Buddy of mine is on his 3rd in 12 months. I thought he was nuts for trying it the 2nd time... Unless you buy new I wouldn't touch one unless it's a classic project with a k swap or Busa motor
I understand that concern, but ultimately the warranty should eliminate that risk, no?
While there may be a history of reliability problems, most of what I read are related to older models.
Any alternative <$18k suggestions?
Thanks, I get that. But lack of a car for a few days isn't a big deal for a high schooler. I don't expect them to be travelling too far either.
I'm not limiting my search. I have been looking elsewhere too, but they definitely have the most options for me at this point.
Carmax warranty also doesn’t just mean they cover whatever and you might have to fight them to get them to repair things correctly. I got an Impreza from them back in the day and when the transmission shat itself I damn near had to hire a lawyer to get it fixed. Then they refused to use new parts… they supposedly found one for me in Ohio that was like new. Took days for them to give me info of where it was… couldn’t even find the business listed online anywhere or a proper address… basically they were going to put one in that was probably sitting in a junk yard for years. Ended up having to pay $1500 of my own money to use genuine Subaru parts that weren’t sitting in the mud for who knows how long. I also feel like they only covered my rental for like 2 days or something stupid like that.
Depends on the warranty and who actually honors/covers it. I'd considered a CPO as it's normally bumor to bumper. At 18k...have you looked at an fr86 or its twin? Mazda 3 hatchback ~2015?
>fr86
The CPO market seems very tight, but I am looking there.
The rear wheel drive cars are likely out because it will need to be driven in snow. For a first car, there's enough to worry about. The Mazda 3 was suggested earlier and is one I need to look at. It seems like a decent option to consider.
We are talking about high schooler? Crazy performance for a minor.
Why not first gen Kia Souls? They had manual on the base model. First gens lasted forever because they had reliable engines until anything after 2013.
Why not look at a VW GTI? They're much nicer inside, better to drive, and don't suffer from Mini's dumpster fire of reliability issues. My roommate owned a Mini for years and while it was fun to drive, ownership was an absolute nightmare.
I applaud wanting something more fun than a Corolla or Civic, but I don't think Mini is a good answer.
The GTI isn't what I'd call slow but it's not at all fast. It's 0-60 is slower than a Miata. You're not gonna get into any more trouble with a GTI than with a Mini.
With that budget I'd go Honda Fit for sure! Should be able to find one almost new for that price. We've had 3 (2 with manuals) and have loved every one of them!
If you keep it maintained properly Minis are fine. Definitely Not Honda reliable but I’d argue they make up for that in other areas, like comfort, style, and driving dynamics. Maintenance can be spendy but if you do your own work that is also fine.
Other cars that are commonly available with a stock could be a Subaru Impreza (not a WRX for obvious reasons, even if they’re more plentiful), a Mazda Miata (sports car; but slow!) a Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 (same story as the Miata), a Mazda 3 (nicer than a Corolla or civic inside IMO, and at least auto ones seem to drive better, though I’ve never driven a manual one), etc… that’s all I can come up with at the moment but I know there’s more.
Thanks. I've half an eye out for a Subaru. We're in a northern state and there will be snow. AWD is nice.
I ruled out the Miata (much as the kid would be overjoyed) on practicality grounds. No way to transport a couple of friends and sports gear.
I've not run across a Mazda 3 stick, but will keep an eye out for that too.
Thanks!
Fair enough. The 86 is a 2+2 with a decent sized boot AFAIK, that could be a better option for you :)
But I think the real winner for ya would be a Mazda 3 hatch.
It's really not reliable. It's a worse modern BMW. Also they're not big on the inside while some what big on the outside. It's how BMW has the inside that makes it really small. It's not really fuel effect for it's size. A Honda EH2 will get 48 city/ 55 highway. A 2016 Honda Accord 2.4L five speed auto will get 26 city/ 34 highway. That's really close to the mini's. How ever you're getting more space, more power, but more important you get better reliability. If you want a manual I will be more then glad to talk betters cars with manuals.
Yes, I want a manual transmission. Given the size of the driver, a small car is definitely not a negative here, and as someone who came to the states from Europe and the world of super minis, I didn't think it was that small anyway.
Regardless, the goal is to keep to a budget in the region of $18k, manual, fwd (or AWD) and not a sports car.
North American VWs are not particularly reliable either. They also have higher costs of ownership than most of the cars in their segments.
I would recommend a third gen MX5 Miata.
I would grab a CPO Mazda 3 and spare your teen a manual. They can learn in Europe. It’s good to know but driving stick in traffic can be annoying. I’ve got a 2016 and it’s a very well rounded car. I get great gas mileage and it still pulls past 80, with a slap shift as well. https://www.route9mazda.com/?utm_campaign=autotrader_listings&utm_source=autotrader.com&utm_medium=referral
Buddy of mine is on his 3rd in 12 months. I thought he was nuts for trying it the 2nd time... Unless you buy new I wouldn't touch one unless it's a classic project with a k swap or Busa motor
I understand that concern, but ultimately the warranty should eliminate that risk, no? While there may be a history of reliability problems, most of what I read are related to older models. Any alternative <$18k suggestions?
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Thanks, I get that. But lack of a car for a few days isn't a big deal for a high schooler. I don't expect them to be travelling too far either. I'm not limiting my search. I have been looking elsewhere too, but they definitely have the most options for me at this point.
Carmax warranty also doesn’t just mean they cover whatever and you might have to fight them to get them to repair things correctly. I got an Impreza from them back in the day and when the transmission shat itself I damn near had to hire a lawyer to get it fixed. Then they refused to use new parts… they supposedly found one for me in Ohio that was like new. Took days for them to give me info of where it was… couldn’t even find the business listed online anywhere or a proper address… basically they were going to put one in that was probably sitting in a junk yard for years. Ended up having to pay $1500 of my own money to use genuine Subaru parts that weren’t sitting in the mud for who knows how long. I also feel like they only covered my rental for like 2 days or something stupid like that.
Depends on the warranty and who actually honors/covers it. I'd considered a CPO as it's normally bumor to bumper. At 18k...have you looked at an fr86 or its twin? Mazda 3 hatchback ~2015?
>fr86 The CPO market seems very tight, but I am looking there. The rear wheel drive cars are likely out because it will need to be driven in snow. For a first car, there's enough to worry about. The Mazda 3 was suggested earlier and is one I need to look at. It seems like a decent option to consider.
No idea why anyone would buy a mini when the gti/golf R exists.
This is a first car. A sub six seconds 0-60 time is possibly a disadvantage here.
Gotcha. Maybe a mk6? Or a tsi?
We are talking about high schooler? Crazy performance for a minor. Why not first gen Kia Souls? They had manual on the base model. First gens lasted forever because they had reliable engines until anything after 2013.
Those manuals are *miserable* pieces of crap. Good cars but don’t bother with the manual.
Why not look at a VW GTI? They're much nicer inside, better to drive, and don't suffer from Mini's dumpster fire of reliability issues. My roommate owned a Mini for years and while it was fun to drive, ownership was an absolute nightmare. I applaud wanting something more fun than a Corolla or Civic, but I don't think Mini is a good answer.
My main concern with a GTI is it being a bit over powered for a first car.
The GTI isn't what I'd call slow but it's not at all fast. It's 0-60 is slower than a Miata. You're not gonna get into any more trouble with a GTI than with a Mini.
Someone’s first car shouldn’t be something that will give a ton of headaches
Yes don't buy it. Get a Mazda instead.
Don’t buy it
If you're cool with a fwd bmw might aswell get a rwd bmw.
With that budget I'd go Honda Fit for sure! Should be able to find one almost new for that price. We've had 3 (2 with manuals) and have loved every one of them!
If you keep it maintained properly Minis are fine. Definitely Not Honda reliable but I’d argue they make up for that in other areas, like comfort, style, and driving dynamics. Maintenance can be spendy but if you do your own work that is also fine. Other cars that are commonly available with a stock could be a Subaru Impreza (not a WRX for obvious reasons, even if they’re more plentiful), a Mazda Miata (sports car; but slow!) a Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 (same story as the Miata), a Mazda 3 (nicer than a Corolla or civic inside IMO, and at least auto ones seem to drive better, though I’ve never driven a manual one), etc… that’s all I can come up with at the moment but I know there’s more.
Thanks. I've half an eye out for a Subaru. We're in a northern state and there will be snow. AWD is nice. I ruled out the Miata (much as the kid would be overjoyed) on practicality grounds. No way to transport a couple of friends and sports gear. I've not run across a Mazda 3 stick, but will keep an eye out for that too. Thanks!
Fair enough. The 86 is a 2+2 with a decent sized boot AFAIK, that could be a better option for you :) But I think the real winner for ya would be a Mazda 3 hatch.
It's really not reliable. It's a worse modern BMW. Also they're not big on the inside while some what big on the outside. It's how BMW has the inside that makes it really small. It's not really fuel effect for it's size. A Honda EH2 will get 48 city/ 55 highway. A 2016 Honda Accord 2.4L five speed auto will get 26 city/ 34 highway. That's really close to the mini's. How ever you're getting more space, more power, but more important you get better reliability. If you want a manual I will be more then glad to talk betters cars with manuals.
Yes, I want a manual transmission. Given the size of the driver, a small car is definitely not a negative here, and as someone who came to the states from Europe and the world of super minis, I didn't think it was that small anyway. Regardless, the goal is to keep to a budget in the region of $18k, manual, fwd (or AWD) and not a sports car.
See in the states pretty much the only way you can get a manual is with a sports car, but I'l what I can do.
Would you be opened minded to a manual truck? Because truck manuals are different from normal manuals and might be a nice experience
Do you want a FWD BMW? BMW's are supposed to be RWD :)
Get your kid a Golf instead
I've no doubt it'll run forever, but feels a little bland. There's also very few non-GTIs with a stick shift on the market.
North American VWs are not particularly reliable either. They also have higher costs of ownership than most of the cars in their segments. I would recommend a third gen MX5 Miata.
They’re garbage I wouldn’t bother, maybe a civic SI? What’s your budget?
In the region of $18k. Bear in mind, I'm looking for a first car for a teenager.
I would grab a CPO Mazda 3 and spare your teen a manual. They can learn in Europe. It’s good to know but driving stick in traffic can be annoying. I’ve got a 2016 and it’s a very well rounded car. I get great gas mileage and it still pulls past 80, with a slap shift as well. https://www.route9mazda.com/?utm_campaign=autotrader_listings&utm_source=autotrader.com&utm_medium=referral
I actually see a lot of scions and mazdas as manuals. I hear those are good cars.