Suggestions for used car model?

[Fraggable]

In a few months I'll be trading in for a used car and need some suggestions on what models to look into. I'm 25, married but no kids yet - likely in the next 2-3 years we will, but as far as this car is concerned it doesn't need to carry more than 2... Our other car is an 05 Camry.

I drive 400+ miles/week for work, 90% highway so highway mileage is a priority. My price range is 7-9K. Something that looks less than butt-ugly would be nice.

 

[brblx]

size and type of car? manual or auto?

people are going to recommend you everything from an accord to a miata to a focus to an effing silverado if you don't put up ANY criteria other than not butt ugly and 7-9k.

 

[Sluggo]

I recommend the effin' Silverado, best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

[adlep]

I recommend the effin' Silverado, best vehicle I have ever owned.

Driving a Silverado as a commuter car....
Where is your reading comprehension?

And what if the gas will go up to $5.00 per gallon? What then?

1. I would recommend you a i-4 Ford Fusion or Mazda 6 (essentially they are the same vehicles). You may be able to get an 07 for around 9, 10 ks...
Search autotrader or craigslist for car with less than 60k miles
You may be able to get 30MPG+ out of both models on the freeway and they also handle well and are safe and comfortable.

 

[brblx]

Driving a Silverado as a commuter car....
Where is your reading comprehension?

fine, i recommend a nissan versa.

 

[MiataNC]

What are you driving now, and why are you trading it in?

$7-9k will go a long way towards keeping a decent older car running as a commuter for years.

 

[Arkaign]

Fuel Economy sounds like a must. I averaged over 40mpg in my '08 Focus S 5-speed Coupe on a trip to Tennesee and back (from DFW TX), and that included luggage, GF, mountains, and lots of AC usage.

The Versa, Fusion, and Mazda6 above are also possibilities, depending on the size of a car you want. The Fusion/Mazda6 older gens aren't all that good at fuel economy though, they really knocked it out of the part with the new 2.5L.

 

[Fraggable]

The car I'll be trading (more likely selling privately) in is an 08 Pontiac Torrent, in an effort to reduce debt before buying a house. The Torrent shouldsell for around 16K next summer, and this new car will be that much less debt to pay down.

The Fusion/mazda6/Versa sound good, I was looking at the Mazda3 too but having a hard time finding the 3 for less than 9.5K around here. Someone else suggested a Cadillac CTS to me since it's more sporty and also a full size sedan with decent mileage. I like the way they look but don't know much about reliability or repair costs on them.

By 'not butt-ugly' I really meant... no Aztecs, Scion xBs, Taurus... I did expect suggestions to end up being sedans for the most part, not so much Silverados

 

[Stunt]

Cheap on gas, reliable commuter car on a budget...Civic...

I like the VW/Audi products but way out of your price range.

 

[TridenT]

Cheap on gas, reliable commuter car on a budget...Civic...

I like the VW/Audi products but way out of your price range.

:awe::awe:

 

[brblx]

The car I'll be trading (more likely selling privately) in is an 08 Pontiac Torrent, in an effort to reduce debt before buying a house. The Torrent shouldsell for around 16K next summer, and this new car will be that much less debt to pay down.

The Fusion/mazda6/Versa sound good, I was looking at the Mazda3 too but having a hard time finding the 3 for less than 9.5K around here. Someone else suggested a Cadillac CTS to me since it's more sporty and also a full size sedan with decent mileage. I like the way they look but don't know much about reliability or repair costs on them.

By 'not butt-ugly' I really meant... no Aztecs, Scion xBs, Taurus... I did expect suggestions to end up being sedans for the most part, not so much Silverados

pick what size car you want first.

you can get a lightly used versa with decent options for well under 10k. there are also the fit and yaris, but i feel like you pay more to get less. move on up the scale, and you've got the mazda 3, ford focus, and other similar cars. one more step and you're at the fusion, camry, et al.

the smaller the car you're willing to buy, the newer it will be. you also get a little better fuel economy as you step down through the different classes.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

2010 Versa Sedan - Buy it New for $11K. Includes A/C at that price.

If you must go cheaper.

Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra
Chevy Cobalt
Saturn Ion - only get a manual trans, all the automatics are CVT