with it for half the asking price, either.

2006 Civic = people are asking $15K for the ones you would want to buy. You can't expect a car with 85K miles on the clock when you buy it to last you 5 years, that is going to be asking a lot of the car towards the end. You need to stick with the lower mileage, higher optioned economy cars if you want a car that's not gonna annoy the hell out of you in 5 years. They don't make them like they used to.

I don't understand these posts. I have friends that have Civics in that year and they're flying. Admittedly 85k/5years is a lot of driving, but all the Civics I've encountered last. OP's in LA, so he doesn't have salt and stuff destroying his exterior -- just bumper damage from parking.

 

[Kai]

Subaru WRX

 

[KurtS90]

You can get some nice loaded out CPO Crown Victoria/Grand Marquise/Town Car with low miles for 15k mark. Still have warranty and fairly well option out for the price. Get good gas mileage for the size and engine. Reliable with proven history and parts are plentiful. Down side is they don't hold there value well...

~Kurt

 

[BlacKidLA]

I'll be leasing a new car. The question is.....

Mazda 3
Ford Focus
Kia Forte Koup


WHICH ONE?!

 

[KurtS90]

Leasing? Then what ever offers less up front, less monthly, and good fuel economy (probably comparable) would be top of the list. If the cars are similar equipment, then it's really just down on price and driving enjoyment.

But if it was me, I would probably look closely at the Kia and Ford. But leaning more toward the Focus.

~Kurt

 

[GreenFrog]

Great job man -- good choice. I'd go for the KIA.

Just spent the week with a rental focus.

If you at all enjoy driving, don't lease the focus. What a **** car.

 

[KurtS90]

Don't forget to check insurance, most likely not a problem with these cars. But still a good idea to check first.

~Kurt