Not exactly a car person, so hoping I could get a little advice on maybe shortlisting a few makes/models to look at and/or avoid.
I’m looking to replace an 09 Corolla XLE, that was deemed a total loss after being rear ended, to give you some idea of what I’m looking for. A 4dr sedan, not a hatchback or station wagon, cheap, reliable, fuel efficient. Use cases would primarily fall into the commuter and errand running categories so it doesn’t need to be flashy, but if I can get all that and nice looks, bonus. I’d prefer to buy new, just so if there are any issues I can make the dealership fix them. Not especially picky about most of the rest, but I would like to have a decent stereo system. I splurged on the JBL stereo for the Corolla, so something at least comparable would be highly desired. Also, I bought the Corolla new, so I tend to drive things more or less until they get to be too much of a PITA to maintain.
So far the Carmry and Civic are topping my list, but had a couple questions.
Are there any other makes/models I should be considering?
Are there any other makes/models I should absolutely not be considering? I seem to recall seeing something about Hyundai and Kia cars being very easy to steal, for example.
This info is probably very out of date, but I’ve heard that the regenerative brake system on hybrids can be very expensive to service. So A) is that still true, and B) if yes, are there other mitigating factors to consider?
Assuming I could find a car with a more traditional geared automatic transmission would there be any benefit to that over a CVT? I don’t have a lead foot, and aside from occasionally needing to merge onto the freeway or pass someone, I will gladly trade some acceleration power for fuel economy.
I live in a state which has basically about 8-9 months of nothing but bright sunny days, and I have to park outside. Is it worth paying the dealer to apply those paint protection films for this purpose? Approximately how long could you expect that to last? 5 years? 10? 20? Any other methods you could recommend for a lazy person who doesn’t get around to washing their car as often as they should and wants something of a “set it and forget it” solution?
Think that should do it for now. May have more questions later, but this will definitely get me started.
If you are looking for an economical driving appliance with great fuel economy, you can’t beat the Camry. If you want something fun to drive and also reliable, you should look at a Mazda 3. The Civic doesn’t compare to either of the other two sedans, in my opinion.
I would consider the following based on what you’ve mentioned
Toyota Camry- You really can’t go wrong. Not exciting, but reliable, and cheap to run.
Toyota Corolla - If you liked your old one, you’ll probably like the the current one, the new model is a little bigger than your old one, so it may be big enough. Also not exciting, but reliable and cheap to run.
Mazda 3 - Not quite as efficient as the Toyota’s, but with a bit more personality, also can be had with a traditional automatic transmission.
Civic - Not quite the paragon of reliability it was 20-30 years ago. But still more reliable than average, and a bit sportier than the Corolla.
Sentra - The newer models are decent. A bit underpowered, but with a nice interior for what your spending. Reliability has been improving in recent years per CR. The Sentra tends to see more discounts than the other cars on the list.
CVTs get better mpgs than conventional automatics. The current designs seem to be more durable but be sure to read the maintenance section of your owners manual.
Ceramic coatings for the paint seem to be a good investment but I would not have the dealer add that. Find a good detail shop after you buy the car.
Hyundai/Kias have issues with engines at between 80K and 110K miles. Avoid them.
You can’t beat Toyota’s reliability overall…
If you liked your 2009 Corolla, why not just buy another one, they have a history of being very reliable… My daughters 2017 is far better equipped then my 2009 Matrix (Corolla based)…
The Camry is a step up from the Corolla and now in Hybrid form, even better gas mileage, if you have the budget, go for it…
Whatever you do, if you are after fuel mileage, DO NOT buy a truck… lol
Any newer model Toyota CVT or multi geared automatic transmission should all be serviced ever 60K miles or 6 years regardless of what the owners manual says, Hybrids are a whole different puppy all together and are about bullet prof…
There is NO such thing as a sealed automatic and or CVT transmissions, only ones with dipsticks and those without dipsticks…
Before you buy, do your home work on Ceramic coating, it is great but costly, check with some local detailer guys to get some cost on your vehicle of choice, then see what the dealer charges, chances are the dealer will hire one of the guys you already got a price from and then mark it up some, the only “good” thing about paying the dealer, is if money is tight and you had just rather finesse it over however many years, but it will cost much more…
The first thing you should do is visit the manufactures web sites . You can see just about all the trims . options , prices and warranty . Second have a realistic idea of what you can actually afford and are willing to spend.
Forget the addons like ceramic coating because of a small accident some insurance carriers will not pay to have the ceramic coating replaced.
Consumer Reports online is also available at many public libraries. I can log into my library online, search for consumerreports.org, sign in with my library signin and read it from home.
