Need advice for new/used economy car. *Update

[JWV]

As the title says I am in the market for a new economy car. I have been driving a 98 Monte Carlo LS I got for 2800 bucks in 2005. Its been a great car but after painfully replacing the rusty ball joints/tie rods to only have the engine start ticking very badly upon a oil change, I just do not want to deal with it anymore. Also I am a med student starting my hospital rotations next year and can't have an unreliable car. My budget is up to 14-15k and I plan on putting a 5-7k down payment. Luckily I can get extra student loans specifically for this purpose. I know I know with the debt thing, but at 38k tuition per year plus living costs, a car is a small and ABSOLUTELY necessary item to have as a med student in years 3-4. Also, I will have a substantial portion of my students loans forgiven, but that's another discussion (Affordable Care Act).

So, I am really wanting a stick shift economy car that will still fit a rifle case or two and perhaps snowboards during the MI winter. Upper 30's in MPG would be very nice as well. The Monte only gets about 23-25. I test drove a Chevy Cruze Eco which is a 1.4L turbo and that was a pretty nice car, great mileage and alright pickup for a 1.4L 4 banger. I am not really a nut hugger for any brand of ecobox, however, maintenance costs would be nice to keep down. IE. VW's seem to cost a fortune to fix. I also like to do as much as my own repair work as possible, however, I'm hoping a much newer car will render maintenance at a minimum through my residency. Any suggestions, Experiences, Do's and Don'ts you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Justin

 

[rjacobs]

The newer Ford's all look pretty decent, not sure on their price.

Even though its not US made(well maybe it is, but the parent company, blah, blah, blah) would be a Honda Civic. Those things run and run and run. If you could find a used Honda Fit, should fit in your budget since I think they were like 15k new and they dont make them anymore.

Another would be a Hyundai Elantra, the newer ones are like 18k new so you should be able to find a 1-2 year old one for a decent deal.

Check out Enterprise Rent-a-car sales for some decent prices on 1-2 year old cars.

 

[Srcochran49]

Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia all offer a basic model which falls into your price range for a new car. Others may as well. If you can locate a 2013 model, you may be able to get a good deal right now as dealers look to move product to make room for new models.

Or as suggested above, you could shop for a rental car fleet sale, but would be unlikely to find a manual transmission car by going that route.

You can do basic research on various make and models at edmunds.com

 

[SPEAK338]

My vote
Mazda 3, great little cars

 

[MarinePMI]

A bone stock, used Mini Cooper hatch back that still has a warranty/oil changes might be an option. Maintenance is included for the first three years, so if you can find a used one less than three years old, the maintenance conveys.

Basically, it's a "0" Series BMW (even BMW engineers refer to them as the "zero" series).

Cheap on gas, and designed for the city (read small enough to get in and out of tight streets/parking) but still have some room for a few rifles cases (drop the back seats down). Roof racks are an option as well...

Oh yeah, they're a blast to drive (think street legal go-kart). What they lack in top speed they make up for in handling and their insane over steer.

 

[Killer Spade 13]

Nissan Sentra with the back seat pass through.

 

[mlh29]

you say ticking after an oil change? Wasitdone at a shop or you did it? What weight oil? I ask, as I am a mechanic in a past life, and no ttoo long ago I was short on time and had my oil changed on my 5.4 3v ford. they used 5w40 by accident. The engine has hydraulic lifters and ford said 5w20 only.. Upon start up I thought the truck was going to explode. I immediately thought the shop messed up.. Went back and asked WTF? They drained , new filter etc and was GTG again.
The newer engines are made to suck tolerances that simple things like a thicker oil will cause issues..
Otherwise if theengine is truely toast..
I would look at the ford focus, or cmax if getting new,,,
Used Iwouldbe looking at toyota prius, ford focus, fusion etc
Awd would be hands down Subaru ..

 

[Bill Larson]

Toyota........

 

[dddoo7]

Toyota Yaris. I have owned two (a 2008 auto, and a 2009 manual). one manual and one automatic. the last trip I took in the manual was over 3000 miles (grand canyon and back) with 4 grown men and hiking gear for a 4 day hike. I averaged just over 38mpg for the trip. by myself it will get over 40mpg. My wife drives the automatic and it will get 38mpg on the highway, but only about 35-36 in town. I also can put a full size storm 3300 case in the car if I lay the rear seat down. Toyota's are known for low maintenance, High fuel mileage, and high resale. They are not fast and don't look great, but they do point a to point b as cheaply as possible.

As far as maintenance, parts are cheap (3.9qts oil-- $4.00 filter). A k&n air filter works for the life of the vehicle. Wiper blades have been my most expensive maintenance item for either of the two cars.

 

[E. Bryant]

Not more than a few years ago, I would have suggested a Honda Civic to anyone looking for a decent compact car. Times have changed, though, and if it were me, I'd probably be making a decision between the Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus.

 

[BoilerUP]

Nature of my job has me driving a shit ton of compact rentals.

I really like the new Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus; the Fiesta is also a nice little hatchback as is the Honda Fit. Hyundai Accent is a decent option too. One of the best choices is the VW Golf.

Nissan Versa is a piece of crap, and I don't like Mazda ergonomics. The newer Kia small sedans are aight, better than the old POS Rio, but definitely not my fave.

Spending my own money....Cruze.

 

[Cartman]

E Bryant is probably giving top advice suggesting the Focus. In my economy car days I, personally, always lived with the higher repair cost (even though DIY) of German cars just to get that different feel driving. So today if I were out to be economical I would probably be looking at a Jetta TDI (diesel). Then again, I used to drive a Fiat so I'm not sure I'm qualified to give sensible advice. Though I was more interested in women back then than being economical or practical. But having driven a Fiat for years -- when I could not afford to pay a mechanic to fix it -- I can assure you that I learned a lot about auto repair, from carburetor rebuilding, to cylinder head removal, to having to do so many tune-ups I could gap the points without a feeler gauge and set the timing without a timing light. These days many jobs that used to be DIY require a dealer's computer, as far as I know, so getting a reliable car is probably much more important than when I was young if you're trying to save money.

 

[dorklord]

Honda Fit if you want a hatchback (amazing how much it will hold with the seats folded down).

 

[pipewhiner]

I'd vote for a VW TDI of some flavor, golf, jetta, Passat etc.

 

[Oakflat]

I have a VW Jetta TDI Diesel. While the cost of diesel is more expensive I get 42 MPG. It has plenty of room, a nice trunk, enough torque to tow my 74 Ford Bronco when needed...... It's the first car I've ever owned and the only reason I got it is because I drive about 250-300 miles a week. I love it.

 

[1911fan]

Toyota Yaris. I have owned two (a 2008 auto, and a 2009 manual). one manual and one automatic. the last trip I took in the manual was over 3000 miles (grand canyon and back) with 4 grown men and hiking gear for a 4 day hike. I averaged just over 38mpg for the trip. by myself it will get over 40mpg. My wife drives the automatic and it will get 38mpg on the highway, but only about 35-36 in town. I also can put a full size storm 3300 case in the car if I lay the rear seat down. Toyota's are known for low maintenance, High fuel mileage, and high resale. They are not fast and don't look great, but they do point a to point b as cheaply as possible.

As far as maintenance, parts are cheap (3.9qts oil-- $4.00 filter). A k&n air filter works for the life of the vehicle. Wiper blades have been my most expensive maintenance item for either of the two cars.

After 20+ years as a dealership service writer (currently Chrysler/Nissan), and ten years at a Toyota dealer, I was going to suggest the Yaris. Stone reliable, cheap maintenance, long life. The only thing I disagree with ddd0007 on is the K&N filter. I don't like 'em and won't run one in anything I own.


1911fan

 

[JWV]

you say ticking after an oil change? Wasitdone at a shop or you did it? What weight oil? I ask, as I am a mechanic in a past life, and no ttoo long ago I was short on time and had my oil changed on my 5.4 3v ford. they used 5w40 by accident. The engine has hydraulic lifters and ford said 5w20 only.. Upon start up I thought the truck was going to explode. I immediately thought the shop messed up.. Went back and asked WTF? They drained , new filter etc and was GTG again.
The newer engines are made to suck tolerances that simple things like a thicker oil will cause issues..
Otherwise if theengine is truely toast..
I would look at the ford focus, or cmax if getting new,,,
Used Iwouldbe looking at toyota prius, ford focus, fusion etc
Awd would be hands down Subaru ..

Yea, I took it for a test drive after replacing the ball joints and tie rod ends and pull change. On the high way it developed a tick quick sounds a lot like it is coming from the lifter which I have had happen before. I know several cam lobes are worn as well. Car does have hydraulic lifters.I'm thinking songs sludge was lifted up. Oil was valvoline high mileage synthetic. Replacement engines are fairly cheap 3100 v6 gm engine. I had the tranny swapped for 950 out the door a few years back. Crappy mileage and general deterioration are really leading me to retire the boat.

 

[sixpack340]

I get 54mpg out of my 2000 vw jetta tdi. Its a 5 speed. Just rolled 250, 000 miles and runs like a top. Its been very reliable. Try to find one around the early 2000's. They don't have all the bullshit epa restrictions.

 

[Guest]

I've had my 2011 Elantra for 2-1/2 years and it has been perfect. Just tripped 60,000 miles.
When I purchased it, at the time it had more power, more interior space, better safety ratings, and better MPG than any other car in its class. Not sure how it stacks up, because Honda and Ford have really stepped up their games since the new style Elantra came out.
With the rear seats folded down, the thing will haul almost as much as compact pickup. We put three new house doors in it with no trouble at all.

For my next car I want an AWD,so it will likely be a Subabru Imprezza, but if Hyundai made the Elantra in AWD, I wouldn't evcen consider anything else.

 

[Guest]

Also, if you have a good credit score, you may want to seriously consider buying a new car. With close to 0% financing for five years or more, and warranties to match, it makes perfect sense in the long run.

 

[triceratops3]

My first thought would be a honda civic or toyota corolla type car but people have also suggested newer models such as the yaris. In my experience toyota's and honda's last and need minimal work.

I would also suggest a VW TDI jetta, passat or Golf (depending on which style you like) if you're looking for great mpg and youll still be able to get more power than the very econo cars (and probably better mpg) and probably more room as well. I've got an 02 Jetta but it is only the 2.0L not TDI, but I wish I had the TDI.

The mini coopers can also be a decent choice. My buddy has a mini cooper S (2007, I think it was around $14k) and that thing is pretty damn fast and still gets 30+mpg. It doesn't have much of a back seat. But my buddy just keeps the seats folded down all the time and we take it shooting quite a bit. We fit two pelican 1750's, two packs, etc. It can feel like tetris or something sometimes but it's doable.

 

[Switchblade]

Buy a 92 civic for dirt cheap, gut it, change out everything heavy to light weight parts, rebuild the engine and trans, swapping out the diff gears to a 2.92 or a 3.25, and watch it get over 40mpg. This of course means no stereo or AC, but heat and defroster will still work I got the idea by reading the current Import Tuner project car articles:

Project Sipper:
1992 Honda Civic VX - Import Tuner Magazine

If I could find an old Datsun B210 2 Door Hatch like Panty 6 and I had in Hawaii, I would go the same route with it's nice long rear gearset and four speed. Gut the interior, lose a ton of weight, run lighter wheels, and set up a gas sipper for DD. Rebuilding the little SOHC is cheap and simple, giving it a bump in performance doesn't use more fuel due to the chassis weight loss, and they handle really well for a late 70's gas sipper

 

[JWV]

Thanks for the suggestions. As an added note, I am in MI so I have to deal with the Michigan winter which varies greatly day to day. So I have to take that into account as well. I like the Idea of a Mini cooper but between snow and deer I think I would be a dead man.

 

[E. Bryant]

I'd have no issue rocking a Mini in Michigan. Hell, my sister managed to get around in a Honda Civic del Sol when she was attending Michigan Tech, and that vehicle is roughly the same size and weight as a 2nd-gen Mini. Get a set of good snow tires, and I'm sure it'd work just fine.

 

[buks]

Subaru Forester, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Subaru Impreza. Station, hatchback, or sedan version.

Super reliable, works great in snow with continues AWD. Easy to do your own oil changes.
Score very well in consumer reports, very safe as well, with multiple air bags.

Buy used 2-3 years old. Pay cash.

 

[oughtsix]

I have a TDI Jetta. It's an 06 with the DSG auto. Truth be told, it's a fantastic little car. We traded a mustang in on it that had under 60K miles, and the interior was simply falling apart (holes worn in seats, door panels falling off...). The jetta is solidly made, and with 156K currently everything works and the interior is in fine shape. It returns enough fuel mileage that I don't even check it. Just fill up for 40 bucks and drive damn near 650-700 miles. Oh, and with a cheap tune it'll move. Truly, an exciting ride. However, I hate this car with a deep, burning passion. Shortly after we bought it (and I should have expected this) the DSG required a rebuild (really, just a new mechatronic unit...). A month in the shop with a $3900 bill at the end. Then three months later and like 20K miles later, we find out the tech used off brand fluid which caused the trans to fail again (under warranty. I'd be writing this from prison if they'd tried to charge me for another rebuild). Knowing all this, I can't recommend the TDI, or any other VW product ever again. Hell, my 20 year-old F-250 has been more reliable over a comparable amount of miles in the past year compared to that piece of German garbage, and it has 300K miles....

If I'm buying with my money new, it'll be Subaru outback. They have a reputation for good reason. My wife thinks they're ugly, so she won't drive one; me, I'm not buying it to look at so it's a winner for a functional vehicle, IMO.

 

[snorkygunner]

I used to drive a 5 speed 2012 Honda Civic LX coupe. I was able to get 44.9 MPG in the city. Plenty of trunk space, and a large rear passenger area if you're looking towards the future...

 

[maccrazy2]

hyundai. ASE master tech who works on all makes. Hyundai is the best bang for the buck, They are cheap to buy, repair and are very reliable. The quality has come up a ton in the last several years.

 

[BALLISTIC]

Honda Civic 5 speed, that's as cheap and economical as it gets.

 

[vwhugger]

Toyota Yaris. I have owned two (a 2008 auto, and a 2009 manual). one manual and one automatic. the last trip I took in the manual was over 3000 miles (grand canyon and back) with 4 grown men and hiking gear for a 4 day hike. I averaged just over 38mpg for the trip. by myself it will get over 40mpg. My wife drives the automatic and it will get 38mpg on the highway, but only about 35-36 in town. I also can put a full size storm 3300 case in the car if I lay the rear seat down. Toyota's are known for low maintenance, High fuel mileage, and high resale. They are not fast and don't look great, but they do point a to point b as cheaply as possible.

As far as maintenance, parts are cheap (3.9qts oil-- $4.00 filter). A k&n air filter works for the life of the vehicle. Wiper blades have been my most expensive maintenance item for either of the two cars.

Yup, I'm on my second one. First was a 2008 and it's now is pushing 270k and I haven't had any problems with it and it still gets 40+ MPG. I take that back about problems, I forgot, I had to replace a headlight bulb a year or so ago. And I just replaced the rotors(1st time) and pads on the front and had the drums turned and shoes replaced (1st time) on the rear. And I forgot again, the lock on the rear hatch was troublesome. I was constantly lubing it to prevent it from freezing up on me.

I bought a 2012 a year ago and that one gets a little better mileage. I've got 50k on it and no problems.

They are both manual trannys.

 

[turbo54]

Subaru Forester, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Subaru Impreza. Station, hatchback, or sedan version.

Super reliable, works great in snow with continues AWD. Easy to do your own oil changes.
Score very well in consumer reports, very safe as well, with multiple air bags.

Buy used 2-3 years old. Pay cash.

Spoken for truth.

Look on autotrader or craigslist at the mid 1990s through mid 2000 Subarus. Note how many you see with 200k+ miles. A LOT.

Then consider buying a nice clean one with ~100k miles on it.

The ONLY think you have to be concerned with on a Subaru is the 1996-2003ish 2.5L naturally aspirated models, which had head gasket problems.

The subaru is an elegantly and simply engineered vehicle that is easy to work on, parts are pretty darn cheap, stone reliable, and a joy to drive through Michigan winters (especially with a set of winter tires!!).

My personal subie is a 95 Legacy with 250k miles. Everything works. Cruise, AC, power locks/windows etc etc. I just did a complete cooling system overhaul (radiator, tstat, all hoses, coolant, water pump) and my complete timing belt service. I spent $350 total for quality parts, and did this on a single saturday.

Only downside to the subies is gas mileage. They don't compete with most of the other jap econoboxes.

 

[JWV]

I have a lot of test driving in my future.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

A friend gave me a '95 Honda Accord LS wagon with 118,000 on the odometer somewhere back around 2005. It's still running. It needed a transmission about 5 years back, but otherwise, it's just the usual wear items; and it's about to turn 300,000. When we got the used 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew in late 2011, it had 7,000 on it; were told it was fleet car, but beyond that, I know nothing. It came with a Dodge Certified Used Car designation. It's going in today for its 50,000 service. I gave the Honda to my Daughter back then, and she's going to pass it on to her Daughter when here license becomes valid. IMHO, Hondas are worth maintaining, even if there's a large item once in awhile.

The Dodge goes to the Dealer for everything. I spent the extra bucks and purchased every possible additional warrantee, and most of the service is free of charge.

The Honda (and the '93 Tracker that preceded it) ran/have run infallibly. I attribute that to a timely and steady diet of 20w-50 High Mileage oil, mostly Castrol GTX, but also Wal-Mart Super tech. The Dodge Service Manager uses Pennzoil 5W-? for the Grand Caravan, says that's the best oil available, and has told me that Wal-Mart sources their house brand oil with very stringent specs; they are very concerned about avoiding any liability issues.

Greg

 

[Cubbetm]

Need advice for new/used economy car.

Do not get any Kia or Hyundai product. Their power train has not changed in years despite what great mpg they get. You will be very disappointed in the long run.

Also since you are in Michigan I suggest not getting any Chrysler products. Jeep, dodge, Chrysler, fiat. All of those will rust away in no time.

Oops. Saw this was an old post. Sorry!

 

[truth]

Buy a new Kia Forte or Soul and never look back.

 

[JWV]

Just a little update. After test driving a bunch of vehicles I found a Used 2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ hatch with 11,800 miles. So it still has the bumper to bumper and powertrain warranties for a while yet. It has every option including heated pleather seats, sun roof, upgraded sound system. It is a 6 speed manual with a 1.4 eco turbo engine. It was a fast little bugger and gets 40+mpg. Seemed to have a descent amount of space as well. Carfaxs was crystal clear too. Best part is, it is 3K under the KBB, they had it listed as a base model by accident and I think my interest made them realize it was a loaded model. Either way, it is well under valued. I put 100 dollar deposit to keep them from selling while I ponder. If I purchase it, I would put a 7k down payment and this would leave very small monthly payments. What do you guys think?

 

[maccrazy2]

I havent seen them in the shop yet. I dont get to them untill the warr runs out

 

[E. Bryant]

The Sonic should be fine - especially the LTZ version. My preference would be towards the Cruze (more usable interior space without any fuel economy penalty), but if the Sonic fits your use profile, buy it and run it until the wheels fall off.

Oh, and go drive a Chevy Aveo (the previous version of the Sonic) at some point, just so you can realize how good the Sonic is.

 

[JWV]

The Sonic should be fine - especially the LTZ version. My preference would be towards the Cruze (more usable interior space without any fuel economy penalty), but if the Sonic fits your use profile, buy it and run it until the wheels fall off.

Oh, and go drive a Chevy Aveo (the previous version of the Sonic) at some point, just so you can realize how good the Sonic is.

I really liked the Cruze Eco but I haven't been able to find one in the area was used and in my price range. I never really have any passengers besides my girlfriend anyway and I think the Sonic looks a little sportier than the Cruze. I did actually drive an Aveo back in 2004 or so, it was the 3rd most horrible moment of my life. The Sonic seems to be light years beyond the Aveo.

 

[JWV]

Here it is the day I got it. It's covered in snow now.

 

[Dirty D]

Oh, and go drive a Chevy Aveo (the previous version of the Sonic) at some point, just so you can realize how good the Sonic is.

The last time that I looked at an Aveo I opened the door and looked at the VIN sticker in the sill, said made in Korea by Daewoo... I'm not down on Korea, I really like alot of Hyundais offerings but I have only seen crap from Daewoo.