In the market for a new car. Looking for a used vehicle. I’m in southeast Michigan. Something with 130k miles or less. Looking to spend about $8-10k. Sedans or small suv. Any tips on vehicle types that would still be reliable at this stage in their ownership? Assuming Toyota Corolla or Camrys? More specifically looking for advice on engine types I should stay away from that have common / expensive problems. Or vehicles that have common transmission issues. Thanks
Advice for Reliable used car
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You might find a 10 year old corolla at that price. Everyone and their brother is out looking for a used Camry. Forget a Rav4 for under 10K.
Might want to look at more un-loved specimens - like a older Avalon or something from Mazda, or even a Honda with the KA24.
Might want to look at more un-loved specimens - like a older Avalon or something from Mazda, or even a Honda with the KA24.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
Honda accords with the I4 K24 are what i drive and recommend. easy on fuel, plenty of power and quite advance for their age.
and they last a long time...
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
Watch for rust! Corolla's and Accords aren't very good with a broken subframe.
2012+ Focus with the manual trans is pretty decent, maybe a few more odd little issues compared to a Corolla, not a big deal if you fix those issues yourself, if you don't fix anything yourself it probably best to go Toyota. A Yaris is pretty big inside too, and not a bad car.
2012+ Focus with the manual trans is pretty decent, maybe a few more odd little issues compared to a Corolla, not a big deal if you fix those issues yourself, if you don't fix anything yourself it probably best to go Toyota. A Yaris is pretty big inside too, and not a bad car.
See if you can find a 1st gen Acura TSX. Great cars!
Avoid early K24's. Maybe it was just the CRV's but my 2003 K24 is busy eating its exhaust camshaft, and it's well under 200k on the clock. I think Accords might have suffered the same fate.
Rust rust rust...
I don't mind the size of my Corolla but it's wearing on me, too much NVH on the highway and too little utility (seats might fold flat but it's still a small car). YMMV but after a year of it I'm not so sure I'd buy again.
Rust rust rust...
I don't mind the size of my Corolla but it's wearing on me, too much NVH on the highway and too little utility (seats might fold flat but it's still a small car). YMMV but after a year of it I'm not so sure I'd buy again.
I do a very healthy business with folks who live in the rust belt. This past week I sent a 2006 Avalon that had only 70,000 mi and Toyota maintained out to Michigan for $10,000 as well as a 2005 Mitsubishi Galant that had only 41,000 mi and leather seats along with a 2.4 l engine for 7K.
If you know what you want let me know. Honestly, those two vehicles are prime types that I would send to someone in your neck of the woods. Northern Alabama, Tennessee, and most of Georgia is a rust free heaven when it comes to older cars and the roads here are pretty smooth compared to the craters up north.
Feel free to look up 48 Hours And A Used Car
If you know what you want let me know. Honestly, those two vehicles are prime types that I would send to someone in your neck of the woods. Northern Alabama, Tennessee, and most of Georgia is a rust free heaven when it comes to older cars and the roads here are pretty smooth compared to the craters up north.
Feel free to look up 48 Hours And A Used Car
5-6 years ago thi would have been much easier. At that price range, you're looking at a 10 year old car and like you mentioned, everyone wants that Camry or Corolla. There are other reliable cars from the 2010's esp. midsize cars.
First thing is learn what kind of car you can get in your area for the money you want to spend. I'm assuming you did that since you mention mileage.
Second, research the forums for those vehicles to see what issues are popping up with high mileage and age. Also look at the new car reviews for the year you're interested so you can learn more about features and changes/improvements for each model year.
Third, Whatever car you buy, get it inspected by your mechanic. They know the trouble cars and they are cheaper and much easier to deal with than a dealer or franchise shop. Also rust is real in your area. You need to have the undercarriage checked. Also lots of cars have been sitting on dealer's lots for a while which can lead to issues with the tires, battery, wires (mice and other critters), etc.
Fourth, Don't overpay! The used car market has soften. Make sure you know what the fair market value is for that car.
Good luck.
First thing is learn what kind of car you can get in your area for the money you want to spend. I'm assuming you did that since you mention mileage.
Second, research the forums for those vehicles to see what issues are popping up with high mileage and age. Also look at the new car reviews for the year you're interested so you can learn more about features and changes/improvements for each model year.
Third, Whatever car you buy, get it inspected by your mechanic. They know the trouble cars and they are cheaper and much easier to deal with than a dealer or franchise shop. Also rust is real in your area. You need to have the undercarriage checked. Also lots of cars have been sitting on dealer's lots for a while which can lead to issues with the tires, battery, wires (mice and other critters), etc.
Fourth, Don't overpay! The used car market has soften. Make sure you know what the fair market value is for that car.
Good luck.
Toy Oh Ta!
Condition, condition, condition. That the most important aspect of a used car. Sure, models with known issues are to be avoided, but you can’t just blindly buy on brand name alone.
Fordy Fusion with a 2.5 four cylinder engine is a very good domestic option. Ford escape with that same engine will be similar.
If you can find a manual Focus, non ST, those are very good.
Fordy Fusion with a 2.5 four cylinder engine is a very good domestic option. Ford escape with that same engine will be similar.
If you can find a manual Focus, non ST, those are very good.
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It really is great here. Almost nothing other than uncoated steel rusts. No road salt in the winter. Life is good!
Get really close to the gulf coast and things get trickier.
I agree with this, but obviously everyone is different. When I was younger I didn't mind an econobox -- the smaller space, whispy feel at speed, wind noise, and always having the squirrels screaming to hold highway speed.
Now, if I wanted a car at all I'd want at least a midsize something. Less NVH, more power, greater stability due to longer wb etc.
Something for the OP to consider.
Depending on your drive, an underpowered, noisy compact just somehow fatigues you more.
YMMV
-2013 or newer ford fusion with the 2.5L NA. The transmissions wont fail in these nearly as often as the ecoboom variants.
-Mazda is where the sleeper market is, get a naturally aspirated version.
-Skip the newer honda with earth dreams power plant.
-Of course there is always a cheap crown vic, grand marquis if you want the ultimate in reliability.
-Mazda is where the sleeper market is, get a naturally aspirated version.
-Skip the newer honda with earth dreams power plant.
-Of course there is always a cheap crown vic, grand marquis if you want the ultimate in reliability.
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