Best Daily Driver Car (Sedan or Hatch) for $16K?

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Yeah Cruze is a good choice too. Feels and drives like a much more expensive car.


^^I agree. The one time I drove one it felt like a much larger car that it is,comfy,plenty of room,and felt really precision and solid. Engine felt really smooth and refined too. I saw an all black one today that looked great.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: columnshift
For the money i'd second a Mazda 3... should be as reliable as honda/toyota without the "its a honda/toyota" premium everyone seems to pay endlessly.


it does not have the honda/toyota premium but the Mazda3 model specifically has a premium. Around here, dealers can sell used Mazda3 cars for just a few hundred less than new and more than decently equipped new Mazda6. Used Mazda3 cars hold value ridiculously good.

 

[Vuflanovsky]

I think the OP needs to decide if he wants a new economy car or a recent model midsize or similar. His criteria's all over the map and he won't get a new Mazda3 for 16K.

A daily driver to me is a economy car that serves as a commuter module. His definition looks to be closer to something that's fun to drive with leather...and when new two years ago, he'd pay 5-7K more than he'll pay now...that he can get for 16K. Pretty broad.

 

[cptbarkey]

2 year old camry LE with 30k~ on it.

 

[Shrubitup]

mitsubishi lancer late model with low miles. crazy long warranty and inexpensive in the used marketplace. Made in Japan.

 

[CKN]

The problem with wanting leather is that it's usually included in expensive option packages-thus driving up the price of the car.

I would look at a used Cruze or see what you could do on a new Elantra.

 

[KD0AXS]

I found a local dealer with a leftover 2014 Elantra Coupe I might have to go check out. Looks like it's loaded with pretty much every option except leather. MSRP is $21K, they have it advertised for $14,900. Looks like a really nice car for the price. This particular dealer also throws in a lifetime powertrain warranty on top of Hyundai's warranty.