Topic: Looking for a used car - advice requested

[riz]

Hopefully this is in the right forum.

Here's the situation, I just finished university, looking for a job and once I get that I hope to FINALLY buy a car.  Nothing BMW like, just something that's solid, works, and will last me for a bit... till I'm 25 at least when insurance goes down.

I don't know exactly how much I'd look into price range right now, but I guess I'd be looking for a newer used car which I wouldn't have to put in a lot of money, so probably an '05 and newer, and under $10 grand.

I've driven the new Spectra which seems amazing on gas, but I think the review said '06 and newer is good, but before that is questionable (gotta read it again).

Any suggestions for cars as far as what's good on gas, insurance and simply just runs well overall will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[1TSX]

You can get a '05+ Hyundai Elantra for that price, similar to the Spectra.

[Careener]

Mazda 3. You can get an 06 for under $10k

[rrocket]

Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra

[riz]

Mazda 3. You can get an 06 for under $10k

I looked at the reviews for it on here, they have some problems though don't they?  How's insurance on it? Is there any site you can gather a rough insurance rate for specific cars?

rrocket:

Civics are crazy insurance wise though right? I don't know how they are on gas, although I assume pretty good.

[rrocket]

Mazda 3. You can get an 06 for under $10k

I looked at the reviews for it on here, they have some problems though don't they?  How's insurance on it? Is there any site you can gather a rough insurance rate for specific cars?

rrocket:

Civics are crazy insurance wise though right? I don't know how they are on gas, although I assume pretty good.

Ok..get a Toyota Echo then.  Absolutely bullet-proof.  Not inspiring to drive...but outstanding fuel mileage and about as reliable as a car can be.

[riz]

Will definitely look into that... what have you guys heard about the Spectra?

[Careener]

Mazda 3. You can get an 06 for under $10k

I looked at the reviews for it on here, they have some problems though don't they?  How's insurance on it? Is there any site you can gather a rough insurance rate for specific cars?

Premature rust on 04 and 05 models and some complaints of early replacement of rear brakes. Other than that they are pretty darn reliable.

[carcrazy]

Mazda 3. You can get an 06 for under $10k

I looked at the reviews for it on here, they have some problems though don't they?  How's insurance on it? Is there any site you can gather a rough insurance rate for specific cars?

Premature rust on 04 and 05 models and some complaints of early replacement of rear brakes. Other than that they are pretty darn reliable.

The rear brakes issue was for 04 models IIRC. If he is looking at 4-5 years old, the brakes have been replaced by now. Rust is the main issue, but other than that they are fairly reliable (5 years/80K on mine trouble free).
The insurance might be too high though.

There is always a Corolla for those seeking A to B transportation.

[riz]

Definitely going to look into all of those, thanks guys!  Any other tips you have just let me know.

[Julie]

Boring-mobile Corolla.  Comfortable, reliable, economical.  I loved mine.

[Ontariodriver]

Will definitely look into that... what have you guys heard about the Spectra?

Don't do it. If you are going that route stick with Hyundai Elantra.  Even tho they almost the same they seem to last a bit better.

Definitely going to look into all of those, thanks guys!  Any other tips you have just let me know.

Nothing below 05 and onwards Ford Focus. You get a really good one, low millage about 3 years old for about 7-8K MK1 with all the bells and whistles. Safest bet however is Toyota.