help picking a car

fmoore200 · #1 10-22-2011, 04:30 PM

So me and the Mrs. have decided to get a second car. Partly because we used to have two cars, and partly because we live fairly independent social lives. The main reason, however, is our completely conflicting work schedules. I work nights and get home around 3am most mornings, sleep for about 4 hours, wake up to take her to work at 7:45am and go back home to try to get some rest before work.

I'm not much of a car guy, and noticing a few car threads that get a good amount if traffic, I decided to ask for my fellow TBer's advice.

We are looking to spend about 10k - 12k for a sedan that's about 5 - 7 years old. Good gas mileage is a must, and minimal upkeep would be great.

I keep good care of my cars, so I would like to keep this car, along with our '08 jeep for 15 or so years before getting another car. So a model that lasts a long time is desirable.

My thoughts are, corrolla, camry, accord, and the like. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

P. Aaron · #2 10-22-2011, 04:40 PM

Well you named the default cars that are reliable without the usually exculpatory service expenses. Another name: Subaru.

Mike N · #3 10-22-2011, 05:44 PM

5 to 7 years old is the time where things start going wrong with cars, and if they use any sort of road salt in NYC you may be looking at fuel & brake lines beginning to rust out. To put it in layman's terms, you're going to be putting $ in to a car that age, so unless you're prepped for that or handy with a wrench I'd pass.

My advice? Buy the newest car you can afford. Corolla, Civic etc are good choices. I also happen to like the Chevy Cobalt, but you'll find domestic cars are frowned upon here at TB.

iamlowsound · #4 10-22-2011, 05:52 PM

Mazda Protege.

lowsound

fdeck · #5 10-22-2011, 06:19 PM

I've heard that Ford is building good cars these days.

fmoore200 · #6 10-22-2011, 06:55 PM

thanks guys...

I'm trying to stay in my price range of 10k -12k (including finance charges), so u don't know if a brand new car is likely, lol.

I guess that's ok since I have never owned a car less than 3 years old.

Subarus are ugly,

EagleMoon · #7 10-22-2011, 07:39 PM

Just traded a couple of used cars in on a new Corolla. Love it. I've had Toyotas since the late 70's. They're just really reliable and the Corollas get great gas mileage.

MN_Bass · #8 10-22-2011, 09:32 PM

Corolla or possibly a kia, I love my Kia forte.

pocketgroove · #9 10-22-2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

I've heard that Ford is building good cars these days.

Try a newer Ford Fusion? They're reliable, inexpensive, comfortable and get good gas mileage.
My mom's gets 27 MPG, plus I can move my DB around in it, and still have enough room for a couple passengers, a few electric instruments, and a smaller amplifier or two.

Ripper · #10 10-22-2011, 09:56 PM

Mid 2000s Fusions and Foci are decent reliable cars. Subarus will indeed do everything you specified, other than the gas mileage (at best you'll get 25 no matter which model you get)

DBH_Bass · #11 10-23-2011, 12:27 AM

For about 12 grand you can find yourself a 3-4 year old Ford Fusion. They're nice looking, the engines are fairly bulletproof, as is the transmission. FWD, good gas with the I4 and they're a bit peppy with the V6

I'd look in that direction.

and for the record I'm a Chevy guy through and through. I just can't recommend any of their newer cars aside from the Cruze, Camaro and Corvette these days. The Trucks are still King though.

tastybasslines · #12 10-23-2011, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBH_Bass

For about 12 grand you can find yourself a 3-4 year old Ford Fusion. They're nice looking, the engines are fairly bulletproof, as is the transmission. FWD, good gas with the I4 and they're a bit peppy with the V6

I'd look in that direction.

and for the record I'm a Chevy guy through and through. I just can't recommend any of their newer cars aside from the Cruze, Camaro and Corvette these days. The Trucks are still King though.

I'd normally be all over the Japanese side, but I had a Chevy S-10 that I LOVED. Except for a water pump, I got 90K miles out of it (bought it with 90K) and it was great to drive and really served me well.

I'm not opposed to looking at US cars any longer...Just not sure about the used ones as it seems that only recently the quality had gotten that much better and I'd be a little nervous...

Mike N · #13 10-23-2011, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MN_Bass

Corolla or possibly a kia, I love my Kia forte.

Kia's & Hyundai's have come a long way in recent years. I wouldn't be afraid of either one, in fact I'd buy either one long before I bought any European car.

iamlowsound · #14 10-23-2011, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike N

Kia's & Hyundai's have come a long way in recent years. I wouldn't be afraid of either one, in fact I'd buy either one long before I bought any European car.

My fiancée has a 2010 Forte and it is the best car in the price range. We test drove everything in the price range and it was by far the nicest.

lowsound

Mike M. · #15 10-23-2011, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

I've heard that Ford is building good cars these days.

I love my 2005 Ford Focus. Close to 77,000 miles and still runs like a champ.

Nedmundo · #16 10-23-2011, 08:11 AM

You could get a recent Mazda 3, and in five-door form it can haul loads of gear. They're very reliable, and more fun to drive than the Civic and Corolla. For even more gear hauling capability, the Mazda 5 microvan is amazing. We have a 2006 model, and it has been flawless.

slaps76 · #17 10-23-2011, 08:19 AM

You mentioned a Corolla; can't go wrong with that car.