Best used car for under 5k for deliveries?
Posted by BombZoneGuy@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 86 comments
Hello folks! I live in the South. I do short-run deliveries (Doordash, UE, etc.) full time. I currently drive an 09 cobalt ls 5 speed at 190k miles. It runs decent enough, I do all my own maintenance, and I will to keep it until it dies of rust, but I'm planning to get a second vehicle with the following requirements:
- Under $5k
- Under 150k miles ideally
- Relatively easy to work on/find parts, with no major long term expense (special batteries, common major issues, etc.)
- Automatic
- Comfortable
- Fuel efficient (28+ mpg)
- Could be a hybrid. If full EV, it needs to charge at home overnight and last 200+ miles.
- Might have a few easy to fix issues that brought the price down.
- Can reach 400k+ miles with normal upkeep.
- Looks decent
- Not prone to niche PITA issues
My current car meets most of these needs, but my clutch leg is wearing out. Talk me out of getting another cobalt by suggesting something better that meets my requirements, please? Any make/model/year, just something ideal for racking up city miles, easy to drive, and getting in/out repeatedly. Bonus points for withstanding long idling and/or frequent starting.
zdriveee@reddit
A moped? Since this is a second vehicle, you get park anywhere, 100 mpg, weave through traffic, 1/5 of what you're willing to spend, damn near bulletproof if youre doing your own maintenance, PROFIT??????
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
There's no way I could do the kind if orders I do with a moped. But I like the spirit.
zdriveee@reddit
Gotcha, itd work for food really well but probably not for a lot of other things.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
I do food, but I do large orders and go highway speeds. I also work in the rain.
Simple-Okra-4826@reddit
Kia or Hyundai. The small ones 4 bangers that get 30 mph
Simple-Okra-4826@reddit
Mpg sorry
frikkinfai@reddit
Honda fit
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
A quick skim in my area, I'm not seeing any in my price range. But some are close. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks!
frikkinfai@reddit
Look for a manual. You'll be pleasantly surprised how nimble and engaging it is to drive for being so under powered. Might even be cheaper than an auto
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
The main reason of getting a second vehicle is to give my clutch leg a break.
GAS2HI@reddit
The Honda Fit clutch is feather soft and Honda's great shift linkage is a delight to use...
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Even still. Constantly moving my leg and arm, due to stopping and going all day...
GAS2HI@reddit
Would second a Honda Fit, especially a 5 speed MT. Space that rivals most SUV's, can go 250k with just normal maintenance. Comfortable?? Each person has their own definition of being comfortable...
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
The main reason of getting a second vehicle is to give my clutch leg a break.
Bulocoo@reddit
I second Honda fit. My kids has 200k and going strong. 38mpg around town.
Chevy Cruze. 40+ mpg but probably a 200k mile life.
You won't find much that will do 400k.
Maybe a chevy S10 or Ford Ranger. But gas mileage is not so great.
Hoovie_Doovie@reddit
Avoid chevy cruze they are not reliable
Bulocoo@reddit
Drove a Cruze for 5 years. Fine reliability. Sold it on for like $1k less than I paid. Only put tires and a battery in about 80k miles.
Definitely won't go 400k but not much will.
Hoovie_Doovie@reddit
You sold it before the 100k shitshow. Everything gives out at once and you pay what you bought the car for again in repair bills.
Bulocoo@reddit
I bought it at 80k and sold it around 160k.
Hoovie_Doovie@reddit
I know three guys who have had nothing but issues with thwir cruzes
I'm glad yours treated you well.
Maybe I should look at how they're taking care of their rigs...
Bulocoo@reddit
Why didn't you stop them from buying them?
Are they part of a Chevy Cruze club or are they (apparently) idiots?
I am not dying on a cross for the chevy cruze. American sedans are lucky to get 200k compared to Japanese and Korean. That's why I sold mine at.180k.
But I liked the one I had. It got great mileage, I maintained it well and it did fine for me.
Bought it for $5k drove it 80k miles at 45mpg and sold it for $4k. That's value to me.
Hoovie_Doovie@reddit
I started working with these guys after they already had them.
They had to use a lot of paid time off dealing with them. Once they got through the issued they were ok but two of them dropped them for camrys anyhow.
Bulocoo@reddit
All used cars have a window. I am a 50 year mechanic. I am pretty good at evaluating used cars.
I dump American cars ~150k. Korean around 200 and Japanese around 250.
Hoovie_Doovie@reddit
Lexus: it'll outlive you xP
Bulocoo@reddit
My buddies Toyota Avalon. 350k miles until it was more rust than car.
Hoovie_Doovie@reddit
Most miles I've ever seen with my own eyes was an LS400 at 534000. Still daily driven so that number went up.
Bulocoo@reddit
You must live in a dry state. North of kentucky nothing survives the rust.
Hoovie_Doovie@reddit
Washington state. While not dry, they use and ice melt thats gentler on the environment and our cars.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
As a cobalt fan, I wanted to like the Cruze, but it always put me off. I've read too many horror stories.
Doberman831@reddit
05-14 Honda civic. Anything with the r18 engine. I would steer clear of the hybrids of those generations.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Even the Prius?
Doberman831@reddit
I was referring to the hybrid civics. I believe the Prius is much more reliable than the civic hybrid.
Many-Pomegranate-33@reddit
Toyota corolla.
Anything you get doing delivery youre gonna have to pump $$ into lots of reg maint items like brakes, faster oil changes, on and on. Keep up on recommended maintenance best you can so you stay ahead.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Yes, I've been working on cars for decades.
Many-Pomegranate-33@reddit
Thats great youre able to do that and have the knowledge to.
Makes repairs so much cheaper doing it yourself and having the knowledge.
Whatever you end up getting I hope it treats you well, and wish you the best
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Thanks. And yeah, if I didnt know how to puck whoch parts to get cheap and which not, as well as have the space, tools, and knowledge; delivery gigs would eat me alive like everyone else. I do rather well though. I've always bought cheap used cars and made them last for next to nothing. I only made this post to maybe shine some light on models I'm not familiar with.
Many-Pomegranate-33@reddit
Totally get that!
I worked on american and japanese made cars professionally for 25 years.
Im totally in left field on the euros.
Never hurts to ask!
otterland@reddit
There's over 20 <5000$ Camrys on Nashville marketplace.wirh 150k or less. For some reason this was a popular suburban grandmother car around here and since everybody went to huge SUVs, they are relatively cheap. A four cylinder automatic is about as reliable as a hammer. Cheap parts too. Pretty great mileage. Aisin automatics can't be killed.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
It's on my list for sure. Not as many in my area though.
otterland@reddit
Dude, if you want a cheap sedan, Nashville has wild prices. Trucks? It's the other way. I needed a cheap CRV for my mom for the seat height and those prices were bananas too. But a Camry driven twice weekly to the Baptist Church in suburban Lavergne? They almost give them away.
I would consider expanding your search, because if you call your insurance company you can drive a car home without tags as long as you have a bill of sale.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
I might, but there are plenty of options around here, and I'm in no hurry. Nashville is a good 700 miles away I think.
otterland@reddit
Kentucky apparently is the place to get used cars FWIW. My little Honda grew up in Louisville. 15 years old and the exhaust isn't even rusty yet.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
That's impressive. Nearest me is Tulsa. Lots of decent cars there too.
otterland@reddit
Oh you're way west! Tulsa is really similar demographically to Nashville, FWIW except our MSA is like 3-4 times the population which gives you a hell of a car market.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Tulsa is still a 4 hour drive. But that's where I'll go if I don't find what I want near my city.
otterland@reddit
If you're out in the sticks of of a red state, that's usually a good place to find a sweet Buick 3800.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Not a bad choice, but I'd prefer something a hair newer and a bit better mileage.
tenax666@reddit
Honda civic or Toyota corolla.
jrileyy229@reddit
Prius
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
I've definitely considered it. My main concerns are maintainability and eventually battery replacement. Any insight?
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
2nd gen batteries are like $2000
Early 3rd gens have potential head gasket issues, a late 3rd gen would probably be over $5000
otterland@reddit
2nd gen is a classic. I drove one for 3 years. Only thing I hated was the touchscreen. Easy as shit to maintain, pretty roomy, and 45mpg even when my lead foot ex drove. It was a super duper road tripper or city car. But it's pretty hard to find one these days that's not pretty much worn out.
jrileyy229@reddit
Maintainability? A 15 year old Prius isnt any different to maintain than a cobalt.
The batteries last far longer than anyone predicted... And if you do need to do a swap, you can do it yourself with a refurbished battery pack for a grand
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
That's good to know. I've just never had a hybrid or EV so I'm hesitant about dealing with the electrical components. Okay, thanks for the info!
bigcoffeeguy50@reddit
Chrisfix has a great video on replacing Prius battery on YouTube at home.
CutEuphoric@reddit
Battery is easily replaced with a little research. Early 3rd gen CAN have head gasket issues but is rectified by simply replacing it with a better option. It isn’t hard and should absolutely be considered if you find a great deal on one.
chef-keef@reddit
The Prius is far simpler than people think. They have an eCVT transmission that is one of the most reliable out there. Prius is a great choice for your use.
howrunowgoodnyou@reddit
2nd gen
MasterKaleidoscope97@reddit
W211 E320 you’ll thank me later.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Could you elaborate at all?
MasterKaleidoscope97@reddit
Diesel Mercedes. Realiable, comfortable, cheapish but around your market range. I have the v6 3.5 2008 and its at 230k miles just regular maintenance and obviously old worn components.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
I think my friend actually has one of those, I'll go check it out.
MasterKaleidoscope97@reddit
Definitely a sleeper, Try to avoid 4matic options especially air suspension models.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Okay, thanks
04limited@reddit
You’re not getting 200+ mile range EV for $5k lol $10k maybe.
Find whatever is the lowest mileage best condition car you can for $5k. That’s not a lot of money to work with. $5k or less Honda Toyota anything is going to be beat to shit.
Ford Focus, Buicks, Dodge Avenger. Probably the only sub $5k cars you can find that still have some life left in them.
timmmarkIII@reddit
He said "automatic", the Focus with a 5 or 6 speed manual is great, the automatic is sh--.
04limited@reddit
OP calls a Cobalt reliable
I don’t think the bar is set that high
Wigberht_Eadweard@reddit
2000-2006 Sentra. Designed before the Renault takeover. Prime Japanese reliability and simplicity. With the audio fanatics package will have aux (my 2006 does but idk when that was implemented, I would assume early years don’t). If they have the factory spoiler option I think they’re actually pretty nice looking cars.
I’m in the northeast where highway speeds are only like 65 so if you’re in the south in an area where you’ll be on those 80-90 mph highways you guys have, it may not be that comfortable at those speeds. If you’re doing more middle of nowhere, 35-55 mph driving it’ll be fine. The only annoying thing about them is their fuel pumps have some flaw where you either have to do a long crank or multiple cranks to get it to start. The pumps don’t fail I don’t think, they just don’t build pressure well at start for some reason. Sometimes priming the pump works, sometimes it doesn’t. It almost always turns on the second try though.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
My dad has one. They're okay. Cobalts are better imo.
Sweet_Baby_Cheezus@reddit
Chevy Bolt/ Tesla Model 3
But honestly, you're parameters are frankly unrealistic.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
My parameters are not unrealistic. Others have already met them, hell even a cobalt mostly meets them.
shadracko@reddit
i3 is a solid EV that can be had quite cheap, though probably not $5k cheap. Poor-ish range, however (although that's why they're so inexpensive!)
OP, why do you want a second car?
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Because this one is wearing my clutch leg out and it is not the most fuel efficient not most comfortable.
espressocycle@reddit
At that price, whatever Grandma car you can find.
BombZoneGuy@reddit (OP)
Many 'grandma' cars don't fit my criteria, but thanks.
espressocycle@reddit
At $5,000 you don't really get to have criteria. You're looking for cars with good maintenance history, low miles and drivers who take it easy.
04limited@reddit
OP is the type of person to have unrealistic expectations then complain that the car market is over priced.
$5k talking about criteria lol. Just be glad the car runs and drives.
Satins_Cock@reddit
Mirage, great gas mileage, easy to work on, and you pick up a lightly used one for much less than a similar mileage Prius.
marcbrtn4@reddit
A 3 pedal Mirage is a great value buy right now. Not so sure about the CVTs and he specified he wants an automatic.
Satins_Cock@reddit
They're a bit more $ than the manuals, but still way less than a similar condition Toyota or Honda.
Acceptable-Room985@reddit
Toyota Corolla or Camry
gmehodler42069741LFG@reddit
Prius or ev
RaiseOurAxesToTheSky@reddit
Prius
Bwh2024@reddit
Second gen insight?
TealSapphire@reddit
1st generation RAV4
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
2nd gen Prius