Hi Scott, and everyone else here. I'm a graduate student and looking for my first car. My main priorities are fuel efficiency and drive comfort. A little bit of looks too. My budget would be anywhere between $6k - $8k USD. It would mainly be used for local commute and occasional 4-5 hour trips to my uncles place and nearby attractions(love to travel). Please do suggest me good cars for my use case. TIA.
@rohitdulam
Honda civic or toyota corolla. Both are perfect for your needs.
Any particular model you'd suggest? Particular years that cause trouble? Thank you for your suggestions.
Camry 4 cylinder for longest life. Get V6 for fun.
@nick20s
Any specific year that I've to keep in mind? Like a specific year was really good or some year models had an issue? Such stuff to keep in mind.
@nick20s
Thank you nick. I'll definetely have a look.
If you can find a Lexus RX300 in the early 2000's with less than 150k or a Toyota Highlander in that same range you might find one for around 8k and they won't lose much value over time. In term of smaller cars, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES300 or IS300.
@toylex420
Thank you for your suggestions. Actually, I'm looking for a sedan so might consider the smaller cars that you just mentioned. Also, should I keep in mind any specific years for these cars? Any model that you'd suggest or anything is fine?
Toyota Corolla, hands down for reliability.
They also make a sport version.
@rallyfoz
Thank you for your suggestion.
Get a used Camry or Corolla. For that money, you could probably find a nice used 2012-2013-ish Corolla in good shape and probably a reasonable amount of miles (might be near or slightly over 100k). You could maybe try to find a nicer Ford Fusion (say a 2010 or later). I believe Scotty had some good things to say about the 2010-2012 model year Fusions with the 2.5L 4 cylinder).
I would just stay away from anything from GM, Nissan, Chrysler/Fiat and some others.
I would say Toyota or Honda would be the best, second by the Ford Fusion like I mentioned. Because Honda and Toyota hold their value a bit more than most other car brands, you may have to settle for something with a bit more miles on it, but in the long run, it will probably last longer anyway than the cars from Ford, and certainly GM.
@sirhawkeye
Thank you very much for your suggestions.