Suggestions for a starter car +/-$17k

[RSeXy]

I am actually in the market for one, so Max_Boost cannot bully me into being a bench car buyer...hehe

My family is currently looking at a 2007 Yaris 2dr Hatch for my youngest brother. I think all said and done it will be approx $17K OTD. This is the bare bones model with auto trans. (as in no a/c), but is a lot better IMO than the 05' bare bones Rio they were looking at as well. My dad is just wary about safety since its so small...

Any other suggestions for a reliable new car in that price range? Interested mainly in good fuel consumption. It will be used mainly for driving to and from school and work, so I am not concerned with getting a faster, used integra, rsx, etc.

Thanks!

[spyce]

So does this car have to be completely brand new. Or is one or 2 years old fine?

If you can go used, maybe go with a used Mazda 3. My brother found a good deal and picked up an 05 GT for about 20g flat.
So if you even go with the 'bare bones' model you could easily get one for around 17g's I would think. Most likely would come with a couple of things to not make it so bare. Plus...isnt Max_Boost all for the Mazda 3?

If you have to get it new. Maybe take a look at the Honda Fit?

[kaput]

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[max_boost]

Ok here's the scoop.

Hyundai Accent FTW.

Fully loaded except ABS brakes. Has powered windows, locks, A/C, split 60/40 seats and much more.

0% 36 months lease or financing.

[jdm_jspec]

^^^hahah

[vc-kev]

*cough* resale value *cough*

[Weapon_R]

Buying a brand new car for a young kid doesn't make good business sense at all. Try finding him something a bit older and you'll save thousands in initial depreciation. A used civic is about the most reliable car money can buy, and it won't cost nearly as much nor will be as painful when he bangs it up.

I'd also stay away from Hyundais and kias and the like. They are very difficult to unload and suffer a lot of depreciation.

[max_boost]

You are right WeaponR. Focus has now shifted towards finding a used Civic.

[That.Guy.S30]

Originally posted by max_boost
You are right WeaponR. Focus has now shifted towards finding a used Civic.

thats nonsense.... give him the wrx max lol

[guessboi]

Hey RSexy,

how about a suzuki aerio? you can get a pretty good deal for a fully loaded one with cash rebate...etc. all in all less than 20,000. for <17,000, he can get the special edition model.
car is very reliable as it won a couple awards recently.
This is my all around car and I am still loving it after 4 years.

pm if you are interested.

btw I need Upass soon again. you can pm me for that.

[A2VR6]

I second the Mazda 3 suggestion... or maybe a Protege 5. Lots of room and versitility.

[max_boost]

What hell is up with Civic resale values. They are mighty expensive. A used 2002 Civic DX with 75,000kms still commands $15k while a brand new 2006 Civic DX is less than $20k out the door?

It's getting kind of tough searching because insurance is all out of wack too. A brand new Accent is $5000 a year insurance for 18 year old with driver's ed and good student discount. $5k! LOL

I've abandoned the search. It's too hard to help someone make decisions.

[footballer]

Mitsu Lancer FTW.
2003 models can be had in the price range easy. Pretty good warranty (not the 10 year one that came out in 2005 i think) and base models come with a/c and all the power goodies.
They are uber peppy very nice, very nice.

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

lancers are alright... 17k barebone 0% financing (i believe) as my buddy just picked up one... problem is resale value... pick up a used civic, mazda 3, or a protege 5 as suggested (i think the protege 5 looks the nicest)

personally i would never buy a new car for an 18 year old... buy him a beater... let him ding it up, then buy him a new one when hes done school or something

[infected]

Smart Car
I was gonna get one, I see lots of potential in it.

EDIT: Oh and if your dad is concerned about safety, the Smart Car will pwn any of the previously mentioned vehicles. The Mazda 3 had terrible crash test ratings... and who would have the man hood to roll in a Kia?!?!?

[rc2002]

Originally posted by max_boost
What hell is up with Civic resale values. They are mighty expensive. A used 2002 Civic DX with 75,000kms still commands $15k while a brand new 2006 Civic DX is less than $20k out the door?

Yeah Civic's resale is through the roof, especially here on beyond. Lol. You usually have to wait to find one that's a good deal. I find that generally there's a big price drop after the 5 year mark.

But for ease of finding cheap parts, having a 92-00 civic can't be beat. It'd be hands down the vehicle with the lowest maintenance costs.

[Jynx]

why not get a 03 cavalier for half that price?

very basic car...

[Unknown303]

Yeah those cavaliers are pretty damn inexpensive and cheap to fix. Plus according to my car they'll make it past 330000 too!