must have good MPG....below 50K miles.....

any recommendations?

late model civics seem to be too expensive.

I'm considering:
used Chevy Cobalts
used Mazda3's


anything else?

 

There are always used Corollas. The new model that came out has to have dropped the price on the older models.

 

last gen corolla

 

Mazda 3 is your best bet. I got about 6k saved up for one they usually run up to 15k but there is no way I'm paying that. I recently put a poll on which was best tsx or mazda 3 and it was a big win for the 3. I test drove one and it was very comfortable for a 6'2 230LB guy. So Mazda 3 FTW!

 

The Corolla is not a bad choice. I prefer the Mazda 3 as well. You can also look into the Honda Fit or Scion line.

 

Honda Fit for $9000?...maybe $19000

 

Some good brands that have low resale value (which means very inexpensive used values) include the Hyundai Accent, Suzuki Aerio, and Kia Spectra.

They're relatively good cars with great warranties, but due to percieved value, they have poor resale.

If you need something bigger, check out the Hyundai Sonata. You can get a good bargain with that as well.

 

Got to work on your spelling a little, Phil. That's Hyundai Accent and Suzuki Aerio.

With an Aerio, you have a choice of FWD or AWD. The FWD, of course, will get better gas mileage and have a little more power.

 

Thanks.

I'm still recovering from EOS...

 

Might be close to your price point depending on options, but definitely fast and very high mpg.

 

First gen Scion xB

 

If it was for commuting, why not get something a little fun?

I'd look at second-gen MR2s. I'd recommend a first-gen, but 95% of the
85-89 MR2s are project cars at best, needing lots of TLC. There are a few
nice ones out there, and they would be less than $9K for a REALLY nice
one - if you can find a nice one. My '85 used to regularly get 35 mpg
on longer hauls, and it was a blast to drive!

The 91-98 MR2s can be had in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form.
Turbo = fun but NA is probably a tiny bit more economical.

The late model Corolla sedan is a decent recommendation, but I wouldn't
be caught driving one. No fun.

Mazda 3 would be okay!

I still have my MR2 by the way... wonderful car!

 

Corolla or Civic.

 

1st gen Ford Focus would be my choice.