Welcome to “What’s The Right Car?” The Autopian’s advice column that helps people choose the right car for their situation — whether it’s a rental, a lease, a purchase, or just a car you’re borrowing from a friend who has way too many cars to offer. We want to help you choose the right car for whatever circumstance, and today’s circumstance involves Terrell (shown above), an LA-based legend who is looking to buy a reasonably-priced hybrid so California gas prices don’t get him down.
I see Terrell usually once a week at least, as he works at a place that I frequent (I’m not trying to dox anyone, so I’m not telling). He’s without question one of the most pleasant people one could possibly talk with, always hitting you with cool pop culture tidbits you wish you were cool enough to know about, making you Spotify playlists, and just generally being cool and fun.
Terrell Wants To Buy A Used Car
Terrell reached out to me today on Instagram asking for car advice, and I — no fool — decided that, instead of simply offering my (flawed and far too cheap) advice, I’d turn him over to the fine writers of The Autopian, and also to you, dear Autopian readers. Here’s the situation:
“I’m a 39 yr old male living in the city where I’ll spend 75% of my time driving (LA). My parents are 50 miles away, and I drive to see them every 6-8 weeks. I would expect to rack up between 2-300 miles a week on average. I’m looking to get into a used sedan. I would love to get into a hybrid car to save on gas.
I play a lot of music, so a decent sound system with ease of media display and CarPlay connect is ideal. (Not a dealbreaker). Normal amenities for me would be working a/c, power steering and brakes, a sun roof (not a deal breaker), and in general a dependable and generally low maintenance car that will get me through the next five years. This will be my first non-SUV. I drove a cx-5 last and a Ford Edge before that. Price range is between $10–20K, closer to the 10-15 range if possible. Don’t want anything too fancy but something nice to get around town and to work in.”
The first things I asked Terrell: What about an EV? “I don’t have a hook up in my apartment and I don’t wanna deal with having to charge at the locations around town,” he replied. That’s fair enough.
What about a Prius? “I’m noooottttt a Prius guy…There’s stories I have about it… lol…But honestly if I got a ridiculous deal on one I’m not a dummie. But it’s have to be wild deal.” That’s also fair enough. A Prius isn’t for everyone.
Terrell also told me ideally he’d like a car with under 75,000 miles on the clock, and something newer than 2018 would be clutch. 2020 would be even better. So let’s break this down.
The Breakdown Of Needs
- Something reliable
- Something hybrid
- A sedan
- Under 75,000 miles
- Newer than 2018 preferred. Newer than 2020 ideal.
- Between $10,000 and $20,000, ideally between $10,000 and $15,000. Cheaper is better
- Not a Prius unless it’s a smokin’ deal
- Ideally a good sound system
- Ideally a sunroof
- Something with class, but it doesn’t have to be a luxury car
OK, with that out of the way, I’ll start the advice portion of this inaugural edition of What’s The Right Car?
What The Autopian Authors Think Is The Right Car
1979 Honda CVCC. It’s Not A Hybrid, But It’s Close: David Tracy
I know I know, it’s not exactly a “newer car,” per se, but not every recommendation is going to hit the entire “Breakdown of Needs” list, and this 1979 Honda CVCC will definitely hit a lot of them.
For one, it’s extremely efficient, with the EPA rating it at 47 MPG highway, 37 MPG city (yes, this was the old rating system, but still).
The car has a little 1.5-liter four-cylinder making just 53-horsepower, but that’s plenty for a car that weighs well under a ton. There’s a decent amount of room, the five-speed should last forever, and as for Apple Carplay and good audio — you can solve all of that with aftermarket parts. What’s more, because the CVCC uses regular gas (I think it can even take leaded!), you’ll have no issues with charging or any of that; just go to any gas station and fill it up.
By the way, the revolutionary CVCC has a fascinating history, which you can read about here. Here’s a little snippet:
October 11, 1972, was a landmark day in the history of Honda. On that day at Tokyo’s Akasaka Prince Hotel, the CVCC engine was introduced in its entirety to journalists from throughout Japan and the world. The hall was decked out in blue panels representing a brilliant blue sky, bespeaking the achievement of this new, low-emission product.
The event was attended by all company directors, including President Soichiro Honda, and by the research engineers responsible for developing the new power plant. They introduced the engine, profiled its history of development, and described its features and combustion principle.
Several achievements were introduced, including the following:
1. The engine could be made using existing reciprocating engines, which meant that existing production facilities could be used. In addition, because the only change required was the replacement of a portion of the cylinder head, the CVCC system could be applied to other types of units, resulting in the proliferation of low emission engines.
2. Because clean, complete combustion took place internally in the engine, additional devices such as catalytic converters were not necessary. Secondary pollution was no longer then a concern.
It was clear with this auspicious announcement that Honda had championed a new technology for the world. Moreover, it was just what Mr. Honda had in mind from the very beginning. And by that time some 230 patent applications were already pending with regard to comprehensive inventions covering the CVCC engine principle and associated technologies.
“Some of our competitors conducted good research, as well,” said Yagi, obviously stressing Mr. Honda’s philosophy on the origination of technology. “They didn’t have the means to make it all happen, though. We at Honda did everything on our own, from the creation of a concept through to research and the establishment of a workable method.”
Not only the press and industry observers were impressed.
This CVCC for sale in El Monte, California is going for only $3,800 or best offer. Think about how much money you’re saving over, say, a $15,000 Ford Fusion hybrid. You could use just half of those savings to get that CVCC in excellent condition, and then you could pocket the rest. As a cheap bastard, that’s what I’d do.
Of course, if you must have a newer car, I’d go with a Honda CR-Z, because a stickshift hybrid is a great thing any way you slice it. You can get one for under $10 grand all day, and it should easily get you 35 MPG combined. Plus, it’s known to be reasonably reliable.
One Of GM’s Greatest Cars Is Deeply Underrated: Mercedes Streeter
General Motors is fascinating for its ability to produce some of the greatest cars ever built while simultaneously putting out some of the worst vehicles ever built.
The Volt is one of those cars that lands squarely in the former category. It seems like everyone ignored the Volt when it first hit the market and that’s a shame because from what I hear, these are great cars, no matter the generation chosen. Volt owners have told me their batteries last just long enough for a work commute on battery power alone, but having the gas engine is great for road trips. I’ve even been told that some Volt owners go a thousand miles of mostly EV driving before they finally need to refill their fuel tanks. In that regard, the Volt sounds like the best of both worlds. It’s an EV for those short trips and a regular hybrid when it’s time to put down a bunch of miles quickly.
Your budget allows you entry into a decent second-generation example. The EPA said these things were good for 53 miles of battery-only range (should you have the ability to plug in) when they were new or 42 mpg when the engine fired up. I found one for sale at CarMax that’s toward the upper end of your budget, but I think it’s worth it.
You’re looking at 149 HP and 294 lb-ft of total system power here, which won’t be fast, but won’t leave you dusted by a school bus on a green light.
I’m not sure about the sound system, but it does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus just 55,000 miles! Allegedly, this car is also eligible for the used EV tax credit, so the $18,998 price will go down a little easier.
There Are Other Hondas To Consider: Jason Torchinsky
I’ll admit, I find David’s choice extremely appealing because I’ve always loved those clever little early Civics. And while I would happily drive that little 53-horse go-kart, my guess is that Terrell, based on his other criteria, is looking for something a little, um, more refined. I do think Honda provides the answer here, though, in the form of the Insight.
I like the first-gen Insights the best – they’re one of the few hybrids you can get with a manual transmission, after all – but I think for Terrell, who has specified “a sedan,” I think that means he wants four seats and matching doors, so the second-generation one is a better fit.
The second-gen Insight was essentially Honda’s Prius: it was Prius-shaped, because aerodynamics works the same for everyone, and was a decent-sized four-door hatchback. These got about 43 mpg without trying too hard, which is pretty damn good, and while these weren’t especially powerful, they were decent, making about 120-ish hp between the combustion and electric motors and should be able to keep up with LA-area traffic just fine.
As far as the audio system goes, I’m pretty sure whatever is in there is at least decent, and I’m also sure better and more modern aftermarket systems can be fitted without trouble, and there should be plenty of cash available to so so given Terrell’s budget, because you can find these for under $10,000 pretty easily. Like this 2010 one, out near me, going for only $7,500, or this 2013 one for $9,741 in, um, New Jersey, or this LA-area 2010 one for $7,499.
These look pretty modern and sleek, get great mileage, have Honda-grade reliability and quality, and won’t embarrass Terrell at all, even though they’re actually pretty damn cheap. You want a decent, four-door hybrid for a good price? This has to be it.
Why Does Everyone Have To Make This So Hard?: Matt Hardigree
A 2nd gen Insight? A CVCC? A freakin’ Volt?
My coworkers live strange lives and should be trusted with basically no real decisions. Did anyone even read what Terrell wanted? Can you imagine how bad the CarPlay integration is in a 50-year-old Honda hatch?
I give you the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It’s not the first car you think of when you think of a hybrid. Hell, it’s not even the, like, 8th car you think of when you think of a hybrid. You probably forgot this car even existed. That’s why it’s such a good deal.
This is an attractive, cool, understated sedan that offers great fuel economy (43 mpg /41 mpg city/hwy) without a great cost. This one is even for sale at a little dealership you might know called Galpin Ford for under $15,000.
Let’s just review the list again:
- Something reliable – According to Reddit, check.
- Something hybrid – Check
- A sedan – Check
- Under 75,000 miles – Eh, 99,000, but that’s pretty close
- Newer than 2018 preferred. Newer than 2020 ideal. – Check
- Between $10,000 and $20,000, ideally between $10,000 and $15,000. Cheaper is better – Check
- Not a Prius unless it’s a smokin’ deal – Not a Prius
- Ideally a good sound system – Yeah, it’s fine, there’s a USB dock and Sync and probably CarPlay
- Ideally a sunroof – Well, it’s a slicktop, sorry.
- Something with class, but doesn’t have to be a luxury car – James Bond kinda drove one in Casino Royale! According to the photo I just quickly copied, it also has lane-keeping assist. Fancy!
You’re welcome.
It’s Technically Not A Prius: The Bishop
Like a prosecutor trying to clear a suspect, I’m trying desperately to see why a Prius isn’t the answer here, especially if Terrell isn’t necessarily a “car person,” per se. I know he’s looking for a “sedan” but a Prius is technically a “hatchback sedan” and not an SUV, even the Prius V version which has the extra room he’s looking for.
To fit his budget he might need to go to a model year before Carplay was available, but an aftermarket add-on can fix that. Beyond that, it’s a Toyota so age and miles means relatively little; I’d trust a ten-year-old, 120,000 mile example over many, many new cars.
I actually like this CT200h — everyone forgets about the sportier/fancier Prius. Sure, it’s $13 grand for a 100,000 mile car, but that’s nothing on a Lexus. Of course, I’m biased since we daily a 2009 Lexus with 152,000 miles
Who Chose The Right(est) Car?
We know you want a poll, so we’re going to give you one. Which of these above suggestions would make the best car for Terrell?
Lol, nerds.
Guy asks for a sedan, and we assemble him a list of some of the dorkiest possible hatchbacks you can imagine. I like dorky hatchbacks! But based on his request for “notaprius” I don’t think he was considering the 2nd gen Insight, which is just a cheapo and somehow dorkier Prius.
Matt is on point here, get the Fusion.
Sedan is not optimal for anyone. Extra storage with a hatch. We know what’s best for him.
Oh I agree but we should rejoice that he’s even considering something that isn’t an SUV or truck. I’m not going to chase people away from sedans if they genuinely want one.
I was thinking Accord Hybrid, but the mileage and price are both on the higher end of Terrell’s request, but here’s one that’s close
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/720272368
I have a 2013 Chevy Sonic LT in Inferno Orange with about 70k miles I’m about to put up on FB Marketplace. It’s in Oklahoma, but I’ll make him a heckuva deal!
VOLT. VOLT. VOLT. I’ve had my 2017 for about 6 months now. I just continue to be so impressed with what a phenomenal commuter it is. Even with the 7+ year old battery pack, I still get 45+ miles of electric only at 70 mph. In really nice weather (75 degrees plus), I’ll get the full 53.
Last weekend, in mild weather (65 degrees or so) poking around rural roads at about 45 mph, I did 65 miles of electric only! The only downside for Terrell would be the insane cost of electricity in California. Yes, it’ll still be much cheaper than running a gasoline car, but not as cheap as it is for us lucky Washingtonians. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the car is a nice enough place to be, affordable with incentives, and has android auto/apple carplay as standard. VOLT.
I forgot to mention, I do indeed get the 42+ MPG rating on long trips, all at highway speeds.
I ALSO forgot to mention, you get that absolutely insane California emissions warranty. 150,000 miles or 15 years on many of the major components. 10 years 100,000 miles on the battery pack.
While on paper the Focus seems to check the most boxes, I think you would find the Lexus to actually be the best choice if you had time to live with each.
One reason to consider a PHEV if the plug-in setup isn’t detrimental is the used EV tax credit, which could make a significant difference.A plug-in can charge well enough off 120V, and if there’s an outdoor outlet at Terrell’s employer it would suffice.
There aren’t many out there (I thumbed through cars com for under 80,000 miles and within 100 miles of Galpin’s zip code), but there are some, and not all Ford Energis. With the tax credit Terrell might be able to go a little higher, and I’m sure David would be happy to spot him a couple grand and co-sign the note if it would help.
The OP said he doesn’t have a home charging source. A PHEV is pretty useless in that case, especially the Fusion, which loses a lot of trunk space to the battery. If you can charge at home, an Engeri is a great choice. I’ve owned two Ford C-Maxes. The Hybrid averaged 38 mpg, which is not bad, but the PHEV has recorded a lifetime 65 mpg!
I enjoyed the CVCC suggestion in a (A)utopian way but I’m here to say No! The first car I bought with my own money was a 1979 Civic. Taught me everything I needed to know about rust. Painful life lessons. Mr Terrell, please listen. I’m sure you can tell what a wonderful guy David Tracy is. However you should also know that David +Rust=Fatal Attraction. Run away!
I’ve got a 2015 Fusion Hybrid Energi that, while a bit boring, has been a relatively reliable vehicle for a DD. One of my former co-workers had two from new, a 2014 then a 2018 (I think), and loved them both. It’s not an exciting vehicle, but serve their purpose well.
I’m somewhat in the same position as Terrell when it comes to the needs list, so hope I see the final decision if he does buy something, keep us posted.
For most of the suggestions I see, the price is a lot higher than what some suggest. Did a 500 mile search on kbb, there’s very little to none at all in the suggested price range, at least in my area.
Based on my limited and anecdotal experience, any car with a NiMH battery has a useful life of 17-18 years. Doesn’t matter if the car has 20k or 200k, somewhere around 18 years you’re buying a new battery. So to recommend a 12 year old NiMH hybrid is absolutely foolish.
If I was in this position, I’d be looking for the newest Hyundai Ioniq hatchback that fits the price range. I’m seeing plenty of 2020-22 models for sale in this range.
Well the only choice that actually followed the desires of the potential buyer, a sedan, is a 2020 or so Fusion Hybrid which isn’t anywhere near that old. Based on my experience with the 2015 MKZ and 2013 C-max in our family fleet that share that powertrain he should be good for many years.
my best friend has the CT200h, well over 200k, his intentions are to drive it till it falls apart, his wife’s intentions are to destroy it while he isn’t looking because she believes him, and also believes it will run forever.
As a Prius v owner myself, I am continually getting whiplash hearing about high-mile 3rd-gen Priuses/CT200h’s that don’t have issue(s) leading to a blown engine.
https://www.theautopian.com/heres-why-you-might-not-want-to-buy-a-third-generation-toyota-prius/
I just wish I knew how pervasive these issues were, but it’s far past the window where Toyota has to care about it.
Yep… my 2010 was so good to me, until at 247k miles she busted a rod right through the block and gushed all the oil all over rural Texas, 150 miles from home. I loved her, she gave me all she had.
I’m at 165k on my 2013 Prius. I suspect there isn’t much I can do about the head gasket issue besides be ready to make a decision if it does show up. I’m trying to use an indie mechanic more to see if I can find a good one to a job like that.
I was actually looking at gen. 2 Fusion Hybrids earlier today, for a family member that will soon need a new car. They really are quite reliable, as good as the contemporary Camry Hybrid, but without the Toyota tax. And they’re swankier, too, so…bonus. Yeah, that’d be my move. You can find even late-run, well-equipped ones for under $20K all day long.
Don’t forget the C-Max. It’s a very Euro car, with great comfort and practicality. At 190 HP and eight seconds 0-60-, it’s a real sleeper. My previous car was a Mk.V GTI, and I haven’t missed much with the C-Max. The two take the same size tire, which tells you something. The Ford’s steering is just as precise, without being so stiff. Seven years on, and I’m still delighted to drive it.. on the days when I don’t take the Mercedes GLK.
At 190hp and eight seconds 0-60, its performance is slightly below average and it is not even close to being a sleeper.
Huh?
I voted for Jason’s pick. It’s lonely over here in the correct choice section haha.
The only reason I didn’t pick Jason’s Insight choice is because I’ve been driving a 2010 for 14 years. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the thing to death and will continue to drive it until my Aptera is ready (fingers crossed,) but it’s not a car to be overly passionate about.
If you’re looking for good reliable transportation, the Insight checks all the boxes, it can’t be beat. (BTW, I voted for the CRZ—the sporty, 2-door Insight. If the Aptera doesn’t come through, I may try to find a manual version and spend the rest of the money on a Sprite restoration.)
I had a 2017 fusion sport. The only thing I liked about it was the NVH and the Sony sound system. Lexus may be the right answer however my only point of reference is an older ES350.
Kia Niro EX?
$14.8k – check
2019 – check
83k miles – check
hybrid – check
51/46 mpg – check
sunroof – check
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/724468377
Honestly…not bad!
He wants a sedan though.
But otherwise, good choice.
this is the correct answer, its really just a lifted hatch/sedan and only slightly, love our ’23!
SWEET! I can continue my tradition of telling everyone to buy a Cayenne over here! The e-hybrid is cool! Some of the fastest Cayennes are hybrids now, and depreciation is your friend. The earliest ones won’t tow because they put hybrid bits in the way of a tow bar, but if you just want a comfy runaround…hello.
Dang it, Mercedes took my slightly-more-serious Volt answer, though. Owners loved the goshdarn Volt! The CT200h is a cool one, too. I always liked how those looked. I like the CR-Z and first-gen Insight for small form-factor and fun, but the Volt would be the newer, more practical rec that would be more likely to come with CarPlay and all the other tech he wants.
I gotta push back on Matt’s rec, though. I had a Ford Fusion Hybrid Energi tester back when we were at Jalopnik and it was…solidly mid. Granted, I had the PHEV version where the battery took up most of the trunk, but the interior controls looked dated as hell back when I was at Jalopnik (seven years ago!), it was underpowered despite the electric assistance, and it was about as exciting as unflavored oatmeal. The piece was more a lament that I couldn’t plug it in as an apartment dweller, but I found it: https://jalopnik.com/a-week-spent-searching-for-places-to-plug-in-a-2017-for-1791189559 (archive.org it if you want the pics) — but tl;dr, there are better choices out there, IMHO.
INCLUDING SECOND-GEN CAYENNE HYBRIDS THAT DEFINITELY FALL IN THIS PRICE RANGE NOW: https://www.cars.com/shopping/results/?stock_type=all&makes%5B%5D=porsche&models%5B%5D=porsche-cayenne_hybrid&maximum_distance=all&zip=78703
I rest my case. Cayenne is always the answer.
Oh! I also really liked the 2019+ Honda Insight. We recommended the second year of production-onwards (get those first-year kinks out, y’know) over at Cars Dot Com on our used car picks around $20K list, but they can be had for less than that nowadays. I really liked that Honda just made a good-looking sedan without going out of their way to make it scream “I’M A HYBRID!” like a lot of their competitors do. Full stealth mode. It’s sort of the anti-first-gen-Insight pick in that regard, but it was just a nice lil’ sedan that was decent to drive.
Be careful with the gen. 3 Prius and related CT 200h. They seem to have issues with the brake booster going out, which can be at least a couple grand in parts and labor. They also sometimes have excessive oil consumption, and the head gasket metallurgy can sometimes cause the EGR valve to clog…which is an indicator that the head gasket is on its way to blowing. 2010-2012 seem to be the worst model years for both models with this issue.
Oof, that’s a bummer. The CT 200h looks so dang cool.
In the mid-teens, Ford’s dashboards were repulsive to me. The first time I saw the generic Escape/C-Max interior, I described it as a sketch of an exploding boom box. Accustomed to tasty VW interiors, I ignored these cars for years. Then I bought a C-Max, and discovered how practical and useful the controls are. Take the central display screen: It’s well-integrated into the dash, under a substantial visor that shades the sun. There’s a shelf to steady your fingers while you use the touchscreen – or not, because there’s a set of well-spaced buttons too, surounding a volume dial. There are three styles of controls for the audio system, each distinctively shaped for easy tactile identification. The HVAC controls are complete and legible from he driver’s seat. All the way to the foot-triggered liftgate, this generation of Fords hit the ergonomic sweet spot like we haven’t seen since.
With no ability to plug in, I’d skip the Volt. The 2nd-gen is a surprisingly good car in basically every way in electric mode, but the gas-only mileage is mediocre for a hybrid and the NVH around town is pretty terrible. Perfect for “mostly driven around town and plugged in, gas-powered road trips here and there”
The CT200h is on my list of potential replacements for my Prius, although the lower MPG and higher price has made me second guess myself several times, but it seems like a good choice.
I don’t have any direct experience with the Fusion Hybrid, but my mom bought the fancier version earlier this year, a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. They made those until at least 2019? So that might be another option, and you could get them with the BIG sunroof, although the sunshade can apparently get bound up a be a pain to fix, which is partially why my mom, a person who WILL NOT buy a car without a sunroof, opted for one with a normal sunroof.
I got my brother to buy a 2nd-gen Volt around the same time, and he likes it so far. I’d probably buy one for myself, merging my Prius and 500e into one car, but then I wouldn’t have a 500e anymore.
I can’t give my #1 pick since it would just be a Prius, even though my experience is with a 2nd gen, and his criteria would call for one *a bit* newer.
Get the best Avalon hybrid in your budget.
Along those lines, I was going to suggest the best Lexus ES hybrid in budget. But that particular gen of Avalon nearly out-Lexuses the ES.
This is honestly the right answer. They’re reliable, low on maintenance, good on gas, not a Prius, classy, sunroof etc. etc.
The only problem he’ll have is that they don’t depreciate into the sub-$20k range very easily, so it will either need to be higher miles or older than he’d like. Other than that, basically perfect.
A last-generation Camry Hybrid (2018-2024) would be a close second. Good luck finding a clean low miles example in the sub-$20k range though.
Also a good bet.
I had a 2015 Avalon Hybrid. It did all the 4-door sedan things really well, and it got 35-40 mpg without even trying. It was actually quite peppy, which I didn’t expect. The interior was nice, but not quite Lexus nice. Stereo sounded decent, but at least that year didn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
As a Prius owner, if I wanted a “nicer Prius”, this is where I would go. Avalon or ES hybrid. I’d miss the hatchback, but I understand they are nice places to pass the miles.
Either of two cars that I’ve owned.
Ford C-Max Hybrid. Nicknamed the tardis for how huge it feels inside. Consistently mid-40’s mpg, cheap as chips.
Honda Clarity. Nicer than a Civic, Accord sized and alcantara dash and door cards. Apple and Google Play. PHEV, but you can charge the battery by pressing the HV button and it will work like a conventional hybrid if you don’t have a charge.
I am a 2nd-gen Volt owner and I LOVE the thing. That said, it’s not the right pick here if you can’t ever plug it in. The economy in gas mode is over-stated and if you’re never plugging it in you’re hauling around a thousand pounds too many batteries.
My first thought as well. If you don’t plug in, you’re missing a huge part of what makes a PHEV worthy of buying.
I get the rated economy when I’m running mine in gasser mode. Though I’ve never run the gas engine anywhere but the highway.
Are you calculating the actual mpg and not what it says on the screen? Because it’s including the electric miles if you’re not just dividing the gas used by the miles on the engine. The stated mpg is way optimistic. I usually get like 35.
Lots of good choices on that list. A Ford Cmax might be worth considering too. It fits the budget, has hatchback functionality, great gas mileage, and you can get a 2017 or 2018 in high trim and fairly low miles within budget.
D’ya know that Consumer Reports now recommends the C-Max as a used car best buy? That’s reversed since the car’s flawed introduction in 2013, when they were recalled and blacklisted. reliability has steadily increased since those first years. The 2016 restyle brought many small improvements, and the Titanium package gives you a large package of options.
I was shopping for a car in 2013 and all I remember is the C-Max apparently being a disaster. Interesting that they figured it out eventually.
A lead suggestion as far outside of the requirements as possible, the good old days of wild suggestions at the old site are back! Volt or Fusion are likely the right choice here, but I’ve got friends who have had frankly unacceptable breakdowns in sub 50k mile, 2018ish non-hybrid fusions, and given Fords recent reliability woes, I’d take the Volt every time.
Either the Lexus or Ford. Terrell, if you see this, go drive both and see which has the best sound system
Let’s be honest, as always, the answer is Honda Fit.
That being said, the Volt is shockingly good.
Some might say it’s an electrifying experience!
Drove a 2010 2nd gen Fit for a while. They are tossable, but honestly the gas mileage was disappointing for such a compact car. Maybe the 3rd gen is better.
The 3rd is better. I average 35 mpg with lots of city driving. 40 plus is common.
I love mine, but not sure I’d call it ‘classy’.
The the seats are Magic (bum bum tiss)
Ultimately why I didn’t get one back in the day. Seemed like they should do better for being a small Honda.
Fusion all day. Wife drove one and it is quiet, comfortable, and reasonably attractive. The Volt is also a good choice, but the Ford is so much more comfortable.
2nd gen volts are pretty comfy places to be. Really quiet, pretty decent ride without being boaty. I’m a big dude (6’3 220 lbs) and I think the seats are quite good! Not pillowy soft, but pretty supportive and good for long drives.
I appreciate David for not considering a single requirement with that Civic. It’s what I come here for.
The Fusion seems like the best option presented but I wonder if third-gen Insights are in the right price range yet. The second Gen ones are kinda flimsy.
My question too.