Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've seen new Kia Rio go for $9,900 and Nissan Versa for $10,900.
I would avoid used Fords because they are a repair nightmare. My parents bought a used Ford with just 40,000 miles and spent over $5k in repairs because it broke down every other week. Mazda also shares many parts with Ford so avoid them also.
Yeah, I know that Ford had a huge reputation for poor quality for quite sometimes. I'm just wondering if they have improved their quality, especially in the models within this decade (2004-2014)?
I'm in the market for a used car. My budget is around $11K-12K. Not much considering how high the use car prices have climbed over the past several years.
So which is the better buy? Newer car, less miles, but a car that doesn't hold value and may not be as dependable or go with the more dependable, more expensive, older car with older mileage?
The newer car with less miles that has a reputation for reliability.
As an aside, maybe a new basic Hyundai isn't too much more than 12K. Don't know.
Yeah, I know that Ford had a huge reputation for poor quality for quite sometimes. I'm just wondering if they have improved their quality, especially in the models within this decade (2004-2014)?
Yes, Ford quality (along with the other domestics) has improved drastically in the last ten years. The 2009 Fusion we purchased is our first Ford and as a die hard auto enthusiast I didn't think I'd ever find myself owning one. Even if you're skeptical, test drive a used Fusion and compare it to your other options.
Have you considered discontinued brands/models? You can get a 2008 Saturn Aura for $8-9K. You get a quality car with above average reliability record at a discount just because it is not made any more. The same model year Accord costs $6K more.
Hertz around here has a lot of Mazda 6 (~2012) with around 30K miles for sale around 12K. They sometimes have a special and take $1K off. I know I will get a lot of heat for recommending an ex-rental, but this model is unlikely to be abused.
Yes, Ford quality (along with the other domestics) has improved drastically in the last ten years. The 2009 Fusion we purchased is our first Ford and as a die hard auto enthusiast I didn't think I'd ever find myself owning one. Even if you're skeptical, test drive a used Fusion and compare it to your other options.
We have had great luck with the Hondas and Toyotas we've owned. I loved my 2002 Accord, gifted it to our daughter, and then when she didn't need it any longer, it went to our son and it's still going strong. Our mechanic said it will easily get to 250,000 miles. I'm now driving a 2009 Corolla and have had zero issues with it so far, but still prefer my old Accord. Reliability is the key and these cars seem to have that mastered.
Consumer Reports puts out a great used car buying guide every year with a list of cars in every price range that have proven to be reliable. You can buy it with the magazines or here is the link to the website. Not sure if this info is free or if you have to pay to see more of it but I've found it to be very helpful.
Just checked, they DO want you to subscribe to their online service, but you can pick up a copy of the 2013 issue on eBay for $3 or maybe find it at your local library. It will list all the cars in your price range - make, model, and year, that are reliable.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
