Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.

Looking for the most reliable used car I can find between 10 and 15K.

AntneeAntnee Member Posts: 1
edited May 2020 in Honda
My main concern as stated is mechanical reliability. I tend to do a lot of highway driving. Excellent gas mileage would be nice. I don't care about features and extras, only that the thing will continue to run well. Something more recent and lower miles would also be nice.

General style could be a sedan, hatchback, suv, wagon, crossover or minivan. Basically anything I could fit an upright bass into.

I'm open to suggestions about make and model. One of my favorite cars I had was a Honda CRV. I got a second Honda and it was a Fit, which turned out to be a mistake. The thing blew a spark plug out of the cylinder head twice and left me stranded on the highway. It turns out that they didn't give adequate thread to hold the thing in. This type of situation is what I'm hoping to avoid - what the mechanic I spoke to referred to as "throw away" cars. Toyota Matrix was another disappointment of mine.

Even other sources of information would be appreciated, especially input from mechanics or others in the know. Thanks in advance.
Tagged:

Comments

  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,487
    Antnee said:

    My main concern as stated is mechanical reliability. I tend to do a lot of highway driving. Excellent gas mileage would be nice. I don't care about features and extras, only that the thing will continue to run well. Something more recent and lower miles would also be nice.

    General style could be a sedan, hatchback, suv, wagon, crossover or minivan. Basically anything I could fit an upright bass into.

    I'm open to suggestions about make and model. One of my favorite cars I had was a Honda CRV.....

    This video on vehicles that are likely to make it to 200k has a lot of Toyotas and Hondas on the list.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUQOHTNAYmE

    A used Lexus on Acura might also be worth considering.

    And if you'd be open to a lease there are some good lease deals out there. Honda is currently offering new Civic LX leases for $170 a month with a c. $2.5k down payment. Since the Civic's rear seats fold down it might hold your bass.

    https://automobiles.honda.com/tools/current-offers?zipcode=40204
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2024 Subaru Outback (wife's), 2018 Honda CR-V EX (offspring)
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 23,960
    edited June 2020
    The Fit wasn’t Honda’s best effort from what I hear. The Matrix on the other hand was supposed to be pretty reliable.

    For excellent gas mileage consider a Toyota Prius. You might even consider a Buick. Some of their models have garnered a reputation for being reliable. You might also find that you can buy a newer model for the same money.

    https://www.chicagotribune.com/autos/sc-most-reliable-brands-autotips-1027-20161024-story.html

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,049
    Not knowing your budget, but anything with a Honda or Toyota badge would be a good bet. If you go used with either of those, be prepared to pay a premium over other used car picks as a result of their reliability reputations.

    Moving upscale? The Acura-Lexus legion would be a good choice, too.

    Not sure of Lexus on the used market, but I would think their NX and UX models might be worth a look.

    If you can find an Acura TSX in good shape, would probably be worth a serious look.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    The others have given you sound advise. We are on out 4th CRV and they are my favorite Honda. Never heard of a Fit blowing out spark plugs before now.
Sign In or Register to comment.