Ok so I know Hondas and Toyotas are great cars but what else is there? Im a new driver and it’s difficult to know what used car will last me for 200,000 miles almost trouble free.
@lost
Where do you live? We can help more if you are in US or Canada because of certain engine and transmission designs that we are familiar with. Also, for example, if you lived in like Germany or Turkey, than a VW would make twice the amount of sence that it does in the Americas. Just depends on where you are. The answer I left below is relevant to North America and beyond.
Ford fusion, old pre 2008 GM cars with 3800 engine, pre 2006 nissan (before cvts), low mile subaru with manual trans, mitsubishi (with manual, cvt made by nissan in those), mazda 6 07-12 years had a 6 speed Aisin/Toyota trans in it, pontiac vibe (toyota matrix powetrain), saturn vue (honda v6 engine - some model years)
@jebrim
yeah, but consider some of the mazda's also had jatco and ford 5 speeds. Saturn vue what about the transmission the rest of the car is junk so i would stay away. A 2005 or so Impala 3.8 could be ok but I think the best i the Fusion and the Pontiac. But the Vibe had an optional 2.4 which is a garbage engine my friend has that engine burns oil like mad so all together a 2012 Ford Fusion would be my pick
Do you mean used or new? Small, midsize, crossover, SUV, truck?
Ford Fusions are pretty reliable.
@carlos
Well my budget is 6,000 and well a small car is basically what i need, used.
Well, the Fusion's can be had cheaper than Honda's and Toyota's.
The Ford Focus and Fiesta (see Cjbman's comment) can have lots of problems.
Even some years of Toyota's and Honda's have had oil burning and transmission issues.
If you find one, post the make and year etc., and others can warn you if that particular model has had issues.
Ford trucks are fairly reliable. Most of them are designed to withstand commercial use. And will usually last over 200k miles with proper maintenance.
But they also make cars like the Ford fiesta with a dual clutch automatic that will fail around 75 to 100k miles.
Each manufacturer has its own faults and you have to go down to the specific vehicle to really know what you are getting yourself into.
@cjbman anything smaller perhaps? I just need a small daily drive car.
In the last generation, Mazda's have been fairly reliable and could prob go 150-200k miles. Im just not sure if you find one thats a 2014 or 2015 that is 6000. Ford Fusions are great car's they are in scotty's best cars to buy list and as long as you don't get the newer ecoboost ones (which are probably over 6000 anyways), they can be pretty reliable. Check out a 2010-2012. For smaller cars, like I said, a 2015+ Mazda 3 is reliable to some extent compared to older ones but would have too many miles for the price point. The Fusion is a great choise but is expensive. If you like the Ford Focus then they can be OK with a MANUEL transmission. Other than that, a 2011 Honda Civic is one of the best.
Also, forgot to write it above, consider a Honda Fit. Just consider a 2011 or 2013 or something around that age bc the newer one's are extremly expensive for basically upgrades that you don't really need if it's as a city car.
Crown Vic and its sisters!
For small cars, I would say Mazda Miata and Honda Fit, though you said no Hondas. Most of the time when people are looking for longevity as their primary concern, Honda and Toyota are the go-to brands. Any particular reason you want to avoid them?
@mod_man
No it’s just difficult find a honda or Toyota around I live under 6,000 that aren’t crashed.
What if you go beyond around where you live to find the car? Might be worth the extra effort and expense up front. There's a used car search/find/buy service I read about and visited their website, might be Car Guys (they have a radio show too) which they will find the car for you so that might expand your pool of options. Note: I have not done this myself, just brainstorming to help you optimize and get a great deal.
Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru
Mazda all the way. Great value for less money than hondas/toyotas
Ford Fusions are the best option besides Toyotas and Hondas. Everything else would be like 15-20 years old or out of your price range if you wanted something as reliable as a Honda/Toyota. The most reliable vehicle I’ve driven besides my Civic was my dad’s 2004 Chevy Suburban. It was absolutely horrible on gas but that thing wouldn’t die even with well over 240,000 miles on it
My 1987 Plymouth Reliant has been a very dependable car. I will be trading up to a Chrysler 200 later this year
Scotty says the Chrysler 200 is one of the worst vehicles ever made. I’d stay away from them or any FCA product.