Economy Car Recommendations

[bigbikerrick]

Hello Folks, My son is starting a Nurse Practitioner program next month that will require him to commute 260 miles round trip 3-4 times a month, over the next 3 years. mostly 2 lane backroads, and some interstate. His F 150 truck is not very fuel efficient, so me being retired and having all the "time in the world" he has tasked me the job of helping him find a nice used car for him. His car budget is about $9K , he wants to buy used from a private party, to save $. I am not at all familiar with all the different Korean cars out there, and dont even know if any of those would be a good choice. He wants an automatic transmission, and a car that is comforatable, and safe on the road, 4 door preferred, but 2 is okay. It should get at least 30 mpg, or better. What does the group recommend? Any cars to specifically avoid? All comments, and advice appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Rick.

[Kev m]

First Odd, congrats to him and best of luck on the program.

Personally I have observed that KIA and Hyundai have come a very long way and think they could be good bets for price be value.

I get the impression most JAPanInc. brands are solid, but I'm not convinced that Nissan is as good as the others (sometimes cut corners on materials and such on their less expensive models) though our Juke is a blast (albeit not as economical as he would want). I just don't always think Toyota and Honda are worth the premium.

Of domestic brands I think I'd pick Ford for this application as they have some decent small cars. I'm a odd/niche vehicle loyalist so I'd probably buy something Jeep and not worry about the lack of economy.

If he was spending more I would wonder if there would soon be deals on VW's, as a late-model Rabbit would do the trick.

[bigbikerrick]

Thanks Kevin, with the deal going on with VWs , a rabbit may be a good value. This only affects the TDI diesels, Right?
Rick,

[Semper-guzzi]

I have a VW diesel and love it. Regularly get 50mpg. Best I've gotten was 69mpg. More in his price range, I'd recommend the first gen honda fit... if he can get a second gen even better. It's a four door hatch and the seats both fold up and down.  I've put 2 mountain bikes and a 6 foot step ladder in that car at the same time. With the rear seats folded, he wouldn't miss his F150. That honda has a crap load of space. Also got about 33-36mpg with that one.

[Lannis]

Hello Folks, My son is starting a Nurse Practitioner program next month that will require him to commute 260 miles round trip 3-4 times a month, over the next 3 years. mostly 2 lane backroads, and some interstate. His F 150 truck is not very fuel efficient, so me being retired and having all the "time in the world" he has tasked me the job of helping him find a nice used car for him. His car budget is about $9K , he wants to buy used from a private party, to save $. I am not at all familiar with all the different Korean cars out there, and dont even know if any of those would be a good choice. He wants an automatic transmission, and a car that is comforatable, and safe on the road, 4 door preferred, but 2 is okay. It should get at least 30 mpg, or better. What does the group recommend? Any cars to specifically avoid? All comments, and advice appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Rick.

I've rented a LOT of small Japanese cars for business trips, and the only one that felt low-quality and didn't do well for me was a Nissan Versa.

But based on the cars I've owned and rented over the years, I don't think you can go wrong with almost any small Japanese car.   And $9K from a private party should get you a good one.    Just to be practical, AVOID ones that were driven (and/or modified) by young men like you and I used to be .... Cars that Daddy maintained for their young daughters who are now married and need a mini-van have been good ones for me .....

Lannis

[jas67]

Thanks Kevin, with the deal going on with VWs , a rabbit may be a good value. This only affects the TDI diesels, Right?
Rick,

Yes, it only affects diesels.

A late model ( < 10 yrs old) Focus should be a good reliable commuter that you can get for a reasonable price.

ANY small 4 cyl. car will get way better fuel economy than the F150.

[Triple Jim]

Another of my "observation, not recommendation" posts:  My daughter bought an 18 year old Ford Escort for under $1,000 to get her to/from/around college.  That thing appears to be bullet proof, gets great mileage, has reliable air conditioning, auto trans, etc..  I wouldn't hesitate to get an Escort or Focus for inexpensive, reliable transportation.

[Mark West]

Toyota Corolla is about as reliable as it gets. my 2010 commuter appliance is past 140k miles and has had one scheduled service besides oil and filters, tires and brake pads) and zero repairs. It's reasonably comfortable (more so than comparable Hondas or Hyundais IMO) and boring as hell. I average 35MPG in combined City/Hwy mpg. I have the S model (means it looks sporty without actually being sporty).

Out here, used toyotas fetch a premium price due to their reputation. If that is the case where you are, there may be better alternatives.

[Testarossa]

I buy Subarus at about 100,000 miles, and run them to 250,000+.  Purchase price is $3500 to $4500 and the first timing belt has already been replaced (about 80,000 miles).  This leaves room in the budget for a clutch (about $900) and if necessary a brake job. Get a Legacy or Forester, not a WRX, and you can pretty much be assured that it never ran on testosterone.

[elvisboy77]

Ford Focus.  Great car, buy American !

[LowRyter]

Accord, Altima, Camry, Civic, Corolla, Versa, Mazda 3.   Maybe a Focus.  I'd stay clear of the Korean cars for used.

[ridingron]

I will never buy another Toyota. I had very bad experience with the last 2 ('01 & '04). I feel they are living on their past reputation to boost their price. My first 2, a '77 and an '80 couldn't be stopped. I got rid of them at over 150K miles because I wanted a new car.

[Kentktk]

Ford Focus.  Great car, buy American !

Soon to be built in Mexico......sure buy American.
http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2015/07/ford-motor-company-moving-car-production-to-mexico/

[Dilliw]

My 2012 Mazda3 is worth about $9k.  I've got 88k on it have replace the plugs, tires and filters above regular oil changes.  The computer says I get 35mph with a 42mph average speed using 87 octane ($1.64/gal here). 

Not bad...

[atavar]

Is his F150 pickup truck paid for?  will the car payment of the new car be more or less than his gas expenses?  You can buy a lot of gas for a $300 car payment..

[Offcamber1]

Avoid late model Ford Focus with the dual clutch auto transmission like the plague.  There is a reason that Ford extended the warranty on the transmission alone to 100K miles.

Pile of dung.

(Spent 2012 to 2014 as service manager in a Ford dealership.)

[elvisboy77]

Soon to be built in Mexico......sure buy American.
http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2015/07/ford-motor-company-moving-car-production-to-mexico/

Regardless of where any vehicle is built, one thing remains the same- where the profits ultimately go.  Which is one reason why I buy American cars....the other being the superior engineering and quality.  I can only speak for Ford but they have been making great stuff for years.  The foreign cars have nothing on them.  Largest recalls ever (save VW perhaps)- Honda Odyssey Transmission and Toyota "carpet" issue lol.

[klr]

Avoid late model Ford Focus with the dual clutch auto transmission like the plague.  There is a reason that Ford extended the warranty on the transmission alone to 100K miles.

Pile of dung.

(Spent 2012 to 2014 as service manager in a Ford dealership.)

 :1:

And the Fiesta with the dual clutch trans. We have several in my family and all have had problems.

[wavedog]

Have you considered a Toyota Yaris? If there are not too many mountains on the commute the Yaris is a great car. I get 35mpg running around town, 37.5 mpg at 70 to 75 mph and 42 mpg at 50 to 60 mph. Pick up a used one with 30 to 40 k miles and they are reasonably priced. Get one with an auto trans, power locks and 15 inch wheels (for the best gas mileage) and its a great commuter. Good bang for the buck. Don't get one with the manual trans or 14 inch wheels, unless you can swap them for 15's. The other one to consider is the Corolla. Cant go wrong with that one. All the best.

[Kev m]

My 2012 Mazda3 is worth about $9k.  I've got 88k on it have replace the plugs, tires and filters above regular oil changes.  The computer says I get 35mph with a 42mph average speed using 87 octane ($1.64/gal here). 

Not bad...

That's a GOOD CAR, and possibly my number one JAPanInc. Brand/Product!

[LowRyter]

My 2012 Mazda3 is worth about $9k.  I've got 88k on it have replace the plugs, tires and filters above regular oil changes.  The computer says I get 35mph with a 42mph average speed using 87 octane ($1.64/gal here). 

Not bad...

yeah.  my sons have had 3 Mazda hatches between them (2 Mazda 3 and a Protege 5).  Great cars.  Fun to dive and practical.  Built at the same plant with the old Focus.  Add these to the list.

Like any used car, look for one in good condition that's been cared for and maintained. 

[LowRyter]

Avoid late model Ford Focus with the dual clutch auto transmission like the plague.  There is a reason that Ford extended the warranty on the transmission alone to 100K miles.

Pile of dung.

(Spent 2012 to 2014 as service manager in a Ford dealership.)

any advice on a Focus ST?   My youngest is looking at '14 model.  Really clean car.  Turbo scares me along with the Ford badge.

[Kev m]

any advice on a Focus ST?   My youngest is looking at '14 model.  Really clean car.  Turbo scares me along with the Ford badge.

Save his/her pennies and go for the new Focus RS!!!!

[LowRyter]

Nooooooooooooo !  Not for him.

Maybe for me though.  Although, the turbo and Ford badge still scare me.

[jas67]

any advice on a Focus ST?   My youngest is looking at '14 model.  Really clean car.  Turbo scares me along with the Ford badge.

Focus ST for a teenager?   (I don't know how old your youngest is).    270 HP = high insurance (if he's < 25).

Otherwise, FUN, FUN car!

[LowRyter]

Focus ST for a teenager?   (I don't know how old your youngest is).    270 HP = high insurance (if he's < 25).

Otherwise, FUN, FUN car!

He's 26 and an engineer, has a job, and can pay cash or finance at 3%.  He's priced insurance too.  I'd still wish he'd get a Honda or another Mazda.  But that ST is a pretty nice ride and he found a beauty. I just hope the turbo isn't a grenade.   

[cwiseman]

Comfortable safe, above 30 mpg, get a big car! Buick Lesabre/Park Avenue with a 3.8L was one of the finest automobiles on the road. Interstate speeds average about 36 mpg.
Replace the intake gaskets with felpro metal gaskets and the engine is good to go. I've seen many well cared for cars with 250,000+ miles.
Being a GM service manager for about 15 years I've seen many small cars not hold a candle to them for the overall package with what your looking for. You could easily get a good example in or below that price.
PS I'm 40 and if I had to buy a car that would be #1 on my list

[Dilliw]

Comfortable safe, above 30 mpg, get a big car! Buick Lesabre/Park Avenue with a 3.8L was one of the finest automobiles on the road. Interstate speeds average about 36 mpg.
Replace the intake gaskets with felpro metal gaskets and the engine is good to go. I've seen many well cared for cars with 250,000+ miles.
Being a GM service manager for about 15 years I've seen many small cars not hold a candle to them for the overall package with what your looking for. You could easily get a good example in or below that price.
PS I'm 40 and if I had to buy a car that would be #1 on my list

I just sold my mom's 04 Le Sabre with 109k for $3k.  He wouldn't get tickets in it that's for sure!  And it does get 28mpg or so average.

[fotoguzzi]

I just got a nice 2004 Subaru Forester for my college kid in Duluth.. He needs reliable transport to his job at Spirit Mountain (really a big hill) I expect it will last till he graduates.. a lot of Subaru owners are fanatic about the brand.
I went to CL and searched the word "owner" to find an original owner with complete service records and all work done at the dealership.. I was second caller and lucky me the first guy was buying for his college daughter who rejected the red color! it's a nice dark red my son equates to UMD maroon !
when you find a good candidate be quick and ready to make a down payment on the spot after you check it out, the good deals go fast. but be patient for the right car.. the inside of sellers garage speaks volumes.

[Randown]

Yes, it only affects diesels.

A late model ( < 10 yrs old) Focus should be a good reliable commuter that you can get for a reasonable price.

ANY small 4 cyl. car will get way better fuel economy than the F150.

Don't get a PT Cruiser unless 20 mpg from a 2.4L is OK with you.