Hi Scotty,
im in the market for a new car. Saw some different options and wanted to get your opinion on them and maybe to help me not get something I would regret.
I saw a 2018 Ford Fusion with 35k miles (and other years as well like a 2010 with 60k miles).
I saw a 2012 Chevy Malibu with 60k miles as well
A 2014 Buick Regal with 54k miles
and then one that caught my eye which is probably a bad choice but I have been in one and enjoyed it a 2013 VW CC sport.
I will be driving a decent amount weekly as I work mobile here and there but primarily I work from home. I have a two year old that I want some room for. But for my job I’ll most likely need to put an inverter and that’s where the Chevy comes in cause if I’m not mistaken the battery is in the trunk.
just hoping someone can steer me in the right direction maintenance/repair less cost, decent performance, and hopefully talk me out of a crap deal. Lol.
Thank you sir
May I ask, do you have an aversion to Toyota or Honda vehicles?
Also Consider a 2017 or so Toyota Camry/Honda Accord.
Also please list the engines in the Fusion. The 1.5 Ecoboost as well as the hybrids should be avoided and the 2010 is the worst year of the Fusion because of transmission and power steering issues which could get into the 5-10k to fix in total.
I wouldn't buy the chevy.. newer chevys aren't great.. I also wouldn't get the VW. The automatic fusions had tranny issues sometimes..the regal, I'd assume is the same quality as the Malibu. I'd look at Honda, and toyota, but out of the ones you picked, I'd probably pick the fusion, as long as the trans is healthy.. but consider a civic, accord, honda fit, corolla, and camry, maybe a solara or avalon.. you could find any of those of you look around a bit. Could find a nice mazda, too
How much are you willing to spend?
If you’re serious about low maintenance costs, your best bet is going to be a Camry/Accord.
As with any used car, have it checked out thoroughly by a good mechanic, before you buy it.
I saw a Toyota Yaris as well for my budget range. Most of the used cars are fords/Chevy. Some Korean like Kia and Hyundai. And a lot of Nissans.
They all have less than 70k miles.
The only reason why I’m not buying private party is cause I have to take out a loan. I have 5k down.
Well the Yaris is a reliable car, but won’t have the space you’re after. If you can live with it though, it’ll outlast all the other cars on your list.
If you have $5000 cash, I’d really look at an old, but mechanically good Corolla or Civic. If you can find one, you probably won’t even have to take a loan.
Usually the Corolla and Yaris are not that far off in price especially if you are talking like 2016 2017 years or something. The Corolla would be better but the Yaris is decent (except for the driving experience).
What ever you do, always ask or ask the dealer for a vehicle history report as a minimum on what ever you buy. Everybody has likes/dislikes and budgets so you should try and buy what you will enjoy driving and that has good value to you. On the domestic side I would stay towards the Ford end. On the foreign side I would also consider a Mazda along with the Toyota and Hondas.
We sometines get so narrow sighted here about toyota/honda products only for reliability. You have to take in what works for YOU! Thats what makes you comfortable to drive and what works for the family.
I used to work for Carmax years ago and while I am not here pushing Carmax, it was great to help customers compare alllll the similar makes we had on the lot----side by side. Also with there 7 day return policy it took away some of the risk. They would also do right by customers on issues. Returns for ANY reason were always honored. There prices are market so no bargains.
If your spending time in your vehicle, ya gotta like what you drive and feel safe in it with things like comfort, visibility etc.
And if you already have 5000 to put down.. you might be able to just buy one without financing, if you take your time and do your research.. they'd have more miles, though. But,you wouldn't have a payment. I've done it, and I've never bought a car or truck I regretted
This starts a bit tangential, so please forgive me.
I would ask myself following questions, first: What’s the most popular car in my area?What’s the most popular make in my area? What service / maintenance facilities are located in my area? No point getting, for example, that VW CC sport, if a nearest service for it is available, … but only 100 miles away in adjacent borough? You know how it goes, … you buy a Toyota or a Honda, … yet in your village is the only shop that provides automotive services for F-150 trucks and Case farm equipment?
Anyway, … above a side, I say look into Honda, Toyota, Mazda primarily. Do some research since all three did deliver some duds in the past.
Deducting from your list of examples in your query, I would redirect you towards Accords and Camrys, … and perhaps even a medium-size SUVs from these two makes, too. Those represent the best bets at this point in time. All you have to do is just find one!
As to financing you mention, … why not to negotiate a loan external from used car dispensaries? I would try credit unions, et. al. That way, … you can look at private offerings, and in reality, get a far, far more superior deal than you would ever obtain from a dealer.
Just some thoughts, …
F.S.
