The Right Car for Me: Reliable, somewhat engaging, reasonably priced, and efficient.

Reliable, somewhat engaging, reasonably priced, and efficient.

Tim P

After 11 years with my 2012 Mazda 3 with a manual, I sadly hit a deer. I'm currently dealing with insurance, but a broken headlight (although the bulbs still work), dented fender and hood was deemed a total loss. I hope to fix it myself and eventually get a rebuilt salvage title, but I'll need another car.

Option 1: Another compact, especially a hatch. I'd like to stay with a manual but the few being made are tough to find. So I'm mainly looking at Honda Civics. I'm curious if the hatches made in the UK are as well built as the US built sedans. Other contendors are another Mazda 3 and a Subaru Imprezza. (I have access to Subaru's VIP program, so I could get a new one at invoice.)

Option 2: Since I hope to keep the 2012 Mazda (if I can get liability insurance once repaired), I could go with a different type of vehicle. As I live in a snow belt and have become pretty outdorsey (trail running, hiking, mountain biking) an all wleel drive CUV/SUV makes. I'd still want it to be fairly compact and nimble, with decent efficiency. So I'm looking at the CR-V (the HR-V doesn't seem any more efficient nor lower priced, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek.

I'd prefer an all wheel drive wagon like a VW/Audi Allroad, but their reliability and potential maintenance costs has me shying away from them. I'll have to revist the charts here.

Option 2.5: Go the other direction with something different and get a Miata. Although at 6'2" long term comfort may be an issue. Or get a motorcycle. I got my endorsement a little over a year ago but haven't bought one.

So any advice or insight? Anything I'm missing. I'm getting older (late 50s now) and life is throwing some stuff at me, so there's a good chance this will be my last car.

Thanks and stay groovy.

Priorities: Handling / Reliability & durability / Materials & workmanship

Need minimum of 4 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 70000
Maximum age: 7 years

Maximum price: US $ 25000

« Return to results

I would check out the AWD turbo Hyundai Kona. Pros are good reliability, very zippy around town with fast transmission. Cons are low noise shielding, lots of interior plastics.

Also, being in Europe, I would look at reliable local cars. A diesel Citroen would fit the fill nicely. French diesel Renaults are quite good as well.

If you're looking for build quality, then look for Japanese vehilces with VIN starting with J indicating Made in Japan.

Another "out there option" is GM-branded Daewoos. In America, they're small Chevies and it's easy to tell they are Daewoos made in Korea.

At 6'2, avoid the Miata, unless you go convertible.

Finally, small diesel MB available in EU are very efficient and may fit the bill. Check out the GLA and A-series hatchbacks. There are many good ones on mobile.de (I'm not sure how complicated it is to import now into the UK, but there should be local ones too)

Link to this reponse

Where to Next?

Reliable, somewhat engaging, reasonably priced, and efficient.

Tim P

Response from FordTruck

11:33 pm January 22, 2024