Any new cars/SUVs under $30K worth getting?

[Aredeeem]

Yikes, I pray that my current fleet, 2013 Nissan Sentra 70k, and my sort of beater 2012 Nissan Versa 90k outlast me. I’m a 1951 model, mileage unknown. If I never set foot again into a car dealership I would be eternally grateful.

 

[hemitom]

He said available on dealer lot. Not a year wait. .

Good luck finding anything new on a dealers lot for under $30 000 .

 

[miden851]

Good luck finding anything new on a dealers lot for under $30 000 .

no question, nearly impossible mission!

 

[4WD]

After originally intending to end production in June 2019, GM decided to keep the Impala in production, with the extension of the assembly plants' idling to 2020.[98][99] The final Chevrolet Impala was built at the Detroit/Hamtramck assembly plant on February 27, 2020.[72]

Yep - can get a 22’ Malibu in that price range …

 

[Skippy722]

There might still be a leftover Dodge Journey on the lot

The Camry doesn't use turbos

Maybe a leftover 2022 ILX might be within your budget, too (the ILX uses the 2.4L, while the Integra that will replace it uses a turbo)

I wouldn’t wish a Journey on an enemy, that’s just mean!

 

[zzyzzx]

Honda Civic hatchback in Sport trim with 6-speed manual transmission.
The 2.0-L engine is port-injected and naturally aspirated.
Fun to drive, economical, reliable, and very space-efficient for the external footprint.
Only concern is availability on the lots.

Zero availability

 

[zzyzzx]

He said fun to drive…

He also said available.

 

[zzyzzx]

How is the CVT in these things?

Doesn't matter because there are no Subaru's available on the lots to potentially purchase.

 

[miden851]

OP needs to widen his horizon search; for example, fly by to state of GA and purchase something like this

here

or here

Moreover they both are Made in Japan

 

[The Critic]

He also said available.

They’re available around me.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Are you sure there on the lot / available for sale. The Toyota dealer I go to runs the same sort of ads / photos of stuff that comes in, but there already sold. 3 to 4 months minimum wait on most everything in early September - I checked. Perhaps that has changed - would be a good thing for everyone.

 

[svtrit]

Seemed like Nissan had disapeared for a while. Now all of a sudden , last 2 years they are back all over and they are real sharp looking. I find myself watching certain cars and when I can make out the brand they are lots of them, Nissan Altimas. You can do a lot of shopping and comparing + price hunting on the internet long before you step on a lot. That way you will likely know as much if not more than the sales folks.

Agree! There are Nissan models sub $30k that great cars. I know there are CVT haters, but they last a long time with moderate driving and maintenance. We have 150k plus on one and I recently bought another.

I’d consider an Altima or Rogue Sport to stay under $30k.

I beat the snot out of a Rogue Sport AWD rental off-road once just to see what it could do. They are tough little cars with an AWD system that is really stout. I am more confident with the AWD Rogue I have after doing that.

 

[wlk]

Can't believe I'm saying this... But...
2023 Subaru Crosstrek.
Hear me out...
- It literally meets all of your requirements.
- Base model is $23,645, but it has a 2.0L boring slow engine, so I'm not even going to consider that one. But Sport and Limited models are still under $30K and come with 2.5L engine, which seems to be miles ahead of the old 2-point-slow powerpot. In terms of both power and reliability.
- Subaru USA also punishes dealers for markups, so you are more likely to get a fair deal in this market. (Would be nice if other manufacturers did that too.)
- Reliability seems to be great so far, but you seem to want to keep it for only few years. Meaning the warranty will easily take care of any issues that may arise, but are highly unlikely honestly. It's usually 2nd/3rd owner that get to pay the price for the fun that 1st owner had. Ask me how I know.
- And these things are very fun off-the-pavement. Desert trails, forest trails, 4WD beaches, etc.
- Budget rally car lol.

P.S. Unfortunately the 6MT only can be had with the 2.0L. Looks like 2.5L only comes with auto.
View attachment 123416
Click here to learn about a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek XV that crossed a million miles.

Several of my coworkers and friends have these and love them. Zero issues and great in snow

 

[twouvakind]

Base model, brand-new CX-5 AWD:

View attachment 123398


In the non-luxury segment, that has not been true for many years.

I pity the fool seeking to buy at MSRP

 

[Finklejag]

Mazda 3 sedan all day long. 2.5 engine mated to a 6 speed auto. They’re still a drivers car. You have 3 trim levels to choose from between $25K-$30K.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

Don’t sell your E39 short, unless its rusted bad.

Good ones, even with high miles, seem to be holding value well.

Recently sold my e36 manual for more than I bought it for 10 years ago. Maintenance isn't cheap on an old BMw but they are fun and pleatu then creep up in value so it isn't a complete waste of money. I got a slow boring CRV to teach my son to drive

 

[Cujet]

In Florida, it's no problem to purchase a Honda Accord 1.5t for under 30K. The engine is robust and makes plenty of power. They also are known to last.

I prefer driving the Altima, which can also be found for under $30K, but only the version with ultra comfortable power seats.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Recently sold my e36 manual for more than I bought it for 10 years ago.

KBB private party value on mine is about $3.5K-$4K, but with all the work that it needs, I'm not sure that I'd be able to get that much.

 

[donnyj08]

We just bought a new 2023 Camry XSE 2.5L NA. Price was in the low 30s

 

[Quattro Pete]

- Subaru USA also punishes dealers for markups, so you are more likely to get a fair deal in this market. (Would be nice if other manufacturers did that too.)

They may not be marking the base price above MSRP, but from what I'm seeing, they are instead charging you for mandatory useless add-ons such as paint and interior protection, flashing brake light, etc.