What's the best bang-for-the-buck commuter car ?

[rh71]

2003 Hyundai Accent @ ~$10k a good deal ? Couldn't find prices on new '02 models left on the lot anywhere online right now. This is probably to replace a dying '90 Accord that we used as a daily commuter.

What other good ones are there? I'm not likely to go above $15k out the door for this...

EDIT>>> I'm swearing off used cars (like my parents before me)... after a bad experience...

 

[Excelsior]

Could go for a used Golf TDI. Get 45+ MPG.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Hynduai Accent or a Mazda Protege.

I love Proteges

 

[edro]

! C I V I C !

Expensive, but WELL worth it in the long run. Your little Hyundai will puke out after 110k miles.... right after the warranty.

 

[Dacalo]

i think you can get accents for better price

i heard mitsubishi and another japanese car maker is going to use hyundai 4 cyl. engines in their futures cars because the design has matured and is very reliable

 

[Moonbeam]

A hybrid.

 

[melly]

no civics, please.

 

[rh71]

More ideas ?

 

[007bond]

Maybe a Ford Focus? I don't know, there are not many new cars for under $15K.

 

[RossMAN]

2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS

I could find one locally for $11,888 with power everything including automatic transmission and destination charges.

 

[Muse]

Click and Clack always say a used car is the best deal. Find a commuter car you really like used and have it checked out by a mechanic you trust.

 

[jlee]

KBB on my car is a bit over $4400 - 1998 Toyota Corolla CE with manual trans, power locks/windows, AC...it has 123k on it, but still quite solid. ~40mpg highway..I usually get about 24 city, but if I drove like most people, I might make mid-30s.

 

[geno]

I don't know if he means "gas milage" when saying "bang for buck" I think he's looking for the best price/quality ratio. Hyundais are good for their warrenties.... Neon's are cheap as hell too...

 

[HannibalX]

Best value??? Get an early 90's Honda CRX HF - 50 MPG in the city. Hyundais past build quality has not been all that good, we get pre-2001 models all the time - everything breaks on those cars. Can't comment on 2001 and up models because they are too new for stuff to start crapping out (on average).

 

[AnyMal]

Find a nice used Civic or Accord, best bet if you're planning to keep the car for a while.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Geo perhaps?

 

[NokiaDude]

Used 99 Honda Accord Sedan or Coupe. Coupe is sexier!

 

[anxi80]

yep, another vote for a honda. they're not too expensive (for an older civic or accord), get great gas mileage, and have great life's on them. my friend had an accord and it still runs after 150,000 miles, and the only thing he's had to fix is the a/c knob when it fell off. not bad after that many miles.

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
A hybrid.

For under $15,000!?! HA! Besides, someone would have to drive a LOT of miles every week for the fuel mileage savings to offset the increased monthly payments and insurance premiums over... say... a used Honda Civic or VW Golf.

Hybrids are good if you are trying to make a political statement, but they still aren't the most cost effective cars on the road.