I commute to Auburn AL daily for work which is a 40 mile round trip daily. I got a 97 Accord as a beater with like 200k miles. It runs strong, gets good mileage, and is of course paid off. My big issue is that I'm really tired of driving it. Its sooooooooooo boring so I'm saving to buy a new beater. Driving my coupe is out of the question. My budget is 13k and plan on purchasing possibly at the end of this year. Please help me pic the best car. I'm looking for reliability, gas mileage, comfort, and fun factor. I have included three cars that I like in my poll but I'm open to other options.

Holla

 

whoa whoa, 13k for a beater!? you can almost get something like an E46.

 

Mazda3 hatch FTW

 

I voted for the TSX because it's more comfortable than the other choices which is nice for a 40 mile commute.

 

New Yaris

Reliability = Check
Gas Mileage = Double Check
Comfort = Mmmmyeah it ain't that bad, really
Fun Factor = If you can make fun out of having a nouveau stylistic convo piece, you're there.

I got a Yaris hatchback that my employees are beating the hell out of. I drove it around a little bit the first few days. I was pleasantly surprised with it. I saw one on the road the other day that was whatever Toyota's paint code equivalent of SGM is. It had rims on it and might have been lowered somehow - I guess it could have had a couple of people and some groceries in it - it really didn't look bad. [checking for fever] Yes, it really didn't look bad.

 

Mazda 3 is a nice econo car. My gf had one before the Saab. Quick off the line a a smooth 4 banger. Check it out for sure.

 

I'm not definite about the pricing but maybe an older Mini Cooper, around 13k?

 

I know the TSX requires premium gas and I'd bet the Altima SE-R does also -the '02 Maxima I had w/ the same 3.5L V6 required it.

So for a commuter car I'd go with the Mazda 3.

 

Of the 3, I'd get the mazda. You may be paying a more for insurance on the TSX, and it requires premium fuel.

 

It's understandable you're tired of the Honda, but at that age and mileage, it's not going to have a lot of trade-in value. I'd continue to drive it for at least a few more months while stashing some cash away in a savings account. Next spring when the new models hit the streets, there should be a wave of nice trade-ins available, and you with your savings in addition to your trade, can have a nicer selection of "beaters" from which to choose.

OTOH, do what we did - with a '92 minivan with over 92K on the clock as the family beater (Cost: $1500) we invested right at $1400 in tires, battery, alternator, muffler, tailpipe, a new headliner, limo tint, new stereo, speakers, wheel covers, and a back-up cam. We had the interior shampooed and fully detailed and the badly peeling paint blasted off the exterior and an inexpensive but workmanlike primer and 3 finish coats gunned on. I cleaned, primed, and repainted the wheels myself from a rattle can, then restored the rubber, vinyl, and blackout trim. The result is a vehicle that runs reliably and isn't a complete embarrassment to drive for just under $3K.



As a grocery-getter, home-improvement store hauler, and occasional second car, it only gets maybe 100 miles a month, but our project car runs well and most important, my wife is proud of our work. It's no Lexus, but it is a pretty decent old Plymouth.

 

Nice that thing is clean


I say go for the TSX

 

13k for a beater?... hehehe my civic ek was only 2k and meets your requirements of reliability, gas mileage, comfort, and fun factor. but hey if i got 13 grand id go with the mazda3!

 

same reasoning ... i dont like FWD but out of those opstion ... long commute means u want the nicest thing to sit and be bored in

 

Honda Fit.

 

i know its not listed, but mini s