In a year or so I will be needing to commute (most likely) about 45 minutes each way to work and will need a reliable, fuel efficient car. I know this is what everyone in America would like, but bear with me. I am looking at the under $15,000 range. I need fuel efficiency and was looking at TDI VWs but I keep hearing that they are maintenance money pits. I have the gift of making cars explode when I drive them off the lot (figuratively, of course) so I want something that can have parts replaced cheaply. I'm thinking a 4 cylinder 5 spd. Escort or Cavalier. I don't know what Honda and Toyota repairs go for. Appreciate any input from econ. car owners! Thanks!
2007-01-01 04:43:44 · 14 answers · asked by benvanzile 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Escort and Cavalier stay away from as they are just junk anymore.
The most economy car out there is the Smart Car, but that is over your $15,000 price range.
A basic Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Honda Civic are all good choices, Nissan Altima, Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda 626.
These cars do cost more per repair but break down less often then American made cars. Example: brake job on a Honda might be $200 where a Cavaliers brake job might be $55. But that Cavalier will be in for brakes 5 times as often as that Honda. So in turn its cheaper per visit, but more expensive in the long run.
Since you are good at blowing up cars, I would NOT get into a hybrid vehicle of any type. Cause these are temperamental and anything that goes wrong is an arm and a leg at times.
VW are good but not the best in gas mileage. Stay clear of cars like Kia, Hyundai, Daewoo as these are worse than a child's lego toy car.
2007-01-01 04:51:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I too have had difficult times with automibles. I work about 40 minutes from where I live, and bear in mind I do not work in the automobile industry or claim to be "car saavy". However, since I we bought the Camry (2004) I have had no problems with it. Also, the fuel efficiency works like a dream. If you are looking at something below under $15,000. I truly suggest a previously driven Camry or Corolla. The important thing about repairs is that you have reliable people in your area who are certified to work with those kinds of cars. I believe that repair prices can vary. Honestly in the two and half years I have driven it, I have not come across a problem yet! Good luck!
2007-01-01 04:51:50 · answer #2 · answered by rubix110 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you would be a lot better ofo with a honda or toyota..and while they cost a little more than an american made car, their resale value is much higher, they are much more reliable, and will go a LOT more miles than an american made car. You're lucky to get 100,000 miles out of an american car, and the Hondays/toyotas will go double that, easily.
Take a look at resale values too, at NADA or kelly blue book,, and anotehr good idea is buying a car 1 year old froma new car dealership, or a leftover 2006 at a great savings.
2007-01-01 04:50:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Toyota Camry LE or a Honda Accord. Both have excellent maintenance repair records, both have good fuel economy, and they are both rated very high in crash tests for safety.
2007-01-01 04:51:19 · answer #4 · answered by kjlh58 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take it from a mechanic, id go with a Toyota or a Honda. they both will run forever and both have relatively inexpensive parts. the only thing is that some Toyota use timing chains instead of timing belts. a timing chain is less likely to break and through off your timing
2007-01-01 05:11:47 · answer #5 · answered by tuner213 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At 52-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway, a Toyota Prius would be good value. Used 2003 models go for $9,900-14,700.
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2001-to-2003-toyota-prius.htm
2007-01-01 04:50:20 · answer #6 · answered by mu5himo 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I bought a Prius hybrid. I know! A lot of hype! And I felt that way too. But, with my wife covering 80 miles a day commuting to work and gas being ridiculous, 60 MPG is great! HOWEVER, for what I paid at the time, I could have bought her a brand new GTO or a decent Lexus!
2007-01-01 04:48:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd go with Toyota,timing chains not belts.
2007-01-01 04:46:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1999 Toyota Corolla's are very reliable, I have had one for Years and love it.
2007-01-01 04:45:53 · answer #9 · answered by JustPeachy !!! 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Check out selections from Hyundai and Kia. They both have well priced selections and great maintenance plans.
2007-01-01 04:46:44 · answer #10 · answered by BlueFish 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋