Looking for a good used car

[Melissa G]

I drive a 2005 Scion XA, or at least I used to until an 18 wheeler threw a tread at it. Thinking I want a little more substantial car, but I'm still attached to good gas mileage.

Thinking about a Mazda 3. If I could wait a year or two a used Prius V would be nice. ( I dislike the visual rear view line in the current crop of used Prius cars). I like a flat cargo area in the back that lets me see the stars. Yeah, I'm a tiny person who can stretch out in the back of an XA.

I did not care much for the Hyundai cars I looked at. Have yet to look at the Hondas.. The Fits were a lot more than the XAs and I could not see spending the difference at the time. May go look at an Element.

Any other suggestions?

[madrchsod]

1. here`s a site that gives feedback from owners

i`ve used this when i was searching for cars ...http://www.carsurvey.org/

[Melissa G]

4. Thanks so much for the link! n/t

[Gold Metal Flake]

2. My advice is always Ford Focus.

Roomy for a compact, handles well, stops well, drives well, and I get 28-30 MPG on my daily commute. No hybrid-related parts to fix. The Duratec engines are Mazda-designed. Reliable as hell.

[Melissa G]

3. The spare car I am currently driving

which I bought for the teenage daughters is a 2002 ford focus.

It rattles very noisily and the mechanics don't know why. It's okay for my kids, but I prefer better gas mileage and a more
responsive drive. I like it on the highway for trips and you are right about how roomy it is.

[Gold Metal Flake]

5. 2005 and later have the Duratec engine which is more powerful and more efficient.

The 2002 has either the dual cam Zetec or the single cam whatever it is.

[IAMTHEFISH]

6. Look for reliability, mileage, and awesomeness.

Well, please do yourself a favor and do not buy a Ford Focus (esp used). It's extremely unreliable, and tends to cost more to maintain than to buy. The Prius V sounds like a good bet and the Honda Fit has really great reviews by all major consumer reports. Good Luck!

[Gold Metal Flake]

7. The Focus is world famous for it's reliability.

Maintenence is perfectly reasonable. I have two. No troubles.

[bluedigger]

8. Welcome to DU.

You might want to check the date of the OP you are responding to.

[tabasco]

9. I get close to 40 mpg with a 2000 Toyota Echo

Might be kind of hard to find a used one but they're out there.

The car is built like a little tank. Very fun to drive. 150,000 miles and no serious issues. Plan on driving it for a long time.

[Melissa G]

10. Thanks, all!

I ended up with a 98 Rav 4 with only 86,000 miles. Friend of mine's mom quit driving at 84. Patience pays! I waited for it when I knew it was coming.

[RoccoR5955]

11. I get 55mpg plus in my Prius

You should be able to get a used Prius for not too much, and they are the least expensive cars to drive.

[jambo101]

12. Stick with Toyota

If you want an economical reliable car . Yaris,Corolla or Camry.