best car under 20k?
Posted by AlwaysEphemeral@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 63 comments
I am looking for a car under 20k, no real preference, other than best deal, and driving well, being comfortable, have amenities for comfort, like bluetooth, and backup camera, not be a minivan, not have a brown interior lol, aiming for 20+ mpg, I am in Sacramento, but would travel a reasonable distance, or maybe even further and make a roadtrip out of it.. anyone who has done research lately or keeps a pulse on such things, what would you get
cryptomakesmehard@reddit
Mitsubishi mirage gx small little 1.2 liter car that gets 6.5L per 100k you can get one for 12-15k CAD that will still be covered under warranty for years to come example one for 15k with 56k on it and it was a 2017. So it would have powertrain warranty in until 160k or 2027
1OfTheUsernamesEver@reddit
Even a Nissan Versa or any Hyundai/Kia are better purchases than that
cryptomakesmehard@reddit
Explain? Because Mitsubishi has the best warranty available for vehicles? Also check the used price of a Elantra or forte vs a mirage..... you can get a mirage brand new for like 25k CAD all the prices I have said are CAD.
Show me a brand new 2023 kia or Hyundai you can grab for 25k CAD
I've seen elantras that have no warranty and over 100k selling for the same price as a mirage with years left of warranty ( piece of mind ) buying used cars is a gamble. Good warranty eliminates the gamble
OutlawMINI@reddit
It's a terrible car.
monroezabaleta@reddit
Pretty sure their warranty is like Kia/Hyundai and the 10 years only applies to new users.
OMMFGitsAustin@reddit
dude has a 20k budget and you're out here recommending a rolling piece of shit econo car lmao
cryptomakesmehard@reddit
Im recommending a point A to point B good on gas and won't have to worry about a engine failure for 10 years 160k. Mirage G4 isn't even that bad looking the hatchback is ugly as fuck for sure but the g4 body isn't bad with some nice rims and it's a decent car.
It's just a better financial purchase then buying a older nicer looking car with high km or barely has any warranty on it.
I own a Mercedes SUV right now with a turbo diesel 2.1. It's only at 140km but no warranty. The anxiety of still owing 20k on a vehicle with no warranty is fucked.
So if op chooses to spend 20k on a vehicle I personally would get the most coverage available on the market and the cheapest car because car prices really over inflated. When your car shits the bed which essentially it will at some point it is only worth it to someone doing a swap. A 20k car can quickly turn into a 2000-4000 car if the engine fucks up. Drive the fuck out of the mirage save money on high interest rates and inflated car prices and buy something nice in the future when interest rates are better and you got enough to get a nice vehicle still in warranty ;)
cryptomakesmehard@reddit
Im recommending a point A to point B good on gas and won't have to worry about a engine failure for 10 years 160k. Mirage G4 isn't even that bad looking the hatchback is ugly as fuck for sure but the g4 body isn't bad with some nice rims and it's a decent car.
It's just a better financial purchase then buying a older nicer looking car with high km or barely has any warranty on it.
I own a Mercedes SUV right now with a turbo diesel 2.1. It's only at 140km but no warranty. The anxiety of still owing 20k on a vehicle with no warranty is fucked.
So if op chooses to spend 20k on a vehicle I personally would get the most coverage available on the market and the cheapest car because car prices really over inflated. When your car shits the bed which essentially it will at some point it is only worth it to someone doing a swap. A 20k car can quickly turn into a 2000-4000 car if the engine fucks up. Drive the fuck out of the mirage save money on high interest rates and inflated car prices and buy something nice in the future when interest rates are better and you got enough to get a nice vehicle still in warranty ;)
rudbri93@reddit
the cleanest/well cared for camry you can find.
AlwaysEphemeral@reddit (OP)
any years to stay away from?
rudbri93@reddit
i believe they had some engine troubles in mid '00s but thatll be way back for your price bracket. find what model years are in your budget and then check for recalls.
Beautiful_Climate_18@reddit
The 2AZ (2.4L) engine was problematic, tends to burn oil especially when they have higher mileage. It won't die, as long as you keep adding oil to it and don't run it dry. It's just a bit of hassle to have to add a quart every 500-600 miles.
These were in Camrys until maybe 2009-2010
Jolly-Imagination-32@reddit
the camry i drive
rudbri93@reddit
Thats the one.
Consistent-Ear-3431@reddit
You can get a 2010 Dodge Challenger srt8 for around 18k
__NomDePlume__@reddit
Second generation Honda Fit, if you want a fun economical little hatch
2005-2014 Mustang GT if you want something fun
Harouun@reddit
But forgot to mention on the mustang, not economical or space room like the fit, my fit is definitely a fun manual
__NomDePlume__@reddit
OP said 20+ mpg, and any S197 Mustang GT can easily do that, even with mods.
True, they have a small trunk, but the fold down seats help.
Harouun@reddit
Bruhhh fit can get almost 40, in what world do you think 20 is economical
__NomDePlume__@reddit
Sure, because it’s a 1.5 liter engine.
Mid 20’s isn’t bad all for a V8 muscle or sports car. It really comes down to what you want in a car what you and are willing to pay.
Harouun@reddit
No 20 is not economical sorry
__NomDePlume__@reddit
Again, OP didn’t ask for 40 mpg or even “economical.” He asked for 20mpg or better and not a minivan.
40 mpg isn’t everything to everyone.
Harouun@reddit
No I said the guy forgot to mention, I didn’t say op wanted. I recommend you re read it all or delete your comment regardless you’ve made a fool of yourself I didn’t need to assist 🤣
SpecialistPotential9@reddit
Lol the main post is what everyone should be referring too and this says 20+. So quit complaining on everyone.
doravec88@reddit
I got lucky, mine came with a manual
Harouun@reddit
I specifically looked for a manual for mine and I’m a go getter, I get what I want
Apart-Temperature-59@reddit
LEXUS IS300 Or is 250 if you want better mpg
l0000000l@reddit
Toyota Rav4 any day.
Evil_Producer@reddit
How is that under 20k?
l0000000l@reddit
a used one.
Evil_Producer@reddit
Do you mind sharing the related link here? I am looking for something like that or maybe Corolla Cross.
l0000000l@reddit
just search on fb marketplace or craigslist. You will find many used ones.
RalfRoen@reddit
Get a 2012-2015 tiguan with a good service record. Good engine and good transmission. Lots of power, good handling and convenience features.
SuperSuper2006@reddit
LOL what?
A 10+ year old VW?
RalfRoen@reddit
Yes. This car has a 2.0 tsi engine, one of the best VW has made. It only needs to take care of minor details like an auminum water pump, and verify if it has updated chain tensor. Other than that is just oil changes. This engine is so good it is still on many VW and audis.
the tiguan also has a 6 sp Aisin Transmission, japan made. Very dependable and trouble free.
I don't know about other VWs but a well mantained tiguan is a very good choice. I bought one for my college daughter and she loves it.
Limp_Ad5084@reddit
They still burn oil at 70k miles 💀 my friend bought a 2020 and though the tensioner doesn’t need replaced, he had to replace his transmission cooler and cooler lines when the car was just out of warranty
RalfRoen@reddit
why? did he damage the cooler lines? In my case, no oil consumption
Limp_Ad5084@reddit
I bought a pre owned 2014 GTI in 2019 just for a back up car and she started burning oil at 80k as well.
Limp_Ad5084@reddit
No, he purchased new, and he had to commute long distance to work frequently. 90% was highway miles, he even purchased an extended warranty for the vehicle, and they didnt want to cover the repairs, but were able to due to his family friend working for the the dealer. I do find it interesting you have no consumption. Considering the great majority of the miles put on his vehicle were while the car was cruising at highway speeds. I believe he got his oil notification light after 2000 miles of an oil change.
7jamm@reddit
Camry/Corolla/civic
Imlooloo@reddit
2021 Mazda 3
Beautiful_Climate_18@reddit
Best car?
Miata. Always the answer.
Best deal? ✔️
Comfortable? ✔️
Bluetooth, backup camera? ✔️
Not a minivan? ✔️
20+ mpg? ✔️
What more could you want?
schooliepro@reddit
I'd look at a new Toyota Corolla. For a little more you can get a hybrid that gets 50 mpg.
HawkOutrageous@reddit
26-28k for a new Corolla. 😆 Camry is between 28-32k. The Camry is much better value and resale.
schooliepro@reddit
A base gas C believe is 22k.
pinegap96@reddit
Corolla
mangosteensmoothy@reddit
Get like a 2014 Camry
ILove2Bacon@reddit
It really depends on your needs. For me, the best car for 20k would be a $5000 4runner with $15000 of mods.
soyarriba@reddit
Within 100 miles of where I live. There are literally only two, 2002 with over 220k miles on it for 5k. And a 1995 for 13k with 160k miles. Both scenarios, the money could be put towards better use on a different car. I get that used car prices are high right now but 4Runners have insane values right now across every year and mileage. On top of that, OP wants modern features in it. So it’s out of the question.
soyarriba@reddit
You mean 15000 in repairs?
ILove2Bacon@reddit
It hasn't really needed anything yet. I did the fluids and spark plugs as well as one of the rear axle seals because they should be done by 100k but that's about it. It's a 3rd gen 4runner, they're one of the most reliable cars ever made.
Bro-ly@reddit
Acura TSX / CSX / TL
SuperSuper2006@reddit
Newest, lowest mileage Toyota Corolla you can find.
Bkri84@reddit
Just got a 2023 Corolla hybrid for 23 otd the non hybrid can be found for your range. The Toyota safety 3.0 is standard which has a ton of features
OHHMiii@reddit
Toyota Corolla, Camry and Honda Civic are all good options especially a one owner used car. Very little maintenance needed and very few problems. My brother and his wife are both doctors without kids and he drives a 2022 Civic. Very disciplined with their money and could retire today if they wanted, all while being in their late 40’s. Good luck, you’ll find something under 20!
CutLive3671@reddit
Lexus es350
foamtest@reddit
Any honda or Toyota. Get the hybrids if you can. Best fuel efficient reliable daily drivers that exist. If you want something fast get a 2018-2022 honda accord 2.0T. I have one and it's fantastic. It's also a great sleeper if you're into performance at all. If not I'd highly reccomend a hybrid.
SyntheticOne@reddit
2018 to 2020 or so Prius. Why not get 50mpg and everything you're looking for?
JCDU@reddit
If you have 20k to spend, spend \~15k and put a bit aside for repairs & maintenance.
AlwaysEphemeral@reddit (OP)
i do have an additional safety net
Harouun@reddit
Agreed what he said , I got. 2012 fit with 86 k miles at 5700 even tho I had 10 to spend but put 700 towards maintenance
Hell_its_about_time@reddit
Something with our direction injection or a CVT
bullbeard@reddit
Look for a 15-18 Toyota Avalon. It’s a 3.5 v6 that gets 30 on the freeway. Plenty of power and comfortable.