What would be a good first car to take care of and learn?

Posted by Additional-Ad5077@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 41 comments

I’m 23, graduating college, and looking to buy my first car. I’m after a daily driver that I can hopefully keep for a long time (up to 150k miles?) and one that’s easy to learn about and work on, as I want to get to know the car inside and out to take good care of it.

I’m based in Minnesota, and my criteria are as follows: • Used or certified pre-owned • Clean • Ideally under 75k miles, but I’m willing to go up to 100k miles if the car can reliably reach 200k miles • Sedan (though I’d consider a compact SUV) • AWD/4WD would be nice but isn’t a must • Fuel economy ideally 30+ mpg

I like the design and features of cars like the Altima and Elantra, but I keep seeing concerns online about CVTs being problematic. I keep hearing recommendations for Toyota or Honda.

I’m looking to spend around $15k but would go up to $20k for the “dream car.” I think I can afford to be a little picky, but I don’t know much about car brands and makes.

Right now, I’m considering the following options: • Elantra • Altima • Sentra • Accord • Corolla • Camry • Mazda3 • Accent • Impreza

I’d also consider an SUV if it makes sense and has decent MPG.

Thank you all so much for any insights you can provide!

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Important-Bedroom-97@reddit

I am with Chevrolet, and I will say that the new safety features they added onto our vehicles are absolutely amazing. They even have a teen driver safety feature. The Chevy Trax would be a great first vehicle also. Let me know if you are interested.

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dsmjrv@reddit

89-04 Toyota pickup/tacoma

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Additional-Ad5077@reddit (OP)

I like this idea but have never driven a truck and have no use for a truck in the suburb city, but i like trucks! I used to drive a jeep commander which is big. Do you reccoment these cars because they are so reliable?

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dsmjrv@reddit

Pretty much the most reliable cars ever as long as they are 4cyl… and the 3.4 v6 is unbreakable

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First-County-4667@reddit

Accord, Camry or Corolla are the best of the list.

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sunnydays630@reddit

Mazda3

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kylec_cali@reddit

I was 17 and my grandpa gave me $15k for a decent cat. Well fast forward and I had that car for 15 years. It was a carolla and I got up to 296k miles on it. It was damn reliable and probably only spend a few thousand keeping it going. So if I was you I would pick a Toyota.

Now if I looked back and wanted something a little cooler. Then I would go Mazda3 but a hatch. Also have a buddy who lives his.

Other option would be to get a WRX that’s stock and just enjoy it.

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chiller8@reddit

A well maintained 2017 Honda Accord Sport sedan with less than 100k miles. It’s the last year non-turbo year for the accord. I have a 2015 accord Sport with 100k that’s been rock solid. Highway 36-37mpg cruising at 75mph, around town 26-27mpg.

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Squeeze_Sedona@reddit

obviously a first generation dodge viper

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Sea_Statistician_312@reddit

2015 BMW 3 Series 335xi

Sedan

Later N55 Engine which is quite reliable

All Wheel Drive

Luxury

Style

300 horsepower

Selling with 75k miles for around $15.5K right now.

I bought my X3 with the same engine at about 60k miles a few years ago, has 140k miles now with no major issues. You will also get to learn how to do basic maintenance which is a good thing that can be done with basic tools.

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CarobAffectionate582@reddit

Under-rated car: lower mile 1st gen Toyota Venza. I4 or V6 awd camry wagon. Attractive, under-priced relative to cars this good. Robust engine (either) and full powertrain. Will not quite meet mpg goal, but you will save a lot of $$ that more than makes up for it.

Toyota has launched a new model very similar, the Crown Signia, which is VERY hot right now. It’s more a traditional wagon that tippy, bulky crossover and people are savoring that. The 1st gen Venza is like that (2nd gen Venza was an entirely different vehicle and failed).

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the_hell_you_say_2@reddit

Ford Fusion Hybrid has a reliable drivetrain. Specifically the Hybrid or Energi, 2017-2020

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Additional-Ad5077@reddit (OP)

This is good to know thank you! Are the gas ones similar?

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CarobAffectionate582@reddit

Ford Fusions are indeed under-rated. Gas model has decent awd system. I am critical of cars, normally get Lexus - but this is one I could recommend or be happy with.

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ShatterProofDick@reddit

Some Ford sedan transmissions are pitiful. Research each model year.

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the_hell_you_say_2@reddit

I don't have personal experience with the non hybrid models...but the forums I read give me a sense that there are a lot of problems. I can't say for sure, but I do love my 2017 Fusion Energi (bigger battery plug in version of the hybrid). Had it 6 years and 100k miles, been great.

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Additional-Ad5077@reddit (OP)

More personal question, what made you get a hybrid?

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the_hell_you_say_2@reddit

Fascination with hybrid technology, and the hybrid bits were either licensed from or based on parts from the Toyota Prius. Actually bought it with just under 6000 miles as a lemon for half the price of new. Had investigated (service records) that the reason for the manufacturer buyback was due to some software and 12v battery issues that had both been resolved by 2019, so I felt pretty comfortable about it in respect to the deal.

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SpreadNo7436@reddit

Porsche Boxster, You can get one all sorted for about 12K. 8 - 10k will get you one you need to do some work on, below 8, it is probably going to need too much. 15k would get you a nice one into the 2nd gen.
The good thing about the lower end Porsches is many owners still treat them like a, well like a Porsche. You find really nice ones. You will also learn to research and how to deal with sellers. You want to read a bunch of stuff on IMS if you start getting up to the bigger motors (3.2L) you have to read about bore scoring. Get one with those to issues settled and you should be good and quite possibly have a car that will easily reach 200K.
Chicks your age will not know the difference between your 10 -15k Porsche and a 75K Porsche.
They really are fantastic cars and hands down the best used performance car you could get right now. You would likely be looking at refreshing a lot of the suspension (easy, you can do it over a weekend no problem) or you will have bought one recently done. It will handle like an effing dream. It is just common sense a mid engine car is going to out handle anything that is not.

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mpython1701@reddit

Prius, Chevy Volt, or Ford C-Max.

Seriously consider a hybrid. Dependable and almost double MPG of traditional gas cars.

The ones above also have very good cargo room.

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Amagol@reddit

For the 2010 to 2013 make sure to ask if they got the better electric engine. There was an upgrade open for the cmaxs

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Amagol@reddit

The cmax ones as well. The pure gas ones have the most trunk space while the hybrid and especially the plugin eat up a bit of the trunk space

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Low-Association586@reddit

The smartest money you'll ever spend for a used car is the $100 or so for an independent mechanic's inspection. Just do it.

Avoid Hyundai, Kia, and Nissans with CVT...the likelihood of all-out failure or large repair bills pushing them to 150k miles makes them a bad bet.

Mazda 3 (stick) was awesome. Every used Honda or Toyota has been well worth every dollar spent for me.

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mega-man-0@reddit

Subaru Impreza - boring as sh*t to drive, but dependable, not that horrible to wrench on, has AWD

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Gunk_Olgidar@reddit

Camry or Corolla and Michelin Crossclimate2 tires will get you where you need to go.

Avoid all used cars with mechanical CVTs. Service history matters.

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CalebCaster2@reddit

CVT's are fine, older nissans just gave them a bad rep

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Hayburner80107@reddit

CVTs are garbage, and are the only things really wrong with Nissans.

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ShatterProofDick@reddit

Whatever you land on, buy a pre purchase inspection from an independent mechanic as opposed to blindly buying a brand.

Are some better than others, GOD yes!

A stamp of health or lack thereof from an honest, independent mechanic who likely wants your long-term business is super helpful and is worth the money even if you walk on a car purchase.

If you know fuck all about cars this IS the way.

"Remember, knowing is half the battle."

G.I. Joe said that, so jot that down.

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