Hey Y’all,
Cool to see this community already exists! Would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks so much.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
-used and as close to $10K as possible but up to $20K for something really solid.
-fuel efficiency important, hybrid ok. Not sure about full EV.
-Not a daily driver. Maybe 3-4 trips a week max. Mostly in town. And a ~100 mile round trip commute once a week or so.
-I want this car to last 10yrs at least. But I intend to drive it until one of us goes first.
-I live in Oakland CA, we have lots of potholes and some particularly dangerous drivers so I want something safe and reliable (solid).
-don’t care about aesthetics.
-I like to drive but fun to drive is just a nice to have.
-trunk space: enough for light camping or moving my bass and amp around.
-size: no SUVs or trucks please, prefer sedan or smaller (parking). 2 door/seat is ok as long as it has trunk space. I’m short, if it matters.
-I do like my music so some media controls are nice (like on the steering wheel), but can upgrade the sound system and console later ;)
-the simpler the better in terms of components, controls, maintenance. I’ll be happy with a roller window, no key fob, etc.
-it’ll be parked in a garage most of the time.
-some cars I’ve looked at that seem decent are: prius, golf, Mazda M3. Golf’s seem fun to drive and is a good size for me I think.
-I’m down with a manual if that comes up.
Used Toyota Camry that hasn't been in an accident will check all your boxes and you can pick pretty much any year that matches you spending limits. If you go older, like pre 2010 or whenever center consoles became a thing you will get reliability even on an older model if you double check things like the alternator that could be aging enough to replace.
I would double check any vehicle by year for problems with center consoles and other electronic issues though.
Thanks. any reason for the camry over the corolla?
A little roomier, more trunk space for camping and bass/amp. Otherwise they are pretty similar.