2nd car

Sputnik

Sputnik

New member
Hello guys,

So I hav my 11 4runner as a family car. I need to get a second car to use for work. I have a travel job, so that means I'd be driving it to the train station or airport on Monday's, and leaving it at the parking lot. Then on Fridays I'd be driving home. About 70mi trip one way.

I need a reliable car (4 cyl, MAYBE a small 6) to get me around that is gas efficient. I absolutely WILL NOT buy American made, only Japanese, preferably Toyota, Honda, or Infiniti only. I'm on a budget for $15k max, preferably $10 tho, so I'll be buying used.

I'm currently looking at 2007-2008 Honda accords and Toyota camrys. Or maybe a 2009+ Honda civic. What do you guys think? I know Toyota is the best, should I pay more for a camry, or should I be okay with a accord or civic? I will not buy a 06-08 civic because of the engine blocks cracking and failing. I haven't heard of 09+ engines cracking, hopefully Honda got their S*** back together. I really don't like the used corollas, just not my type of car..

To sum it up, I need a gas efficient Japanese car that is jus as reliable as my 4runner :) Any recommendations?
 
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Toyota is best? Then explain to me why our 2008 Tundra is rusting out worse than our 2001 Dodge Ram?

Anyways. +1 on Infiniti; they seem to be a great bang for your buck. Or pay more for the Camry; I don't see why the price is not about the same as a Civic (considering equal ears, of course)....

You should be fine regardless of what you pick. I will agree with you in the sense that going with a Jap car is probably your best bet (vs. Domestic). I would see whatever you can get a good deal on and go from there.
 
$15k...why not a Corolla, base model...new. Or a Scion or a Toyota Yaris.

Honda Fit? A good practical buy.

Chevy Sonic (i know that you don't buy American, but this is seemingly an amazing car!!) It has top-notch crash scores...something that the above vehicles that i mention can't match. 1.4 I4 Turbo + 6MT...yummy!! IMO, this car is THE true successor to the Honda CRX.

Ford Fiesta or base Focus...again, top crash scores.

I think that you're doing yourself a disservice for not considering the new American models...they are MUCH improved than what you thought!
 
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If I buy a domestic my family will disown me lol j/k

I won't buy a hybrid either, not worth it...

I'm lookig into a loaded 07 accord with leather (coupe) 55k for 10k...

Thai said:
$15k...why not a Corolla, base model...new. Or a Scion or a Toyota Yaris.

Honda Fit? A good practical buy.

Chevy Sonic (i know that you don't buy American, but this is seemingly an amazing car!!) It has top-notch crash scores...something that the above vehicles that i mention can't match. 1.4 I4 Turbo + 6MT...yummy!! IMO, this car is THE true successor to the Honda CRX.

Ford Fiesta or base Focus...again, top crash scores.

I think that you're doing yourself a disservice for not considering the new American models...they are MUCH improved than what you thought!
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Have you thought about an Acura TL/TSX? You'll have to go a little older than an Accord but they look great and are more luxurious.
 
I would NEVER hesitate to buy a used Honda, and this is from years of experience both owning and wrenching on them. I admit I haven't owned any really new ones, and I'm not familiar with whatever that '06-08 Civic issue was, but I'd buy a 10-15 year old one in a heartbeat. Of course, Acura is Honda, and I've had (and equally liked) a few of those, too. Best of luck!
 
scion tc 1st gen. great little car, versatile when you need it, and decent 28-32mpg gas mileage and still fun/quick to drive. Oh yeah and 100% made in J-pan!
 
2nd Car


If you are looking for something NEW, but inexpensive......I have a short list for you:

1. Nissan Sentra 2.0L (sedan only) -- Simple, reliable and you can make a good deal on one. The current style as been around since 2007, so they're getting a bit long in the tooth. {I have a 2002 1.8L GXE that I bought new and it has 126,000+ miles on it now.} Nissan will re-do it for 2013, according to the dealership. It is available with a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic in the "strippo" base model, while the other trim levels have the CVT. (The 2.5L SPEC-V has a six-speed, but that is not an 'economy car' at all.)

2. Nissan Versa (sedan now has a 1.6L, hatchback gets a 1.8L) -- The sedan is all new for 2012, while the hatchback soldiers on with the same look it has sported since 2007.

3. Toyota Corolla 1.8L -- redesigned in 2009, but it gets new tail lamps for this model year. Dependable and rugged; but getting a bit costly in comparison to other cars in its segment.

4. Toyota Yaris -- The "entry level" Toyota comes in a sedan or little hatchback, gets good mileage and includes a good list of features.

5. Honda Civic -- Need we say more? One of the best small cars out there, but you will not see much discounting on them because the Civic is a new design for 2012.

6. Hyundai Accent -- Quite a value for the price you pay. Up to 40 mpg on the highway, too.

7. Ford Fiesta -- Comes as either a sedan or hatchback; all new since early in 2011. Highway MPG is 39 if I recall correctly. Can be a stripped down S version with barely any options, on up to a full-tilt SES hatchback with the "SYNC" system, Bluetooth, heated seats, alloy wheels, etc., etc.

8. Kia Rio -- A great little 'cheap' car from Korea that doesn't even look like a typical "economy car" when you see one. Looks a lot like a Hyundai, probably because Kia is partially owned by them.

I am sure there are other options, but those vehicles are a few that come to mind. I have recently test-driven the Hyundai Elantra, the Ford Fiesta and the Nissan Sentra -- as possible replacements for my '02 Sentra should I decide to sell it.

Good luck finding something suitable for you!!
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034RUNNER said:
Toyota is best? Then explain to me why our 2008 Tundra is rusting out worse than our 2001 Dodge Ram?

Anyways. +1 on Infiniti; they seem to be a great bang for your buck. Or pay more for the Camry; I don't see why the price is not about the same as a Civic (considering equal ears, of course)....

You should be fine regardless of what you pick. I will agree with you in the sense that going with a Jap car is probably your best bet (vs. Domestic). I would see whatever you can get a good deal on and go from there.
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It all depends on how they are kept, how good the rust proofing is and how much they are driven when the salt is out on the road, I've seen a handful of 01 and under Ram's that are not rusty on the body around here in the past few years, but i don't think i have seen seen a single new body style tundra with any body rust on it that has not been in an accident.
 
$10,000 can buy you a very nice Camry if you are smart about it.

I bought this DD last summer.

2001 Camry | 4CYL | 82,000 miles | $7,800 | Private Owner











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