Since the OP has not (yet) responded with any specifics about the person's disability or needs, I'll just make some general recommendations. I generally agree with pbm317 on the Outback.....but get one newer than about 2010-2011 to lessen the chances of either the notorious head-gasket problems or the early CVT problems. Some 2010-2011 models also had a front-end shimmy that was very difficult to trace or deal with.

The Kia Soul, for a very low price, is also surprisingly roomy and space-efficient inside.....and also sits at a ride-height that is ideal for many semi-disabled persons.

And, of course, many older models from Toyota and Honda (some of which have already been recommended here) were well-known for reliability.

 

Problem with camry, accord, rav4 choices is they command the highest used car prices (for good reason).

anyway, without more feedback from OP, hard to say. TONS of choices.

 

I apologize for not responding sooner to everyone. First of all thank you for all your suggestions. The disability is not the type that causes an issue with entering or exiting the vehicle so I am open to both sedans and SUVs. They are 3 people so a 4 door sedan or small crossover/SUV similar to a CRV or Rav4 size would be fine. Just wanted to hear input on the best reliability if you have experience. Consensus so far seems to be Subaru or Toyota/Honda.

 

Kudos to you for doing this for the family. With the budget range you have mentioned your best bet would be a 2012+ Toyota Camry or 2013 + Accord. The resale value of comparable SUVs like the RAV4 or CRV is higher so you will end up with an older or higher mileage vehicle for the same price compared to their sedans counterparts. You will also may have to stretch your budget to find Accord /Camry in good shape and with reasonable amount of miles on it

 

Lots of good suggestions on here. I would also include the Corolla and Civic on the list. They'll likely be cheaper than a Camry or Accord but just as reliable, and with better gas mileage.

 

i want to second-guess the subaru vote. i have a 2014 outback and though it's solid, i feel it needs more maintenance than an elderly couple will be willing to handle. mine burns more oil than any car i've owned (and i like to keep my cars over 8-10 years). i'm only at under 100k on the odo...and it's normal according to subaru?! oil levels need to be checked more often than normal vehicles so i say stay away from them for your purposes.

i too would vote the camry/accord mix. with the high rav4/crv demands, they will be more expensive to find plus they are a bit smaller inside. as everyone stated, i commend you for such a gracious act!

 

I suggest the newest Corolla with the least number of miles you can find for your price.

 

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will browse some local listings and get to looking for the best I can find.

 

kia soul for a low maintenance, easiest to get in/out for elderly people, drive the wheels off without taking care of it vehicle. Prius is also fantastic. Toyota avalon if they are bigger folks.

 

You might also look at the Hyundai/Kia sedans and suvs. They're good value for the money if the the Japanese vehicles are out of your price range. Tucson/Santa Fe and Elantra/Sonata. Kia Sorento/Forte/Optima etc.

 

Thank you all for the additional replies. For those recommending the Prius, do I not have to worry about the battery? I am not familiar with the Prius.

 

I don't recommend a used Prius, and not just because of the battery. As a Prius ages, it's high-tech can lead to very-expensive repairs. Go Corolla!

 

Prius battery shouldnt be an issue with mileage, only age. 3rd gen (2010?) or newer should be solid. I just sold my 2nd gen 2006 and the battery was still good but the engine had worn out at 280k miles of very hard driving. In that entire time the only thing that ever failed on the car was an exhaust gasket that rotted out which was like a $50 part.

 

I like 4runners, or highlanders, decent ones can be had for under 10. They are bullet proof and has more utility than a sedan. The MPG isn't great on them though, Camry is another great option.

 

Tons of high mileage Priuses out there, i wouldn’t be worried