[Pocoscrub]

There's so many used cars out there to sift through to find something good. My big problem is that I don't even know what manufacturers to to really look out for so I end up just looking through all the ads.

What would be a good low maintenance car around $9-$11k? 4 door sedan with an automatic gearbox, that's newer than 2008. Which manufacturer to look for because I have no clue how to fix a car or where to even start. I need something that wont break down too fast and repairs wont be out of my ass. I'll probably fix it with a lot of Googled tutorials once the time comes.
So far I've looked at Volkswagen jettas quite a bit but reading through the RS forums and seeing all the engine light jokes has made me change my mind.

I'm not asking for specific ads or anything, just something to point me in the right direction, I've been wasting way too much time on this and should've already got a car a long time ago. It's just a car that would get my ass around Vancouver and maybe outside of it a bit.

[Suprarz666]

Get a civic or corolla.

/thread.

[fliptuner]

Civic, Corolla, TSX

[inv4zn]

You've essentially narrowed it down pretty well - an Auto 4-door that's newer than '08, with a budget of around 10K. That's not as large a range as you may think.

Low maintenance, so reliable then.

Stay away from anything European.
You can find American cars from that era, but most will be pretty shitty.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/2009_ford_focus_SES_sedan.JPG

So now it's mainly Japanese, and maybe some Korean.

Civics and Corollas are best selling for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Accords, Camrys, Nissan Altimas, Sentras, Mazda 3/6, Hyundai Sonata, etc.

You may even be able to get some of the higher end models such as TSX, TL, etc.

[fliptuner]

^^^No to TL/Accord V6 auto

[BrownBear]

Civic bro

[rps13]

2008 Nissan Sentra (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/5102841447.html)

2008 Honda Fit Automatic 96,000 KM Excellent condition (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/cto/5102653690.html)

2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback - Price Reduced (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/5082019029.html)

2008 Honda Accord- Grey 91k KM (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/5079996665.html)

2009 Toyota corolla (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/5101808075.html)

2010 mazda 3 (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/5101251572.html)

[Alby]

can't go wrong with corolla or civic

[AstulzerRZD]

^^^No to TL/Accord V6 auto

08+ Accords and 09+ TLs shouldn't be affected. The bad transmissions were on the 6th/7th gen Accord and 3G TLs.

In fact, Honda started using the RL transmission in later model 3G TLs.

[jcmaz]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Mitsubishi Lancers yet. 08/09 Lancers can be had for dirt cheap (within your budget) because they depreciate like a rock :'( CVT's on those feel gutless but they are roomy cars with a pretty big trunk. Plus they still look pretty darn good.

[multicartual]

Sounds like a recipe for a coma on 4 wheels

[swfk]

I say Honda Fit, haul a bunch of stuff and good visibility and they're super reliable.

[smoothie.]

when I joined revscene many years ago (even before this account), there was a quote that stuck with me.

Cheap, fast, reliable. Pick two. -Forgot who it was

It's pretty much how I've continued to buy cars.

and the honda v6 trannys still have problems, it never ended.

[Hondaracer]

Kinda OT but if I'm looking at a Honda/Acura V6, in either the TL or accord what should i be looking at for reliability? The 6 speed trannys?

[Tone Loc]

In on possible Acura thread....

Thinking of getting a TSX to replace the 4runner. Reason being, I want to save money on gas and insurance, plus I miss having a manual daily. And my parents recently retired (they drive a CR-V) so I figure I can just switch cars with my dad if I need to "haul" large items.

From what I understand, the auto TSXs have less transmission issues because they aren't mated to the V6. And variants of that same K24 engine are used in a ton of other Honda/Acura cars so I am assuming they are quite reliable.

Problem is a lot of them are still in the $10k-14k range....

[Whizz]

Kinda OT but if I'm looking at a Honda/Acura V6, in either the TL or accord what should i be looking at for reliability? The 6 speed trannys?

The TL automatic gearbox was vastly improved in 2007, with much less reported failures. 6-speed would be the best route though. As for the Accord V6, I think it was improved for 2008, but I am unsure about the 2006 refresh model year.

On topic to OP:
I would recommend a simple Honda Civic 2006-2011 or Toyota Corolla 2009-2013 for reliability and easier self-maintenance. It is down on power, but with gas prices these days, it's well worth getting a fuel sipper. If you want some luxury, get the Civic EX-L model or go with an Acura TSX, although you will have a higher insurance premium associated with it.

[AstulzerRZD]

The TL automatic gearbox was vastly improved in 2007, with much less reported failures. 6-speed would be the best route though. As for the Accord V6, I think it was improved for 2008, but I am unsure about the 2006 refresh model year.

On topic to OP:
I would recommend a simple Honda Civic 2006-2011 or Toyota Corolla 2009-2013 for reliability and easier self-maintenance. It is down on power, but with gas prices these days, it's well worth getting a fuel sipper. If you want some luxury, get the Civic EX-L model or go with an Acura TSX, although you will have a higher insurance premium associated with it.

Those 6 speed transmissions have issues with 3rd gear grinding/popping out of gear..
More reliable than the autos for sure, but that generation just seems to not have been good for V6 Honda transmissions

[LP700-4]

Kinda OT but if I'm looking at a Honda/Acura V6, in either the TL or accord what should i be looking at for reliability? The 6 speed trannys?

TL only worth getting 07+, 04-06 autos will go eventually. They put in a revised RL transmission for 07 so little to none failures reported. It is worth mentioning a trans fluid drain and fill is recommended every so often for these cars but fluid is only about 40 bucks and its as easy as an oil change.

Op only wants a car to put around town in so i dont see why he needs a big v6?

[hud 91gt]

I've been driving my '04 tsx since December. No complaints other then I've already seen some door lock actuator issues. Comfortable quiet car hopefully for years to come. Filling with premium kind of sucks when your not exactly driving a performance sedan. Good DD

[bcrdukes]

I know you're looking for a 2008+ vehicle, but I believe one of the moderators here on the forum is selling his TSX.

(Edit: I think it may have been sold.)

[Timpo]

Civic, Corolla, TSX

Civic or Corolla, definitely yes.

TSX? I don't think he would want to spend extra money on premium gas.
Same as TL.

[Timpo]

OH FUCK SERIOUSLY, Why are people even recommending TL, TSX or Accord?

I don't think OP wants to put extra money on extra maintenance, insurance, gas, etc.
I think all he needs is a Civic or Corolla. He doesn't need V6 engine that requires premium gas.

[nsx042003]

I think reliability wise, most of the japanese brands are a good bet. The safest ones are civics and corollas as pointed out by numerous members.

but that being said, those same civics & corollas aren't exactly "cheap" when it comes to what you'd get out of it.... luxuries, features, etc.

I'd recommend mazda 3s too, they are a better equipped when compared to civics and corollas

[Pocoscrub]

OH FUCK SERIOUSLY, Why are people even recommending TL, TSX or Accord?

I don't think OP wants to put extra money on extra maintenance, insurance, gas, etc.
I think all he needs is a Civic or Corolla. He doesn't need V6 engine that requires premium gas.

I wont die if I need to buy premium gas for a car if the car is good. Thank you everyone for the immense amount of fast replies, I'll start looking out for a decent corolla/civic/mazda 3.

I haven't seen anyone recommend a Kia, are they like the sub-par quality asian cars?

[Kure GS]

How about Australian?

[Mike.L]

How about Australian?

Did they actually build that car in Australia along with Vauxhall or did they just copy Australians and build it in 'Merica.

[bcrdukes]

Timpo,

The TSX came in an inline-4 configuration as well as a V6.

[fliptuner]

Civic or Corolla, definitely yes.

TSX? I don't think he would want to spend extra money on premium gas.
Same as TL.

Nabs' TSX consistently gets 600km/tank (even with 200k+) and he can run mid or reg if he wanted. He just went across NA and back, without a hiccup. It's been trouble free and has all the bells and whistles. I've yet to hear of stock, K series engines have any issues.

[dn53]

I wont die if I need to buy premium gas for a car if the car is good. Thank you everyone for the immense amount of fast replies, I'll start looking out for a decent corolla/civic/mazda 3.

I haven't seen anyone recommend a Kia, are they like the sub-par quality asian cars?



A lot of you guys are mentioning the tsx but if he wants an 08 or newer (09 is completely out of the question), hes gonna shell out alot more than 11k. I own an 06 with 115k and I paid around 11. I decided to go with the tsx for the convenience at the end of the day. it's still fun to drive in manual and it has all the creature comfort options id want


As for your questions about Kia, they are cheap on gas, and generally a cheap buy. They are all gutless essentially :lol. Generally from 2010+ they have all been face lifted with the tiger nose which I think is aesthetically more appealing than what they had going before. PS, they have the same motors as the Hyundais. if you can get over the Korean branding, they are not bad cars.

take what i say with a pinch of salt, I fix kias.. :whistle:

[GS8]

How about Australian?

Did you take that photo??

I was there with my G8 buddies

:fuckyea:

[fliptuner]

As for your questions about Kia, they are cheap on gas, and generally a cheap buy. They are all gutless essentially :lol. Generally from 2010+ they have all been face lifted with the tiger nose which I think is aesthetically more appealing than what they had going before. PS, they have the same motors as the Hyundais. if you can get over the Korean branding, they are not bad cars.

take what i say with a pinch of salt, I fix kias.. :whistle:

If that's all the criticism you get from a Kia tech, I'd say it's not bad lol. Although, he does drive a TSX. hahaha

[Kure GS]

Yes I was there for a bit, but left to go to the Sockeye run in Steveston. Too bad they were on the same day. Some familiar Pontiacs where there. Glad to see G8s coming out. Terrific car. Saw a new model fully optioned Chevy version in Hawaii and it was nuts. Your car would not be out of place at the unofficial gathering at airport MacDonald's (on way to south terminal) Thursday nights.

[multicartual]

Buy this and you'll have a TON of fun learning how to drive!

1987 mustang 5.0 mint condition 82,000 ORIGINAL KMS (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/5083310374.html)

Mustangs are also pretty reliable and not that bad on gas. I put in $40 in my 5.0 powered E36 BMW last week, drove around Vancouver a bunch, drove to Maple Ridge and back, drove to Metrotown once and still have a bit of gas left. Not bad for a V8 that gets stomped on. On the highway I cruise at like 1500 RPMs and around down lug the motor at like 1100 to get great mileage.

[Kure GS]

Did they actually build that car in Australia along with Vauxhall or did they just copy Australians and build it in 'Merica.
In a recent interview Lutz indicates they were built in Australia; but by the time GM OK'd the import the A$ had gotten stronger and the price point increased too much. Further they tried to sell them at Pontiac dealers in the mid-west when the true demand was in California. Too bad.

Not happy they called it a "GTO", but that is not the cars fault. Wish there were more around.

I believe that is a V8 crammed in there.

[Kure GS]

What is the time Horizon?
What can you afford to pay per year over, say, a five or ten year period? A new basic Honda or Toyota may end up costing the same as putting down $10,000 on a five year used car. And you end up with a five year old car after five years, not a ten year car.

Old Car
Cost: $10,000
Annual Maintenance, say $2000 (off warranty) = $10,000
Resale value, say: $2000.
Total five year cost = 18,000
Cost per year = $3,600

New Car
Cost: $20,000
Annual incidental costs, say $500 = $2500
Resale Value, say $5000
Total Five Year costs : $17,500

Cost per year: $3,500

Enjoy your new car!

On the other hand (no one needs to know its a V8):

[v_tec]

Old Car
Cost: $10,000
Annual Maintenance, say $2000 (off warranty) = $10,000
Resale value, say: $2000.
Total five year cost = 18,000
Cost per year = $3,600

New Car
Cost: $20,000
Annual incidental costs, say $500 = $2500
Resale Value, say $5000
Total Five Year costs : $17,500

Cost per year: $3,500


Those numbers are incorrect in so many levels, I don't even know where to start FailFish

[danned]

get yourself some wheels

[Kure GS]

It is not meant to be rocket science, just a example of a way to look at the decision. Insurance costs for new and used cars is another variable. I have left out taxes as well.