Time for a new (new to me) car

[tmarquez]

Well after years of being car payment free my old beater is on its last legs. I guess it's time to start looking for a car. Anyone love theirs?

I really want something that gets good gas mileage since my job is changing lease locations in 10 months and I will be driving 3x as far to get to work.

Also...this is the budget board...so cheap is good!

 

[TinaMcTeer]

We just bought a 08 Hyundai Elantra. Love that it still had 7 years on the warranty, less than 40,000 miles on it, gets good gas mileage and paid $9,000 for it. Bought it from a private seller who took really good care of it.

 

[HayGan]

Earlier this year I had to buy a new to me vehicle and did lots of research. I wanted a reliable, fuel effcient vehicle that wouldn't break the bank. After many months of research I decided on a Nissan Altima (Nissan certified). I ended up finding a VERY gently used 2010 (only had 6,700 miles on it) for a fantastic price. We had considered the Accord & Camry as well but the Altima won in every category in our opinion (styling, roominess, handling, durability, etc.)

After having owned it for several months, I can honestly say that I LOVE my Altima. It gets great gas mileage (~24mpg city) and it is so fun to drive. It handles very well and is actually quite easy to drive. We plan on this car being our youngest son's first vehcile in about 6 years.

Altima became the second best selling car in America last year overtaking the Accord & for very good reason. It doesn't carry the over inflated price of the Camry & Accord but is just as good if not better!

As for pricing, you will likely find it price several thousand less than comparable vehicles. Plus the restyled the Altima this year which means you may get a good deal as people trade in the last model for the latest. (Personally, I don't understand why so many do this but there are plenty of them doing it!)

 

[DeltaDiamond001]

I really like the new Hyundai Sonatas and Elantras.

You can get them used pretty cheap.

The quality is outstanding and the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty is awesome!

 

[mrsklamc]

Love my car...but I just got it Friday. 2011 Nissan Juke.

 

[Gorechick]

Honda, Honda, Honda! I've had 2 Civics that lasted 12 years or longer, my DH has a 2001 Civic Coupe that's going strong and I just got a 2009 CRV a year and a half ago. If you take care of them, they last. You can get a decent priced Honda certified used.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I really like the new Hyundai Sonatas and Elantras.

You can get them used pretty cheap.

The quality is outstanding and the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty is awesome!

I really love Honda's myself, and two of our three cars are Honda's. My mother just bought a new Hyundai and she LOVES it! The warranty is what sold her too. My dad just bought a brand new Nissan Altima (sp ?) and he really likes it. It is his second one so he must like them. The only thing is he is kicking himself for not getting the Elantra because of the better warranty and better price.

OP, we will be in the same boat real soon. DH needs a new car and my 14 year old will be needing something in March of 2014 so I am just now starting to think about all of that, myself. Good luck to you!

 

[Lyric]

Totally feel for you! I'd been without a car payment for 5 years, when a cracked head gasket debacle forced me into unexpectedly shopping for a car earlier this month. I landed a GREAT deal -- a well cared for Toyota Yaris sedan, courtesy Craigslist -- and absolutely love it. It gets about 33 mpg around town and 38+ mpg on the freeway.

Although I've only had it about 3 weeks, I'd still suggest looking at the Yaris. It has great reviews, gets excellent MPG, and just feels "solid".

 

[dontthrowsand]

I absolutely love my VW golf. Despite how hard it has been driven and used to teach two young adults how to drive, the most I've had to do is replace a seal on the washer fluid line and scheduled maintenance. I'm pretty sure this car will outlast how long I want to drive it for. I have a number of co-workers who love the VWs. We all own various ages of VWs and they are all still running with proper maintenance. They are fun cars to drive, well built and handle amazingly well. If you are driving a lot, maybe look at the TDIs. They can get very amazing millage. I don't know the conversion but one of my friends get 1000+ km and her car has a 50L tank.

Can't say enough about my VW love of the cars and the culture around the them.

 

[powellrj]

Don't rule out new cars. We were in your position a few months ago. We needed to replace our car NOW because DHs had been totaled in an accident and the insurance only provided a rental for a few days.

We looked for a newer used car for DH to drive and then give to DD when she gets her license. We found it cheaper to get a new car than used by the time they had 0% financing and cash back.

I drive my cars to death, the new car I got in March has almost 13,000 miles on it already so while you want dependable and good mileage, fun to drive is also important and can make a huge difference in your commute!

 

[lakelandgal70]

I loved my 2005 Ford Focus. Got great mileage and was really dependable car. Not sure how cheap you are wanting to keep it but the Ford Fiesta is also a great car for under 20grand. We have a 2011 and it gets around 38mpg.

 

[Disneylover711]

I just got a new to me 2009 Subaru Forrester. I love it!!! I work in the medical field and have to go to work no matter what the weather I live in Pennsylvania so winters can get rough. we couldn't afford an sub so we went for the Subaru. They are all awd. And good on gas. I get an avg of 22 MPG but they also have smaller cars that do better. Not sure where u live if weather is an issue. Good luck!

 

[angwill]

Well after years of being car payment free my old beater is on its last legs. I guess it's time to start looking for a car. Anyone love theirs?

I really want something that gets good gas mileage since my job is changing lease locations in 10 months and I will be driving 3x as far to get to work.

Also...this is the budget board...so cheap is good!

What size car would you settle on? Prius being smallest up to SUV being biggest?

I bought my Toyota Corolla new in 2007 not wanting to go as small as the Pruis but not too big either and I bought it because of the awsome gas mileage and reliability. I love my car.

 

[Dopey420]

Toyota highlander. 80,000 miles and has NEVER been in the shop for anything except brake pads!!!