What's a good, safe, cheap, reliable car for a recent college grad entering the world with limited funds?

Question

I'm looking to buy a car that gets good gas mileage and has low monthly payments, doesn't require a lot of maintenance. I def want a 4 door sedan, and am looking to spend somewhere in the 12k-16k range. I'm thinking of probably getting a new car, unless there are some good suggestions for used cars. HELP please!!

Answer 1

Look for a 2004 -- almost any model. Most are just coming off lease now, and so will have low miles at a reasonable cost. As a bonus, used cars generally have lower insurance costs than new cars. Use the money you save to get a shorter term loan and trade it in fully paid when your needs change.

Answer 2

It's not a sedan but it has 4 doors and it's a hatchback.

The new Honda Fit. If you are looking for a small reliable economy car, you can not do any better. It starts at $13,800 and it's about 16,520 for the fully loaded sport model.

The car made it onto Car and Drivers top 10 list, it has won Consumer Rerports best economy car award, and it is on the top 10 "greenest" cars list that came out recently. It can get 37mpg on the highway and, hey, it's a Honda; It will be reliable, economical and it will hold it's resale value very well.

I was looking to replace my Mustang GT with a more reliable, more economical commuter car for my 40 mile trip to work. After I did alot of research there was no other choice. I actually bought the car sight unseen never haveing driven one before and I could not be happier with the car. It surprises you every day with just how good it really is. It drives smoothly, it handles well, all of the controls are perfectly placed and just feel like they are high quality when you touch them. If you are at all inclinded to do some spiritied driving the car handles like a go-kart. It's light and agile and responsive. It's a but down on power at 109hp, but it only weighs 2500 lbs, so it moves OK.

Answer 3

I would recommend a 2003-04 Honda Accord. Costs Approximately $14K. Rated at 24 mpg / 33 mpg. Hondas are very reliable. A Toyota Camry would be another good option. Used cars typically are a better value than their new counterparts. If you are planning on shopping for a new car, don't read too much into advertisements or official websites of automakers. I would recommend researching on Edmunds.com or reading the auto edition of consumer reports. Both of these sources consistently rate Hondas and Toyotas as the best used cars.

Answer 4

listed here are some checklist of robust vehicles for college grad; 2007 Honda extra wholesome 2007 Suzuki SX4 2005 Chevrolet convey shipment 1500 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 2005 Ford excursion 2005 Ford Mustang GT convertible 2005 Ford concentration coupe 2006 Toyota Corolla 2005 avert Neon 2007 Honda Civic

Answer 5

A friend explained how to buy a new car, and to save money. watch this video
here :

http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/lms/drive_free/player.cfm

It pretty much explains itsself. How you can pay yourself. and make money, while keeping it away froma dealership or bank. I think its an excellent idea. Before I saw this video. I was going to go buy a new car, try for a loan, and then when the car didnt work, I would finance for a new car. i thought it was scary I had the same mentality these guys are trying to get rid of. Instead, make a payment to yourself each month in a mutual fund and save up for that better car. What I plan to do is buy a little clunker car. 1500 dollars or less, and get its life worth out of it. while saving for what I want down the line. Hope this helps it was real eye opener for me.

Answer 6

you might want to look at the 07 sentra,its the best sentra ever in my opinon.Starting at 14,7k for the s trim which fits right in your budget it gets good gas mileage at 29mpg to 34mpg to 36 with the optional cvt transmission and its very cheap to maintain in comparison to honda or toyota,to add to that the car looks a lot more expensive than its actual price,its roomy not usual for a low budgeted car,plus you can put in some optional items like blue tooth hands free phone keyless entry etc for just around 17k,definitely i recommend this its a bang for the buck!

Answer 7

Honda Civic or Accord
Hyundai Elantra
Toyotta Corolla

All of these are good cars, fairly low in pricing and good on gas.

Answer 8

Toyota Corrolla

Answer 9

This sounds like a job for a 2005 Honda Civic or Accord.

Take a look at: http://www.autotrader.com and have fun. It's out there for you somewhere!

Good Luck!

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Answer 10

Honda makes nice reliable cars. Nissan's are good too. Stay far away from the kia's though nothing but trouble.