I'm in need of a new car.

"jvirgs drives a Subaru" (jvirgs)
12/27/2014 at 14:51 • Filed to: Carmax, Car Shopping, Volkswagen

I'm looking for a new (used) car to replace my dying 2004 Nissan Sentra SE-R. Yesterday, it got worse when it decided to throw code P0420, which is the catalyst efficiency is below threshold in bank 1. Basically it the cat is failing and has already caused damage to the internals of the engine.

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Budget is $17000, 2010 or newer with under 40K miles. I would prefer a manual but I realize I'll have better luck getting struck by lightning than finding one that fits my needs. I travel a lot for work so a mid-sized car with better gas mileage would be better than my tiny, gas guzzling Sentra.

I found this on Carmax

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/…

its a 2012 VW Passat SE with the I-5 and 5spd manual. What are Oppo's opinions on this? I know its not going to be thrilling to drive, but should I be wary of any persistant issues with this car?

Thanks!

DISCUSSION (13)

Thunderface > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 14:55

used FiST

GhostZ > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 15:01

Why 2010 or newer? If you would take 2007+ you'd open your options up considerably . And the warranties (especially with Carmax) might be the same.

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Thunderface
12/27/2014 at 15:03

too small and all the ones near me are over my budget

dogisbadob > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 15:04

The bad engine causes damage to the cat, not the other way around.

I believe the Camry was still available with a manual in 2010, so that would be a good choice. The Matrix should work, too, and you might be able to get a Vibe at a great price (2010 was the last year of the Vibe, just within your cutoff). One thing to keep in mind: the size bloat. That is, the newer "compact" cars are actually midsize, and the former midsize cars are HUGE!

The Hyundai Elantra Touring is awesome and deserves serious consideration.

Were you happy with the Sentra's reliability though? Would you consider another Nissan?

Any Fit, Corolla, Focus (2012+ only), Civic, Matrix/Vibe, Versa, or Sentra should suit your needs. But if you still want something bigger, the Camry and Accord will serve you well. It may be possible to get a manual Fusion at a good price.

Funktheduck > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 15:06

Pick up a used skyactive mazda. My friend got hers for $15k ish from CarMax. 2013. Great gas mileage. Fun to drive. Easier to find a manual. Don't get one if you live somewhere that salts the roads a lot. It seems people complain about them rusting up north. Here in georgia that's not an issue.

Tina Corbett > dogisbadob
12/27/2014 at 15:07

Camry CC? I know a dealer near me has 8 of them in white that they can't budge in manual. Also, roll up windows.

My citroen won't start > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 15:07

Hyundai Genesis (auto)

Nissan Maxima S (auto)

Subaru Legacy (manual)

335i (manual)

C300 (manual)

Cadillac CTS (manual)

Audi A4 (manual)

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 15:10

used MK6 Golf TDI 6 speed!

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 15:45

We have a '13 Jetta 2.5 SE 5-speed and it's a wonderful car. I'd imagine the Passat is also nice, just bigger.

KatzManDu > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 15:45

For that price? I'd go this route. Yes, it's 2 years older than you want, but you can probably get an aftermarket warranty.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Also:

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Or, much older than what you want, BUT bulletproof reliability for the power train:

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

CRider > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 16:10

Carmax probably doesn't have the best deals on normal cars. Look elsewhere, and open up your year and mileage limits. You'll get a better car that way.

Thunderface > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/27/2014 at 16:34

shame

SaabStutz > jvirgs drives a Subaru
12/28/2014 at 01:04

How about this?

L ink

Bulletproof Honda reliability and manual trans. I think you can find a ton of Accords like this in your price range, especially if you search closer to you instead of taking the Carmax pricing hit.