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I've been looking for a small used car for my daughter. There are many ex-rental cars just out of warranty for sale. Many Kias and Ford focus. reviews for these models are not good. Engine issues for both makes. While priced right the very smallest and cheapest cars have a rough ride from my experience. I've considered Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics. I'm not sure about Mazdas. Maybe readers here have some recommendations. for an economy car for around 10-12 thousand dollars, with around 120000 miles or less. 2014 or newer. Thats what my bank will approve. I imagine this would help many people.
I've been looking for a small used car for my daughter. There are many ex-rental cars just out of warranty for sale. Many Kias and Ford focus. reviews for these models are not good. Engine issues for both makes. While priced right the very smallest and cheapest cars have a rough ride from my experience. I've considered Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics. I'm not sure about Mazdas. Maybe readers here have some recommendations. for an economy car for around 10-12 thousand dollars, with around 120000 miles or less. 2014 or newer. Thats what my bank will approve. I imagine this would help many people.
When they started driving my kids got small SUVs and it saved my son's life when he was hit (since he was higher off the ground when a lady drove into his door).
Much more reliable that anything, you can buy after 2014. MUCH less expensive. We brought a niece and nephew on that help Ukraine program, got them RX300 and LeSabre. Grans total for both $7K. Nephew is spoiled with "european" taste for their cars but even he had to admit that that Buick is a good car.
Of course, if you want to spend all that money for a first car for a new driver - sure. Non of my.....
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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There is a reason why the Kia and Focus are cheaper, you get what you pay for. When my oldest needed a car we went with the Mazda 3, and years later after getting married and two kids it was still running with 200,000 miles. Both the Corolla and Civic are reliable, at a higher price, but I agree with a small SUV such as the Rav4 or CRV, both will cost more but well worth it.
When they started driving my kids got small SUVs and it saved my son's life when he was hit (since he was higher off the ground when a lady drove into his door).
I'd bet any amount of money he would have been fine in a safe sedan. They do exist. and they are pretty safe in side collisions. It's truly only front end collisions where SUVs are safer.
There's far too many SUVs that have mediocre crash test results. Not a lot of sedans do.
Whatever you get, just make sure it's good great NHTSA ratings.
I'd bet any amount of money he would have been fine in a safe sedan. They do exist. and they are pretty safe in side collisions. It's truly only front end collisions where SUVs are safer.
There's far too many SUVs that have mediocre crash test results. Not a lot of sedans do.
I'd bet he would have been safer in a sedan than lifted hatchback.
Buy them a Civic or Corolla. Don't worry about anything.
Corollas have barely changed since 2000. The E170 got new engines in 2013. The E210 in 19/20 finally is a new car.
I've been looking for a small used car for my daughter. There are many ex-rental cars just out of warranty for sale. Many Kias and Ford focus. reviews for these models are not good. Engine issues for both makes. While priced right the very smallest and cheapest cars have a rough ride from my experience. I've considered Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics. I'm not sure about Mazdas. Maybe readers here have some recommendations. for an economy car for around 10-12 thousand dollars, with around 120000 miles or less. 2014 or newer. Thats what my bank will approve. I imagine this would help many people.
I agree with your assessment that a subcompact sacrifices too much in comfort and safety. I think your instinct to go with a Toyota or a Honda is a good one. When you see a brand/model where the book value falls off quickly after a handful of years... on the one hand, you can save some money at purchase time, but on the other hand, the higher depreciation tells you that there is relatively low demand for them as a used car.
Just stick with the Honda or Toyota. Personally, i'd get something a bit larger than a civic or corolla like an accord.
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