Used Car Recommendation <$10K

[OnAFly]

I've found myself in a situation where I'm going to need to have a vehicle which is less expensive to own...so I'll have to sell my truck.

Any recommendations for a car that gets good mileage, costs less than $10K, I can put my roof rack on, and won't die on me constantly.

I've been looking at VW TDIs. The possibility of 50mpg sounds nice and I've found a few with ~100K miles and the price range I'm looking for.

[Getanet]

I feel it's my civic responsibility to warn you about VWs. I have a 2005 Passat, and don't get me wrong, I love how it drives. But your eyes will bulge out of your head when you get a quote to have any work done on them - and they seem to always need work. I won't own another one unless it's under warranty. Also, many mechanics don't like working on them - so if you have a regular mechanic I'd check with them first to see if they do.

Basically, you might get a good deal on a used VW with over 100K miles, but those savings could easily evaporate the first time the check engine light comes on. Also, if you're getting VW with that many miles, make sure to ask if the timing belt has been replaced. Generally speaking I've been told around 100K is when you need to start thinking about it, and you're probably looking around $1K to do it (obviously could be more or less).

I'm guessing you're putting on a lot of miles, but if you're not, have you considered leasing? I've seen a lot of commercial lately for leases on economy cars under $200/month with 0 down - VW's, Hondas, Chevy's, you name it.

[Gus]

I echo those words about VW's.

Had a TDI, loved to drive it. Hated to repair it.

I've got a Chrysler driveway now. Caravan and a Dakota. In the last 5 years I have spent less on repairs on these two combined than I did in 2 years of owning a VW. And Chrysler's aren't necessarily know for a stellar reliability record.

No idea what I'll be doing next, but it might be Toyota or Honda.

[OnAFly]

I've thought about leasing, but I don't like the idea of renting a car. It is less expensive, but you get nothing in value in return and there are usually end of lease fees to think about. I would prefer to build some equity if possible.

[Ufatz]

Hate to say it but RUN the other way from today's VW products:over priced, not as dependable and you suffer dearly when word is needed. Have owned more VW vehicles than I can remember but would not go near one now-and yes, I have driven etc. the latest....including a 2012.

Latest generation of Chrysler products same thing.

Toyota. Used. Will cost a little more upfront. And yes, they DO have problems and it WILL cost money to fix them. But you won't have to do that very OFTEN!!

Subaru.......easy choice. Bought one for a family member five years ago. It has had oil changes. That is all. And is only car in family and used every day winter/summer.

Personally I'm a Benz guy, so have no axe to grind in this debate. Just some observations.

[CJH]

Small - Honda Civic

Med - Toyota Camry

Large - Chevy Impala

Utility - Subaru Outback

All get decent MPG's for their class and are fairly reliable.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I agree with everything said so far!

[JONOV]

In answer to your question, the following are vehicles that I would routinely see come into the dealership I worked at with crazy high miles that still ran well. Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Honda Accord, Civic, CRV, Ford Crown Vicoria/Grand Marquis, Chevy Impala (2000-2005,) Ford Contours, Subaru Wagons. Everyone and their sister will have a story about any of the above that was a lemon/didn't work well, but I saw lots of them coming in with 200k plus miles still very operable.

Forgive me for getting on my High Horse about leasing...

Leasing is simply another way of financing a car. In a lease, you pay for the difference between the purchase price and the residual value of the vehicle, plus the money factor, which is analogous to an interest rate; its the way the bank makes money on the transaction.

At the end of the lease, you can purchase the vehicle for the residual value, which was determined at the start of the lease. If the residual value is lower than the current wholesale prices, you can use that equity; you can sell the car back to a dealership, sell the car privately, or apply the equity as part of a trade in. The residual value of the car is the forecasted value of the vehicle with xxxxx miles at x years of age. If the residual is higher than the wholesale price of the car, turn it in and let the bank take the hit. If you decide to just walk away at the end of the lease, it is turned into the dealership. The used car manager looks at it and decides if he wants to buy it for the residual value (at least at Honda and Toyota) or turn back to the Bank. If the bank takes it back, then there is a chance that you will get dinged for defects, bald tires, etc...Toyota also had a $100 restocking fee.

If you tend to keep your vehicles for a short period of time, 3-4 years, Leasing is almost always cheaper.

If you keep your vehicles for 5-6 years, It is usually a wash.

If you keep your vehicles vehicles longer, it is usually cheaper to buy.

While I get the idea of "owning" makes you feel good, you don't own a car that you finance til the last payment has been sent in anyway. You build equity, but you are building equity in a depreciating asset.

[OnAFly]

Your rational makes sense if I were looking at new cars. I'm not.

Also, I do not believe for a second that any number advertized for lease payments is the number I would actually pay. I'm guessing it would be $100 more in "fees". Add in $$ up front (which I also guarantee will be required in some form or another) and on the back end and it no longer looks so attractive.

How difficult is it to do a head gasket on a Subaru? Impossible for a garage tinkerer?

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Speaking of economical vehicles, anyone have an opinion on Hyundai? My brother went to get his wife another Civic and he checked out the Hyundai Sonata. He ended up with the Hyundai at a better price than the Honda. They've had it for three years and the only costs have been regularly scheduled maintenance.

[Jeremy airjer W]

How difficult is it to do a head gasket on a Subaru? Impossible for a garage tinkerer?

single overhead cam not so bad. The average do it yourselfer could do it in a couploe of weekends and with the engine in the car.

Dual overhead cam will be quite a bit more dificult. It would be easier for a DIY to pull the engine. There are a couple of cam bearing bolts that are very difficult to torque unless you have an impressive collection of tools.

[SkunkedAgain]

Wow - I nearly got lynched on this forum about 1-2 years ago for pointing out the VW repair costs and the electrical issues. Good to see some sane posts!

Honda Civics and Accords are always a good choice as those things really do run well and aren't expensive to maintain. You pay a little premium for their reliability but anything like the premium that Toyotas seem to command. The Hyundais have certainly stepped up to the plate from what I hear, although I've never owned one or anyone who has owned one.

[SkunkedAgain]

Also, I do not believe for a second that any number advertized for lease payments is the number I would actually pay. I'm guessing it would be $100 more in "fees". Add in $$ up front (which I also guarantee will be required in some form or another) and on the back end and it no longer looks so attractive.

Leases only make sense in a few situations: 1) If you like to drive new cars, 2) If you don't like dealing with maintenance issues, or 3) If you can afford the lease but not any unexpected repair expenses (very tight budget and no savings).

You lose out on leases in the end since you don't own anything for all your payments. You are renting versus buying.

[OnAFly]

I totally agree. For some it's ok but a lease for me is like buying a new car at a super long term loan and winding up owing something when you try to get rid of it. Just goes against my personal financial philosophy.

Might have to look at Hyundai. Subaru impreza wagon looks ok. I would have to see how much cargo space there is. Outbacks looked good but i was reading they get something like 22 for mileage. Anyone have experience with either of these?

[Esox_Magnum]

We have an outback and yes 22mpg in town driving, seeing 28-32 on the hiway but only have 1100 miles on it so should get better as it gets broken in...

[PurpleFloyd]

Kia

[crothmeier]

Most of the vendor reps that call on our business run Chev impalas. Most are 06-07 and are 200k plus miles. Mine is an '07 with 168k, I've had some issues, but they've all been random, and not so common.

Rides nice, gets 30-32mpg highway and there's so many of them out there you can find cheap parts.

that's my vote.

[Walleyehooker]

I have leased a few vehicles in the past that were VERY good deals But you have to know how leaseing works or you could get screwed. Not all vehicles lease out well and what does may not be the vehicle you want. I could go more into it but this guy is looking for used and it makes no sense to lease a used vehicle although you can.

I agree with the used vehicles listed above but because they are all known to be dependable they also sell for more.

My best advice to buying a used vehicle is if your not mechanically inclined have or pay someone to inspect it before you buy it and that includes putting it up on a rack to look underneath.

[wally diver]

If you go towards like a Toyota or Mazda make sure the timing belt and water pump have been replaced. I personally have a 96 Mazda with 285000 on it and it runs great but I make sure to change those two every 100000.

[fish_eat_sleep]

Altimas Aren't bad. My friend has a 2002 with 206,000 currently. Sonatas and elantras arnt that bad. My dad had a 1997 cr-v with the tiny 2.0l and awd.. Lasted forever and got 25 mpg average.. Ice fishing was easy. Thinner ice, deep snow. Easy. Seen good accords and some with bad radio displays and bad trans. My brothers 2000 accord had 170k when he first noticed slamming into D. And it was toasted to the point it wouldn't even go over 10 mph by 190k

[eyehunter78]

Well sounds like a Subaru outback would fill your needs very well!! We have been looking at getting an outback for the wife. The outback seems to be a all around great vehicle with very little problems!

[Esox_Magnum]

Went to pick the daughter up last night, cruise set at 63 on county hiways meter was reading high 20's low 30's for milage, still averaging just over 22 in town...Sofar loving the new Outback...

[hamms-scooter]

Those Outbacks are sweet! I would love a used one but my commute to work is to far not to get in 30s all the time. If I worked closer to home I would have one for sure.

[DrJuice1980]

Any GM with a 3800 V6, lowest miles you can find. Should give you a pretty nice find. That 3800 is bullet proof, reliable, 30+ hwy MPG, if anything does go wrong it's a cheap fix. Seen many go over 200,000. Can't come up with a better choice.

[Dragonsm]

Another option is a pontiac vibe.

With the brand discontinued, they seem to be a dime a dozen compared to the sister car Toyota Matrix. Virtually the same....(toyota motor, drive system....)

My wife has an 05 with the 1.8 and AWD and it's been a great little car. Doesn't demand the high price of the toyota nameplate.

The one "flaw" I have read about with the car though....the odometer stops at 299,999 miles.