Car Market

[Xcobra]

Hey guys,

I have been out of the US for the past 3 years and will finally be making the move back early next year.

I haven't owned a car during this time and so, I have been out of the loop when it comes to the car market (let alone in the US). Would anyone be able to recommend what the below can get me? I will be moving to the Bay Area in Cali for reference.

- Sedan would be ideal (hatchbacks accepted as well).
- Looking to spend $15K to $18K with about half being paid in cash.
- Not really caring about features but as long as it has airbags, etc.
- Would probably not look into anything older than 5 years or so.
- Fuel efficiency is relatively important.

I guess what I am looking for is what's the best I could get given the budget above? I want to make sure I am getting the most out of my money and not overpaying. I guess I will take a look at CL and similar sites to get an idea but thought you guys would be a great start!

Thanks all.

 

[Brinson]

My top 3 picks for Value, Reliability, and fun are, in order:

Nissan Versa for a $12,000 new car that will have excellent fuel economy, interior size, etc, but will lack basically any fancy amenities.

Honda Fit for extreme reliability and utility.

Mazda3 for reliability with some sportiness.

 

[toronado97]

Look into a 2014 Mazda 3i touring Sedan. There are good cash incentives going on right now with the 2014's, and that car will get you 29/39 and still provide a lot of sportiness and spirited driving if you're into that sort of thing. It's interior is also a very nice place to be compared to most cars in its class.

 

[halik]

My top 3 picks for Value, Reliability, and fun are, in order:

Nissan Versa for a $12,000 new car that will have excellent fuel economy, interior size, etc, but will lack basically any fancy amenities.

Honda Fit for extreme reliability and utility.

Mazda3 for reliability with some sportiness.

Err buying a new versa or fit isn't exactly value (or anywhere near sporty). You should be able find something along the lines of a used manual TSX.

For a normal sized car, a diesel Jetta will get you 40mpg highway

 

[Wuzup101]

What weight do you place on new vs used (i.e. warranty and wear/tear) and what sort of features do you want. With your budget you can get into several lower end new cars that will get you from point A to B very well (nissan versa, honda fit, ford fiesta, ford focus, kia soul, hyundai accent, etc...). In regards to used cars, if you are willing to go back ~5 years, you do have more options (but will get less warranty obviously).

 

[PricklyPete]

I think a used mazda 3 or a used Golf TDI would be perfect for city living. A used 4cyl TSX with a manual would be a nice step up if you are looking for something more roomy.

 

[eng2d2]

You should look into toyota corolla.

 

[Xcobra]

Thanks guys for all the responses. How are the Toyotas or Hondas looked at nowadays? Still decent quality?

I am also looking at an older, late 00's Subaru Outback. It would probably take a hit in terms of mileage though, me thinks. I'll look into the Mazda 3. I want something relatively spacious but not too big.

What weight do you place on new vs used (i.e. warranty and wear/tear) and what sort of features do you want. With your budget you can get into several lower end new cars that will get you from point A to B very well (nissan versa, honda fit, ford fiesta, ford focus, kia soul, hyundai accent, etc...). In regards to used cars, if you are willing to go back ~5 years, you do have more options (but will get less warranty obviously).

I think buying new is not worth the premium at all. Used is fine for me as long as the mileage is not ridiculous. No preference on features; mainly quality, gas mileage and something that looks decent.

 

[dguy6789]

Toyotas and Hondas are still universally regarded as the cream of the crop when it comes to reliability. They just run forever.

I vote for Mazda 3 if you want something not too expensive, is reliable enough, and is fun to drive.

 

[Brinson]

Err buying a new versa or fit isn't exactly value (or anywhere near sporty). You should be able find something along the lines of a used manual TSX.

For a normal sized car, a diesel Jetta will get you 40mpg highway

I was saying the Versa is value, the Fit is Relable, and the Mazda3 was sporty, not that they all were all three.

For pure gas consumption difference I doubt the difference in price for a diesel jetta over the three of thee cars is worth it, especially since diesel is more expensive. The amount you save in gas will be overshadowed by purchase price. But maybe if you want a car with a nicer interior and/or smoother ride it could help offset the cost.

 

[heymrdj]

Ford Fiesta/Ford Focus/Fusion. All top rated in their class. Not sure if you can get a current gen Accord used at that price tag, I personally wouldn't deal with the last gen. Honda Civic as well.

 

[Xcobra]

Thanks guys! Appreciate all the input. I have narrowed it down to a Camry or 3i Grand Touring. Seems like the Camry is a bit of a more comfortable ride. No biggie. Will have to look at what deals are out there.

Thanks!

 

[toronado97]

Camry won't get the gas mileage, and it will drain your soul. If you want the epitome of lifeless box, buy a Camry. You'll be infinitely happier in the Mazda.

 

[rommelrommel]

Camry is a lot bigger tho, quieter, better build quality. If you want a roomy car the Mazda 3 ain't it.

 

[MongGrel]

I still really like my older Mazda 3 Hatch.

Yeah I believe it's a the Grand Touring, it's decked out for what it is.

2.3, 5 speed auto, moonroof, etc even if a bit of an older one.

Its older original one when they went to the 3's, I didn't like some awhile, but the new ones look better again.

It's basically a Ford engine in a frame the Volvo S40 used also I guess, the newer Fords mentioned are good too.

The hatchback 3's are pretty roomy, but they go a bit more though.

The ride on them is a bit stiffer, but they handle well, I guess that would be why.

 

[toronado97]

Camry is a lot bigger tho, quieter, better build quality. If you want a roomy car the Mazda 3 ain't it.

I don't want to burst your bubble, but the Mazda 3 sedan (not even the hatch) is roughly the same size, if not larger, in basically every cabin measurement except for rear leg room, which is acceptable but admittedly isn't as big as the Camry. Considering how easy the car is to maneuver and park, it's a win win. I'll give you quiet, the Mazda 3 definitely isn't silent, but I like knowing I'm still connected to a road. Build quality? Remains to be seen as the redesigned Mazda 3 is no longer a Ford/Mazda joint venture, but 100% Mazda. Reliability leans toward Toyota, but Mazda is certainly no Chrysler. Mazda 3 also has the highest crash test ratings in its class if that matters to you.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-comparis...2=200703388|sedan&show=0&comparatorId=2309081