Looking for ideas for the best use of a 10K budget. Driver is 18 going to college, wouldn't mind compact or midsize sedan, or smaller SUV. Not mechanically inclined, so low maintenance, fuel efficiency would need to be good also. 4 doors also a must. My ideas so far: Honda Civic 4dr, Ford Focus Hatch, Ford Escape. Thanks in advance!

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Looking for ideas for the best use of a 10K budget. Driver is 18 going to college, wouldn't mind compact or midsize sedan, or smaller SUV. Not mechanically inclined, so low maintenance, fuel efficiency would need to be good also. 4 doors also a must. My ideas so far: Honda Civic 4dr, Ford Focus Hatch, Ford Escape. Thanks in advance!

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Corolla
Mazda 3 (they have a sedan and a hatch)


2 years ago we paid $10k for a 2009 Mazda 3 HB with 70k miles. It has needed new spark plugs and MAF cleaned. That's it!

from Consumer Reports: cars < $10k

Any of the ones you listed are good bets.

I'll throw in some more (in addition to Dubi's Corolla, Mazda 3)

2008+ Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Honda Fit

I bought a 2-year-old Hyundai Elantra for right around $10k, so if you can find one for that price I'd recommend the car.

I would say honda accord.

The 2008+ Fusion is a good choice. A platform sibling is the Mazda6. The Mazda handles better, looks better, but is smaller inside.

Neither have particularly high resale value but are good cars. I have owned both (currently own the Fusion).

I got a one owner sub 100K V6 6 Speed Honda Accord sedan 2 years ago for under $10K, I could probably get another 150K miles out of it. One thing to note about a used Accord, if it's a V6 and 100K miles or more you'll want to check if they already replaced the timing belt/water pump/etc or budget in around $1200 to get it all done right.

If buying for my kid I'd probably want something with some size and max safety features, not sure which of the cars mentioned so far would fit the safety aspect but the fusion, Accord, and Escape are the biggest. Generally, newer year model cars have more safety features.

Cannew

We are about to try and sell my wife's 2007 Honda Accord. It has 137,000 miles on it and has been a great car.

We are located in Cypress so not sure where you are located.

A friend is selling this, looks to be just about what you asked for.

http://collegestation.craigslist.org/cto/4946562697.html

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If buying for my kid I'd probably want something with some size and max safety features

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Make sure you get side curtain airbags. Some of the older vehicles do not have them.

We wanted a 2008 Mazda 3, but didn't buy it because it lacked them and the 2009 model had them standard.

You've got to put Mercury on your list.

These can usually be had for well under 10K.

Something about your post makes me think it is a female driver and I know safety is high on a dads list, these can't beat them for reliability and safety.

you can't argue with a cummins engine with an allison transmission.

Only 16,000 miles

For sale Posting

Loco that is awesome reminds me of the Tank episode from family guy. Might be a little maintenance heavy though!

Pasquale I'm in Keller TX, but for a good vehicle I don't think the Tine area would be out of the question.

I'm actually trying to help my babysitter find a car, (puts on misogynistic jacket) she and her mom know jack squat about cars/car buying, and they asked my wife (she and I don't know much about cars/car buying either but we knew the auto board did). She's home schooled and has 4 other siblings hence 4 doors and safety (she also picks up my girls from school occasionally).

She doesn't know exactly what she is looking for so she is going to carmax with her mom(not to buy, but test drive) with the list of some of the ones compiled from this thread(sans troop transport sorry Loco).

My wife showed her this and she liked "that style"...

stanleymcgregor.net/Waco/For-Sale/Used/Ford/Focus/2012-SE-Gray-Car/38258063/

Focus. U can get more car for less cash. Cheap to fix for the most part. Dual overhead cam motor is a beast. Very safe cars.

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Loco that is awesome reminds me of the Tank episode from family guy. Might be a little maintenance heavy though!

Pasquale I'm in Keller TX, but for a good vehicle I don't think the Tine area would be out of the question.

I'm actually trying to help my babysitter find a car, (puts on misogynistic jacket) she and her mom know jack squat about cars/car buying, and they asked my wife (she and I don't know much about cars/car buying either but we knew the auto board did). She's home schooled and has 4 other siblings hence 4 doors and safety (she also picks up my girls from school occasionally).

She doesn't know exactly what she is looking for so she is going to carmax with her mom(not to buy, but test drive) with the list of some of the ones compiled from this thread(sans troop transport sorry Loco).

My wife showed her this and she liked "that style"...

stanleymcgregor.net/Waco/For-Sale/Used/Ford/Focus/2012-SE-Gray-Car/38258063/

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Cannew
We plan to list my wife's Accord for $7,500 here in Houston. It has approx. 137,000 miles and tires are less than a year old from Discount Tire. All work except oil changes have been done at John Eagle Honda here in Houston. Not sure if this will fit in your budget.