New/Used Car Help!

[RachaelBachael]

Hi all,

My beloved bug, Blue Belle, was squished on Wednesday by a mean lawncare truck and has been totaled.
(I was stopped at a light, the truck driver was distracted/texting and hit me, causing me to roll into the car in front of me. Everyone was okay and the other cars were perfectly fine)

With that being said, I need a new/used car. I had my bug for the last 6 years and don't really know the any cars out there. I need your help!

Any suggestions on cars for a single 23 year old? Here are some things I'm looking for:
-I don't have kids, and don't plan on having kids for a while, so this car does not need to accommodate little ones.
-I would love for it to be fuel efficient. I prefer a hybrid but am not sure if I will have enough $ for one.
-I mostly drive around locally, but do drive 80 miles round trip once a week for work.
-Depending on the insurance settlement, I will probably only have $ for a used car or a really cheap new one.
-I live in the South, so A/C is a must, moon roof is preferable.
-I want to be safe!

Also, any cars you recommend NOT driving will be equally appreciated.

Thanks for the help!

-Rachael

[BrianAlt]

My friend has been driving around in a Chevy Cruze and he loves it.

2011 Chevy Cruze | Compact Car | Chevrolet

Reasonably priced and gets GREAT gas mileage. It also can have a moon roof.

They are apparently hot right now, so there's no budging on the price. But at least you'll go in knowing what you'll pay, no need for phony negotiating.

[marina]

I don't know what your price range is, but I have a 2007 Honda Fit Sport. I paid 11,00 for in August 2010. The guy wanted more, but I threatened to leave. I bought the one with the tiptronic shifter, but I almost never use it, so I really didn't need it, I just thought it was cool.

Sadly, no moon roof, but it's a zippy, low gas mileage car and it handles great. The other day a dog ran into the street in front of me and in my old car, poor thing would have been a cloud of red mist, but the fit had a preternatural connection to the wheel and swerved around him like a dancer. It was amazing.

It's small, but can accommodate 3 other full grown adults if the co-workers and I are going out to lunch, or I'm carpooling with someone somewhere. The back seats fold down flat and I can fit a lot of stuff in there. I can fit most bicycles, usually 2 of them, although the really long beach cruiser has to stay at home.

I drive an hour each way to work, and I love my car. It's totally comfortable, has a great sound system, and comes with a built in MP3 player jack.

And, if your bug was one of the newer models, you'll really appreciate how a Honda can go for months, sometimes years with no more mechanic trips than regular maintenance requires.

[punk'n]

I love love LOVE Hondas. Mine is a '92 and I still drive an hour a day to get to work with no problems.

I wouldn't recommend a used car as old as mine, but the price was right and I don't have many problems with it. My point is, Hondas will run FOREVER if you take care of them.

[BrianAlt]

I'll add that I love Hondas too. I've pretty much always have had one since 1986. 5 of them in that time period.

[FlyingCamel]

I just bought a 2008 Versa which I really like. I would put it in the same category as the Honda Fit - both very good vehicles.

[Rhian]

Hondas FTW. They will last and have great milage. I've had two in 10 years and won't go back if I was in a position to get another car ever.

[fluxquanta]

Whatever you do, never, ever buy a vehicle from a "buy here pay here" dealership or any place that brags about doing their own financing.

[justjohn]

You cant go wrong with anything Japanese these days. Honda, Toyota, Nissan. They all have great styling and extremely reliable and affordable.

[RachaelBachael]

Originally Posted by marina

I don't know what your price range is, but I have a 2007 Honda Fit Sport.

And, if your bug was one of the newer models, you'll really appreciate how a Honda can go for months, sometimes years with no more mechanic trips than regular maintenance requires.

I've heard good things about Fit Sports, thanks for the suggestions. And low maintenance is perfect!

Originally Posted by punk'n

I love love LOVE Hondas. Mine is a '92 and I still drive an hour a day to get to work with no problems.

I wouldn't recommend a used car as old as mine, but the price was right and I don't have many problems with it. My point is, Hondas will run FOREVER if you take care of them.

Honda's sound great! My mom has a newer CRV (2008?) and she hasn't had to have it repaired yet.

Originally Posted by Lord of the Cock Rings

Honda engines last for-ever, not uncommon to go 250-300k miles without a rebuild.

Don't be afraid of buying an older one with 150,000 + on it. I did 3 years ago and it still runs great even if the body is rusting away.

Good to know. My bug had 78,000 miles and I was planning on running it into the ground.

Originally Posted by fluxquanta

Whatever you do, never, ever buy a vehicle from a "buy here pay here" dealership or any place that brags about doing their own financing.

Great advice!