So I'm getting rid of a problematic Subaru and am going to switch to a used, paid in full car instead of the whole $15k loan thing I was doing. I've got about $4,500 down and would be okay going up to $6k. My only issue is I'm pretty torn on what to get.
You've said to stay away from Ford Focus hatchbacks so I've excluded those even though I've driven one and it was kind of a fun ride (If they break down at 90k miles who cares though, right?). I've somewhat narrowed it down to the Honda Fit (Not sure on what year) or the Toyota Matrix. The Toyota Matrix is far, far more difficult to find though so my question is basically out of the two is one better than the other? If I go with the Fit is there a particular model, mileage, or issue I should be looking for? I'm pretty stressed about it and would love some advice. I just need something that will last and not bankrupt me.
Thanks so much for any help and by all means I will take other recommendations if you have any!
Ben
Both of them are good, I personally prefer 2009+ models of both. Just get whichever one you like the driving dyanamics more and can get a good deal on. 10 year old ones shouldn't be going more than 5 6 grand, and I haven't seen a Matrix worth more than half your budget. As far as I know, 15 grand could get you a brand new Honda Fit. Both are discontinued so used shouldn't be going for that much. Avoid the 2.4 engines for the Matrix, stick to the 1.8. Both are fun to drive compared to budget equivalent sedans. If I were you I would look for deals for both and just get whichever one drives better and passes the mechanical inspection. Also note the Fit is one class smaller than the Matrix and Focus, but is known for making good use of its space. The Ford Focus should be avoided as the automatic transmissions fall apart.
GET THE MATRIX!!! (but get the 1.8)
I've had a wonderful experience with the matrix. I've had one with almost 700,000 miles on it, as long as you take it in for regular check ups and maintenance, they can last for decades, don't have the matrix anymore because I got into an accident, miss that car a lot but I had so many wonderful memories with the car.
Otherwise I'd say both of them are good, never gotten a Honda yet, mostly drove Toyotas and only 1 Honda and that was the fast Odyssey with a turbocharger in it. But I'd reccomend the Matrix
Good luck
700,000 miles?! Holy, moly! I thought I was a stud getting to 300,000 miles, but 700,000 miles, wow!!
Wow. What year? Also, did I read correctly... Odyssey with a turbo?
Yes it was a 2004, and the Odyssey has a turbo
Both are good choices.
I would go with the Matrix if I could find a clean example.
I would choose Matrix as well. Also if it is difficult for you to find a Toyota Matrix, consider Pontiac Vibe since the drivetrain is the same and you can get it cheaper.
Both are very reliable. My wife has a 2013 Fit, and over 8.5 years, we've had no mechanical or electrical problems. Go for the best available vehicle.
This statement, go for the best available is exactly the correct approach.
Both cars are really great options, so simply pick the best option of either!
I own since new ‘10 Fit Sport. Flawless car. Never required repairs, … just maintenance: oil, filters, fluids, tires. Lots of fresh-water rinses since winters are long and snowy in my end of woods. Salt galore! In fact, it’s snowing right now, … have-a-look:
F.S.
I'd say I like the matrix just because the seats in the fit aren't to my liking but they're both okay.
I have an 09 Matrix, and I've driven a couple Fits. If you're getting an automatic, I'd go Matrix. If you find/want a manual, the Fit is a fun car with a manual, not nearly as good a drive with the automatic.
What's more important when buying a used car is finding a good, well-cared for example.
The prices are too high. The 2008 Fit is the previous generation and I say shouldn't be more than $3500, and the 2004 Matrix shouldn't be more than that either. $5-6k can get you the next generation of both, on that budget I'd get that. With that mileage, if a mechanic says its in good shape, it has a lot of life left in it.
That’s interesting. Maybe a lot of the ones I’m seeing are priced too high. Almost every one I’ve seen has been around the $5000 range. I haven’t seen any near $3000 sadly. I’ve searched the entire OK and Texas area too and not seen any decent deals or prices so far. In fact I’ve only found around 6 per region being sold by private sellers. I’d hate to overpay, but I need a car so this is a bummer.
You can haggle. Lets say you find one for $5000, then just haggle it aorund $4000 and if a mechanic says its in good shape it could be alright to pay that much especially if you drive your cars until the wheels fall off.
I actually found a Honda Fit 2013 with 40k miles that looks spotless for $7890. Only issue is it has a rebuilt title due to according to the owner a mild rear end fender bender. If a technician thinks the frame and engine looks good does that seem like a good deal?
No, avoid salvage title cars. The cost you said isn't bad for a clean title, but salvage title cars aren't worth more than 40% of the clean title price, and many on the forum just say they are worth scrap.
" If a technician thinks the frame and engine looks good"
The problem is, with salvage, rebuilt, or flooded cars, electrical and mechanical issues tend to pop up a couple years after buying, this was shown in one of Scotty's videos I can't find. My parents had a salvage Corolla, bad experience. Now if it was a lot cheaper, then it could have been OK, but realize this.
A fender bender shouldn't total a car, especially if it happened on a Honda Fit with 40k miles. There must have been significant damage for an insurance company to deem it a total loss. And even if it was a fender bender, if it was enough to total a car being sold for $8000, then don't pay $8000 (too much imo). If it was half that price, there may be a chance it could be worth it. Not for $8000.
Honestly, I'm just one person. If I were you, I would ask that as a seperate question (link this one there as well) and ask if its a good buy (include that its a rebuilt title), but i can almost guarantee the answers won't be all positive.
Thanks for all the info guys. I'm applying this stuff in my search now. Have a couple in mind. Any thoughts on mileage that you wouldn't go over? For instance, I've seen a couple Honda Fits (2008 typically) with about 150k miles for $4000. There's a 2004 Toyota Matrix at $5,000 with 129k miles.
Thanks again everyone!