Ask Dethroner: Good Used Cars?

Mike writes:

It’s off topic for the week, but my wife and I are in the market for a new car. I’ve been driving the same Chevy Cavalier for about 9 years, and recently it’s begun to show its age. Since I’m in school and working part time we can’t afford a new car. We’re looking to spend about $7,000-$9,000 on a used car to last us a couple of years until I’m out of school and we’re both employed.

Like I said, I’ve been driving this car for 9 years. I know Honda’s are supposed to be solid used car bets, but outside of that, I’m not sure of which makes or models to look for.

I’m not much for brand loyalty, but you can’t go wrong with a Honda. Consider any recent Civic or Accord—there are hybrids available, although I doubt their yet in your price range. It’s not uncommon for a Honda to go upwards for 250k miles without any major problems. Just be sure that the maintenance and service records are complete and up to date. (That may include a moderately expensive timing belt change at around 90k miles; I’m not totally up on my Honda service schedule.)

Really, though, you can’t go wrong with most Japanese cars—Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru all make fine, long-lived vehicles. (Even the Korean cars are getting better.) American cars are pretty much garbage; even if they keep running, they tend to be covered in extraneous plastic bits, have crap interiors, and handle with all the finesse of an avalanche.

Need proof? Go test drive a new entry-level Chevy or Ford. Then go test drive a Civic or Fit. Even brand new, you’ll be able to tell a difference in fit and finish.