Opinion on selecting a $15k used Sedan

[Phishin]

I'm in the market for a new-to-me car. I have a budget of around $15k. I have a family of 4 (wife and two kids).

Must have:
4 doors
4 cylinder (great fuel economy)
Automatic

That's about it. I'm seeing that for this kind of money, a 1-3 year old Civic with 5k-20k miles is easily do-able. I think this is my first choice, but what other cars would you all suggest or think I should look at?

I'm looking for something that I can own and maintain for the long haul. I put about 20k miles on the car a year.

Thanks for your opinions and advice.

 

[JHZR2]

Malibu or fusion should be doable.

 

[salv]

2011 or newer Hyundai Elantra. If you can find one at a Hyundai dealer, it will more than likely be "certified", therefore you will get the balance of the 10yr/100k powertrain warranty along with the remainder of the 5yr/60k bumper to bumper warranty.

 

[Burt]

Civic is a good choice and hard to beat in its class, except their resale value is so high, it makes you want to buy a new one. Especially in the current market. Corolla is a more boring alternative, but comparable in reliability.

What about something bigger, like an Altima or Fusion? Those kids are going to get bigger. Gas mileage is very close. I see you have an Altima now.

 

[FZ1]

Different strokes. Buy an new Civic.

 

[The_Jeff]

Do you need toys? Might be able to get a stripped new sedan for $16k like a Jetta etc.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

With two kids, I would go with a mid-size. A 2-3 y/o base Camry should be in that price range.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: FZ1
Different strokes. Buy an new Civic.


Yeah I would do this if set on a civic.

Problems that exist are that resale is high, so it makes buying used a horrid deal; and the fact that the last few years civics have been so bad that Honda did year over year refreshes to get bugs out. I couldnt believe how excessively loud the '12 civic I rented was, for example.

So if set on that car, go new or find value elsewhere.

 

[salv]

My wife got a '12 civic as a rental when our '97 Altima got t-boned. I agree, it was very loud and cheap feeling, same as my brothers '08. I loved my mothers '97 and my aunt's '87. modern Hondas are not what they used to be.
My mother's '12 accord is the same story. Disappointing.

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Malibu or fusion should be doable.



I second the Fusion. Have had them as rentals a few times -- very nice cars. Strong V6, comfortable, well-laid out cabin.

A used Focus hatchback would be equally as nice. They're way ahead of their competition in that segment. Sedan is available, but for the same money you get more room with the hatchback.

Also, maybe a used Jetta or Passat. Very nice interiors (new ones are a step down, IMO). Reliable, quiet, and upscale.

 

[mechanicx]

I would go with a mid-size. The mpg is about the same but more room and comfort.

With a budget of around $15k for maybe as little as a couple thousand more, you maybe be able to work a deal on alast model year base model, maybe a Malibu. It sounds like you just want a base model anyway, and even the base comes with plenty of features.

I think if you are willing to spend a little more, you'll get more value with new if th deal's good. It's harder to find a good deal on a used car.

 

[salv]

If he were to move upscale to a midsize, the Sonata was just rated the most dependable midsize car by JD Power. It is also capable of clocking 35-40 mpg on the highway with its 198 hp 2.4L GDI 4 banger (2011-present).

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: salv
If he were to move upscale to a midsize, the Sonata was just rated the most dependable midsize car by JD Power. It is also capable of clocking 35-40 mpg on the highway with its 198 hp 2.4L GDI 4 banger (2011-present).


Resale value on those might be very high since people want to hang onto them. Might be hard to find one for $15k.

 

[Art_Vandelay]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
With two kids, I would go with a mid-size. A 2-3 y/o base Camry should be in that price range.


When Asian Civic Maniac tells you to buy a Camry you should listen to him.
I completely agree. Plus the money you'll save, not replacing automatic transmissions, will more than cover the mileage hit on the larger car.

 

[LeakySeals]

If you hold your nose and cover your eyes, the fusion is good. If you like a rattly sounding engine at startup, get the Hyundai. If you like burning oil, get a Toyota. If your like slipping into gear, the Honda is good. If you like all of the above, get a GM. Kia's not bad, don't hear much about them. Maybe because nobody buys them.

 

[salv]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Originally Posted By: salv
If he were to move upscale to a midsize, the Sonata was just rated the most dependable midsize car by JD Power. It is also capable of clocking 35-40 mpg on the highway with its 198 hp 2.4L GDI 4 banger (2011-present).


Resale value on those might be very high since people want to hang onto them. Might be hard to find one for $15k.


Not nearly as expensive as a used Volkswagen, as you suggested before. An '11 Sonata GLS with 20-30k on it should retail around $16-$17k. They sold for $18-$20k new.

 

[salv]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
If you hold your nose and cover your eyes, the fusion is good. If you like a rattly sounding engine at startup, get the Hyundai. If you like burning oil, get a Toyota. If your like slipping into gear, the Honda is good. If you like all of the above, get a GM. Kia's not bad, don't hear much about them. Maybe because nobody buys them.

Kia is owned by Hyundai. All Kia's are Hyundai's. Kia is to Hyundai as Chevy is to Buick.

 

[dparm]

Phishin: I would suggest visiting a local CarMax (or two). You can drive all the cars you want back-to-back. Should make the decision a lot easier since the last vehicle will still be fresh in your mind.

 

[LeakySeals]

Yeah, but they don't look like or sound alike. I have friends that have both. The Hyundai rattles, needs a Hyundai oil filter. The Kia doesn't care, very quiet.

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
If you hold your nose and cover your eyes, the fusion is good. If you like a rattly sounding engine at startup, get the Hyundai. If you like burning oil, get a Toyota. If your like slipping into gear, the Honda is good. If you like all of the above, get a GM. Kia's not bad, don't hear much about them. Maybe because nobody buys them.


Not true, Ecotec with 4T45 Malibus aren't known for any of that. Some years of the W-car had some of those issues and mid-late 90's 3.1s, but they're way older models than he's in the market for. the later models are very good.