What daily drive would you buy?

For around 6 grand? Lots of Toyotas and lexus’ in that area - I’m just not familiar with years and models that are going to be most reliable.

 

In the past I was thinking about a beater car and checking on cars like Toyota Yaris, Scion IA. Like 2010+.

 

I could blast around in a little stick shift Yaris.

 

yeah I think that’s the call for that price range. Prob a lot of miles but hopefully a solid history.

 

Honda...

 

Get an old 6banger YJ!

 

I have a 2006 Scion xA 5-speed that's a nice little commuter, bought used. I was concerned at first because it revs high - 3500RPM at 70 MPH. But it apparently suffers no ill effects. It's over 225k miles now (120k of those are mine), gets a solid 37MPG combined, and virtually no rust here in Ohio. Oil consumption is about what it should be, meaning maybe 1/2 quart between oil changes every 5k. You could find one for a lot less than $6000.

My son's 2009 Corolla is solid too, at 230k miles.

 

I have a Scion TC that's just fun enough for running errands and occasional road trips when off-roading isn't on the menu. Fuel economy is way better than the 4Runner, but not really amazing, though.

Otherwise, a Corolla is a safe but boring bet.

 

6k is kinda tight these days.

My first pick would be a Honda Fit, good mpg and a ton of space inside for the size of the vehicle. After that, the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe for the same reason.

If a hatchback isn't wanted, Volvos can be nice cars for not a lot of money. My 07 XC70 has been very reliable and is really comfy to drive. Gotta find one that's been well maintained though.

 

An old Rav4 for me. I know...not small enough.

 

Rav4 or corolla. Maybe even older venza. Or previous crv was not horrible either.

 

Corolla. I have a 2010 S that has been flawless. It was my daily driver for 9 years. Only bad thing was the paint. Peeled bad on the roof and clear coat is coming off on hood and trunk. Toyota will do nothing because it is grey.

 

I second the Honda Fit. Also, take a look at the older Lexus IS300, GS300/400, and LS430. All cheap and very very reliable, especially the 2JZ-GE.

 

Yaris sedan manual transmission. Quarter million trouble-free miles and drives like a go cart. Also 40mpgs

 

I had a sweet Camry, til my kid blew up his Honda. Solid, safe and reliable. 31 MPG if I recall correctly. Solid transportation.

 

06 Frontier 4x4. Daily and a beater. Never died on me. Starts right up and still running strong over 200k miles.

 

Suzuki Carry or Jimny