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Reasonably efficient, reliable, pleasant sedan/hatchback

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

Member5596

We currently have an old Toyota pickup with 300 something miles. Original thought was to replace it but that's not an option right now. It's getting tired, but we will keep it for snow days and hauling.
We'd like a reasonably nice riding and handling car with a bit of zip. Our area is mountainous. Sedan/hatch/coupe. Don't need 4wd. Would appreciate decent fuel economy but not to the point where we're driving a crapmobile.
Thoughts are Mazda 6 or 3, Camry, Honda Accord, maybe Civic, etc. Hubs drove a Fusion and didn't mind it, though it was thirsty. I didn't care for the Camry much, but I've always been a Mazda girl.
We'd like something that will hold it's value somewhat so that when the truck is fully retired we can sell the car and get a new truck. Personally I want a Miata, but not enough room :-) Besides, hubs is tired of shifting and no way will I buy an automatic Miata.
The thought is to go up a bit in quality and buy used, rather than being stuck with a new cheap econobox. Trying to come in around $25k. Reliability is key, as we don't want to start dumping money into the new ride right off the bat.

Also, are any of the online car dealers any good? (carmax, carguru, etc)

thanks - I appreciate the input :-)

Priorities: Reliability & durability / Ride smoothness / Fuel economy

Need minimum of 2 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 60000
Maximum age: 5 years

Maximum price: US $ 25000

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Response from Sea-Dan

11:15 pm August 7, 2022

Mazda 6 or 3, Camry, Honda Accord???Basically these are all great cars.
Accords consistently win most praise / are winners in comparisons. Lots of folks like the M6 but it falls short of mpg & space compared to the other two but then there is the Zoom Zoom factor. Also, Mazda has long lagged in popularity compared to the Accord & Camry. The result is they are hard to find, but often sell for less of a premium.

Since you said you'e a Mazda gal, that probably what you would like best.

Regarding sourcing your car, I always prefer purchasing from an orignal owner who has properly maintained the car & can back that up with serice records. Otherwise, CarMax, CarGuru ... are pretty equal in my estimation. CarMax does offer a nice 7 day return policy & a 90 day/4K warranty on most later model cars! https://clark.com/cars/carvana-vs-carmax/

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Response from LectroFuel

12:06 am August 8, 2022

All the cars you listed are good. I think the 2016-2021 Honda Civic might be the best because it's fun, reliable, efficient if you go with the turbo, and holds it's value. Mazda 3 would be my first choice for you, but its resale value isn't as high as a Honda or Toyota. They are very reliable, efficient, and fun.

I would suggest buying new because cars that are a couple years old are almost as pricey as new ones. 2022 Civic is way nicer than 2021 and older. 2019 and newer Mazda 3 rides better than 2014-2018 Mazda 3, but is not nearly as fun as the 2014-2018. 2019 and newer Mazda 3 is more luxurious.

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Honda Civic
Mazda Mazda3
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