My mom needs a new car. She drives a 1995 Kia Sephia. What's a good basic car these days? The catch: Something early 2000s not new, and Domestic. I'd like something with gas milage near 30mpg. Also, since she doesnt need anything xtra special to drive to work and back, cost should be considered. Thanks! Imports would be considered if really necessary.

 

I know how most people feel about import cars, but my wife and I had a Honda Accord, and man that was a great car. I was comfortable, roomy, awesome on gas, and looked nice. The resale value on these cars (from what I hear) is wonderful.

I never had a single problem with that car.

My 2

 

I have to agree Jamz. Picked up a 96 Camry trade in 18 mos ago for my kiddos first car. Had 100900 miles on it and now at 125k and absoutely no problems! Damn good cars but still not a ef one fitty!

 

The Ford Focus seems to have a good reputation for a small car. The Taurus has been around forever and has evolved into a very reliable vehicle as well. Both are popular enough to where all the common issues are well known and repair procedures should be easily researched.

Toyota and Honda have excellent reputations built on their small car lines.

On your next car purchase be sure to look up the KBB values on the identical model car, 5 or 10 years older. If you're looking at an 02 Camry, look at the KBB value of a 92 Camry and you will get an idea of what the car will cost you in depreciation per year. Most times the cheapest purchase price is not the cheapest to own.

 

crown vic's get around 26mpg are nice cars still have a 4.6L v8 in em and is a comfortable ride.

 

^^^

BUT

Can mom keep her foot off the floor?

 

Yea, she drives too slow for her own good. I on the other hand might have to borrow it from time to time I've never had a V8 in the family.

 

My best bet if I were to get my Mom a car that is a good average car and great on gas, is The Honda Civic. They seat 4 pretty good without a problem. A freind of mine as a 98 Civic with No problems what so ever since she had it, and I think she even said it gets 30mpg on the highway!! There great cars for the average family and you can't go wrong with those.

 

I just picked up a 2002 Kia Rio 4 door for 5K with only 37000 miles on it. Still under warrantee until 60K miles.

 

Two words Honda Civic. My wife drives one, we bought it new in 1998 and have only done oil changes on it. It has 70,000km's and still looks/feels/drives like a new car. I can't say enough good things about them! Oh and they are great in the snow with that front wheel drive! Great on gas as well!!

 

I think he said domestic. Those ricers are great until you get in a hard crash, then you're one hatin' life puppy. Best value for the money would be a 2000-2001 crown vic or grand marquis. They can be had with low mileage for around $7K. They are recommended by CR for reliability and safety. And if you have the misfortune of getting in a crash, you will be walking away while honda boy is asking where his legs went.

 

There is probably a good reason why they don't want an import.

With that said I'd recommend, considering reliability and safety.

1.) Honda Civic DX
2.) Honda Accord DX
3.) Honda Civic LX
4.) Honda Accord LX
5.) Honda Civix EX
6.) Honda Accord EX
7.) Toyota Corolla
8.) Toyota Camry
9.) Ford Focus
10.) Ford Crown Victoria
11.) Mercury Gran Marquis
12.) Nissan Sentra GXE
13.) Nissan Altima GXE
14.) Chevrolet Cavalier
15.) Chevrolet Impala
16.) Dodge Stratus
17.) Chrysler Cirrus
18.) Mitsubishi Galant
19.) Pontiac Grand Am
20.) Oldsmobile Alero

 

Thats too much for a 3 year old Kia Rio. I sure wouldnt be bragging about that price.

 

Frank, what do you think is a fair price for this car? I know its a 2002 (and it's a kia rio) but I just wanted the lowest miles possible, a manual tranny, and A/C, and this was the best deal I could find. Just curious. Thanks for your input.

 

I sit corrected bigsherm. You paid a good price for the Rio. For some reason I was thinking it was a Spectra, not a Rio. I show the Rio being worth between 4700-5400 depending on condition. Drive it 'til it pukes.