Recommend me some semi-cheap cars?

[AyashiKaibutsu]

So I haven't had a car in a couple of years and planning on heading down to my parents house (north of tampa) to buy one. I'm looking to spend 10-12k (mostly from a car loan). Hopefully something near new (a few tens of thousands of miles). Looking at online car listings it seems reasonable; just thought I'd ask for some random opinions.

 

[pauldun170]

Altima\Accord\Camry if you need midsize
Corrolla\Civic\Miata if you need small

Stay FAR FAR FAR away from middle aged Volkswagons. Either buy really old or brand new.
Non turbo Subarus are ok but head gaskets go to crap at 100k mark on certain models.
Mitsubishi - Meh, not the worst cars
Mazda6 - V6 is a bit of a drinker but manageble. 4 banger is acceptable. Stick to 2006 and newer.
Mazda3 - Hit or miss but usually an ok used buy
ANYTHING from Dodge\Chrysler = crap once you get into the used market in your price bracket.
GM - Cobalt - Can be had cheap, will feel cheap, will last a long time but will need little things.
Malibu - Previous gen Malibu not a bad car but interior plastics on the cheapee side. Malibu Maxx is an awesome little package if you need something with utility.
Ford Fusion - Year dependent. Early ones are approaching "avoid at all cost" territory. Newer ones should be ok but overall meh.
Ford Taurus\500 - If you need a big car, these are fairly respectable. Not rocketships or anything.

Random cars
Toyota Celica - fun little car, GTS is typically a step away from a transmission job.
Toyota Mr2 - Awesome little car that will get you teased
Nissan Sentra - Somehow these are becoming notoriously shitty cars
Mustang - V8 will be a fun gas guzzler (certain years like to shoot the spark plugs out of the engine block "pew pew pew" style. Older 4.0 model v6 will need a visit to the mechanic.
Pontiac GTO - If you come across one...buy immediately. Those cars are awesome.
Maxima\G35 will last a long time but they will rattle.
Acura anything - Tend to hold up well. At 150-190k they might need some bits and pieces but will keep on going.
At 10-12k you are looking at a lot of 5-10 year old cars with 100K miles.
Look hard enough and you'll find lower mileage cars.

Hyundai - Remember this phrase for aged Hyundai -"Looks like you need a new sensor"
Kia - Unless you are a masochist....avoid. Newer ones may be ok but anything older than 2007 is absolute crap.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Thanks for the info that looks pretty comprehensive.

 

[pauldun170]

One thing about that price point is that cars in that price range always seem to be at mileage that lines up with a major service interval. (60K-75K or 100k-120K)

 

[Arkaign]

If you're spending that much, finance something new with a good warranty.

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/accent/

 

[pauldun170]

Almost forgot -
Scion - Tc - The 2.4 on some years (also holds true for the Camry) has been known to have the head bolts get loosey goosey resulting in the equivalent of a blown head gasket. Pricey fix unless you do it yourself then it is pita to do.

 

[pauldun170]

As for the argument of New cheapo car vs slightly used car
I've never purchased a new car for myself (wife is a different story).
Never spent more than 10K
Never put anything other than basic maintenance into a car.

So many well built cars out there that the only reason to buy new is vanity.
Most if not all defective parts from the factory are found and fixed in the first 2 years. By the time a car hits the used car market (excluding the usual problem cars ) its strictly wear and tear\maintenance items.

Also, a cheapo new car typically does not wear as well as a slightly older mid range non cheapo car from a solid manufacturer. Sio If you were to spend the 16K-20k (once you include sales tax, finance charges and all the other little things) on a new penalty box vs the same amount on nicely loaded Accord or Altima or lets say an LS400 or LS430.......I'd say buy the used car.

 

[ElFenix]

Ford Fusion - Year dependent. Early ones are approaching "avoid at all cost" territory.

 

[alkemyst]

comcast.com had a list of the top 10 cheapest new cars. The Chevrolet Sonic seemed impressive

For used cars under $20k

http://comcast.vehix.com/articles/top-10-list/6-fun-used-cars-under-20000/1?cid=800

 

[pauldun170]

Early ones - Dash adhesive going south and the dash becoming a mess of rattles(worse than it sounds), problems with subframes. Later years were more sorted