I wouldn't be chasing horsepower numbers my concerns would be reliability and collision ratings. Can make suggestions but never know what you'll end up with. Non turbo Civic, late model Subaru's with top mount oil filter and the Corolla are reliable and safe autos.
new car for Daughters 3rd year in College?
- Thread starter SOUNDMAN5000
- Start date
I’d ask her what she wants. She clearly deserves it!
Brand new Chevy Trax? Maybe not the best car in the world beyond 150K miles BUT it's brand new with a warranty that will cover anything and everything for years to come so you don't have to worry about anything. When you're busy and have a packed schedule, time is money.
Or if the school has EV charging you can get a brand new Equinox EV for $25-30K. Again, new car with warranty = hassle free.
Or if the school has EV charging you can get a brand new Equinox EV for $25-30K. Again, new car with warranty = hassle free.
What Honda and Toyota tax? Don't see it. I own a Mazda 3 also.
| Honda Civic | ~$27,000–$29,000 |
| Mazda3 | ~$28,000–$30,000 |
| Toyota Corolla | ~$25,000–$28,500 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross AWD | ~$28,500–$31,500 |
Not sure about the 2026 base model, but don't all of the current Skyactiv-G 2.5 liter engines have cylinder deactivation technology? I do agree that Mazdas are excellent values in the compact vehicle arena.
Yes Mazda uses this technology but honestly despite a few issues early on it generally seems to work well for them from what I've heard and read (although I personally do not have experience with it). I wouldn't worry about this compared to some of the problems some other modern vehicles have.
I agree that Mazda's implementation of cylinder deactivation technology is head and shoulders above the other brands. We have three CX-5's in the family and all have been phenomenally reliable and low-maintenance.
I bought my little one a year old Elantra just before COVID when used cars were cheap took her through senior year HS,4 years college and one year masters degree no issues. No she's working in NYC just starting her career so it's a to the train Po parking lot car
If i had the money for it or the plans I would lean toward a mid sized choice AWD CUV version, hybrid OK. Things change and friends/hauling, maybe significant other, kids. No particular order. Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5/CX-50, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, Mitsubishi Outlander, yeah motor concerns but Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson.
I like the slightly higher seating positions in them. I think all have carplay, most wireless, cameras are mandatory I believe for many years.
Try them for comfort, seat cushions rear seat room etc. Once narrowed to a couple, check local rental places (and airports) and rent for a couple days. What is liked on a short test drive might not be liked on a daily commute or trip.
I like the slightly higher seating positions in them. I think all have carplay, most wireless, cameras are mandatory I believe for many years.
Try them for comfort, seat cushions rear seat room etc. Once narrowed to a couple, check local rental places (and airports) and rent for a couple days. What is liked on a short test drive might not be liked on a daily commute or trip.
People don't think of Mazda as much and the "tax" is typically meant when comparing "American" models with more common "foreign" vehicles, i.e. Honda and Toyota. Like I mentioned above, as I'm looking, Honda and Toyota were my first choice but I've mostly settled on .... a Mazda.
I’d stick out for another year personally and see where her life takes her.
I’d contribute xxxx towards new vehicle for what she decides as a 23 year old woman.
I’d contribute xxxx towards new vehicle for what she decides as a 23 year old woman.
Is snow a concern?
IDK about the CVT in the "normal" Corolla but the hybrid has the "very good, seven moving parts" one from the Prius. If it's a "ten year car" she'll be out of it before any potential battery issues. So you're weighing one thing against another.
Also, Toyotas have different middlemen distributors across the country, meaning their value varies depending where you are. I'm lucky to be in New England with the lowest prices seen.
IDK about the CVT in the "normal" Corolla but the hybrid has the "very good, seven moving parts" one from the Prius. If it's a "ten year car" she'll be out of it before any potential battery issues. So you're weighing one thing against another.
Also, Toyotas have different middlemen distributors across the country, meaning their value varies depending where you are. I'm lucky to be in New England with the lowest prices seen.
How about an Escape? It’s the last model year, so dealers would be willing to work with you on a deal. Plus return Ford customer if you’d trade in the Fusion.
Yes the resale will be lower in 10+ years, but you also saved the money upfront - maybe contribute 50% of the difference vs. buying a CRV/RAV4 in a brokerage account for her and let it compound?
Yes the resale will be lower in 10+ years, but you also saved the money upfront - maybe contribute 50% of the difference vs. buying a CRV/RAV4 in a brokerage account for her and let it compound?
Toyota RAV4 or Camry
Watch for three year lease returns on Cadillac XT5s and 6s with the 3.6L V6.
Most of them have very low mileage and are just over half the price of a new one.
Most of them have very low mileage and are just over half the price of a new one.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
C8 - but just the basic Stingray so she will want to earn the next car:
https://www.chevrolet.com/performance/corvette/zr1x
https://www.chevrolet.com/performance/corvette/zr1x
OP said in a later comment that snow isn't a factor.
I think this is only the case in the SE US (from NC down/around to FL or so).
depending on budget and what's available in your area: Crosstrek, Civic hatch, or K24-engined CRV?
something that is versatile cargo-space wise...at that age, I was moving a lot. A Civic hatch or CRV would've been a lot more useful than my 1997 Civic, lmao
something that is versatile cargo-space wise...at that age, I was moving a lot. A Civic hatch or CRV would've been a lot more useful than my 1997 Civic, lmao
