AnonymousPerson
Okay, I am not a new driver per se, but I am an inexperienced one. And after years of bumming rides and using public transport, I am now in a rural area and need to get my first car. At my current job, I use a work truck for the daily commute, but I need one to run errands, go on trips, and just do anything not work related, and it will probably be a commuter in the future when I get my next job. I move a lot and I would like to go on camping trips, so this thing is going to be on the highway for decent stretches of time. It's an hour to the nearest metropolitan area, to give an idea. I don't need full off-roading capability, just something that can handle decently crappy gravel and dirt road to get to sites. Being a good car camper would be nice, but is not a requirement. It should be able to hold two checked bags, a carryon, and other odds and ends for when I move. Maybe a bike. That being said, I don't want a big behemoth. I'm the only one that is going to be in it most of the time. The locals say it doesn't snow too bad here (Oregon/Washington), but something good for at least a few inches would be best. Also, I grew up without snow really, if that is a factor.
I've ruled out Subaru, the reliability is too sketchy at my price point. I feel kind of like I am trying to find a Subaru that is not a Subaru, essentially. I am looking most at the RAV4, but I am not sure how well it does off pavement. Can mods to vehicles helps? I'm have no maintenance experience, but I am willing to learn to fuss around with it, it is my first car after all, and I don't have much to do on the weekends. I just don't want to put down the money and get trapped at home by a crap car.
Priorities: Reliability & durability / Warranty, maintenance cost / Fuel economy
Need minimum of 4 seats
Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 150000
Maximum age: 20 years
Maximum price: US $ 13000
« Return to results
Sign in or
join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.