Chevy Spark - Kid Car?

"Go Hawkeyes" (joehawkeye)
03/07/2019 at 19:10 • Filed to: Chevy spark, Kids, Cheap car

Help me Oppo. I have 2 kids in need of cars. I’ve always been a new car kind of person for myself. But for the daughter I went cheap on used cars. Well 3rd one in 4 years and it needs replaced. My son is also turning 16 later this year.

I can snag a pair of base Sparks with CVT for less than $20k (maybe even less than that) right now. I’d it worth it? Will they make decent cars for kids? Other suggestions? I’d like to stay no more than $20k for a pair.

DISCUSSION (21)

mazda616 > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:12

They have decent crash test scores and safety features, which is a plus. But, they’re really, really tiny. I guess it depends on what the kids would be using them for and what type of driving they do. A close out deal on a Sonic might be good, too.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:14

How bad were the used cars they had that you’re on your 3rd one in 4 years and THAT needs to be replaced?

I bought my 2009 Accent used in 2013 with 54,000kms on it for $6900 CAD all-in and it has 154,000kms on it now and is still going strong? Basic and no frills, but very reliable overall.

I’d see if you get a new enough and decent enough quality used car you should still be OK and not have too high a repair bill?

Go Hawkeyes > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
03/07/2019 at 19:20

Well the first one was a great Hyundai Elantra. Only problem was it was a manual and she couldn’t ever get the hang of it. So I sold it and bought her the Mini she wanted. I kick myself for not keeping the Elantra honestly because it was such a clean car. That lasted about a year before the CVT called it quits. Then she got my wife’s 2010 Fusion a couple years ago. But now the transmission is going out of it as well. I've got a few quotes and it's around $3000 for a half shaft, seals, and a few other tidbits.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:21

I mean, I guess? These are used? $10k can get you all sorts of stuff: Fiesta, Impreza, RAV4, CRV, etc.

I’d put my kid into a mid-00s Camry, if i was picking a car right now.

Go Hawkeyes > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
03/07/2019 at 19:23

No these are new 2019s

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:25

Lightly used Honda Fit. Ultimate kid car. Cheap, excellent fuel economy, cheap insurance, safe, TONS of space inside, reliable.

Jayvincent > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:25

If you are thinking new cars, I’d look at the kia Rio (about $16k for a 2109 model or $14k for a 2018 if you can find one ) but I wouldn’t...

I’d go with either a u sed honda civic or toyota corolla (2012-2015) for $ 5k -$ 7k because they are cheap and will last for at least another five years with basic maintenance. If you don’t trust the shady people on CL (I tried, but I just couldn’t find even one non-sketch non-insane non-scammer in a 50 mile radius ) , I usually shop CarGurus and Autotrader for my used cars. Buy cars with <120k on the clock and good maintenance records, do a good pre-inspection (or get a shop you trust to do one) and you won’t be disappointed .

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:26

Jesus that’s just a series of terrible cars. The issue isn’t used cars, it’s not knowing what to buy. CVT Mini? 2010 automatic Fusion? Yikes.

Go Hawkeyes > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/07/2019 at 19:30

Well the Fusion I bought brand new and it was a hand me down.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:37

I guess? I'd just take my pick of CPO Civics, Corollas, of Accents though. Much more proven and problem free.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/07/2019 at 19:40

Nothing wrong with the Elantra though? They never had any significant issues that I am aware of!

benn454 > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 19:57

Do you want your kids sitting in a Spark when a brodozer decides he can make that light?

Your boy, BJR > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 20:04

Sperk.

Your boy, BJR > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 20:04

Sperk.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
03/07/2019 at 20:09

As far as I know those are excellent cars.

Under_Score > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 20:17

I can’t believe I’m doing this, but almost 82,000 miles on mine and not a single mechanical issue. Two for the kiddos in the best trim for these.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/753008809/overview?aff=share_other

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/756013367/overview?aff=share_other

sony1492 > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 20:51

What about some lightly used 2016 Y aris’s, I would trust Toyota over Chevy and it may be safer

412GTI > Go Hawkeyes
03/07/2019 at 22:02

One of my good friends have one, a 15 I think. They’re not terrible, but I can’t say I’d recommend one.

Power is low, good for a young driver, but is annoying to drive around otherwise. Space is tight but packaging is decent with enough room for passengers. They’re better than a Mirage, but that’s not saying much.

If you had good luck with the Elantra, I’d probably go that route. Sure they won’t be brand new or have touchscreens, but thsts probably a good thing for a 16 year old.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Go Hawkeyes
03/08/2019 at 00:28

The Sparks are remarkably good cars for what they are and new ones can be had all day for under $10k. But keep in mind , new Cruzes which are equally good in their class can be had for around $13k - $15k easily, meaning that a 1-2 year old Cruze (that is bigger, more powerful and more fuel efficient) can be found under $10k.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/751236775/overview/

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Go Hawkeyes
03/08/2019 at 07:14

Honestly reading through the comments here.

Buy DECENT used cars and MAINTAIN the damn things ( or tell your daughter to quit beating her cars ) !

No offense but it sounds like one failure was buying a stick before you knew it would be able to be driven, that didn’t pan out. Another was buying a used Mini. The Fusion sounds like it just needs some repairs, why spend $10k on another car when you could just stick the $3k into the Fusion.

I will say, $3k for an axle and what I’m guessing are axle seals is a joke, find a new mechanic. An axle + seals + a few other tidbits =/= Transmission is dying.

greasemonkey235097 > Go Hawkeyes
03/08/2019 at 19:36

mazda 2, fit, yaris, stay away from turbos and cvts