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Fuel efficient, comfortable, 10K-12K, not too small

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

maryserv

I like an attractive car with cool paint colors and a fancy interior. I'm not going to get that with what I have to spend. I am currently in a 2007 Explorer that was great until it wasn't. Head gasket, valve gasket, and weird light issues on the inside (due to door switch I think). I got what I paid for to some extent, but the head gasket issue is new and really frustrating. I put my 3rd treatment of k-seal in today. Will be doing a Lucas Oil leak stop shortly. I like to diy repairs to some extent and have a trusted mechanic and other trusted advisors that help me if I feel unconfident in a part replacement or repair. This is where I'm coming from...

I loved my old Trailblazer until my son totaled it. I enjoyed my (now ex-) husband's 2015 Impala ltz I found in another state. I like my boyfriend's very sporty Taurus (paddle shifters and everything). I'm short and need the drivers seat to rise up and do like when the passenger seat does the same.

I feel the market has started to not be so ridiculous and that I can find a gem somewhere. Because I am thrifty I don't know that a Mercedes or BMW would be right as the parts are likely more expensive? Would love all feedback!

Priorities: Warranty, maintenance cost / Reliability & durability / Driving position & visibility

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 150000
Maximum age: 15 years

Maximum price: US $ 12000

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Response from AcuraT

4:58 pm March 22, 2023

2013 Subaru Legacy with the 6 cylinder engine and five speed would be a good deal. I own this and although I spent about $4000 over the last two years it has been fine since then. Essentially, the suspension goes around 120,000 miles as did the master brake cylinder, but up to that point it was troublefree. Now has 135,000 and it has been fine after another 15,000 miles. The four cylinder is not such a good deal because the CVT transmission won't hold up.

2013 Toyota Camry would work. These things last 200,000 before major parts go on it. if you can find one in good condition it probably would be better than the Subaru.

Othes cars in that price range that year that could work include Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3. All are smaller, but cost less to operate and get better gas mileage. All five cars I list here you can get at 10 years old for less than the $10,000 you list. As long as the car was taken care of, you can get about 200,000 out of all five of these models.

Do not get a luxury car as you will just spend a lot of money keeping it on the road! This includes BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Genesis. If you can find a Lexus for less than $10,000 steer clear as they have about 200,000 which is when things go wrong. The good ones with less mileage cost between $15,000 to $20,000 which is outside your price range.

Best of luck.

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Response from LectroFuel

6:49 pm April 8, 2023

I think either an older Lexus ES350 or IS350 or a 2014+ Mazda 3, 6, or CX-5 would be good for you. All are reliable. If you want to save money, never go to the dealer for repairs. Lexuses generally have comparable repair prices to Toyotas, as the ES is just a Toyota with more luxury features. The Mazdas will feel like newer cars and are more sporty, while the Lexus ES is cushy and will have the seating position you desire. The IS is a little more sporty and smaller inside. The Mazdas offered a lot more interior/safety tech than their competitors for the time. The Mazdas also have great crash test scores.

Generally, don't go with an American brand if you really want reliability. Even worse, don't buy a German car.

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