ORIGINAL REDDIT POST
Looking for daily, reliable, under $7k
I understand the pricing will limit me as I am in New England. Hoping for something pre-2012, decent mpg (28 combined?), simple to work on. I don’t have a lot of needs otherwise, doesn’t need to be large, just a commuter that isn’t the ugliest thing I’ve ever…
I understand the pricing will limit me as I am in New England. Hoping for something pre-2012, decent mpg (28 combined?), simple to work on. I don’t have a lot of needs otherwise, doesn’t need to be large, just a commuter that isn’t the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen (but I can learn to love). Considering a 2006 scion xB, Honda Civic, Mazda 3. Thoughts or other suggestions?
Collected discussion
Definitely, that seems to be the hardest aspect so far on finding a good xB
At this pricepoint and vehicle age it will mostly come down to condition/previous owner history moreso than individual make/model. An older used car in the NE, my single biggest concern is rust. if at all feasible, try to get your hands on something that has lived more of its life outside of the salt belt.
I’m going to be vulnerable here for a second. How much rust is acceptable rust? Is it when you see the big flakes that it’s too far gone? Is it acceptable to have some sort of light rust on the underside of everything pre 2012 at this point?
I’ll look into them. Thanks!
Some light surface rust on various underbody components is pretty normal, but heavy scale on things like subframes, rusty brake lines, etc is what the bigger issue is. I'd definitely have a reputable shop do a PPI on anything you're considering buying. As mentioned below, if the body is starting to rot, with a high likelyhood the rust is pretty advanced in other more structural/important places as well.
The first generation xB isn't a Toyota, as popularly assumed. It's a Daihatsu, and not as reliable as people think. The second gen is a Toyota, but it's bigger, more artless inside and out, and many remaining examples have a pending Takata airbag recall. $7k isn't going to get you a lot in this market, as you're probably already discovering. I'll toss a couple out there as flyers: Ford Focus with manual transmission ONLY; Mazda 2; Ford C-Max (avoid MyFord Touch).
This makes sense.
Scion xB is a good call, those little boxes just keep going and you can fit a surprising amount of stuff. Civic will be easier to find parts for at any junkyard, the xB might have better mpg depending how you drive Watch for rust on all three though, especially in our part of the country, that'll kill a car faster than any mechanical issue
When you go to repair rust it is always way worse than you thought. It's safe to assume that any visible rust flakes will require cutting that panel out and gluing or welding a new one in its place. If you're from where they salt the roads, look for undercoating plugs or a window full of rust check stickers. Otherwise run away from rust issues, unless you're handy with a mig.
Not on your lists but jettas are pretty solid and can be very cheap and easy to work on. Plus the prices are usually cheap cuz people are scared to buy German cars
If you’re looking for “daily, reliable, easy to work on” then your tolerance for rust should be pretty low. Frame should be rock should, but suspension parts can get expensive quick if bolts are rusted shut. Rust makes DIY projects extremely difficult. If the subframe / control arms, brake lines, frame or driveshaft is entirely coated in a layer of rust (even if it’s just surface rust), I would pass. If it looks like any of these components were pulled from a shipwreck, walk away
Mazda 3 ya
Unpopular suggestion: Nissan leaf. If you only need to drive around 50mi/day you can get a 2017 (or older) with less than 50k mi for under $5k. Any ICE car under $7k will have a lot more mechanical risk and will likely have 2-3x the mileage.
Look for an old Buick with the 3800 engine.
Older corolla or carry. They'll live well i to the 300k+ range woth basic routine maintenance
Buick LeSabre or Buick Lucerne. Yes they’re grandpa cars. Highly reliable though. Pontiac Vibe is another good one. It’s design is based off the Toyota Matrix. Toyota Camry and Honda Accord is worth a look too.