My roommate likely totaled his car today. He'll know more after the adjuster looks at it on Monday. Anyway since he may be in the market, I've talked to him some this evening and narrowed down some parameters.
He drives quite a lot for work. His job also offers him a car allowance as long as the vehicle is 5 years old or newer.
To make the story shorter, he's looking for a new or newish appliance that's not bad for a lot of seat time, gets good mileage, and can be had for under $18k.
Ok, go.
Mazda 3 with Skyactiv gets what 47mpg highway on 87.
Maybe spend a few of his own bucks to get a luxury package?
Agree with most anything mazda (even the Miata!) But more importantly what did he have before and what does he like?
His last two cars have been hand-me-downs from grandparents. The one he wrecked was a 2000 Concorde. He just got that one this past summer, before that was a 96 Buick Century. Before there was his mothers old Cavalier and an old Ranger from his dad's work.
The rental he's in is a Sonic, which is a touch on the small side for him. Last night he was asking me about the C-max, and said he liked the look of the Elantra.
Elantra is a solid choice based on our experience with it. Also Aussie has already put a billion miles on his without incident so there's that.
Soul. Inexpensive and reliable as an anvil. Can easily get into a low mile 1 or 2 year old one for under $18K that will still have the balance of the 10 year/100K mile warranty in effect. Go for the Sport or ! trim and it won't be a penalty box.
Jeff
JKleiner wrote: Soul. Inexpensive and reliable as an anvil. Can easily get into a low mile 1 or 2 year old one for under $18K that will still have the balance of the 10 year/100K mile warranty in effect. Go for the Sport or ! trim and it won't be a penalty box. Jeff
Will mostly agree, we got our ! trim model new for 15k, but you did ask for good fuel economy, which I know is subjective and I will say that, to me, is the biggest disappointment on the Soul, I don't think ours has ever broken into the 30s which I would kind of expect it to be able to do. That being said it's not a terrible car to drive and decently comfortable on a long trip.
i apologize in advance...Chevy HHR
The wrote: i apologize in advance...C5 Corvette
FTFY
Obviously some around here will not like it, but your friend is looking for a Prius or civic hybrid. Assuming he gets reimbursed per mile, this is how he turns all that driving for work into extra income.
Skyactive Mazda3 would be my choice as well.
This depends on the car allowance package. Are they paying for the gas? Then whatever he likes. Are they paying a set rate? Then whatever has the lowest total cost over a (insert number of years) period.
Prius is one of the models he was considering. The Sonic is growing on him after driving it for 176 miles today.
His mileage goal is 40+. Hell, his Concorde got around 30 mpg highway.
Up to 700 miles per month he's reimbursed at 23 cents per mile beyond 700 it's 27 cpm. The car allowance is $500 per month, as long as the vehicle is no more than 5 years old, whether he's financing it or not. He's wanting to use the car allowance to pay for the car payment and insurance. Also, since his milage reimbursement is well under the federal standard he's gonna get a really nice return on his taxes.
Awesome, so he does a ton of driving that he can turn into extra income (or at least minimize the cost, 23 cents doesn't sound like much). The next question is what sort of driving does he do. Interstate w/ the cruise on? Stop & go? 55 mph country roads?
If it's mostly interstate and country roads then the high-mpg non-hybrids might be a simpler, lower buy-in option. If the driving is stop and go then the Prius is likely the ticket.
Elantra would easily pay for itself, insurance, cell bill and half the fuel for $500 a month. (depending upon credit rating)
152K still not one failure, still has the OEM installed brake pads.
Price for a base manual with convenience package has GONE DOWN by this ad.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261310273762?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
38 mpg EPA, I get 43 at 73mph.. lol
Headroom and trunk space are exceptional for this class
So, today my roommate test drove a 2010 Mazda3 and liked it. Though he did get to learn why I told him not to go to one particular lot. The local Honda dealer is almost entirely staffed with pushy sales people that don't listen. But when he made it to the Ford Mazda dealer he had a good experience.
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