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?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/2cf568d1-f07f-4dba-b411-3a71ba7f5fae/?attribution_type=se_rnp
BTW, had a 78 CVCC wagon new. My coworkers always called it the Blue Smoking Honda. Wife totaled it with 60K miles on it. POS compared to gen 8.
Eighth generation Civic. SI for more zip, hybrid for better economy. I had an 08 SI for 6 years. Selling it was my biggest car mistake ever. Even worse than owning a Chevette.
Three Hondas mentioned and yet no one said the Clarity or the 3rd gen Insight? Both can be bought for under 20k and check all the boxes: sedan, classy, reliable, and new-ish. They both get MPG equivalent or better to a Prius and are way nicer than half the cars on this list.
I have decided that David is a troll. Loveable, and entertaining, but a troll none the less.
Telling someone to buy that piece o’ shit 79 Honda is evidence of the same level of good judgement that Torch used to removed the batteries from his Chinese piece of shit.
But not surprising at all.
Well done DT.
I mean, there is a yellow CVCC down the street from me, and I would definitely daily that if it were for sale. They keep it well maintained. But definitely not what Terrell is looking for.
The inside of that Honda is in far better shape than I expected it to be. If highway driving were never a thing this’d been my vote.
But alas I chose the Lexus. Volt would’ve been my vote but aren’t battery replacements proving to be a bit costly and maybe they don’t last as long as expected? Maybe that was more of a 1st gen issue.
Toyota Avalon hybrid. Might have to go a few years older than he wants, but it will last forever.
I’d recommend the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – because it’s just a bit nicer than the Fusion, and I believe they all came with a panoramic sunroof.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/dc5371fe-2561-45fa-b393-6a856aa655b2/
spend a grand on a new bumper and roll.
I voted Fusion because Terrell specified sedan, otherwise, I’d have gone for the Prius-in-Lexus-clothing CT200h: they look nice in person, and I assume they drive like a slightly softer/heavier Prius, which is fine for a commuter car.
For me personally, I’d be tempted by the Honda CR-Z, but only if it could be had with an actual manual transmission. I drove one thusly equipped once and remember enjoying it w/o being delighted in any particular way. Of course, that was probably 20ish years ago, so I suspect my reaction now might be different.
Yeah, if you look at the last two vehicles he’s owned, CX-5 and Edge, he is used to a LOT more room than any of the other suggestions. The Fusion should have a pretty decent sized trunk and the one guy I know that has one is pretty happy with it.
CR-Z
I own a 2017 Volt and absolutely love it, but it’s not a car I would recommend to people, especially since he can’t charge.
Mine is in the shop because the BECM failed on it and the parts are backordered. Thankfully GM extended the warranty for that specific part.
However, the EGR valve and cooler also go bad on every single Volt and those parts aren’t manufactured often anymore. It’s common to be backordered for months at a time with them and it costs a few thousand dollars to fix
It’s typical GM where it’s an amazing car that’s ahead of its time but has some fatal flaws
Thanks for the info! A friend who is near buying time can charge at home, but can’t be down waiting for parts. Weren’t we once a country that had rules about parts availability? Disheartening to hear that the Volt may as well be from an orphan brand when these key parts fail and take the vehicle down until some distant whenever.
The Bishop and Matt nailed it. That Lexus is awesome.
The acceleration is kinda horrible? Although I guess with LA traffic the concern is less 0-60 and more like 0-35.
> he works at a place that I frequent
Does he do your cornrows?
I have the 2nd gen volt. I love the volt. I can’t recommend strongly enough that nobody gets a volt right now. There are three issues that most 2nd gen volts will run into at some point and one of them requires a part that isn’t made anymore. There are workarounds but it’s clear that GM isn’t standing behind this car and so it’s sadly not worth buying.
A friend of my dad drove a CVCC from PA to FL. He had a wife and 2 kids with him so reliable car. He was a member of the water purification team in Iraq and the only person to die in Iraq War 1 by a SCUD. SO I vote for CVCC for an unsung hero , planting 4 people in a CVCC FOR a PA TO FLA TRIP
Of the listed choices I’d go fusion. On the other hand, I know it’s just a generic lump of “car” but what about a Camry hybrid? You can get a good used one for well under 20k with low miles and it’s a perfectly adequate place to be. My department even has a couple as Parole Agent cars with full police kit, granted we also have an EXTREMELY strict No Vehicle Pursuit policy so rapidity really isn’t much of an issue.
2008-2012 Toyota Crown Hybrid.
Toyota’s dead-reliable hybrid synergy drive system mated to their 2gr-fse 3.5l V6 for a 0-100km/h time of under 5.5sec.
Being a Crown they’re a proper RWD luxury sedan that feature/can be optioned with leather, a sunroof, soft-close doors, power-folding mirrors, adaptive suspension, reclining rear seats and an 18-speaker stereo with speakers either side of the front seat head-rests. You can add Car Play/Android Auto with an aftermarket system that works with the OEM display.
All this for about US$8,000 plus shipping.
Only downside is a bunch of the buttons and instrument cluster is in Japanese, the steering wheel is on the right and… um… you’ll need to wait about 12 years to import them legally into the States.
On a more serious note, a Lexus es300h looks to tick a few boxes, mid-size sedan, hybrid, nicely appointed. Yes it’s basically a fancy Camry but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a shame the US doesn’t seem to get the GS450h, it has the same drivetrain as the S200 Crown Hybrid.
There was a GS hybrid for a short period of time.
Lots of great answers, comments & knowledge here.
David, Please eventually post an update on what he chooses & why.
David is clearly not going to take this feature seriously.
Oh I’m serious.
Better still!
Let’s hope not!
I voted Fusion Hybrid, mostly because I have four friends with one and they are hard to knock if you really want a frugal sedan. The Volt is also a good option, though a bit more compromised as a sedan than the Fusion. Personally, I’d be looking at the CT200h, but then I’m more of a hatchback than a sedan person.
What about a Camry hybrid? Or Corolla hybrid? For hybrids Toyota is hard to top.
They might be outside of budget in California, they’re extremely in demand there.
Hard to get a modern one under 20k, He could find one though
I just went on auto trader and found more than 300 of them under budget, and with low miles. Just sayin’.
I’m ignoring the list of “needs” because they’re mostly bullshit.
The absolute CHEAPEST car to run, is a 2nd gen Prius. There is a reason they are taxis almost everywhere. You can find them for $3500-5500 in great shape, drive them for a few years, and they’re still worth $3500-5500. I suggest getting one with the JBL sound system. They get 45mpg without trying, and generally last until at least 300k miles.
I tell so many people this. So far my sister is the only one who actually listened. She was driving hers until it was totalled; insurance wrote her a check for more than she paid for the vehicle, so it was a free car for 3.5 years.
A 2nd gen Prius being cheaper to run than anything else is going to depend heavily on how much you drive and how lucky you are in regards to the hybrid battery.
Third gens had that issue. 2nd gens are fairly bulletproof.
Honda CRX HF. Simple car. 50mpg. Spend what you save on a good sound system.
I dunno about reliability per se (though I didn’t see anything bad), but I was looking around for a decent bmw 330e phev for my dad and it seems like a pretty solid value for what it is. Medium mileage examples slot into his budget just fine, it’s got a decent amount of kick and style, plenty of new features and can hit 50-60 mpg on the highway.
The Fusion Hybrid would be my top choice
Or for more luxury – a Lincoln MKZ hybrid.