$10k-$20k used, efficient, reliable and safe (CA, USA)
$10k-$20k used, efficient, reliable and safe (CA, USA)
Hey Y’all,
Cool to see this community already exists! Would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks so much.
Here’s what I’m looking for: -used and as close to $10K as possible but up to $20K for something really solid.
-fuel efficiency important, hybrid ok. Not sure about full EV.
-Not a daily driver. Maybe 3-4 trips a week max. Mostly in town. And a ~100 mile round trip commute once a week or so.
-I want this car to last 10yrs at least. But I intend to drive it until one of us goes first.
-I live in Oakland CA, we have lots of potholes and some particularly dangerous drivers so I want something safe and reliable (solid).
-don’t care about aesthetics.
-I like to drive but fun to drive is just a nice to have.
-trunk space: enough for light camping or moving my bass and amp around.
-size: no SUVs or trucks please, prefer sedan or smaller (parking). 2 door/seat is ok as long as it has trunk space. I’m short, if it matters.
-I do like my music so some media controls are nice (like on the steering wheel), but can upgrade the sound system and console later ;)
-the simpler the better in terms of components, controls, maintenance. I’ll be happy with a roller window, no key fob, etc.
-it’ll be parked in a garage most of the time.
-some cars I’ve looked at that seem decent are: prius, golf, Mazda M3. Golf’s seem fun to drive and is a good size for me I think.
-I’m down with a manual if that comes up.
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Check out the hyundai venue. My wife just got a 24 with only 10k miles for $17k (was a rental that was in a minor fender bender like 3 months in so they sold it). The thing will get 47mpg highway if you stay around 65-70mph. It doesn't have a ton of power off the line in normal mode, but sports mode has some pep to it.
It's a bit higher off the ground than a sedan, and it's actually shorter than an elantra, but has pretty good trunk space especially if you lay the back seat down.
You can actually get one new for a bit over $20k.
One trick is to find a non-hyundai dealer that's close to a hyundai dealer. They're a bit more motivated to sell the hyundai for a good deal.
Another good alternative is a hyundai Santa Cruz. I absolutely love mine, and I can get 37mpg highway if I baby it (usually around 32mpg if I leave CC on). Plenty of cargo space with the bed, and it's roomy inside. I'm 6'3 and this is the first car I've had where putting the seat all the way back is too far. Plus, it has AWD and can tow 3500lb.
This is a great rec, I appreciate the tips and details. Didn't know that about the dealers. I'm always down to take the trip to santa cruz too :D. That sounds like a steal at 17K. I like that it is a bit higher but still compact. Will look into this one more for sure!
You're welcome! Also take a look at the kia soul. I had my OG soul for 13 years and nearly 200k miles before I traded it in. It was perfectly fine except for needing a new power steering pump that I didn't want to fuck with (and they gave my $6k for trade-in on my truck when KBB was $1500)
It's not much bigger than the Venue, and that thing definitely has a deceptive amount of power under the hood. It was fun to drive for sure.