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unless i can get a mazda 3 for around 16k tops, i think ill be looking at the chevy sonic, toyota yaris and vw jetta 1.4t mentioned. girls always liked the jetta so i think i should concentrate on that.
Better get a gofundme account going for the Jetta. You'll need it when the warranty expires.
That's Corolla or Civic price range. Nothing fancy but both have a long proven history is working well.
Versa is really bare bones but gets great mileage.
A low-mile Corolla LE in that price range is what I would buy, specially one that's still under the 4-year 36,000 miles warranty. Then I would call some of the Toyota dealers to see which one gives me a better price for a Toyota 5-year extended warranty (not the dealer warranty, but the Toyota one).
That said, more than likely the OP won't need a factory extended warranty with a Corolla, because they are very reliable and parts aren't as expensive as other fancier Toyota Automobiles. For example, back in 2009 I traded a 2009 Forester for a 2010 Toyota Rav4 V6 for my wife (she loves it, too). It had around 20,000 miles, so I call a Toyota dealer in Kansas and bought an official Toyota Platinum 5-year/100,000 miles for $934.00. If I would have purchased the same warranty in Alaska, I would have paid nearly $2,000. The long and very cold Alaska winters are extremely tough on any vehicle, thus the reason why I bought the extended warranty, and just a few weeks ago the temperatures dropped to around -45 degrees and colder. The shocks on the Rav4 started leaking just a couple of drops of oil, so I took it in to the dealers' shop. The four shocks are being replaced at no cost to me (Toyota is paying for parts and labor, not questions asked).
Now, two years ago I bought a 2012 Corolla LE that had around 19,000 miles. It was in immaculate shape in and out, and I paid $14,000 for it. I didn't get an extended warranty for it, and the factory warranty expired a couple of months ago. I can't tell what the future will hold for this little car, but so far I am extremely happy with it because it has been extremely reliable. I change the oil and filter as recommended by Toyota, and perform all the preventive maintenance required on time. The little motor is peppy and purrs like a cat
Try a Honda Accord. At $15k you could get one with the current body style (2013+) at under 50k miles. My 2011 Honda Accord has 101k miles on it and not a single mechanical problem whatsoever. The newer body style is even better.
Location: San Ramon, Seattle, Anchorage, Reykjavik
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I would buy the used Corolla, Civic, Accord, 4Runner, Crosstrek, or anything else used that you like FOR CASH and save the rest. Don't make the mistake of going into debt for a car. That's a bad road to get on.
Can't afford the car you want? Then buy a cheaper car, put in more hours, save up, then PAY CASH.
For $15k, you can afford a VERY nice (and reliable) *used* car.
Buying new is a luxury. And if you only have $15K to spend... then IMO it's a luxury that you can't *responsibly* afford.
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