Used cars?

[EKW]

The good news is: I found a job this week!!! The bad news is: the day before I found the job, my mechanic told me to buy a new car because the engine is about to go on mine.

My car is a 15 year old Nissan Sentra that has been a lemon since I bought it. I bought it brand new...when they delivered it, they cracked the dash. A month later the stereo quit working. Since then it has been constant...things like one of the visors falling off, the weather stripping falling off the doors, the horn failing, the clutch going out (3x!!!), alternator going out (2x), starter going out (2x), ignition system failing, airbags failing. You'd think I was a crazy driver...nope. I've done all the schedule maintenance...and despite that, I've had to do major repairs every 6 months to a year. Last week I had to have the bolt that holds the steering column replaced!!! It had fallen off and the pin that holds the steering column on was moving in and out making a horrible squeeling sound. All of this and it only has 123K miles on it!

So, let's just say: don't recommend Nissan to me. I'm going car shopping next week...hoping to find something between 2 and 4 years old. If you have advice, I'd love to hear it! I want a 4 door sedan...something affordable. Thanks for any recommendations! BTW...if anyone here sells insurance, I would love to know which used cars are best insurance-wise!

 

[dfchelbay]

Anything in the Honda line of cars would be a great used car. Consumer Reports rates them very high...and they'll last a very, very long time.

 

[Carl Fredricksen]

The Honda Fit is a great car. Sorta a mini-mini van. Versatile, fairly roomy and great gas mileage. Plus, it's a Honda, so it should last for a long time with little maintenance.

Used Honda's have a tendency to be a little expensive, but they more than make up for it in longevity and low operating costs.

 

[swilshire]

I love my Honda Elements and bought them both slightly used. They aren't too expensive new.

I've also had great luck with used Subarus. Bought my first one new and two used ones after that. They just keep going and going.

Sheila

 

[princessdi81]

I'd recommend a Honda Civic or Accord. I have a 10 year-old Honda Civic that I got brand new with 150,000 miles on it - still runs perfectly. I also have a 2010 Accord that I bought brand new in November with almost 32,000 miles on it. (Is it obvious my previous job required a lot of travel?!) That being said, I love my Honda's - my brother has a 97 Honda Del Sol, and mom has a 06 Accord. We were always one of those families who bought American-made cars, but we will NEVER go back! I'd highly recommend either the Civic or the Accord, they are simply great cars!

And, I wouldn't buy a Nissan either! I worked at the local Nissan dealership for awhile and I've seen numerous people with situations similar to yours!

Good luck!

 

[Sagginit]

another vote for honda! i have a real beauty, a 92' accord. i love it, it was my first car i bought four years ago, and now i dont want to replace it until i have to. it has been very low maintenance and the previous owners where family and they had little problems. safe, reliable, and oddly enough affordable but good resale value as used cars too so it wont depreciate as much as other cars if you plan on selling it in a few years.