ORIGINAL REDDIT POST
I need to be at 17k out the door. What is the most reliable sedan that I can purchase?
I would like to preferably stay under 70k miles Don’t want to go too old- meaning I’d prefer staying within the 10 year range. I live in an area where I’ve exhausted all options for Toyota/ Avalon/ Lexus. I keep checking everyday to see if there’s something…
I would like to preferably stay under 70k miles Don’t want to go too old- meaning I’d prefer staying within the 10 year range. I live in an area where I’ve exhausted all options for Toyota/ Avalon/ Lexus. I keep checking everyday to see if there’s something 2015 and up that pops up within that range but I can’t find it. So texting if you suggest any other makes? Clean title too as that’s hard to come buy for that criteria even if I extend 200 -250 miles out
Collected discussion
2018–2021 Mazda6 (or 2019+ Mazda3 if you don't need a midsize sedan)
The Mazda6 is a good shout. Those 2.5L Skyactiv engines and 6 speed autos are pretty bulletproof.
Yeah this Lexus es350 is always the answer
Got a Camry from them... Over a decade later and zero repairs needed.
I just tried this and hated the new CVTs in the carollas. I had to say goodbye to my 07 carolla with 233000 miles on her.
Mazda3 is the only car in its class without a cvt. Precisely why I bought one.
This. Look into old fashioned GM or Ford sedans that were made in great quantity but few people want. Like the Ford Taurus or Chevy Impala or mid range Buick sedans from 6-8 years ago.
Corolla, Civic, or Mazda3. Don’t obsess over staying under 70k miles, a well-maintained Corolla with 85k is better than a questionable car with 55k.
these are not globally made anymore, so expect any sort of repair to be expensive as fuck (cosmetic). Just hit a deer with my 2017 GT and it was over 20k in damage and totaled out.
Prius,Camry, or Corolla Start checking Hertz Car Sales. Last year in December I got 2025 Corolla with 30k miles for $17600 OTD. The price you see on website is the price you pay.
Definitely get a Mazda 6! My relative has that car and I enjoy driving it more than my civic, and it got some good amount of get up and go power! I’m sure the Mazda 3 is good, just smaller.
Ford Fusion with the 2.5 engine.
Check out a Ford Taurus. You can get one pretty cheap and they are actually surprisingly comfortable and reliable
Toyota Avalon. V6 6 speed. Pre COVID.
An almost new Versa with pristine records.
Add the Subaru Legacy Sedan to your list of cars to look at. I don't know if the Legacy was involved but Subaru had some years with a oil dilution/consumption problems so make sure to research that.
No one will say this but I will: 2023-2025 Chevy Malibu. For $17k they all have about 50-70k miles. Honest to god anyone I know that owns one has ran it to the ground. I’ve also had them as rentals, they’re great highway drivers. Sure, a little bland, but they do the job for cheap transportation. Oh, and get an LT model so you have heated seats.
Yaris or Fit
Consider a GM 3.6 with good oil change history. My 2016 Cadillac XTS has been flawless with 120 miles, but the MRC struts are expensive and do wear out. 2018/19 have conv struts in the main (Luxury) trim. Buick Lacrosse 2014-2019, impala too. I forget which have 6speed trans, but that is probably bettr thab the 8. You might needd to exceed 17k a bt or go to say 80k but these are close amd decent. I own a Lexus and these cars (my XTS) help us as well. No turbo, cvt. Just oil changes mattered to timing chain life, etc. I've changed all fluiuds every 50k but 0 repairs after the warranty except new struts.
Just looked at your profile and you live in NY I see. Definitely would recommend the Honda Fit. I know you want to stay newish but I do recommend a Venza from the early 2010’s they really are just like an Avalon in crossover form.
With $17k out-the-door, your actual purchase price target is roughly $14k-$15k depending on local tax rates (8-10% typical). This significantly limits what you can find: Accord/Civic 2018+: Rare at this price with <70k miles—likely 90k-120k miles Mazda 2016-2018: More realistic fit for your budget/mileage sweet spot Hyundai/Kia 2016-2018: Best odds of hitting all criteria but higher risk of prior abuse
Get a 22 Avalon … should last forever. I purchased one in 24 with 60k miles to replace my 06 with 215k miles. May have to go a little older than my 22 for your budget.
hello op, i do have a question, are you dead set on an import car or do you mind going domestics?
Something like this https://www.jeffkies.com/vdp/23949945/Used-2015-Lexus-ES-350-4dr-Sdn-for-sale-in-Apalachin-NY-13732
Nothing wrong with going older like 15yrs or so as long as it was well maintained.