I don't see why people buy new cars that cost some ridiculous amount of money + insurance. Just buy a 10-15 year old used car for under $2,000 and you'll make that back in ~4months worth of payments/insurance on a new car.

Goatspunk: I don't see why people buy new cars that cost some ridiculous amount of money + insurance. Just buy a 10-15 year old used car for under $2,000 and you'll make that back in ~4months worth of payments/insurance on a new car.

lol

4 years.
4 years is the butter spot to buy a used car (IMO). most worth for the value ... just don't get one too high on the mileage

if ya got the money. 2nd year w/ under 15k miles is always a real good deal too

Wow. Interesting definition of "cheapest car to own".

I could buy a different car off craigslist every time the current one showed any sign of trouble (including the tires needed changing) and come out ahead compared to their cheapest car.

They clearly mean, cheapest "new" car.

Full of fail wheel drive commuter shiatboxes.

Goodfella: Full of fail wheel drive commuter shiatboxes.

Given the criteria judged was 'cheapest to own', rather than 'most exciting', or 'best bang for your buck', your indignation seems somewhat misplaced.

calbert: Sept 17 2009.

timely article

It's cheaper to submit an article after one year. You don't get stuck with the new article mark-up costs.

The cheapest most boring cars to own.

I'd rather buy used. Besides, there are some real bargains out there if you want a car with some more style, especially if you're trying to attract the ladies...

We just bought a Versa and I love it. One of the only sub-compact cars I've been able to sit in without feeling like I'm crushed into a sardine can.

The Versa does well in a rollover accident, if you're included in the will, or you have know a college aged kid you don't need around any more.

The Fit is a great little car - loads of room, amazingly clever seat configurations, and surprisingly fun to drive.

The high gas mileage is pretty cool, as well.

Got a Sentra, decent car in a pinch.
Needed something with no effort or worry.
And fit me, being a big-guy.
Has all the comforts.

Used wasn't the answer for me,
the established used-dealers wanted too much with all their methods, when it came down to actual monthly payments.
too much of a risk and no support with non-pros.

This struck the right balance,
for a guy that had his car struck & totalled by a woman on the cell rushing to a meeting.

/one well placed hit to the front quarter, there goes engine and axle...

These inexpensive small cars don't last. I wonder if they took the lifespan of the car into consideration?

I've got a 2005 Chevy Aveo (1.6L auto) and I absolutely love it. I was lucky enough to pick it up with only 60,000 klicks on it so I guess that's part of the reason. The list says the maintainace costs are high but all I've done so far is give it an oil change and replace the serp belt. The Yaris was my first choice when I was looking, but I just couldn't beat the sticker price on the Aveo and went with it.

True story!

whatshisname: These inexpensive small cars don't last. I wonder if they took the lifespan of the car into consideration?

Hondas seem to never die, and the Fit's on the list.

//would get one when my MINI croaks.

They are all the same car, different paint?

/Who cares about shiatboxes?
//craigslist 80's Mercedes all the way

insertcutename: I've got a 2005 Chevy Aveo (1.6L auto) and I absolutely love it. I was lucky enough to pick it up with only 60,000 klicks on it so I guess that's part of the reason. The list says the maintainace costs are high but all I've done so far is give it an oil change and replace the serp belt. The Yaris was my first choice when I was looking, but I just couldn't beat the sticker price on the Aveo and went with it.

True story!

Make sure you get the timing belt serviced soon. The 1.6L Aveo has a history of early t-belt failure, resulting in severe engine damage.

Link (new window)

Make sure the shop that does the belt has the special tensioner tool or they won't be able to properly tension the belt.

whatshisname: These inexpensive small cars don't last. I wonder if they took the lifespan of the car into consideration?

I have a 03 vibe with 210k and other than oil changes and new tires only one major repair (and the crappy window regulators that were covered under a recall)This is one car they actually got right the first year since the gas mileage and quality has gone down over the years

My car's 26 years old, taxes are less than $25/year, insurance about $130, mileage in the upper 20s, and she's got at least 5 more years of good performance in her.

Really getting a kick out of these replies.

/original owner.
//mechanically inclined.

Next time your driving around, notice how many Jeep Cherokees you see and remember something; they haven't made this car since the last 1000 or so they made in 2001. REally 2000 is the last year.
My 1999 has been the best car I have ever owned.

for the win

I drive a hyundai accent because I have a small penis

it's a good car though

1. Manufacture cars at a cost of around $1,500 - $3,000 and then sell them for $10,000 - $20,000
2.Profit
3.Still manage to go bankrupt somehow


oh wait, thats not funny

Jack Kerouac: We just bought a Versa and I love it. One of the only sub-compact cars I've been able to sit in without feeling like I'm crushed into a sardine can.

Not only that, but someone your size (and mine - 6'1") can sit comfortably in the BACK seat. The leg room in that little car is extraordinary.

/love my '07 Versa SL

TheShavingofOccam123: I just ignore the transmission on my mid 90's Saturn. Once in a while I pour some fluid in her but at this point I'll just ride her still she dies.

I have a 96 SL and she gives me all manner of fits. After being charged nearly 300 for press bearings and labor, not counting that time my tensioner pulley went out. I'm just going to ride it till it collapses, and then maybe whip the horse some more for good measure.

She seems to run better without the oil that randomly disappears ever 750 miles. Put a quart in. it doesn't leak or burn. it just...vanishes.

Craigslist is full of cars and trucks for under two grand.

Find a year you like and can work on, and wait for it to come up.

Have a 2001 Echo (Yaris) which I use for deliveries and while it ain't perfect (wheel barrings, suspension, a/c and electronics, just to name a few...), it has held up very well overall - especially since it sees 250km per day on average.

40 MPG ain't anything to complain about either...

Forgot to add that in Europe, to help combat the high price of driving over there, they have an entire class of cars even more affordable than the ones here.

/maybe one day we'll see the Aygo, Ka, or Fox in North America :(

studebaker hoch: Craigslist is full of cars and trucks for under two grand.

Find a year you like and can work on, and wait for it to come up.

So I should wait for a 68 Nova with the 250 straight six?

Bought a '99 VW Jetta last year for $400. Friend of a Friend, the dealer told her it needed a new transmission, she was just going to donate it.

Found out the dolts had stripped the ATF pan bolt which is why it leaked, fixed that drove it for 2 months before an idiot ran a red light and I went through him at 45 MPH.

Have been trying to sell it or part it out for the past year.

Until my current car need a new water pump, So I slapped the radiator in it, it held water, I was excited. It's been getting me to and from work for the last week. Went ahead and ordered the parts online to make it whole again (other than the airbags). It'll be a nice backup car/winter beater. Just needs an alignment. Passed 2 cops and no one cared it was missing all the bits up front, hurray for a rural setting.



Oh, and I just got the insurance check last week too. $4400. This car has so far cost me -$3500 to run. I doubt I'll ever beat that.

insertcutename: I've got a 2005 Chevy Aveo (1.6L auto) and I absolutely love it. I was lucky enough to pick it up with only 60,000 klicks on it so I guess that's part of the reason. The list says the maintainace costs are high but all I've done so far is give it an oil change and replace the serp belt. The Yaris was my first choice when I was looking, but I just couldn't beat the sticker price on the Aveo and went with it.

True story!

I've had a 2006 (w/ 45,000 miles) for all of 2 weeks now. The high maintainance costs seem to be because it's a rebranded Daewoo. I had to get new tires and it was about $85 per tire because of the odd size coupled with the fact that only a few manufacturers make them. I would imagine that other parts might be more pricey.

Oil changes are a hell of a lot easier than my old 2000 ZX2. I don't have to dislocate my shoulder to reach the filter.

whatshisname: These inexpensive small cars don't last. I wonder if they took the lifespan of the car into consideration?



Hurr, and that newfangled unleaded gas'll make yer valve seats corrode, too.

The only cars on that list I'd be caught dead in are the Corolla and Focus. And even then, if those were the only new cars I could swing, I'd buy a nice used vehicle.

some_other_other_dude: //craigslist 80's Mercedes all the way

0-60 in 15 seconds, bay-bee!!!

'03 Jetta TDI. 50MPG. Bought used in '07 with 100k on it. Paid for itself in the first 10 months I owned it through reimbursed mileage for work. Insurance is dirt cheap, too.