Need entry level used vehicle recommendations
 

I hate to make another one of those threads but i cannot help think of anything other than Civics or super generic models. Basically looking for a cheap reliable sorta boring used car for around 6g range for a family friend.

-It HAS to be automatic
-Regular gas
-4 banger
-Mileage under 200k, Of course lower the better
-Something Japanese. No euros
-nothing too too ancient. 2004+?
-it has to be reliable
-no rebuilts

Is there anything i should look into other than honda civics and accords?

I understand that 6g isnt going to get me anything fancy but any recommendations are appreciated

COROLLA

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/...594105413.html

Meets all your criteria and is relatively modern (2010), plus it's a hatchback. Maybe you can talk them down to 6g price?

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/...606331999.html

AWD, SUV, with winter tires

04 + Mazda 3 GT

Yaris

https://s.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dim...s/60MAGEC1.jpg

If they need extra space

CRV
RAV4
Yaris
Matrix
Corolla
Mazda 2
Mazda 3
Sentra
Impreza (probably wishful thinking)
Forester
Acura TL/TSX/CSX

Might have to look hard if meeting exactly your criteria above, but it's possible.

I know you said no Civics, but how about an Acura CSX?

Mazda 3 gets my vote

Maybe a Honda fit but really i would just get a civic or maybe an Accord.

A 7th Gen Accord will do nicely.

Get a Coupe if you don't need the extra doors and want to look less boring.

Mazda 3

Mazda 3 would be best

one from each of the Japanese brands available locally

scion tc
mitsubishi ralliart
nissan SE-R
mazda 3
subaru impreza
acura rsx

All day. Most likely the lowest ownership costs and easy resale. Or drive it into the ground, if it let's you. Seriously, Corolla is the easy button of vehicle ownership. Keep oil and gas in it and you won't have a problem.

I'll add a Rav4 or CR-V to the mix as second gen versions can be had for $6k or less. Although you lose some gas mileage with the 4WD/AWD/etc so if you don't need utilitarian-ness then stick with the Corolla.

COROLLA or Fit.

thanks everyone.
Here is a list im working with so far. I dont think any of these are particularly a "good buy" but does fit the criteria.. do the prices seem fair?
Ive excluded suv's from the list. I forgot to mention initially that we are in the market for a subcompact/midsize car

1.) 2011 Mazda 3 GT - 124k - $6999
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...610726420.html

2.) 2011 Mazda 3 - 120K - $5999
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...610725722.html

3.) 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX - 175K - $5600
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/...600825189.html

4.) 2009 Acura CSX - 169K - $7499
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/...587471980.html

5.) 2009 Honda FIT - 179K - $6000
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...595677273.html

6.) 2007 Mazda 3 GT Sdn - 110K - $7485
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...596085418.html

7.) 2008 VW Rabbit 2.5 - 180K - $5200 (i know i said no euros but worth a shot? i know for sure that these arnt as troublesome as the gti's and other VAG products with turbos and dsg's)
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/...583327101.html

My wife had a 2010 Hyuandia Elantra.. that car was solid as a rock for a little commuter car and the only scheduled maintenance it has throughout it's entire life is timing belt and water pump..

personally i'd buy one of those again well ahead of the Mazda's.

If you're looking at Mazda3's, look into 5's as well. Same drivetrain and options, in a slightly larger package. Generally, they seem to have lower mileage and sell cheaper.

The 2.5 Rabbit is a pretty good car. Has the usual European quirks but otherwise, reliable.

Had an 8th Gen CE with 5-speed before to learn stick shift on. $1200, manual windows, no AC(it was winter when I bought it, so no biggie), but it has a tach(yeah that was an option back in the days).

My driving experience is pretty spot on with RCR.

Can't recommend it, though, mainly because it burns oil like no tomorrow due to a design flaw in the oil rings. It's a good prep lesson for my RX-8 ownership but even my RX-8 burns less oil than the Corolla.

And with a $6k budget, you can do a lot better than that.