Which used car should I get??
Posted by PerceptionHeavy1218@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Just to lay out my requirements, I need <$20k, <50k miles, Apple car play, long-term use, good resale value, Toyota, Honda or Mazda.
So far, I’ve found 4 cars:
The Mazda CX-30 is $16k with 18k miles, monthly is $337, had 2 previous owners, no accidents but has salvaged title due to significant damage, combined gas mileage is 27MPG, engine is 186hp 2.5L I4
The Mazda3 is $19,998 with 34k miles, monthly is $317, had 2 previous owners that maintained it very well, has clean history, gas mileage is 26-35 MPG, engine is 2.5L
The Honda HR-V is $12k with 33k miles, monthly is $250, had 2 owners, 1 accident resulted in total loss, has salvaged title, combined gas mileage is 27MPG, engine is 141hp 1.8L I4
The Yaris is $18,990 with 47k miles, monthly is $350, has clean history, gas mileage is 32-40 MPG, engine is 1.5L
From this, I’ve narrowed it down to the Mazda3 and the Yaris. I’m kind of hoping to get the Mazda3 although my parents want me to get the Yaris. They didn’t explain why but I’m assuming it’s the cheapest in terms of overall cost like insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. I’ve run an insurance quote as well for both cars and they’re about the same with the Mazda3 being $407/mo and the Yaris being $377/mo. For context, the cost is a bit higher for me because I recently got into an accident where I was deemed at fault and my car got totaled.
I think the only thing left to do is to actually go to the dealerships and see and test the car for myself as well as answer any more questions I have. But I want to hear other opinions about it. I’ve searched in Carmax, Carvana, Enterprise Car Sales, AutoTempest, and CarGuru. Should I continue searching or just keep the 2 options? If not, where else can I search and any tips when searching? And any tips on buying a car in general?
musicmlwl@reddit
What years are these cars?
PerceptionHeavy1218@reddit (OP)
The Mazda CX-30 is 2022, Mazda3 is 2022, Honda HR-V is 2018, and the Toyota Yaris is 2020
musicmlwl@reddit
I'd say the Mazda3. You get a lot of car for the value and a great looking ride. Mazda of recent years has really stepped their game up and they have been making really good cars lately.
PerceptionHeavy1218@reddit (OP)
Agreed, although I’ve read the owner reviews and a couple or so mention it’s not as fuel efficient, versus the owner reviews for the Yaris say it’s very fuel efficient. That’s not a big requirement for me but it is something to consider
musicmlwl@reddit
Personal opinion is that there's not enough of a difference between the two MPGs to sacrifice an extra liter of engine. 1.5L in the Yaris, which you'll find lacking for acceleration. It's adequate don't get me wrong but in a pinch the little extra horsepower will come in handy and a larger engine will have less stress.
sweetrobna@reddit
I wouldn't even consider a salvage title car for something you are concerned with resale value on. Or with long term use
PerceptionHeavy1218@reddit (OP)
Yeah I thought the Mazda CX-30 and the Honda HR-V were nice cars if it weren’t for their salvaged titles, which is why I narrowed it down to the Yaris and the Mazda3
Decent-Necessary6209@reddit
The mazda is cool, but the yaris is, sadly, for all purposes except looks, the better vehicle (for your situation).