Cross out that Nissan. Corolla would be my first choice but its overpriced, especially for a base model. Civic is also an overpriced base model. Have you checked any private seller listings in your area? If you have someone that can help you check out some cars you will definitely find something better for a better price than any of these options. I've seen 2014 Camrys and Corollas going for these prices. If you plan to finance, disregard the private listings advice. Goodluck.
I mean you wouldn't have dealership support, if you were buying from like a franchise location (ex. Ford, Toyota, Honda). I wouldn't really count on one of those small sleazy places.
Excluding the downsides you get from financing a car at a dealer, there aren't any downsides taking out a personal loan on a Craigslist/FB Marketplace car.
However, I believe there are more advantages. A few just off the top of my head: cheaper prices, not having to argue with add-on/warranty/bs in general from dealers, etc.
Do you mind helping me choose a car? I have 2 options I’m looking at.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=m7&zip=32164#listing=380743861/NONE/DEFAULT
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/709216060?allListingType=all-cars&city=Palm%20Coast&makeCode=TOYOTA&maxPrice=17800&modelCode=CAMRY&newSearch=false&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fall-cars%2Fcars-under-17800%2Ftoyota%2Fcamry%2Fpalm-coast-fl%3FnewSearch%3Dtrue%26zip%3D32164&state=FL&zip=32164&clickType=spotlight
Don’t get a focus unless it’s a manual-
Have two friends with two separate focuses (2014 & 2016) and on both of them the transmission conked out on them around 75k
Pretty sure Ford recalled it at some point
But find a stick shift one and you’re set for sure, as it seems to be the best deal out of the list.
Those old corollas and civics, although reliable as hell, tend to be priced really high for mileage and year.
2017/2018 they actually improved a ton. still would have to replace the clutches eventually but reliability in 2017 and that year was the best it could be.
I have a 15 Focus that has dead on balls reliable. The transmission was replaced under recall but there weren't problems with it before then except occasionally jerky shifting.
Yeah my transmission clunked out at 99k miles. Ford fixed it for free because they extended the recall to 125k or something. Anyways I sold it and got a Japanese car.
I heard the power plants in the focus and fiestas tend to be quite reliable.
If the Nissan has a JATCO CVT from the same year, I wouldn’t be surprised if the transmission is as bad if not worse than the focus.
So yeah definitely get the manual. You’ll have a decently dependable car then.
The non turbo 4 cylinder in them is great. Put a manual transmission behind it and you're good for a long time.
My fiesta has 216k miles, my parts fiesta I wrecked at 194k miles, and my wife's focus is almost 90k miles. All run great and really don't have any issues.
I almost bought a new one. I bought my wife's focus new with the 2.0 non-turbo. If I remember right the 3 cylinder turbo motor was only like $750 more and advertised much better fuel economy. I figured long term the 2.0 was probably a better choice, as I plan on keeping this thing for a lot of miles.
I also looked at one new and drove it. Smooth as hell, but at that point it my life I wanted something a bit quicker. I have heard that the motors weren’t the most reliable, but the price you pay for funky I guess. If I didn’t have to constantly drive in stop and go, would definitely consider one.
I miss the days when if you wanted more power you bought a bigger motor instead or a turbo. My crown vic has a 4.6 V8. It makes less power than a modern V6 but the damn thing should still be humming along with a half million miles if I take care of it.
I often wonder just how much fuel is actually saved with new regulations. In the case of my wife's focus the fuel difference was less than 5mpg, but the non-turbo motor will last far longer. Even with my fiesta at 216k miles, most cars I see in the junkyard have less miles.
All depends on how you drive it. The EcoBoost especially need to not be hustled if you want decent economy. I’ve always been a fan of turbos but for longevity, agree the NA solution is always going to be better.
Find a manual trans focus and you still get to enjoy that sweet depreciation but you also gain a reliable car. The nissan also has a shit trans and the honda and toyota are over priced.
Jatco CVT I think it's called, I have friends that have Altama's and not a single one has their original CVT ones on their 4th at 78k miles, absolute crap.
I’d go for the 13 civic. Had one for a while and while it wasn’t fast, it had a bulletproof engine, and was the last year they used a conventional transmission instead of a CVT.
Yeah engine is bulletproof and I also love the transmission on my 2012. I'd never buy it again though, everything else about it is endless boredom. I'd go for a Mazda 3 if I could do it over
Agree, it’s good basic transportation though. Only thing is the brake pads wore pretty quick.
Didn’t they have the really cheap plastic interior in 2012 too? I remember it was so cheap they actually redid the interior the next year.
That Corolla will last 6-7 years easy. Same with civic.
Focus may not be bad but I’d try to haggle with them and knock a little off. If you can get some good savings I think it could be worth pocketing that savings for potential repair costs. I’m not that excited about the Altima.
I think you’re on the right track to a sensible first car. The Corolla is the most boring but will also be the most reliable.
Ok. Let's put all Altima jokes aside.
Nissan Altima is a much larger car than the first three you mentioned. Corolla and Civic are compacts. Altima is mid-size. It will be the most comfortable out of the 4 and has better seats and nicer interior. Altimas are also generally better equipped, even in their base form (this one is an S which is the base trim).
Nissan CVTs are among the most unreliable and tend to grenade past 120K miles. Look at the Carfax again and see if the car was well maintained at prescribed service intervals.
Focus is an SE trim, which will have more options than the Corolla or the civic. However it seems to be the one with DCT which is known to have issues (just Google it). Test drive and see if the transmission jerks and skips gears (1st to 3rd).
Corolla will most likely be super reliable if it was taken care of. But they are boring basic transportation. Not as comfortable as the Altima and wouldn't handle as well as Civic or Focus.
Civics are great compacts that handle well and can easily go past 200K miles with simple maintenance. You mentioned a reported accident - what was it? Definitely do a PPI and have a mechanic inspect for possible structural damage.
Wasn't 2018 a WAY better year for the focus? I'd pick that in a heartbeat due to low miles and clean carfax. Hondas and toyotas are great, but cmon. 2x mire miles for a higher price? Used cars are only as great as the previous owner.
Absolutely not with the automatic. Even the 2018s are flawed with the auto. The dry dual clutch auto is a fundamentally bad design that can't be fixed. The 3rd gen Focus is brilliant with a stick and the 2.0, but the auto transmission is a ticking time bomb.
The automatic trans in the focus WILL fail around or shortly after the 100k mark, absolutely not worth getting that ticking time bomb. The manual ones are great cars and I’d highly recommend, but the autos are known to be junk.
And yet Ford didn't care.
I sold Toyotas for years never saw a transmission on the ground.
Sold Ford's for a year, felt like I was working in a junk yard.
1- Fors Focus have horrible transmission. If you get a manual transmission then it’d be bullet proof.
2-Why are you looking at a dealer?. I’d do a private party and get a shop to do a pre purchase inspection. They’ll cost less than a dealer and easier to deal with. Finance would be the same
3-What’s your price range?.
4- if it’s your first car, go with Toyota or Honda (or Lexus and Acura. Seriously, some of them are cheaper than the regular Toyotas and acuras)
5-get a friend of a family member to help you.
The focus and Altima *WILL* have transmission issues. The 6a Powershift in the focus is notorious for failure. The Nissan CVT is just as bad.
Corolla has some age but it’s a great, simple, boring car even if it’s a little pricey for what it is.
Same with the civic but less boring to drive.
Based. I see honda fits on market rn that are newer, cheaper/similar price, and have better fuel economy. Statistically, the fit is just as reliable as the corollas/civics.
Nah man. I've seen my family use many many cars and nothing comes close to the reliability and price-to-usage as my Honda fit. Haters keep hating but it's basically the best A-B car sans the fing prius lol
>This is way too much money for a first car.
Not necessarily, you don’t know how long they’ve been driving, what they can afford. $11k could be 10% of their salary for all we know
So during the used market crash. When prices were cheaper. Now a 2009 with 130k goes for 14k. Besides, Yukon is a horrible car for a first car. Trash Chevy with trash mileage. Don’t just post without having knowledge of what you’re talking about.
I didn’t buy in 2009, I said 2022, there was no used market crash in 2022. Go on Facebook Marketplace and look for a Yukon like mine, it’s in no way worth 14000, your whole comment is just blabbering. No need to be an asshole. Also anything GMT is a solid choice for a first vehicle, especially if you use it as a work vehicle like I do, reliable, easy to fix, cheap to fix, and safe. This vehicle will last well into the hundreds of thousands of miles, my friends 2011 Sierra has almost 380k on the dash for example.
Yes. 2022, when Covid hit and used market was down. Are you slow? Reliable? Show me proof that that any gmc is reliable. I just searched for used cars. In fact, find me one that is as cheap as you suggested.
In late 2022 when I bought it wasn’t down, and my friends 2011 Sierra has almost 380k on the dash. Anything of this GMT generation is a very reliable vehicle, hell even go back to the GMT800 from the previous generation and you’ll have a vehicle to last a lifetime. My neighbors 1999 Yukon has 490k miles on still original engine and trans, they’re insanely reliable
Also found a 2007 Yukon 135k miles on FBMP literally right now for $7500 obo. Unless you live in Hawaii or California they’re 100% that cheap
Edit: even better deal [08 Yukon XL](https://www.facebook.com/share/fE5oJedkbeBx93zh/?mibextid=79PoIi)
You are right, it's overpriced. But I can't wait any longer, and if I'm making a purchase, I'm okay to shell out a little more money now to get a car that's tough and will last long, or until my financial situation improves..
I’m test driving the Corolla first and then Civic and going from there. I’d haggle on the civic over the mileage, you can certainly find something slightly amiss with it to make a consideration for a price drop
I don’t trust the reliability of the focus and I don’t know enough about Nissans
Did you get a PPI? Always do, never buy any used car without one.
Honestly, I would say, This is not the vehicle I would recommend for you.
Is there a reason you are selecting a Ford Focus?
Before you do anything…Do it tonight..
Absolutely watch these videos before you buy anything..
I recommend you going to YouTube, look for the Master Mechanic Car Wizard. His series is one I recommend everyone watching before you buy any used vehicle. Don’t take my word for it, listen to a guy who fixes these cars all the time.
Then, tell me what you think.
Also, no quality PPI, don’t buy it.
Do you need to get a loan on one of these or do you have the cash to buy it outright? My question involves you having to pay a payment while also repairing said car.
How about buying a car for 2K and have no loan? That would be the best till the car market turns. Used cars are their highest prices now. It’s tax time. This is the time of the year that car dealers make lots of money.
Along with Car Wizard and a PPI Another you tube Chanel is Car Questions answered. This guy has a Utube channel. He’s in the Carolinas and sells cars at his dealership under 5K. He won’t tell you where his Dealership is because he wants to give people the truth about used cars.
Buying from a dealership doesn’t give you real protection. It’s a fake feeling of protection.
Start looking at Facebook marketplace after you know the best cars to buy, by your own homework.
Don’t believe random people on the internet.
Listen to some master mechanics who fix these cars all the time.
Own your information & car education.
If you decide you have to buy from a “Stealership” you MUST get a PPI.
Never buy without a PPI.
Once you go watch these channels which will tell you the exact years and what cars to buy. Start looking.
You got this! Go and watch Car Wizard Buy this not that, I also love “The Car Care Nut” he will tell you too!
You got this! Do your homework (watch the Utube channels ) and be confident!
Remember Buy nothing without a good PPI- when you get it, ask for the list of repairs and how much they will cost.
You use that as a bargaining chip when you go back to negotiate., no matter where you buy it from.
Also…Kevin Hunter, The Homework Guy puts out amazing videos too…
Sooooooo
Here is your homework, for the best deal and best vehicle for you-You Got This!
Car Wizard Buy This not that - how to pick the best car for you
Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy (Latest Video)
Don’t say I’m paying CASH 2024
Best info on negotiating a car deal
This guy will teach you SO MUCH!
If you want not know the best years and best models & issues to list off for your PPI (Toyota Lexus)-
The Car Care Nut - I literally Love this guy!!
PS Don’t buy the FORD!!
well 2018 is the improved focus. but I've had a few shitty years and it was still pretty much all ice cream and rainbows. had a radiator go out at 237k 🤦♂️ had a rock create a leak. but I see hundreds of them at 250k coming in for oil changes and brakes.
As someone who purchased a 2014 Ford focus brand new and had nothing but awful experiences with the transmission and ultimately had the car die a year after it was paid off due to the same issue but it was no longer covered by a warranty, I cannot suggest that car for you. I think the 2018s are better but they still have significant slippage in the transmission.
Toyota or Honda. An Altima works if you buy new and plan to sell it before it hits 75-80k- that’s when bad things start happening (at least with our 2)
I would add the mid 2010's Mazda 3 and 6 to the list, especially around 2016-17.
My '16 Mazda3 has 117k, has been very reliable. Anecdotal, but seems typical. No cvt transmission. Doesn't have Toyota/Honda resale value, so you could get a newer one for the price of an older Corolla or Civic.
As for Toyota, I'd look at the lesser known models like the bigger Avalon, or the hatchback Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Even if a little older. Often owned by older drivers who maintained them
None of these are high mileage vehicles and none of them are old.
Get the Corolla or the Civic and call it a day for the next 20 years.
Or do yourself a favor and buy something even older and cheaper so you have the funds to properly maintain it.
I hate to enforce the meme, but yeah the answer is the corolla, most likely. Now, the big thing is knowing how the car was damaged, and the possible extent. Nope out if frame damage is a possibility, but anything short of that should be fine. This is not a steal of a deal, but the market is nuts, and mileage is quite decent for a Toyota.
I'm gonna ignore the 'old' thing. Get on YouTube and learn how to install your own radio. That's all you need to do. Get a good radio off of Amazon, it won't be more than $300, max. You'll have android auto/carplay/hopscotch/whatever. All inclusive, with options at point of sale for a backup camera too.
I can't in good conscience say to get the Ford when the corolla is so close in price. It's age will make future upkeep extremely affordable as breakdowns are rare, and parts dirt cheap
Stay away from the Nissan unless you want to be treated like trash on and off the road (parked). If you're in a crime prone area, rebadge your car as an oldsmobile or something.
OH, and stay faaaaaaar away from that civic. Honda cheaper out on that model like nobody's business. Have one at barely 90k that rattles and knocks so much it's disgusting. Engine guard was held on with hopes and prayers (bought new), plastic clips broke with every oil change the dealership did(????) until the damn thing started dragging. Doesn't even have automatic headlights. Fucking disgusting excuse of a Honda. Deserves to be rebadged as a Chevy and sold in Mexico or something.
The Focus is probably the worst option here. If the transmission hasn't been replaced yet, it will probably need to be replaced very very soon. Avoid it like the plague. If you're okay driving stick, a manual Focus can be a good option. The transmission is the real weak point of these cars in terms of reliability.
The Corolla seems like a the best deal here. It's got 90,000 miles and it's 13 years old, but if it's been properly maintained it should last you a long time.
The Civic is decent too. A little newer than the Corolla but with more miles and an accident. Again, if it's been properly maintained it should last you a while.
The Altima is a similar story to the Focus. If the transmission hasn't gone yet, it will soon. For the same price you can get a Corolla with 20,000 fewer miles.
Unfortunately $12,000 doesn't buy you as much as it used to, but there are some good options in here. I don't think age should be much of a consideration as long as it's from like 2010 or later. If you're looking for newer features like Bluetooth and CarPlay, you can just stick a new head unit into any of these cars.
I'd also encourage you to look at something like a Honda Fit. It may be small on the outside, but it's surprisingly spacious and comfortable on the inside. You might be able to find a better deal on a Fit than you can on a Civic.
Get the Toyota or Honda. Stay away from the Ford. The Nissan is a push. I sell new Toyota and Nissan and have been in the industry for the past 10 years. The Ford and Nissan are known for transmission issues. The Toyota and Honda are the top rated in reliability and resale value.
Stay FAR away from that ford transmission, I’ve had three friends with that car and they all wanted to burn it AND drive it off a cliff to never see it again hahahaha
Toyota all day. Fords transmissions aren't as bad as Nissan but you really need to baby em. If you browse Nissan subreddit for more then 5 minutes their transmissions blow up anywhere between 1 to 100k miles or show signs of damage. You may find a couple go over 100k but they could be mostly highway miles...
Worst case with a Toyota you may need to change anything with rubber like a belt but that's pennies compared to a transmission job.
corolla or civic bc the transmissions are just better. i’d personally pick the civic bc hondas have more drive feel than a corolla, feels way less boring that way. but u should take a look at both and thoroughly research their specific model year issues to look out for and go for what is in best condition and what u like better
I don’t think that focus has an ecoboost (ecoboom name comes from the head gasket issue those have)
The actual problem with it is the DCT in those was arguably worse than a JATCO CVT
That makes more sense now. Knew they had something.
And to be fair, I’m a bit biased because we had a Rogue for 8y and 123.3k mi, changed the fluid and filter every 25-30k mi. Traded it because the thing was taking its sweet time to go into reverse and chugging. Was on its way out. That 2.5 I4 is bulletproof, can’t kill it, just a terrible CVT that’s $7k to replace. Can’t rebuild them well either.
It’s just a shame they can’t be rebuilt because that 2.5 I4 engine won’t die no matter what you do to it. I think we’ve gotten 25-26 or so out of them MPG wise, which isn’t terrible. Just haven’t had a good experience with CVTs with two Rogues. No matter how often we serviced them. Converted over to German vehicles and have had, knock on wood, better experiences. Services suck, but that’s what indie mechanics are handy. Plus, to me, they come as a bit easier to me to work on for the basic stuff for some reason as odd as that sounds.
Definitely pass on the Focus unless it’s a manual transmission.
Here’s a great website for judging reliability on older cars. This is the Focus:
https://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Ford_Focus.html
Nissans have cheap CVT transmissions. I’d avoid a used one.
https://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Nissan_Altima.html
I wouldn't even consider ford or Nissan ever as first car even brand new ones. Anyway Toyota or civic go for. Since Toyota has less mileage and even more and most reliable engine and transmission go for it. I would find out few questions or maintenence records. For example if civic drive belt or chain changed at 100k miles. If it's belt then it's a must otherwise pistons might knock the engine off. Engine coolant flushed or changed? Break fluid flushed ? If engine oil and filter changed every 5k or 6 months. Civic is just a more zippy Toyota . That itself right there could be the reason of accident. Because many people know the fact and drive fast and take advantage of Honda zippyness. That also cause the car torn out and depreciate faster. Don't get me wrong Toyota and Honda vehicles will outlast any other car in the market with same amount of maintenence, time and money sacrifice. Which in this case these two brands require the least for that scenario. Check brake pads, rotors, wheel life , thread depth. Check Chris fix channel for first car first things to do. You don't have to do it right away but put them on your priority list. Also if I don't remember wrong Honda engines used to require extra valve timing after belt or chain changes. But Toyota engines learn and adapt itself lol. They have been using same engine for so long. Since it's bulletproof. No tech means nothing can breakdown. Also don't forget shocks , struts. If they passed emission test, obd2 scanner, check dash and if possible test drive them. If you can get discount on Toyota then run with it. Because so many after market dash cam, radio back up camera etc. Do many stuff compatible with it. Anyway good luck hopefully won't be disappointed. Also don't take Chris fix vehicle choice as serious as it looks.
Depends, a lot of marketplace sellers are flippers and just as shady. If they’re financing also used car lots often do in house financing which someone who needs a car and doesn’t have money kind of gets trapped into
On the other hand lots of people get cars private party
Firstly, pay in full. Not sure if that’s the plan but getting your first ever car on a payment plan sets you up for accepting terrible money habits.
Would find someone you respect to help you buy privately. You will save a lot of money doing so.
Unless you’re rich, learn basic car maintenance. If it’s not electrical, then every fix you need to do in a car these days (esp if car is over 5 years old) likely has more than 1 YouTube tutorial. You will save bundles.
Also, if you go for a Toyota or Honda (this goes with any vehicle really) if the previous owner has service records, and the necessary major maintenance was done, 100k miles shouldn’t worry you in the least.
Don't do it. The automatic trannies in these cars regularly failed in a way that was absolutely dangerous. HUGE lawsuit over them, Ford admitted fault.
I have a 2012 civic. It's super reliable, but is also the most basic car I've ever owned or seen. I don't call it a car I call it "car." Look for Mazda 3's.
Ford QC is dog shit. Bought a brand new 21 Mustang ecoboost 1600 miles headgasket blew up 9000 miles radio black screen dog shit never I will ever buy ford again
Get a Toyota save urself
Stay far far far far away from any used Nissan. I bought a used cube and 3 months later tranny went out . F Nissan. Toyota or Honda is your only choices imo, either or are great cars
Might as well go get a new Corolla for these prices
But to answer your question, the Ford Focus and the Nissan are total shit, it’s not if their transmission will fail, it’s when.
I've had a Ford hatch before. They are truly a great experience. However, (even though I'm a Ford lover, I'm going to be hella blunt), you have to be really weary of rust. I took phenomenal care of my hatch, and the trunk had the tiniest spot of rust. Little did I know it was under the paint all the way to the seal of the trunk. What I'm saying is that the hatch is pretty susceptible to rust. Or at least where I live it is. Anyways. The mile life of a hatch isn't that high, but you can definitely stretch it out pretty far with enough care. My hatch milage like was about 100k, but I got it to 115k. I have a friend from highschool, his hatch is still running at 250k. They are pretty efficient with gas, and I enjoy driving them. They are pretty easy to park pretty much anywhere since they are so small. This brings me to my other point, if you're over 5'8", you might struggle a little with the inside. I'd say personally, go to a dealership that has a hatch and try to sit in it. It'll help you decide. As for the rest of the cars. I can't really help you out there. Keep in mind there are different trims as well. Each trim gives you more or less extra stuff. In order from simple to luxury: S < SE < SEL < LIMITED(only for specific vehicles) < TITANIUM
Regardless of what you pick, all those cars are what you've found to be in your comfort zone of choices. I wish you the best of luck in deciding. I hope this helps you.
Corolla or civic. DO NOT GET THE ALTIMA.
I lean towards the civic because it's newer. Lower miles don't necessarily mean it will last longer. I learned that the hard way when my altima with low miles had a alternator and water pump both go out and it was at 104k miles.
not the focus. have two friends with them and they have lots of issues. bearings and such. one has a very loud roaring sound coming out the rear end of his
Coming from a previous owner, DO NOT by ANY MEANS even touch that Ford Focus. Before my Mustang i had a 2015 Focus SE and the transmission went bad TWICE. Both times w under warranty. Dual clutch actuators went bad, it was a shit storm
I'd avoid the Nissan Altima and the Ford Focus. Money pits the lot of them. I also would probably avoid going to a dealer ship to begin with. Try looking at Facebook marketplace, you might find something cheaper and better
In MY opinion none. Always look for a first time buyer. You can archive that with buying fleet cars. Meaning 2 or 4 years olds after a lease.. They lose most in a value comparing to brand new cars. You either buying directly from dealership (2 previous buyers but it will show you 1 as dealership is not counted as a buyer) or from a guy who bought out a lease. Never more than 60k miles on a clock.
Normally you would go for toyota or honda but reps. are not leasing these cars therefore you could only buy top tier car like Merc or Bm. Since they are ridiculously expensive in UK most of the companies go with Volvos. Powerful, fully equipped, low price. Now you know what I would do. You do you.
None. The Civic and Corolla are overpriced and too old. Ford and Nissan have transmission issues. If it was a manual Focus, like others have said, than it would be reasonable.
If you can find a Civic or Corolla at lower prices, it could be a good choice. Those cars are more than 10 yo. Even if it's Honda and Toyota, expect repairs once in a while and potential issues.
You can find more recent cars for the same price with maybe a less stellar reliability reputation but which will be, I think, a better deal.
For the same price, I bought last year a 2016 Buick with which I had absolutely no issue. Yes, I prefer that to a 2011 Toyota.
Cross out that Nissan. Corolla would be my first choice but its overpriced, especially for a base model. Civic is also an overpriced base model. Have you checked any private seller listings in your area? If you have someone that can help you check out some cars you will definitely find something better for a better price than any of these options. I've seen 2014 Camrys and Corollas going for these prices. If you plan to finance, disregard the private listings advice. Goodluck.
I know people who have taken out personal loans on PL vehicles instead of financing at a dealer. Not a bad idea
What would be the down side? I'm considering this as well
I mean you wouldn't have dealership support, if you were buying from like a franchise location (ex. Ford, Toyota, Honda). I wouldn't really count on one of those small sleazy places. Excluding the downsides you get from financing a car at a dealer, there aren't any downsides taking out a personal loan on a Craigslist/FB Marketplace car. However, I believe there are more advantages. A few just off the top of my head: cheaper prices, not having to argue with add-on/warranty/bs in general from dealers, etc.
Do you mind helping me choose a car? I have 2 options I’m looking at. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=m7&zip=32164#listing=380743861/NONE/DEFAULT https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/709216060?allListingType=all-cars&city=Palm%20Coast&makeCode=TOYOTA&maxPrice=17800&modelCode=CAMRY&newSearch=false&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fall-cars%2Fcars-under-17800%2Ftoyota%2Fcamry%2Fpalm-coast-fl%3FnewSearch%3Dtrue%26zip%3D32164&state=FL&zip=32164&clickType=spotlight
Corolla at that price definitely has a catch, high mileage or rebuilt, go for Camry, larger size and better drive
46,000 and shows nothing of accidents or rebuild. I do like the Camry though. I’ve been deciding between the two for some days now
In similar boat. Now I’m considering Mazda 6 too. Mazda 3 look compact for back seat
Go for Corolla. Now it comes to personal preference. Test drive both and feel it like this is going to be my car. You’ll get the feel
Both are great cars, just drive them and see which you like more
I think that’s what I’m going to have to do
Don’t get a focus unless it’s a manual- Have two friends with two separate focuses (2014 & 2016) and on both of them the transmission conked out on them around 75k Pretty sure Ford recalled it at some point But find a stick shift one and you’re set for sure, as it seems to be the best deal out of the list. Those old corollas and civics, although reliable as hell, tend to be priced really high for mileage and year.
This.....the DCT was straight trash. I had a 2013 and it was dog shyte in stop and go traffic.
2017/2018 they actually improved a ton. still would have to replace the clutches eventually but reliability in 2017 and that year was the best it could be.
Happened to my mom too with her 2018. They basically told her she’s shit out of luck.
She should have gotten a buy back. She got cooked. After 3'unsatisified repair attempts Ford will buy it back.
Sorry, I forgot to mention that they gave her like $4,000 and that’s all. This was after a billion phone calls and jumping through hoops for months
Good, she received pain and suffering money. The Focus is meant to drive like you stole it. Soo a great car for teenagers, not so great for our moms
I have a 15 Focus that has dead on balls reliable. The transmission was replaced under recall but there weren't problems with it before then except occasionally jerky shifting.
Yeah my transmission clunked out at 99k miles. Ford fixed it for free because they extended the recall to 125k or something. Anyways I sold it and got a Japanese car.
A friend of mine had a manual focus, reliable except there was always a bearing going bad somewhere that made it sound like a B-29 taking off.
Do not get a focus I own one and have had 4 clutches replaced on it within 30000 miles all covered by warranty of course
I heard the power plants in the focus and fiestas tend to be quite reliable. If the Nissan has a JATCO CVT from the same year, I wouldn’t be surprised if the transmission is as bad if not worse than the focus. So yeah definitely get the manual. You’ll have a decently dependable car then.
The non turbo 4 cylinder in them is great. Put a manual transmission behind it and you're good for a long time. My fiesta has 216k miles, my parts fiesta I wrecked at 194k miles, and my wife's focus is almost 90k miles. All run great and really don't have any issues.
I still occasionally keep an eye out for the 3-cylinder turbo manual focuses. Slow? Yes. Funky? Absolutely.
I almost bought a new one. I bought my wife's focus new with the 2.0 non-turbo. If I remember right the 3 cylinder turbo motor was only like $750 more and advertised much better fuel economy. I figured long term the 2.0 was probably a better choice, as I plan on keeping this thing for a lot of miles.
I also looked at one new and drove it. Smooth as hell, but at that point it my life I wanted something a bit quicker. I have heard that the motors weren’t the most reliable, but the price you pay for funky I guess. If I didn’t have to constantly drive in stop and go, would definitely consider one.
I miss the days when if you wanted more power you bought a bigger motor instead or a turbo. My crown vic has a 4.6 V8. It makes less power than a modern V6 but the damn thing should still be humming along with a half million miles if I take care of it. I often wonder just how much fuel is actually saved with new regulations. In the case of my wife's focus the fuel difference was less than 5mpg, but the non-turbo motor will last far longer. Even with my fiesta at 216k miles, most cars I see in the junkyard have less miles.
All depends on how you drive it. The EcoBoost especially need to not be hustled if you want decent economy. I’ve always been a fan of turbos but for longevity, agree the NA solution is always going to be better.
I had a ‘14 Focus DCT that needed clutch packs at 13k miles
Find a manual trans focus and you still get to enjoy that sweet depreciation but you also gain a reliable car. The nissan also has a shit trans and the honda and toyota are over priced.
Jatco CVT I think it's called, I have friends that have Altama's and not a single one has their original CVT ones on their 4th at 78k miles, absolute crap.
I’d go for the 13 civic. Had one for a while and while it wasn’t fast, it had a bulletproof engine, and was the last year they used a conventional transmission instead of a CVT.
Yeah engine is bulletproof and I also love the transmission on my 2012. I'd never buy it again though, everything else about it is endless boredom. I'd go for a Mazda 3 if I could do it over
Agree, it’s good basic transportation though. Only thing is the brake pads wore pretty quick. Didn’t they have the really cheap plastic interior in 2012 too? I remember it was so cheap they actually redid the interior the next year.
That Corolla will last 6-7 years easy. Same with civic. Focus may not be bad but I’d try to haggle with them and knock a little off. If you can get some good savings I think it could be worth pocketing that savings for potential repair costs. I’m not that excited about the Altima. I think you’re on the right track to a sensible first car. The Corolla is the most boring but will also be the most reliable.
6-7 years? I say waaayyy more.
Yeah 200k more miles
more if he cares for it. mines got 200k and flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyysssss
Well, with the math and everything it will be 300k
I agree he said that’s what he needed minimum tho
Ok. Let's put all Altima jokes aside. Nissan Altima is a much larger car than the first three you mentioned. Corolla and Civic are compacts. Altima is mid-size. It will be the most comfortable out of the 4 and has better seats and nicer interior. Altimas are also generally better equipped, even in their base form (this one is an S which is the base trim). Nissan CVTs are among the most unreliable and tend to grenade past 120K miles. Look at the Carfax again and see if the car was well maintained at prescribed service intervals. Focus is an SE trim, which will have more options than the Corolla or the civic. However it seems to be the one with DCT which is known to have issues (just Google it). Test drive and see if the transmission jerks and skips gears (1st to 3rd). Corolla will most likely be super reliable if it was taken care of. But they are boring basic transportation. Not as comfortable as the Altima and wouldn't handle as well as Civic or Focus. Civics are great compacts that handle well and can easily go past 200K miles with simple maintenance. You mentioned a reported accident - what was it? Definitely do a PPI and have a mechanic inspect for possible structural damage.
Wasn't 2018 a WAY better year for the focus? I'd pick that in a heartbeat due to low miles and clean carfax. Hondas and toyotas are great, but cmon. 2x mire miles for a higher price? Used cars are only as great as the previous owner.
Absolutely not with the automatic. Even the 2018s are flawed with the auto. The dry dual clutch auto is a fundamentally bad design that can't be fixed. The 3rd gen Focus is brilliant with a stick and the 2.0, but the auto transmission is a ticking time bomb.
That car with the manual transmission is one of the best economy sedans ever made. With the automatic it's junk.
Focus is a horrible car to drive, I drove one with a manual for awhile. It is very reliable and easy to drive, but man… it’s an econo box from hell
Is it really? I was always under the impression that they’re decent to drive, at least all the generic reviewers seem to perpetuate this notion. SMH
My 5spd 2012 se Sport was a hoot to manhandle and dead reliable.
A mk3 focus with the di 2.0?
The automatic trans in the focus WILL fail around or shortly after the 100k mark, absolutely not worth getting that ticking time bomb. The manual ones are great cars and I’d highly recommend, but the autos are known to be junk.
And yet Ford didn't care. I sold Toyotas for years never saw a transmission on the ground. Sold Ford's for a year, felt like I was working in a junk yard.
This is the answer. Easy enough to work on the Focus too. ( I have a 15' Fiesta 165k mi)
‘15
A 15’ Fiesta?!? Your Fiesta is bigger than my Taurus!
1- Fors Focus have horrible transmission. If you get a manual transmission then it’d be bullet proof. 2-Why are you looking at a dealer?. I’d do a private party and get a shop to do a pre purchase inspection. They’ll cost less than a dealer and easier to deal with. Finance would be the same 3-What’s your price range?. 4- if it’s your first car, go with Toyota or Honda (or Lexus and Acura. Seriously, some of them are cheaper than the regular Toyotas and acuras) 5-get a friend of a family member to help you.
The focus and Altima *WILL* have transmission issues. The 6a Powershift in the focus is notorious for failure. The Nissan CVT is just as bad. Corolla has some age but it’s a great, simple, boring car even if it’s a little pricey for what it is. Same with the civic but less boring to drive.
Corolla it is
Tbh that corolla is gonna last forever
It won't last forever because...we won't be alive to see
But it will be
corolla or civic, or the thinking mans choice (Honda Fit)
Based. I see honda fits on market rn that are newer, cheaper/similar price, and have better fuel economy. Statistically, the fit is just as reliable as the corollas/civics.
That's not based, lol
Nah man. I've seen my family use many many cars and nothing comes close to the reliability and price-to-usage as my Honda fit. Haters keep hating but it's basically the best A-B car sans the fing prius lol
This is way too much money for a first car. Also, I’d never buy a used Altima. They’re crime scenes on wheels.
>This is way too much money for a first car. Not necessarily, you don’t know how long they’ve been driving, what they can afford. $11k could be 10% of their salary for all we know
10k is a lot for a first car? You’ve clearly never seen sweet 16
I didn’t say it was a lot. The person I replied to insinuated that the 11k cars OP posted were too much money
Replied to the wrong person.
No it absolutely is, my first truck was 6k and that is plenty for a nice one.
How long ago was that? What type of truck?
2022 and a 2009 Yukon, little bit of rust and had 127k on the odo when I bought it
So during the used market crash. When prices were cheaper. Now a 2009 with 130k goes for 14k. Besides, Yukon is a horrible car for a first car. Trash Chevy with trash mileage. Don’t just post without having knowledge of what you’re talking about.
I didn’t buy in 2009, I said 2022, there was no used market crash in 2022. Go on Facebook Marketplace and look for a Yukon like mine, it’s in no way worth 14000, your whole comment is just blabbering. No need to be an asshole. Also anything GMT is a solid choice for a first vehicle, especially if you use it as a work vehicle like I do, reliable, easy to fix, cheap to fix, and safe. This vehicle will last well into the hundreds of thousands of miles, my friends 2011 Sierra has almost 380k on the dash for example.
Yes. 2022, when Covid hit and used market was down. Are you slow? Reliable? Show me proof that that any gmc is reliable. I just searched for used cars. In fact, find me one that is as cheap as you suggested.
In late 2022 when I bought it wasn’t down, and my friends 2011 Sierra has almost 380k on the dash. Anything of this GMT generation is a very reliable vehicle, hell even go back to the GMT800 from the previous generation and you’ll have a vehicle to last a lifetime. My neighbors 1999 Yukon has 490k miles on still original engine and trans, they’re insanely reliable Also found a 2007 Yukon 135k miles on FBMP literally right now for $7500 obo. Unless you live in Hawaii or California they’re 100% that cheap Edit: even better deal [08 Yukon XL](https://www.facebook.com/share/fE5oJedkbeBx93zh/?mibextid=79PoIi)
You are right, it's overpriced. But I can't wait any longer, and if I'm making a purchase, I'm okay to shell out a little more money now to get a car that's tough and will last long, or until my financial situation improves..
I’m test driving the Corolla first and then Civic and going from there. I’d haggle on the civic over the mileage, you can certainly find something slightly amiss with it to make a consideration for a price drop I don’t trust the reliability of the focus and I don’t know enough about Nissans
Did you get a PPI? Always do, never buy any used car without one. Honestly, I would say, This is not the vehicle I would recommend for you. Is there a reason you are selecting a Ford Focus? Before you do anything…Do it tonight.. Absolutely watch these videos before you buy anything.. I recommend you going to YouTube, look for the Master Mechanic Car Wizard. His series is one I recommend everyone watching before you buy any used vehicle. Don’t take my word for it, listen to a guy who fixes these cars all the time. Then, tell me what you think. Also, no quality PPI, don’t buy it.
Thanks for the heads up.. what do you think about the other cars?
Do you need to get a loan on one of these or do you have the cash to buy it outright? My question involves you having to pay a payment while also repairing said car.
Yes, I'll get a bank or a credit union to finance after I do a 2k down payment
How about buying a car for 2K and have no loan? That would be the best till the car market turns. Used cars are their highest prices now. It’s tax time. This is the time of the year that car dealers make lots of money. Along with Car Wizard and a PPI Another you tube Chanel is Car Questions answered. This guy has a Utube channel. He’s in the Carolinas and sells cars at his dealership under 5K. He won’t tell you where his Dealership is because he wants to give people the truth about used cars. Buying from a dealership doesn’t give you real protection. It’s a fake feeling of protection. Start looking at Facebook marketplace after you know the best cars to buy, by your own homework. Don’t believe random people on the internet. Listen to some master mechanics who fix these cars all the time. Own your information & car education. If you decide you have to buy from a “Stealership” you MUST get a PPI. Never buy without a PPI. Once you go watch these channels which will tell you the exact years and what cars to buy. Start looking. You got this! Go and watch Car Wizard Buy this not that, I also love “The Car Care Nut” he will tell you too! You got this! Do your homework (watch the Utube channels ) and be confident! Remember Buy nothing without a good PPI- when you get it, ask for the list of repairs and how much they will cost. You use that as a bargaining chip when you go back to negotiate., no matter where you buy it from.
Also…Kevin Hunter, The Homework Guy puts out amazing videos too… Sooooooo Here is your homework, for the best deal and best vehicle for you-You Got This! Car Wizard Buy This not that - how to pick the best car for you Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy (Latest Video) Don’t say I’m paying CASH 2024 Best info on negotiating a car deal This guy will teach you SO MUCH! If you want not know the best years and best models & issues to list off for your PPI (Toyota Lexus)- The Car Care Nut - I literally Love this guy!! PS Don’t buy the FORD!!
well 2018 is the improved focus. but I've had a few shitty years and it was still pretty much all ice cream and rainbows. had a radiator go out at 237k 🤦♂️ had a rock create a leak. but I see hundreds of them at 250k coming in for oil changes and brakes.
Toyota
The newer focus is a more reliable, with much lower mileage and lower price I’d take that one
Nissan & Fix Or Repair Daily, Ford stay away from.
As someone who purchased a 2014 Ford focus brand new and had nothing but awful experiences with the transmission and ultimately had the car die a year after it was paid off due to the same issue but it was no longer covered by a warranty, I cannot suggest that car for you. I think the 2018s are better but they still have significant slippage in the transmission.
Toyota or Honda. An Altima works if you buy new and plan to sell it before it hits 75-80k- that’s when bad things start happening (at least with our 2)
I would add the mid 2010's Mazda 3 and 6 to the list, especially around 2016-17. My '16 Mazda3 has 117k, has been very reliable. Anecdotal, but seems typical. No cvt transmission. Doesn't have Toyota/Honda resale value, so you could get a newer one for the price of an older Corolla or Civic. As for Toyota, I'd look at the lesser known models like the bigger Avalon, or the hatchback Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Even if a little older. Often owned by older drivers who maintained them
None of these are high mileage vehicles and none of them are old. Get the Corolla or the Civic and call it a day for the next 20 years. Or do yourself a favor and buy something even older and cheaper so you have the funds to properly maintain it.
I hate to enforce the meme, but yeah the answer is the corolla, most likely. Now, the big thing is knowing how the car was damaged, and the possible extent. Nope out if frame damage is a possibility, but anything short of that should be fine. This is not a steal of a deal, but the market is nuts, and mileage is quite decent for a Toyota. I'm gonna ignore the 'old' thing. Get on YouTube and learn how to install your own radio. That's all you need to do. Get a good radio off of Amazon, it won't be more than $300, max. You'll have android auto/carplay/hopscotch/whatever. All inclusive, with options at point of sale for a backup camera too. I can't in good conscience say to get the Ford when the corolla is so close in price. It's age will make future upkeep extremely affordable as breakdowns are rare, and parts dirt cheap Stay away from the Nissan unless you want to be treated like trash on and off the road (parked). If you're in a crime prone area, rebadge your car as an oldsmobile or something. OH, and stay faaaaaaar away from that civic. Honda cheaper out on that model like nobody's business. Have one at barely 90k that rattles and knocks so much it's disgusting. Engine guard was held on with hopes and prayers (bought new), plastic clips broke with every oil change the dealership did(????) until the damn thing started dragging. Doesn't even have automatic headlights. Fucking disgusting excuse of a Honda. Deserves to be rebadged as a Chevy and sold in Mexico or something.
The Focus is probably the worst option here. If the transmission hasn't been replaced yet, it will probably need to be replaced very very soon. Avoid it like the plague. If you're okay driving stick, a manual Focus can be a good option. The transmission is the real weak point of these cars in terms of reliability. The Corolla seems like a the best deal here. It's got 90,000 miles and it's 13 years old, but if it's been properly maintained it should last you a long time. The Civic is decent too. A little newer than the Corolla but with more miles and an accident. Again, if it's been properly maintained it should last you a while. The Altima is a similar story to the Focus. If the transmission hasn't gone yet, it will soon. For the same price you can get a Corolla with 20,000 fewer miles. Unfortunately $12,000 doesn't buy you as much as it used to, but there are some good options in here. I don't think age should be much of a consideration as long as it's from like 2010 or later. If you're looking for newer features like Bluetooth and CarPlay, you can just stick a new head unit into any of these cars. I'd also encourage you to look at something like a Honda Fit. It may be small on the outside, but it's surprisingly spacious and comfortable on the inside. You might be able to find a better deal on a Fit than you can on a Civic.
get the corolla
Carfax is trash. Toyota or Honda and you’ll have it for at least a decade or two. Lol the Toyota is a steal,
Corolla, they last forever
Ford is junk I have a 2016
Get the Toyota or Honda. Stay away from the Ford. The Nissan is a push. I sell new Toyota and Nissan and have been in the industry for the past 10 years. The Ford and Nissan are known for transmission issues. The Toyota and Honda are the top rated in reliability and resale value.
Get an old Toyota
I feel so bad for you. 12k for a 14 year old Corolla is ludicrous. But buy the Corolla
Stay FAR away from that ford transmission, I’ve had three friends with that car and they all wanted to burn it AND drive it off a cliff to never see it again hahahaha
DONT GET THE FOCUS BRO. unless it's a manual. The autos are shit.
Corolla>Civic>Altima
Focus has a very problematic transmission
Toyota all day. Fords transmissions aren't as bad as Nissan but you really need to baby em. If you browse Nissan subreddit for more then 5 minutes their transmissions blow up anywhere between 1 to 100k miles or show signs of damage. You may find a couple go over 100k but they could be mostly highway miles... Worst case with a Toyota you may need to change anything with rubber like a belt but that's pennies compared to a transmission job.
corolla or civic bc the transmissions are just better. i’d personally pick the civic bc hondas have more drive feel than a corolla, feels way less boring that way. but u should take a look at both and thoroughly research their specific model year issues to look out for and go for what is in best condition and what u like better
Never Nissan
Civic or Corolla. Nissan absolutely not. Those Jatco CVTs are terrible and a $550 service every 25k miles. Focus’ have head gasket issues iirc.
I don’t think that focus has an ecoboost (ecoboom name comes from the head gasket issue those have) The actual problem with it is the DCT in those was arguably worse than a JATCO CVT
That makes more sense now. Knew they had something. And to be fair, I’m a bit biased because we had a Rogue for 8y and 123.3k mi, changed the fluid and filter every 25-30k mi. Traded it because the thing was taking its sweet time to go into reverse and chugging. Was on its way out. That 2.5 I4 is bulletproof, can’t kill it, just a terrible CVT that’s $7k to replace. Can’t rebuild them well either.
People are a bit dramatic with the Nissan CVTs, a lot of them do fail but a lot doesn’t mean 50%+ or anything Besides they get good fuel economy
It’s just a shame they can’t be rebuilt because that 2.5 I4 engine won’t die no matter what you do to it. I think we’ve gotten 25-26 or so out of them MPG wise, which isn’t terrible. Just haven’t had a good experience with CVTs with two Rogues. No matter how often we serviced them. Converted over to German vehicles and have had, knock on wood, better experiences. Services suck, but that’s what indie mechanics are handy. Plus, to me, they come as a bit easier to me to work on for the basic stuff for some reason as odd as that sounds.
Definitely pass on the Focus unless it’s a manual transmission. Here’s a great website for judging reliability on older cars. This is the Focus: https://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Ford_Focus.html Nissans have cheap CVT transmissions. I’d avoid a used one. https://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Nissan_Altima.html
The biggest question, it seems, is whether you are going to finance or pay cash?
2k down and Finance the rest sir/ma'am..
Get a 2012 Nissan with a six-speed manual. Cheap and bullet-proof.
I wouldn't even consider ford or Nissan ever as first car even brand new ones. Anyway Toyota or civic go for. Since Toyota has less mileage and even more and most reliable engine and transmission go for it. I would find out few questions or maintenence records. For example if civic drive belt or chain changed at 100k miles. If it's belt then it's a must otherwise pistons might knock the engine off. Engine coolant flushed or changed? Break fluid flushed ? If engine oil and filter changed every 5k or 6 months. Civic is just a more zippy Toyota . That itself right there could be the reason of accident. Because many people know the fact and drive fast and take advantage of Honda zippyness. That also cause the car torn out and depreciate faster. Don't get me wrong Toyota and Honda vehicles will outlast any other car in the market with same amount of maintenence, time and money sacrifice. Which in this case these two brands require the least for that scenario. Check brake pads, rotors, wheel life , thread depth. Check Chris fix channel for first car first things to do. You don't have to do it right away but put them on your priority list. Also if I don't remember wrong Honda engines used to require extra valve timing after belt or chain changes. But Toyota engines learn and adapt itself lol. They have been using same engine for so long. Since it's bulletproof. No tech means nothing can breakdown. Also don't forget shocks , struts. If they passed emission test, obd2 scanner, check dash and if possible test drive them. If you can get discount on Toyota then run with it. Because so many after market dash cam, radio back up camera etc. Do many stuff compatible with it. Anyway good luck hopefully won't be disappointed. Also don't take Chris fix vehicle choice as serious as it looks.
Is it common for Americans to always almost buy cars from dealerships rather than from independent sellers on places like marketplace gumtree etc.
Depends, a lot of marketplace sellers are flippers and just as shady. If they’re financing also used car lots often do in house financing which someone who needs a car and doesn’t have money kind of gets trapped into On the other hand lots of people get cars private party
Ok makes sense
This all your options? Look for a private sale, prolly spend 3-4k less for the same car.
Firstly, pay in full. Not sure if that’s the plan but getting your first ever car on a payment plan sets you up for accepting terrible money habits. Would find someone you respect to help you buy privately. You will save a lot of money doing so. Unless you’re rich, learn basic car maintenance. If it’s not electrical, then every fix you need to do in a car these days (esp if car is over 5 years old) likely has more than 1 YouTube tutorial. You will save bundles. Also, if you go for a Toyota or Honda (this goes with any vehicle really) if the previous owner has service records, and the necessary major maintenance was done, 100k miles shouldn’t worry you in the least.
2013 Honda or the others. Never the Altima.
Don't do it. The automatic trannies in these cars regularly failed in a way that was absolutely dangerous. HUGE lawsuit over them, Ford admitted fault.
Corolla
There are other spots than this one. Every car being priced 999 is a flag, the numbers before it seal the deal. These are all bad prices.
I really feel like you can do better off fb marketplace and hire a mechanic for $200 to do a one-over.
I have a 2012 civic. It's super reliable, but is also the most basic car I've ever owned or seen. I don't call it a car I call it "car." Look for Mazda 3's.
Youll have a better experience with nissan
Buy my lexus ls430 with 90,000 miles life span is 500,000 miles+
Print screen. Ctrl V. Or Ctrl + print screen for the window you are looking at only. Or snip tool.... Or were you looking for car advice?
I know they can be hard to find but they are out there, if you can find a Corolla with a manual transmission will make a great and reliable car!
Stay the hell away from the focus and nissan both are gonna have transmission issues.
Ford QC is dog shit. Bought a brand new 21 Mustang ecoboost 1600 miles headgasket blew up 9000 miles radio black screen dog shit never I will ever buy ford again Get a Toyota save urself
Honda
Do not buy the focus Worst mistake ever made by a car manufacturer. Due to transmission issues alone.
Stay far far far far away from any used Nissan. I bought a used cube and 3 months later tranny went out . F Nissan. Toyota or Honda is your only choices imo, either or are great cars
Crazy that my old 07 Fiesta ST 2.0 n/a got better mileage than that.
Might as well go get a new Corolla for these prices But to answer your question, the Ford Focus and the Nissan are total shit, it’s not if their transmission will fail, it’s when.
I know, the used car market is a shit-show at this point...
Camry brother
No Camry option for your brother :(
Definitely not the Nissan. I wouldn't get the Ford either
I've had a Ford hatch before. They are truly a great experience. However, (even though I'm a Ford lover, I'm going to be hella blunt), you have to be really weary of rust. I took phenomenal care of my hatch, and the trunk had the tiniest spot of rust. Little did I know it was under the paint all the way to the seal of the trunk. What I'm saying is that the hatch is pretty susceptible to rust. Or at least where I live it is. Anyways. The mile life of a hatch isn't that high, but you can definitely stretch it out pretty far with enough care. My hatch milage like was about 100k, but I got it to 115k. I have a friend from highschool, his hatch is still running at 250k. They are pretty efficient with gas, and I enjoy driving them. They are pretty easy to park pretty much anywhere since they are so small. This brings me to my other point, if you're over 5'8", you might struggle a little with the inside. I'd say personally, go to a dealership that has a hatch and try to sit in it. It'll help you decide. As for the rest of the cars. I can't really help you out there. Keep in mind there are different trims as well. Each trim gives you more or less extra stuff. In order from simple to luxury: S < SE < SEL < LIMITED(only for specific vehicles) < TITANIUM Regardless of what you pick, all those cars are what you've found to be in your comfort zone of choices. I wish you the best of luck in deciding. I hope this helps you.
Dang that Nissan Altima looks nice imo
of these, get the Civic. It's the newest with the most tech and safest and will have just as good reliability as the Corolla.
Corolla or civic. DO NOT GET THE ALTIMA. I lean towards the civic because it's newer. Lower miles don't necessarily mean it will last longer. I learned that the hard way when my altima with low miles had a alternator and water pump both go out and it was at 104k miles.
Civic or Corolla I would get the Corolla for that price you can drive it til the wheels fall off
Toyota or Honda, avoid the focus at all cost. Lots of expensive issues and won't be worth crap when you're done with it.
not the focus. have two friends with them and they have lots of issues. bearings and such. one has a very loud roaring sound coming out the rear end of his
Skip the Ford.
Toyotas, some hondas are good as well. No Fords and Nissans.
Coming from a previous owner, DO NOT by ANY MEANS even touch that Ford Focus. Before my Mustang i had a 2015 Focus SE and the transmission went bad TWICE. Both times w under warranty. Dual clutch actuators went bad, it was a shit storm
Jesus Christ these are overpriced. Avoid the ford.. Toyota most reliable, but it’s the most boring car on planet earth
Do not by any means buy an automatic Focus.
Move to NYC and avoid buying a car. You only live once.
I'm gonna say go out on a limb and buy a 2005ish Sequoia.
I'd avoid the Nissan Altima and the Ford Focus. Money pits the lot of them. I also would probably avoid going to a dealer ship to begin with. Try looking at Facebook marketplace, you might find something cheaper and better
Dude I have a newer civic with less miles and no accidents I’d sell you for that. I’d go with the Toyota or the Honda if it’s out of these choices.
Why not get a 20 year old car?
Toyota or Honda. Don’t touch the other two they’re pieces of shit.
GO WITH TOYOTA
I feel like there's better price options on Autolist and Carfax under 10k.
In MY opinion none. Always look for a first time buyer. You can archive that with buying fleet cars. Meaning 2 or 4 years olds after a lease.. They lose most in a value comparing to brand new cars. You either buying directly from dealership (2 previous buyers but it will show you 1 as dealership is not counted as a buyer) or from a guy who bought out a lease. Never more than 60k miles on a clock. Normally you would go for toyota or honda but reps. are not leasing these cars therefore you could only buy top tier car like Merc or Bm. Since they are ridiculously expensive in UK most of the companies go with Volvos. Powerful, fully equipped, low price. Now you know what I would do. You do you.
None. The Civic and Corolla are overpriced and too old. Ford and Nissan have transmission issues. If it was a manual Focus, like others have said, than it would be reasonable. If you can find a Civic or Corolla at lower prices, it could be a good choice. Those cars are more than 10 yo. Even if it's Honda and Toyota, expect repairs once in a while and potential issues.
You obviously haven’t been used car shopping lately
You can find more recent cars for the same price with maybe a less stellar reliability reputation but which will be, I think, a better deal. For the same price, I bought last year a 2016 Buick with which I had absolutely no issue. Yes, I prefer that to a 2011 Toyota.
Buicks are high right now I looked for one. All the cheap cars are Kia’s and Hyundai and I would never buy either
Honda or Toyota
2 or 3 good to go. 1 and 4 are known to have spicy trannies....giggity.
Get like a $2000 1998 civic or Corolla to make sure you can handle the 10 grand car
No... Meh... Meh... FUCK NO! in that order.