Toyota Corolla. Bought one in 2017. If you’re looking for good, reliable transportation, this is it. Decent size, good trunk, decent power, and a nice suite of safety features. I got the base model, and it’s not what you’d call plush, but I’ve driven in for more than 10 hours in a day and it was fine. The only weird thing on mine is that water leaves a stain on the seat upholstery. We got covers.
As an American brand fan – I’d go with a Buick… easy and cheap to maintain, one of the most reliable brands after Toyota/Lexus, and Honda… they are exceptionally comfortable and easy to drive – and they’re always cheap in the used market compared to Toyotas. I owned a used 2017 Buick Encore and it was flawless… totaled it though. Bought a newer Encore GX instead. Damn good crash rating too – I walked out of a smoking car with just a minor scratch in a 45mph front end collision.
If you’re okay with sacrificing features, and are okay with some more expensive maintenance due to imported parts – Volkswagen Jettas are also a solid choice in that price point. Otherwise of course a used Civic or a Corolla… but expect the Toyota tax on those cars in the used market.
I love my Subaru Impreza. It’s my second one, but only because someone ran a red light and t-boned me in the first one. I walked away from that accident with nothing but a couple of bruises. I’ve had the current one for seven years and I love it.
Bought a 2015 Mercedes E350 a few years ago for $20k. Similar car is down to around $15 now. The car has been absolutely great to me and is still just as luxurious as when it was new.
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor from 2011. Absolute tank, every mechanic knows it inside out, barely any electronics inside. They run for hundreds of thousands miles.
Anything Kia/Hyundai. Not because they’re the best cars in the world but their 10yr/100k power train and 6yr/60k bumper to bumper coverage is unmatched. The peace of mind I got with mine is worth it alone.
That said I have a ’21 Forte GT2 and I think I was out the door for ~$23k. This thing has heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise, 190-ish horse, good fuel economy and hasn’t had a single issue.
Also to all the Kia haters that are gonna bomb on this, at least give a reason why with your down vote.
As a Bay Area and Sacramento commuter I’ve had multiple cars go over 200k miles, but the easiest car to maintain has been my last 2, which surprisingly was Hyundai Elantras. Had a 2016 that got to just around 200k before some idiot switched lanes and made me slam my brakes on the pouring rain. Crashed into center divider. (Able to drive it home afterwards) and after that I got a 2020 Hyundai Elantra with 20k miles for $20k. Only thing I have needed to do to those cars was the most basic of Maintenance: Oil changes, air filters, tires, brake pads and headlight bulbs and excellent on gas. I can get close to 40mpg doing 75+ mph.
Used Toyota Camry. In school, I learned Toyota was one of if not the first car company using modern supply chain practices. The originator was one of the first people to adopt these practices. Some might even say the founder of these practices. They make great cars with great quality control. Driving a 2018 since 2021 and have had 0 issues at all. There’s a reason I take shit from my family driving a “foreign” vehicle when I know they know what they’re doing.
Comments
New? Probably a Subaru Impreza. It would be the base model. Not much you can get new for 25k these days.
High mileage Honda S2000
Toyota Corolla. Bought one in 2017. If you’re looking for good, reliable transportation, this is it. Decent size, good trunk, decent power, and a nice suite of safety features. I got the base model, and it’s not what you’d call plush, but I’ve driven in for more than 10 hours in a day and it was fine. The only weird thing on mine is that water leaves a stain on the seat upholstery. We got covers.
Mazda 3
The answer is always Toyota Camry if you are looking for reliability.
Honda Civic
Toyota.
Id import a Toyota Hilux.
Any Toyota or Honda for my money
Always a Tayota
Used Lexus or anything with a Toyota engine.
A Mazda 3. Had one for 12 years and not one single issue with it. I will forever be a Mazda lover.
Personally I would buy a used electric car. Much lower maintenance costs.
I really miss the Subaru Legacy 3.6R that I had. Was fast without needing premium gas, fun to drive and great for the winters we get.
Toyota
As an American brand fan – I’d go with a Buick… easy and cheap to maintain, one of the most reliable brands after Toyota/Lexus, and Honda… they are exceptionally comfortable and easy to drive – and they’re always cheap in the used market compared to Toyotas. I owned a used 2017 Buick Encore and it was flawless… totaled it though. Bought a newer Encore GX instead. Damn good crash rating too – I walked out of a smoking car with just a minor scratch in a 45mph front end collision.
If you’re okay with sacrificing features, and are okay with some more expensive maintenance due to imported parts – Volkswagen Jettas are also a solid choice in that price point. Otherwise of course a used Civic or a Corolla… but expect the Toyota tax on those cars in the used market.
If you have snow and want AWD. Subaru Impreza.
Honda civic
Personally, a Toyota Camry, Lexus ES350, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Mazda 3, Mazda Miata.
Previously owned of course.
I’d probably pick the Corolla in the end. There is a reason that one sees so many of them on the road.
They last.
Reliability above all else is important to me. Your priorities may differ.
I love my Subaru Impreza. It’s my second one, but only because someone ran a red light and t-boned me in the first one. I walked away from that accident with nothing but a couple of bruises. I’ve had the current one for seven years and I love it.
What would I pick? A C5 Z06 or a C6 with Z51. What should the average non enthusiast buy? The best accord they can afford.
Mercedes GL63 with out a doubt
Used Subaru. My wife got a one-year old hatchback Impreza in 2020 for $20k, and it’s a sweet car.
Subaru impreza
Used Bolt EUV
renault 5
Any Subaru.
They live forever.
Honda Fit
Bought a new Kia for less than $20k in 2023. Runs great. No issues.
2018 Cadillac Xt5 Premium Luxury AWD
Acura MDX
Just bought my 2022 accord lease buyout for $22k. Think I made out pretty good considering it had 36k miles.
Bought a used Bolt EUV last year for 16k. Great car, cheap to operate, and reasonably sized.
Japanese pickup. yes, even a Nissan. my first car was a 1985 Nissan Hardbody.
Bought a 2015 Mercedes E350 a few years ago for $20k. Similar car is down to around $15 now. The car has been absolutely great to me and is still just as luxurious as when it was new.
Subaru or Toyota.
A Crown Vic
Subaru Impreza
Hybrid Camry or Prius
The 2010 Dacia Sandero!
Toyota Hiace 4×4 diesel. Runs forever, funky, can double as a home if the copper market crashes.
I picked a used Mazda CX-5 last year for under $25k. Great car.
Used Lexus
2019 kia niro
C5 Corvette
2014 VW Sportwagen tdi, 6 speed. And then use the remainder putting a big turbo and supporting mods, awd. Boom! Upper 60’s mpg, fast, capable, fun.
Mark 7 Golf GTI
A used Subaru
Used? Newest nicest Mustang Ecoboost Premium, ND Miata, or GR86/BRZ I could find
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor from 2011. Absolute tank, every mechanic knows it inside out, barely any electronics inside. They run for hundreds of thousands miles.
Corolla
C5 Z06. one just sold in my area on marketplace in great shape with 60k miles for 25k. Ill have one eventually.
Anything Kia/Hyundai. Not because they’re the best cars in the world but their 10yr/100k power train and 6yr/60k bumper to bumper coverage is unmatched. The peace of mind I got with mine is worth it alone.
That said I have a ’21 Forte GT2 and I think I was out the door for ~$23k. This thing has heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise, 190-ish horse, good fuel economy and hasn’t had a single issue.
Also to all the Kia haters that are gonna bomb on this, at least give a reason why with your down vote.
Toyota tundra 🥲
As a Bay Area and Sacramento commuter I’ve had multiple cars go over 200k miles, but the easiest car to maintain has been my last 2, which surprisingly was Hyundai Elantras. Had a 2016 that got to just around 200k before some idiot switched lanes and made me slam my brakes on the pouring rain. Crashed into center divider. (Able to drive it home afterwards) and after that I got a 2020 Hyundai Elantra with 20k miles for $20k. Only thing I have needed to do to those cars was the most basic of Maintenance: Oil changes, air filters, tires, brake pads and headlight bulbs and excellent on gas. I can get close to 40mpg doing 75+ mph.
Used Toyota Camry. In school, I learned Toyota was one of if not the first car company using modern supply chain practices. The originator was one of the first people to adopt these practices. Some might even say the founder of these practices. They make great cars with great quality control. Driving a 2018 since 2021 and have had 0 issues at all. There’s a reason I take shit from my family driving a “foreign” vehicle when I know they know what they’re doing.
Toyota hilux/tacoma between 99 and 04.
Goood condition turbo diesel will run forever if you look after it.
Lots of modifications are possible
Turn it into a 4wd monster
A “lowlux” cruiser
A touring camper.
Convert it to run on biodiesel.
Maybe even a diesel electric conversion for great fuel economy.