Hi Guys,
I'm looking for a speedy but reliable used automatic that's pretty bulletproof. I'm ok with a coupe or a sedan, so long as it has relatively comfortable ergonomics.
Any suggestions? Thanks!!!!!!
David from LA
Can you list any other constraints to help us hone in better? How long do you plan to keep and how many miles do you need it to last you?
Would a 2009-2011 Honda Civic fit the bill? IMO the last sporty & nice generation of the Civic. If you want even sportier there is the SI trim. I think its nice if you mean clean and relatively well put... Check it out for yourself.
Here is the sporty SI version, and (interior)
This car is what I came up with on the spot for a zippy small sedan/coupe that is pretty nice. In my area you can get a regular example with regular miles for the age a few scratches here and there for around 4-5 grand but clean example under 100k miles go around 6-7 (which I think is too much so you could negotiate below 6).
For a $6000 reliable daily driver, your best bet will be a Honda Civic.
Just don’t forget to have it inspected thoroughly by a professional mechanic, before purchase. You don’t want to get stuck with an endless moneypit..
$6000 means Civic, possibly even an Si.
Accord is basically a bigger, more luxury-oriented Civic. Camry is a good car but my wife has a 2015 and I would not call it sporty. My 2020 2.0T Accord is sporty. But it is WAY out of the $6000 range also.
This will act as a good guide:
http://carcomplaints.com/honda/accord/
I would avoid the years before 2006 because they had bad automatic transmissions, and avoid the 2008-2010 years. In your budget, (only clean titles) consider 2006-2007, 2011-2012 years. The later is known for less comfortable seats so test that out. Make sure to have afull mechanical inspection done as well.
I would avoid V6 Accords because they tend to go through transmissions and break rotors because of accelerated wear.
Great stuff! Is an I4 Accord zippier than a V6 Camry?
I don’t think so.
I doubt it is. V6 Accords are really fast, even faster than the V6 Camry. The V6 Camry does 0-60 in 6 seconds and for a Camry that is very fast. But the 4 cylinder still is powerful enough for most, though I would personally prefer the small car zippiness of the Civic. I would give an Accord the test and see if you like it. Go around at the local dealer and test drive some Civic Accord Camry whatever you find.
Perfect! I think I’ve got all the info I need to find an awesome car! Thanks again to everyone.
Constraints:
1) $6000 cap. Interior and exterior need to be in reasonably nice condition for this price.
2) Daily driver. I have a lead foot. I also like to do weekend trips. Let's say 100 miles per week, on average.
3) Plan to keep 1-2 years and sell afterwards.
Caliguy, thank you for your post 🙂
How does a Camry compare to a Civic?
A 4 cylinder Camry won't impress you with its power. You wanted a more zippy fun car so 90% of them out there are 4 cylinders and not impressive in terms of speed and power. However, if you can get a 2004-2006 variant which was before the quality drop with all the oil burning and transmission problems, and can find a V6, test drive it and see if you like it. The V6 variants are pretty powerful. I would avoid the 2007-2014 years for various common engine/transmission problems.
I’m sorry I mistyped. How does a Civic compare to an Accord?
Thank you everyone!
So I’ve looked at both Civic and Accord and like the interior and exterior of the Accord much more over the years. Are there any sporty or even just zippy Accords you’d recommend from years past that would fit the $6000 budget? Any ones I should stay away from?