I’ve killed many of the cars I’m seeing on this list. I’m not proud of this fact, but something about me and 4 cylinder engines just don’t mix.
Saturns are great right up until the warranty runs out. 3 days after I broke 60K, all my car’s computers went dead. I replaced them 6 times. Saturn was good about honoring the warranty anyway, since it was merely days, but I was still with out a car for a while.
We just took my wife’s Focus out back and shot it. Shoulda been done years ago.
Hondas, Hyundais and Mazdas all make great cars. I love the Mazda 3 5 door. The Matrix and the Vibe are also good. Stay far far away from the Neon, I’ve never heard good things, and I ran an auto repair shop for 5 years. And the PT Cruiser, while practical, just isn’t cool. And its really underpowered unless you go with the GT version which ups the price tag significantly.
If I could find a way, I’d get a Mini. You might be able to find one coming off lease very soon that would be in your price range. They’re tons of fun. And I’m six feet plus tall. Of course for me, I have a car seat to think about, so it’s a no go.
Anybody know about this small carline? They are advertising several models that sell for less than $15,000. I am mystified by this car line-somebody said that they are made by the old DAEWOO factory in S. Korea-is this correct?
As far as Hyundai: I’ve heard that they are pretty good now…but KIA, be afraid, be VERY afraid! They have very poor reliability and almost NO resale value.
Much quicker than any new Civic or Corolla you can get for the same price, and nothing at all has broken in 50,000 miles! I had to get the battery replaced a couple months ago, and that is quite literally it as far as non-scheduled maintenance.
Have you found the back-seat cupholders yet? they’re really well hidden.
Oh, and if yours came with the Michelin Energy tyres as standard-fit you’ll want to switch to something different as soon as they wear. They start making horrible squealing noises whenever you go around a corner fast after about 20k miles.
I ain’t gonna pick on an opinion one offers on a car, but if it such a recent acquisition, how do you know it is of praise worthy reliability? As much praise as the WRX is getting, it seems the Impreza platform is sure to be a winner.
All my Fords and GM’s have gone over 100K with nothing other than a $35 water pump that failed and I beat the hell out of my cars. If B&I is down and the boys have a track day, the Bonneville will be racing that day. It is over 180K miles and the power steering is now leaking - I’ll take that type of service costs without complaint. The Grand Marquis went 200+ with only a $50 alternator that took about ten minutes to replace (did not even get my hand dirty) and a power steering line and that turned out to be OK, it was just the O-ring that failed.
Thats a very broad definition you have there. I would research ‘midsize sedans’ since that seems to be what you are interested in. Infiniti G35, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, the list is endless.