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

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
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...
 

edro

Lifer
Apr 5, 2002
24,326
68
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! 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

Diamond Member
Mar 31, 2000
8,778
4
76
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
 

Muse

Lifer
Jul 11, 2001
41,249
10,419
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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

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
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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. :p
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
0
I don't know if he means "gas milage" when saying "bang for buck" :p 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

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
9,359
2
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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

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
15,780
0
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Find a nice used Civic or Accord, best bet if you're planning to keep the car for a while.
 

anxi80

Lifer
Jul 7, 2002
12,294
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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

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,450
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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.