What would be the best everyday car for a 21 year old?

Posted by Wgburner@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 55 comments

I’m officially done with old, used cars from Facebook Marketplace. honestly, I’m done with Marketplace altogether. Right now, I’m driving a 2012 Jeep Compass. It sounds like it’s about to break down at any moment, but I got it for free a few months ago, so I can’t really complain. I’m now looking to buy something more reliable through monthly payments. I can put down about $4,000 to $6,000 in cash and plan to finance the rest over 72 months (though I’ll probably pay more than the minimum each month). I don’t know much about cars and don’t have much support, my family isn’t very financially responsible. I’m not super picky, but I’d prefer something dependable like a Honda or Toyota. I’m aiming to spend around $16,000 to $18,500 total. I currently work as a server and make about $700–$850 a week. Rent is $700, and I don’t have any other major monthly expenses. Do you have any car recommendations or advice for someone in my situation?

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55 Comments

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Ciccio178@reddit

The free one. You're 21 and a server, why would you put yourself in debt for a car? Server money is seasonal. You can afford the payments now, but what about in January? Drive that sucker until it dies, while putting money aside every month as if you were making the car payment. Then when you have the $15-16k you go an buy the car outright. You see, if you get a loan, most of your monthly payments go towards interest. If you make the payments to yourself (save that amount every month), it will all go to the principal and not the bank. I financed cars my whole life, ever since i was 19. Now at 36, I'd kick my 19 year old ass for that stupid mistake.

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Wgburner@reddit (OP)

The problem is the sucker is about to die NOW. I’m genuinely scared to drive it and I don’t think it’s worth putting more money on the car than we already have. (It was totaled). I’ve had other used cars from marketplace and they always have a major problem right after I buy it. :/ I work at a really good location for my job and am in the slow season right now. Once sports pick up I’ll be making even more money because I work right across from a huge stadium and conference center that has activities happening year round. For example I worked for 5 days and made my rent… while we were in our slow season. And on top of that I have another job lol. I work a lot. But I am nervous to pull out a loan for a car.

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Artistic-Nail6978@reddit

Get a 2012-2017 toyota camry hybrid LE aka (least expensive). I know marketplace is off limits but I was able to pick a dinged one up for 8,000 with 62k miles there this year. Dealerships will charge almost double so avoid if possible but 38-40 mpg and extremely reliable. I daily it and saves me on gas, no note, and no problems.

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oceanwayjax@reddit

2017 Camry SE it's before the 8 speed and cvt but that's just me

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ChokaMoka1@reddit

Camry is always the answer

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DJScaryTerry@reddit

I'll say an option that others haven't said yet. A Hyundai/Kia isn't a bad option in terms of brand new, despite what some other people will tell you. 10 year warranty. Also Subaru, while a bit more, have great lease rates. If you talk to them, they can explain it better but on a few Micaela, depending where you live, you can do 0 down on the lease and when you return the car a few years later it has the potential to be worth more than the remaining value which can turn into them paying you. I wouldn't own a Subaru out of warranty anyways.

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kyler718@reddit

I personally know 4 different people who have had to replace a hyundai engine under 100k miles. Personally, I'd avoid them.

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DJScaryTerry@reddit

7 different people in my family have owned 9 Hyundai's in the last 8-10 years. Only one had issues and it was the famed theta 2.

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Cooldude67679@reddit

This is true, American made Hyundais/KIA’s have a weird tendency for engine failures and not having properly sealed piston rings.

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DJScaryTerry@reddit

Yeah I'm learning that because they're either finished or made in America, the quality is MUCH lower than everywhere else. Makes you wonder lol

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aspecccs@reddit

That's not really surprising lol, considering how America mfg industries are. They don't really strive for perfection. They strive for mass production.

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Suspicious_Time7239@reddit

Look into a newer certified used car.. I've invested in 2 cars that way and it saved thousands off the new car price with all the same features and low milage. It's okay to finance a car, it's the best thing you can do to build an excellent credit score... just watch out for dealer add-ons that you really don't need. I agree to go with Toyota or Honda, especially if you intend to drive this car for a very long time.

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WeissIsBestGirl19@reddit

Certified don't mean jack when it comes to used cars, because the dealerships are the ones who certify them

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nerobro@reddit

4 cylinder toyota camry. Do not finance anything for 72 months. Ever. (I mean that, except a house) 3 years max. I wonder what's up with the compass, often "what you have" is better than "what you do not know"

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BurgerMajesty49@reddit

Can I ask why not more than three years? The lower monthly payment with the 72 month option is so much more enticing!

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nerobro@reddit

You want any payment you're making to not last longer than the factory warranty. You do not want to be funding a repair fund, AND still paying on a car that could have a catastrophic failure, leaving you with no car, and a car payment. Cars depreciation cycle is also very steep, if you have a much longer payoff time, you're also looking at being upside down for nearly all of the loan, instead of just the first year or so.

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BurgerMajesty49@reddit

I am selling my 2012 Camry 105k miles right now

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SailingSpark@reddit

I never buy new. I prefer to hit up places like Carvana, AutoLenders and the like and buy cars that are just off lease or traded in after five years. Cars today can do an amazing amount of miles before being worn out, so getting a mostly new car with 20,000 miles for half the price or less of new is the way to go.

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Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

Honda fit or civic or Mazda 3.

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Cooldude67679@reddit

Second on the Honda fit. A friend of mine owns a 2013 and They’re full of surprises. They are super utilitarian or can be a fun little hatchback depending on how you wanna drive it! The rear folding seat design is super helpful as well

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Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

I’m sitting in a manual Honda fit right now.

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Cooldude67679@reddit

They’re such great cars with good quality, I’ve always wanted a manual fit

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Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

The second gen is the one to get if you want a driver’s car. What makes the car amazing is modifying the suspention to allow a more aggressive alignment. That makes the fit as fun as my miata.

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Dry-Name2835@reddit

Go finance a used car off of a lot. At your age and income, you dont need to get tied up in a 20-30k car and thats what its likley to be once the sales rep and financer get done with you. Go find something fun but also practical. Hondas and such are everywhere. You can good get bmws, Lexus or whatever for 10 or under. You dont want high debt to income at youre age because more important things are going to come up and those cars will be easier to get out of or you will take less loss if something happens. Just have what you're buying checked out well. I know its not what you want to hear but young adults set themselves so far back in their youth making purchases like this

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Wgburner@reddit (OP)

Yes definitely a used car! Thank you.

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crusincagti@reddit

any entry level honda or toyota good and reliable. not too expensive.

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Reasonable_Ideal_888@reddit

A 2005-2010ish Honda accord or civic. If you want reliable and cheap, go that route. You can get it paid in full for what you want to put as a down payment. Sorry with your marketplace luck, but if im being honest, Jeep isnt something you should ever consider if you dont want to worry about stuff failing. Im just saying that it would be a shame to lock up 25% of your income in a car payment and insurance.

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Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit

Well what do you want/enjoy, that's important. Lame cars are lame regardless of other factors and you're unlikely to care enough to maintain a car you don't like.

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len2680@reddit

Thanks for saying this I personally won’t ever buy a boring car I hate. A carola would neber be on my list.

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Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit

Well you did say "I’d prefer something dependable like a Honda or Toyota" but much of their dependability comes from how boring and lame they are. They very few vehicles of those makes that aren't boring are either wicked expensive or not reliable. My personally suggestion, your budget would get you a pretty decent 300C, Challenger, or Durango. People in reddit are biased against American and Stellantis/Dodge/Chrysler, but as long as you get a decent one, generally with the 5.7 engine they're solid vehicles.

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Severe-Present2849@reddit

Honestly, it sounds like you're choosing bad used cars. I think 5-6k is plenty of money to find a good used Toyota/Lexus that won't break down. Hearing your financial situation, it really doesn't seem like a car payment would be a good idea either. Look for reliable brands, no idea why you chose Jeep

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Longjumping_Lynx_972@reddit

Toyota camry

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Firstrefusal22@reddit

Civic Corolla Accord …can’t go wrong with any of them.

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Wgburner@reddit (OP)

Thank you! I’ve been looking at corollas, but I’ll look into corollas!

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ImpliedSlashS@reddit

Also, check out a Corolla

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Firstrefusal22@reddit

For humor there is a hilarious Corolla for sale post from years ago you should look up. It’s epic.

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gstringstrangler@reddit

Greige only

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Wgburner@reddit (OP)

lol sorry civics!

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HorrorQuirky1420@reddit

Don’t spend that much on your salary. Don’t finance anything, just take your $5k and buy the newest, cleanest Corolla or civic you can afford.

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Dry-Name2835@reddit

What he shoukd do is put 5k down on a 10k car and build some credit. But I totaly agree he shouldn't get himself wrapped up in a new car

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seamallowance@reddit

Never buy anything on credit, unless it’s a house. If you insist upon borrowing money, don’t borrow much at all and do it only at a Credit Union. (If you’re not a member of your local Credit Union, become one ASAP.) Use the money (preferably, that you already have) and buy the best Corolla that you can find, have it checked out by a mechanic before you pay, and only buy one from a private party.

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Raalf@reddit

Buy on credit when your investments are making more than the interest you would pay. Different sub, different advice.

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ReptarsLeftLeg@reddit

If you can stretch the payments a base model hybrid corolla or slightly used one. I used to drive big trucks and SUV’s. After I got the corolla I never looked back. Great mpg, cheap, reliable and you get all the amenities you really need. You can get it below Msrp if you can haggle. I bought mine brand new and payed 2k under the sticker price after taxes. Your interest rates may be a lot higher if you go for the used car so spending a little more on the newer one may benefit you in the long run if you plan to keep it for a long time.

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ZookeepergameMean575@reddit

Buy a toyota made before 2020

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berg450@reddit

So if you’re going to finance, I’d consider looking a new compact car, like Impreza, Civic, Corolla, Mazda3. You’ll probably end up with a better finance rate that might actually give you a lower payment than used. If you want to finance used, that’s probably still the list, though I’d suggest you hold off as long as you can to save as much cash as possible to put down or buy outright. Just find the newest, lowest mileage one you can, get it inspected, and you are good to go. Good luck!

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bluebagles@reddit

truck!

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hey-im-root@reddit

2017 accord or older, get one with like 100k miles. 16k for my 2016 LX with 74k. (Certified pre-owned tho)

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Solid_Mongoose_3269@reddit

You need to be rollin your 5.0 with the ragtop down so your hair can blow

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muphasta@reddit

watch recommended car videos by "Car Wizard". lots of advice on "buys" and "never buy" cars. Don't finance for 72 months... get yourself a decent used car for what you plan on putting down.

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SolarE46@reddit

If you can afford to put down even $3k on a car just buy an old 2000’s Honda or Toyota or something tf? Simple, easy, effective. My ex had an old civic and we neglected a coolant hose and overheated that thing over and over limping back to the house, stopping every 15 minutes to put a water bottle into the radiator. Thing ran for about 30k more miles before a deer took it out. Actually, she was still able to turn it on after they flipped it back over.

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azroscoe@reddit

Toyota Corolla or Honda Accord/Civic. Buy the best condition and lowest mileage one you can find. Buy the owner - older adults take better care of their cars. Maintain it well and it will last a long, long time.

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coffeebribesaccepted@reddit

You could probably find an NC Miata for that price with lowish miles for a less boring option than a Civic or Corolla. They're easy to work on and pretty reliable.

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Rab_in_AZ@reddit

4 door, 4 cyl, toyota or honda. Service it and dont abuse it. Last you forever.

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That-End8612@reddit

Honda’s with any CVT, Honda has basically perfected their CVT transmissions. Toyotas are all around great, and the new ones are beautiful. Volkswagen if you have a bigger budget, keep up on maintenance and they last forever, also VW has very nice luxury packages.

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UmbraXXI@reddit

I have a Honda civic and before that a Toyota Corolla both are extremely reliable and incredibly low maintenance. I have a 2019 civic and I only have to do maintenance about every 10k miles for oil changes and what not. I highly recommend! And it’ll last an extremely long time!