I am starting my search now for my next vehicle. We have two used vehicles already that are getting up there in age and use. It won't be long before they go and it isn't worth fixing, and instead just buying a different vehicle. From watching scotty, I've decided toyota or honda. I'd love a non hybrid old prius even a 06 and I'd be happy, but only if I can find one for around 5-8k which is impossible with miles around 100k. So I have started looking at civics, and I actually did find one on craiglist for 2,900(I'd offer 2k) and it is a honda civic 05 LX with 164k miles. https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/ctd/d/ortonville-2001-honda-civic-lx-great/7303653138.html that is the link if anyone is interested. It does appear to be a dealer, so I am very weary. Also I won't be buying anytime soon, but I am just trying to start my search and get a feel. I really enjoy opinions and suggestions if anyone has advice on car searching, esp when it comes to toyotas and hondas. My grandpa worked for ford in Detroit during the big rush there, so we were always a ford family. After having the absolute worst car in history-03,04 ford taurus, my entire family have switched and now my mom buys hondas. I was unsure on what was good or not, but always new ford was trash. So now after watching scotty, I'm a honda/toyota girl! Anywho, I guess I am just asking for tips, advice, which models or years of hondas or toyotas do you prefer. Also I am not looking for hybrid in case anyone was wondering. Thanks a ton, hope everyone has a great day. Also, I am looking to spend anywhere from 2-8k and I don't mind if it is 15 yrs or older.
Start here: under FAQ
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/used/
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/vehicles-to-buy-and-not-to-buy-buyers-lists/
For the most part, I’d recommend Civics and Corollas. Or RAV4 and CRV. Usually reliable, decent size, and fun to drive.
There are a few oddball years of questionable reliability, so let us know what you find here and we can help to see if it a good year or not.
@DayWalker 's answer has pretty much all the information you need to know, so it is definitively worth looking into, but in short:
Toyota: The best reliability
Honda: Little tiny bit less reliability, but you get much better handling/more fun (especially the years you are looking for)
The first step would be to figure out what size of car you want and for what purpose, but since you mentioned civics I'd say look for:
8th gen (2006 to 2011) civics, they are pretty fun and reliable, biggest problem is the exterior paint which is fading and peeling off.
9th gen (2012 to 2015) civics, less fun but smoother ride, better for daily driving and comfort. No paint problem. Note: 2012 year received many complaints for bad interior, which was fixed for 2013 and above. Also since they are more recent these will be at the limit of your budget (especially low mileage).
Prius was never a none hybrid, with that said look for a private owner Honda 2006 and up. When ready
