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best used economical car?

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Dear Summer

Golden Member
It's for my dad who just needs to drive to work and back. We're looking at inexpensive models of hyundai, toyota, etc. Cheaper the better but we're looking for something reliable in a good condition so can't go too cheap but definitely less than 20K. Any ideas on models and years to look at? We plan to start going to used dealerships as soon as this weekend.
 
One to look at if you're looking to save money is a pontiac vibe. Its a toyota really. Other nummi cars can be really good values as well. Tend to not pay the 'japanese name brand used car' premium but still get the reliability. Subarus are also a good bet depending on if you need/want awd. They have excellent records without the mind share of toyota/honda.
 
The closer you are to $20k, the more you should consider NEW end-of-year Camrys/ Altimas (new gen of Altimas makes lower prices of the 2012s even a better buy)

...you could very well find some 2012 models out there for under $20...you get better financing on a new car than on a used car and that could make up the difference between new and used...
 
Cheap, dead reliable and cheap to fix? Toyota Yaris. You can't go wrong if cost is the concern.
 
Dear Summer said:
It's for my dad who just needs to drive to work and back. We're looking at inexpensive models of hyundai, toyota, etc. Cheaper the better but we're looking for something reliable in a good condition so can't go too cheap but definitely less than 20K. Any ideas on models and years to look at? We plan to start going to used dealerships as soon as this weekend.
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First gen fusion? 50K mile one for $12K
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2010...rs_Trucks&hash=item5d3b02fbd0#ht_30220wt_1186
 
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kitatech said:
The closer you are to $20k, the more you should consider NEW end-of-year Camrys/ Altimas (new gen of Altimas makes lower prices of the 2012s even a better buy)

...you could very well find some 2012 models out there for under $20...you get better financing on a new car than on a used car and that could make up the difference between new and used...
Click to expand...

Buying a new car isn't exactly economical...
 
halik said:
Buying a new car isn't exactly economical...
Click to expand...

I understand your PoV, but OP has other options...OP said $20k was the outside limit....

I myself went for the other end with my 05 Camry and 100k miles (4cyl, 24/34mpg, with man. tranny) for the trade-in value of $6500...with many more miles than that, any much older car would begin to run the risk of repairs beyond basic maintenance...at that end of the range the brand/model isn't as important as how well it was maintained by the previous owner...

The trick in buying a used ECONOMICAL car is balancing initial cost with projected maintenance...at the high end of the range, buying new may be more economical in the long run...if planning to own the car for 10+ yrs.
 
nerp said:
Cheap, dead reliable and cheap to fix? Toyota Yaris. You can't go wrong if cost is the concern.
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It's a pretty miserable little car, though. IMO. I think a Versa or Fit is a lot more bang for the buck. The pitiful little center dash alone makes me never recommend a Yaris...contrary to people marketing cars with one, it does NOT help you keep your eyes on the road (unless you're sitting in the middle of the car). It just saves the company money by lessening the amount of different components for RHD/LHD.

To me, 'economy,' '20k,' and 'used' aren't really works that belong together. I guess to some people, a well-optioned Accord is an economy car?

It's hard to get a normal compact up over 20k unless it's a performance version or absolutely loaded with electronics (which I don't really get...25k base engine Focus? what?).

My Mazda3 was ~18k sticker; keyless/PW/PL/tilt/cruise/bluetooth/nice stereo. I don't like their 2013 trims as much, but they're not super-different.

Focus is also pretty nice at the ~20k or less trim level.

Civic seems REALLY well-equipped in base trim. The EX is barely over 20k and adds the few missing things (including an auto trans).

If you really wanna go used, you can buy a really nice Volvo S40/V50/C30 for 20k.

Is he looking for something bigger than the above-mentioned? (all compacts)
 
used '11 elantra with 6spd auto. he wont get 40mpg but he should get a very good deal with lots of room. be picky.

slightly used Mazda with Skyactiv would be my 2nd pick. gl.
 
If I lower the upper price range to 16K, what should we look in to? I thought we could go up to 20K, but some other constraints came up and we are probably looking to pay in cash now (NOT use a loan).
 
Dear Summer said:
If I lower the upper price range to 16K, what should we look in to? I thought we could go up to 20K, but some other constraints came up and we are probably looking to pay in cash now (NOT use a loan).
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I'd look at a new or relatively new Versa. ~$12-13k for a new 2013, 40 MPG highway. My friend has a 2012 one, it's not bad in terms of interior and features for that price.

Since you specified used, I'm sure you could find a 2012 hatchback or sedan with low miles at or under $10k.
 
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Newer Yarii have the console on the driver side. And the added more soundproofing. But yes, it's a pretty raw and tin-canish driving experience. But boy, is it cheap.
 
How long does the car have to last? if it's 10 years or more, I would suggest buying a new civic/ corolla/ altima / yaris/ versa (fit is way overpriced) You could also get certified used, but the warranty will be significantly shorter.

When your dad is ready to buy, grab the Friday morning LA times, go straight to the car section, and find the 1 at this price deal (search the small classified sections, too. My camry was purchased from Toyota of Hollywood based on the small ad) on the new model you want. You should be able to get something under 16k out the door.

Oh, and if you aren't able to get there first thing Friday morning, call ahead of time and ask them to hold one for you. The salesperson probably won't, but the sales manager might.
 
Versa I think is most bang for your buck car...not the prettiest but will def do the job.

can't really go wrong with any of the economy cars these days, just test drive em all and find the best deal
 
phucheneh said:
It's a pretty miserable little car, though. IMO. I think a Versa or Fit is a lot more bang for the buck. The pitiful little center dash alone makes me never recommend a Yaris...contrary to people marketing cars with one, it does NOT help you keep your eyes on the road (unless you're sitting in the middle of the car). It just saves the company money by lessening the amount of different components for RHD/LHD.

To me, 'economy,' '20k,' and 'used' aren't really works that belong together. I guess to some people, a well-optioned Accord is an economy car?

It's hard to get a normal compact up over 20k unless it's a performance version or absolutely loaded with electronics (which I don't really get...25k base engine Focus? what?).

My Mazda3 was ~18k sticker; keyless/PW/PL/tilt/cruise/bluetooth/nice stereo. I don't like their 2013 trims as much, but they're not super-different.

Focus is also pretty nice at the ~20k or less trim level.

Civic seems REALLY well-equipped in base trim. The EX is barely over 20k and adds the few missing things (including an auto trans).

If you really wanna go used, you can buy a really nice Volvo S40/V50/C30 for 20k.

Is he looking for something bigger than the above-mentioned? (all compacts)
Click to expand...

Newest yaris I think got rid if the center dash. I rented a 2011 one once and yah that is a horrible car.

I'd get a versa hatch before the versa note comes out... probably pretty cheap since its end of production. Or wait for versa note which is better.
 
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