Hello, I am getting a second-hand car, most likely from a private party. If possible, maybe even from dealership and hoping from dealer it would be in better fix condition. But most of the ads would say: no engine or transmission issue and most do not provide carfax.
I'm thinking of the following:
2014 Mazda 3, possibly about 180k-200k mileage, automatic - I know Scotty said Mazda is underrated, but if the oil is changed every 5km, would the engine last until 300km? Or if someone is using Petrol would I be able to use regular gasoline - would if affect the engine?
2012-2015 Hyundai Sonata/Elantra, mileage 140k-190k mileage, automatic - There has been multiple recalls for engine. And most private party sells their hyundai elantra with the new engine, is it good to buy something like that? I'm in Canada, so i'm not sure how insurance sees this. I only heard the engine has a lot of misfires, and i'm not sure how this would impact long-term?
2014 Kia Forte (hatchback or not - forte5 maybe), 170-210km mileage, automatic - I know they are luxury brand from hyundai, same issue, there isnt an engine recall on these, but some stated there has been recalls on some models+year. And again, not sure how reliable these are and if taken good car, would it be able to reach about 300km?
What about Nissan? My mom has a nissan versa, and in my opinion, it isnt gas efficient...I think this would be my last option if I can't find anything.
Sorry, i'm pretty new to cars and learning! I wish I can afford a toyota / honda, but it's very pricey.
If anyone can help me out, it would be great! Or any opinion would be great as well.
I'm trying to give as much information as possible, hopefully by these, I can get a reliable car for a couple years before I can get a newer car. Thanks!
I don't recommend you getting Kia they have bad engine. or Hyundai they have bad engine. or Nissan CVT transmission issue if not taken care of properly. Mazda bad transmission and engine. worse companies to go for they will leave you stranded on the side of the road.
I just recommend you getting Toyota you can find cheaper vehicles you can find them at Facebook marketplace or ask around you will find something I have Toyota Corolla and it has never left me on side of the road very zipper but hey it's good if don't like that just find rav4 or matrix which is very good cars for your budget if is older like 2004 or 2006
Honda only a couple of them are good I don't recommend the The Odyssey mini van because they always have issues.
But try finding the old ones they are still good like 2004-2010
I always forget about a good one to recommend, @astro890 reminded me of it, a Toyota Sienna. The Sienna is a good reliable van, I have many friends with them.
They can often be found cheap, I think just because they aren't "cool". People often buy them when their kids start getting bigger, and then ditch them when they are out of the house. I used to see a ton in Florida for sale, not bad mileage, and good prices. That may have changed though, but they are worth a look.
Toyota sienna have issues depending on the the year.
Yeah that is true, but true with most cars. By the owner reviews, looks like starting in 2014 they have more trouble. The older ones in the 2000's and early 2010's look pretty solid. Sadly, it seems many of the cars that used to be simple, reliable transportation, start having more issues around the same time. I am hoping my old cars hold out as long as possible.
You may want to move your Mom's Nissan option up a few notches towards the top. It could simplify things a bit for you.
If the vehicle has been reliable, at least you know the full history of its maintenance and any issues. It may also be a better choice for a first car than trying to find an "unknown" used car. Personally, since you only need it for the next few years, I would drive it until the wheels fell off.
I would not be too concerned with fuel economy if you can get a number of years out of the Nissan. If Mom is giving you a deal, run the numbers. The Nissan's slightly worse fuel economy may balance out against buying a more expensive unknown used car with slightly better fuel economy.
