There are many to choose from, but if I were looking to buy something used that was built within the last 10 years, I would have to go with a Corolla. The Civic would be a close second choice, but I believe the Corolla is slightly more reliable, and they can be had for less money, making them a better value. What's your choice and why?
Best used compact car
- Thread starter grampi
- Start date
- Status
Actually the most reliable car was known as the geo prism. Which was actually a corolla.
2002+ Elantra is also a good choice.
A 91 Corolla was the second best car I've ever owned, but I wouldn't want one now. I doubt it has much of a reliability advantage over a Civic (I've owned an 86 and 2003 of those) and is much less fun to drive. I like the Mazda 3 even better, but it has worse mileage than either.
I had a Kia spectra IIRC and a Cobalt for two weeks apiece recently, I think you're on the right track skipping those unless you're getting a pretty good deal on them. Then again, you probably would get a good deal on either. I had a Focus as well and I liked it better than those, but not as much as the Mazda 3 or Civic. Almost forgot about it, but only had it 2 days.
I had a Kia spectra IIRC and a Cobalt for two weeks apiece recently, I think you're on the right track skipping those unless you're getting a pretty good deal on them. Then again, you probably would get a good deal on either. I had a Focus as well and I liked it better than those, but not as much as the Mazda 3 or Civic. Almost forgot about it, but only had it 2 days.
JHZR2
Staff member
Early 1990's e30 BMW 4cyl. Doesn't meet the age range but anyway...
Wonder if you can get an e36 318 MT that is less than 10yo at this point.
Otherwise? Acura Rsx? Fun and willing.
I really like the yaris, I'd look to buy one of those.
I'd also look to wait a bit and get a Mazda 2.
Wonder if you can get an e36 318 MT that is less than 10yo at this point.
Otherwise? Acura Rsx? Fun and willing.
I really like the yaris, I'd look to buy one of those.
I'd also look to wait a bit and get a Mazda 2.
+1 anything ecotec powered
Not a fan of either, but for reliability and longevity it is the corolla or civic hands down. Now for fun factor I would have to pick the Golf GTI or Mazda 3.
I am keeping my eyes open for such a beast right now. It depends on your criteria for "best." Sounds like you're looking for reliable, and I don't think you can argue with either the Corolla or the Civic in that regard. I noted that the garage owner where I take my car has recently purchased a new Civic. The problem I see is they both claim a premium price on the used market, and timing belts can be a problem on Civics. My father has a Focus (not sure of year) with around 140,000 miles and has only had routine maintenance costs. Also, it appears to be easy to work on. I would also check out Nissan Sentras and Mazdas--they seem to live to ripe old ages. Another problem is finding a compact with a manual transmission.
Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Saturn S-Series! 1998 - 2002
Yep, these do pretty good and can be had for 500-2000 depending on there milage. They do have there share of problems, mostly with there heads cracking and sucking oil into the raddy. But if they in decent tune they will knock 40mpg down on the highway.(400+mile range with a 12 gallon tank.
Saturn S-Series! 1998 - 2002
Yep, these do pretty good and can be had for 500-2000 depending on there milage. They do have there share of problems, mostly with there heads cracking and sucking oil into the raddy. But if they in decent tune they will knock 40mpg down on the highway.(400+mile range with a 12 gallon tank.
Originally Posted By: AuthorEditor
and timing belts can be a problem on Civics.
The 2006+ Civics have a timing chain and the older ones have the belts.
and timing belts can be a problem on Civics.
The 2006+ Civics have a timing chain and the older ones have the belts.
Civics and Corollas are generally priced high as used vehicles, but are both very reliable.
In 07', I purchased a 03'Ford Focus SE (with the 2.3L Duratec) with 57K on it from a private seller. Its been a great car for me, handles like a sports car, and gets excellent mileage (27 city, 35-37 Highway). I now have 94K on it. I just completed a 2000 mile R/T to Southern California and it performed flawlessly.
I would not buy any Focus' eariler than 03', and I would stay away from the 2.0L engines.
_________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec) / 94K
Mobil 1 5w20EP / OCI: 1 year or 10K
Filter: Mobil EP 102
In 07', I purchased a 03'Ford Focus SE (with the 2.3L Duratec) with 57K on it from a private seller. Its been a great car for me, handles like a sports car, and gets excellent mileage (27 city, 35-37 Highway). I now have 94K on it. I just completed a 2000 mile R/T to Southern California and it performed flawlessly.
I would not buy any Focus' eariler than 03', and I would stay away from the 2.0L engines.
_________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec) / 94K
Mobil 1 5w20EP / OCI: 1 year or 10K
Filter: Mobil EP 102
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Saturn S-Series! 1998 - 2002
Saturn S-Series! 1998 - 2002
I would say most cars built in the last 10 years (or even 15 years) are pretty good. I'd suggest looking for one that meets your needs, has the options you want, doesn't have the options you don't want, and was well maintained by the previous owner(s) - and maybe is a make/model/year-range you've owned before.
The 1.8 Sentra has the rep of eating head gaskets....
I agree with the corolla part. I picked up the clone geo prizm for 1K with 130K. Sell for cheaper than the corollas but same reliability. Many of the 7th gen 1.8L's and older had oil ring problems (high consumption). The 1.6's didn't seem to have this problem.
Never owned such a cheap car that still has functional a/c.
Never owned such a cheap car that still has functional a/c.
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Saturn S-Series! 1998 - 2002
more specifically, the twin cam S series. only the single cam ones have the head cracking issue, but they all have the oil burning issue.
for me it'd be a toss up between a S series and a 1.8 protege.
Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Saturn S-Series! 1998 - 2002
more specifically, the twin cam S series. only the single cam ones have the head cracking issue, but they all have the oil burning issue.
for me it'd be a toss up between a S series and a 1.8 protege.
I have a 2000 Ford Focus SE that bought in Jan 2002 with 21,000 miles. It was a program car I bought from the local Ford dealer. I found out later it had been a rental car. It now has 185,00 miles and runs like a champ.No problem with the single cam engine or the auto trans. However the peripherals have become a nuisance and expensive. I have replaced 3 electric window units and the fourth is wedged closed because I don't want the expense of fixing it. Right now I can't get into the trunk because the latch mechanism broke and the seat back latches are inside the trunk! My '89 Taurus was much the same. I could count on it to go but everything else was iffy. I would be interested to know what brands survive long use without the peripherals, AC,heat,defrost,windows etc failing. I have to say my old F-150 doesn't have those problems because it has no doodads to fail but it is hard to find a relatively late model car with out all the bells and whistles.
- Status
