I found a 2017 Chevy Spark LSD FWD with 50,855 miles for $6,455. No accidents and clean title. Is this good for a first car?

Posted by CriticalChapter7353@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 25 comments

Here’s the car: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/394809605

Honestly I have a fear of driving, it stresses me out a lot. So I prefer small cars, hatchbacks are ideal. My biggest concern with a vehicle is as low mileage as I can get for a good price so it lasts me as long as possible. I don’t want to have to worry about another vehicle for at least 5 years or so. I don’t know a lot about cars, I’m a late bloomer with acquiring my license and a vehicle, go easy on me please 😅

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Skullface77@reddit

Your fear driving but want small cars? To answer your question I would get it if you are the A to b type of person. Good mpg basic features.

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JonohG47@reddit

“No accidents” but also “frame damage.” It’s also been through three owners in 8 years, the first of which was a corporate fleet owner.

I’d be curious to see what the actual CarFax for this thing has to say about it, then take extra pain to see the damage the CarFax noted was repaired properly.

I actually own one of these. A 2017 even. They’re a good little car. Really easy to park, good on gas. Not a lot in them to break. The CVTs in them are the weak-link. Getting the fluid in them changed is a very effective way to extend their life. With 50k on the clock, set aside a few hundred to preemptively get it in for a transmission flush, right after buying it. Do a coolant flush and a brake fluid flush at the same time, as it almost certainly never had any of those done, and they’re due by time, if not mileage.

Go in with realistic expectations. The car only has 50k miles on it, but it’s also 8 years old, was cheap to begin with, and is now very depreciated. Any fender-bender will total the car. If the transmission eats itself in 50 or 60k miles, it’ll be a repair bill likely not worth undertaking, given the value of the car at that point. I could easily see getting five years out of it, but you will be in the market for a new car by then.

As for mine, I bought it new, in 2017, as a commuter car, and drove it full time for 5 years, after which point I gave the keys to my teen sons, who share it to commute to work and to community college.

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CriticalChapter7353@reddit (OP)

I feel this is the best answer I’ve received, very clear and honest about the pros and cons of the car. I appreciate you taking the time to inform me, thank you!!! I’ll keep all of your advice in mind :)))

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Apple_Pie_Nutt69@reddit

Post this on r/whatcarshouldIdrive too

I think if you like the Spark it’s a great price for the mileage compared to others. It’s also a pretty ‘basic’ car so as long as you don’t mind that it should be a good pick!

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MALICIOUS-BREED97@reddit

Its also so fkn small u could hit a curb going 20 and cause frame damage

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OkDurian7078@reddit

I mean a 2500lb spark is more likely to not get damaged than a 4500lb truck hitting the same curb at the same speed.

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Crawlerado@reddit

Our Leaf has a tow point that’s partially torn from a run in with Mongo the tow truck driver; frame damage. Doesn’t affect anything.

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Ok_Good3255@reddit

No it’s not. It has frame damage and it’s manual transmission. You said you’re afraid of driving but you are ok with driving stick?

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ThirdSunRising@reddit

Driving a stick shift is not a difficult skill to learn nor does it increase anxiety once it is learned

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Critical-Mood3493@reddit

Yes it does. How am I supposed to look at my phone when I have to steer and shift at the same time

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fetal_genocide@reddit

I drove stick and could drink coffee, while cutting up weed/rolling a joint hah

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regulationinflation@reddit

Steer with your left elbow and shift with your right elbow, duh!

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ThirdSunRising@reddit

Just use both hands for your phone, and shift with your left foot. If steering inputs are required, other drivers will inform you.

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CardiologistOk6547@reddit

I have a fear of driving

"So I want to drive the smallest and scariest thing I can find."

I think I see a pattern...

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Talentless_Cooking@reddit

I have a few issues with this car. First is that they have a tendency to fall apart quite quickly. Second is low mileage isn't nessesarally a good thing, cars like to be driven, keeps things lubricated. Third it's a bit pricy, 7 years old and it was a 10k car when it was new, I'm guessing that it's a dealership car and everything is stock. The problem with that is deferred maintenance, you will have to flush coolant, change tires, bleed brakes, power steering, the dealership definitely didn't do that stuff... I would recommend a Honda accord, or a civic wagon, probably a little bigger than you want but extremely reliable.

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Relikar@reddit

Huh. Usually people with driving anxiety feel safer in bigger vehicles. Source: ever seen what happens when a truck hits a sub compact? Now you no longer want a small car.

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Signal-Confusion-976@reddit

I would look for a Honda or Toyota car for your first car.

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RoyalCelebration8515@reddit

I test drove one of these chevies before. It is terrifying to drive in. Shaky at highway speeds and you can feel all the wind. Surely will skate all over the road in wet or snowy conditions. I would personally look for something full size and heavier for a first vehicle.

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This doesn't mean it's a bad car, just that you can't expect it to be a tank. It's like going to a Stephen Segal movie and being disappointed it isn't an Oscar-winning performance.

If they still made Sparks and Sonics, I'd be very tempted to buy one.