I am looking to spend 7-12k on a used car for my wife. She drives 50 miles round trip to work so mpg is going to be a big consideration. I really like the look of the Mazda3 and have been looking at 05's and 06's with roughly 50k on the ticker. Would this be a good idea? What other cars out there would be a better buy?
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- Thread starter wn1998
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My a Smart Car ..new. Can be had in your price range and 40 mpg too.
Toyota fan here. Corolla or camry.
I think I would have to go with a corolla.
If you get the mazda3 and want mpg's get the 3i with the 2.0L engine. It will get upper thirties with a manual trans on the highway pretty easily. If you want more zoom get the 3s. Either one will be ten times more enjoyable for her commute then a corolla.
A third rec. here for the Vibe. I've always liked the looks of those. I'm sure you can find a killer deal on one if you shop around.
Originally Posted By: addyguy
I'll second the rec. for the Vibe - GM depreciation on a Toyota vehicle. You can't beat it!
+1
I'll second the rec. for the Vibe - GM depreciation on a Toyota vehicle. You can't beat it!
+1
Don't think you are going to find a Vibe in your price range, unless it's 4-5 years old and has a lot of miles on it. Most I see are closer to $15K.
Mazda3 would be a good choice if you can find a few in your price range.
My suggestion is a Ford Focus. You can find 2006 models for around $10K. Mid 30's for mileage, pretty roomy for a small car, easy and cheap to maintain, fun to drive.
Mazda3 would be a good choice if you can find a few in your price range.
My suggestion is a Ford Focus. You can find 2006 models for around $10K. Mid 30's for mileage, pretty roomy for a small car, easy and cheap to maintain, fun to drive.
Originally Posted By: bretfraz
Don't think you are going to find a Vibe in your price range, unless it's 4-5 years old and has a lot of miles on it. Most I see are closer to $15K.
Mazda3 would be a good choice if you can find a few in your price range.
My suggestion is a Ford Focus. You can find 2006 models for around $10K. Mid 30's for mileage, pretty roomy for a small car, easy and cheap to maintain, fun to drive.
Vibes cost close to $15k, new.
I just found two in my area on craigslist, both '05's, under 40k miles, and priced at $11k. Would probably take $10k.
Don't think you are going to find a Vibe in your price range, unless it's 4-5 years old and has a lot of miles on it. Most I see are closer to $15K.
Mazda3 would be a good choice if you can find a few in your price range.
My suggestion is a Ford Focus. You can find 2006 models for around $10K. Mid 30's for mileage, pretty roomy for a small car, easy and cheap to maintain, fun to drive.
Vibes cost close to $15k, new.
I just found two in my area on craigslist, both '05's, under 40k miles, and priced at $11k. Would probably take $10k.
Corolla, Camry or Civic
I like the Mazda3, but I rented a brand new 3 and the A/C barely cooled.
Vibe is also a good used car, but I really don't like its styling....so I would say Matrix.
I like the Mazda3, but I rented a brand new 3 and the A/C barely cooled.
Vibe is also a good used car, but I really don't like its styling....so I would say Matrix.
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Vibe is also a good used car, but I really don't like its styling....so I would say Matrix.
Ah, the old; "which ugly sister do I want" decision. B-)
Vibe is also a good used car, but I really don't like its styling....so I would say Matrix.
Ah, the old; "which ugly sister do I want" decision. B-)
i would only spend money on the six speed high output pontiac vibe if your gonna go with the automatic look into getting a used celica gt small agile solid and very very light so mpg should be great, and the carbon blue color is stunning
I never did like Pontiac's tacky styling.
With 40+ MPG on the highway, the Corolla is hard to pass up.
With 40+ MPG on the highway, the Corolla is hard to pass up.
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Originally Posted By: wn1998
I am looking to spend 7-12k on a used car for my wife. She drives 50 miles round trip to work so mpg is going to be a big consideration. I really like the look of the Mazda3 and have been looking at 05's and 06's with roughly 50k on the ticker. Would this be a good idea? What other cars out there would be a better buy?
can she drive a manual ?
I am looking to spend 7-12k on a used car for my wife. She drives 50 miles round trip to work so mpg is going to be a big consideration. I really like the look of the Mazda3 and have been looking at 05's and 06's with roughly 50k on the ticker. Would this be a good idea? What other cars out there would be a better buy?
can she drive a manual ?
Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla, Honda Fit, Mazda3, Acura RSX, Toyota Celica. Those would be my choices.
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