Happy 4th of July Oppo and car shopping question

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw) 07/04/2020 at 10:24 • Filed to: Necessary car shopping without E90M3

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So, a buddy of mine is looking to get a car for his daughter, who is graduating from college and needs basic transportation (she’s not into cars).

Budget is $5-6k freedom units. They’r e looking at Accords and Camrys with 100k plus on them. I suggested Hyundai/Kia as well as Civic/Corolla. Think they want newer than 2010 or so.

What else should they be looking at? He mentioned the 4 Runner and I said LOL NOPE in that price range.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 10:53

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If they’re in a place where it gets snow an non-turbo  Subaru Legacy is a good choice if it's in the price range.

Roadkilled > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 10:53

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I would recommend a small or mid-sized sedan.

There is the argument that an SUV is safer, but that is only part of the story. The passengers in an SUV will probably do better in a two-car accident. However, they aren’t as easy to control as a smaller vehicle and a newer driver is more likely to lose control and get into a single-vehicle accident. The visibility isn’t as good and there is more mass to stop and turn.

If this is for a college graduate, let’s assume that cost of ownership should be considered. I think you are right about Hyundais, Kias, Civics and Corollas. Something small and reliable will be cheaper to operate, insure and maintain. It’s better to spend the money on a smaller car that is in good shape than a bigger car that might have more issues.

My first car out of college was a 91 Saturn SL. It wasn’t even the SL1, it was the absolute base model SL with a sticker prices of $7995. The only options installed were air conditioning and a right-side mirror. (Yes, that was optional equipment at the time.) There were crank windows and I had to lean across to unlock the passenger door. It served me well for more than a decade without any major expenses. It had enough room to carry almost anything I needed. (I once brought home a dishwasher strapped to the open trunk.) 

someassemblyrequired > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 10:54

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Would probably get you into an NC Miata around here, definitely an automatic one.

Mazda 2/3 & Focus other options.

Chevy Trax & Buick Encore also options. I’ve seen new Trax’s in the low 10s.   Not a great vehicle but a warranty is a nice thing to have when starting out.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Roadkilled 07/04/2020 at 11:01

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I second this, no SUV. They’re not really safer and they’re more likely for a new driver to crash. You also don’t want to cement the mindset that anything that isn’t huge and tall is unsafe 

Tripper > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 11:18

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Honda Fit, rebadge it as a Jazz because Jazz

WilliamsSW > someassemblyrequired 07/04/2020 at 11:30

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Ooh, an NC would be nice. Around here, would have to check closely for rust.

I did mention Mazda. I assume they want an automatic, doesn’t that rule out the Focus (Powershit)?

WilliamsSW > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 07/04/2020 at 11:31

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Chicago suburbs, so yeah it snows.  

WilliamsSW > Tripper 07/04/2020 at 11:31

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A Fit would be perfect IMHO.  Don't know why I forgot about that. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 07/04/2020 at 11:36

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I second this. 08 / 09 would be the best in that price range, 10 would be at the top of it. 

gettingoldercarguy > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 11:36

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Miata

Tripper > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 12:00

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A fit is my dirty secret car.

jminer > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 12:02

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A fiesta or a versa are both non exciting options that will work for a teenager and are cheap.  Also don’t forget the Yaris, they’re actually pretty fun to drive for a tiny car.

Captain of the Enterprise > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 12:10

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I’d go Camry or Corolla I’ve had one of each and both have have been great. I had the 2005 Corolla until an accident at 165,000 when a work van ran a red and t-boned me at 50MPH. I walked away and mechanically it was still rock solid until the accident. I replaced it with the 2011 Camry 2.5 that I still have. I got it with 121,000 miles and it’s at 155,000 and it’s been great too. I prefer it over the Corolla for the added refinement and size and comfort especially as a 6’3” guy.  It’s a great car. I would recommend either. They could probably get a newer Corolla than a Camry but it comes down to personal preference. 

WilliamsSW > Roadkilled 07/04/2020 at 12:56

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I completely agree about sedans over SUVs. I think they’re leaning towards a sedan too.

I had a 1995 SC2 that I bought new. Fun little car, If  not all that refined.

WilliamsSW > Tripper 07/04/2020 at 12:58

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No reason for that to be a dirty secret.  They’ve got a fair amount of room, are fun to drive, reliable, economical, and fairly cheap.

WilliamsSW > Captain of the Enterprise 07/04/2020 at 13:03

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Both great choices, and I think a Toyota or Honda is where they will end up.

I’m not sure what her personal preference is, but I would think she could get a slightly newer Corolla than a Camry. 

WilliamsSW > jminer 07/04/2020 at 13:05

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Does the Fiesta have a reliable automatic transmission?

I couldn’t really recommend a Versa, having driven them.  

WilliamsSW > gettingoldercarguy 07/04/2020 at 13:06

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Always the answer 

Bootstrap > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 13:56

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I would also offer up for consideration a used Prius.    Resale values are low as they have a small market. Great on gas which is good for a student.

jminer > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 16:40

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I didn’t think it had  the same transmiss ion as the focus, but after a google I am wrong.

Versa’s are terrible to drive, but cheap and reliable.

someassemblyrequired > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 19:04

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Yeah with the Focus you need to be careful, but some did have conventional autos, and they are all cheap thanks to the fact the Powershift is hot garbage

WilliamsSW > Bootstrap 07/04/2020 at 19:41

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My only question on those is how do you make sure the  battery is in good shape?

WilliamsSW > someassemblyrequired 07/04/2020 at 20:00

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Hmmm, so a bargain opportunity on non Powershit cars?

someassemblyrequired > WilliamsSW 07/04/2020 at 21:08

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It’s worth a check, especially if you can get a relatively newish one in your target price range 

Bootstrap > WilliamsSW 07/05/2020 at 21:11

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No idea. I would factor in the cost of hybrid battery rebuild 1k or so into the bid.