My previous car was lost in an accident, and I am trying to do some math to figure out what I should replace it with. I am home from work still for quite some time and it will be a while until I actually can test drive and purchase something, but trying to figure out what makes sense.
My previous car was a 2007, I bought in 2013 for $5,600 with 78K Miles. When I do the math, adding together all parts & service (including tires, oil changes, etc) and subtract the insurance settlement, it cost on average $103/month-- or about 12 cents/mile.
I am realizing that by purchasing a cheap car, I really did put myself at risk leading to more injuries (Major injuries from a side impact, car had a "poor" rating for side impact), and I did spend $3,389 on parts/service over 52 months (granted all of the common failure parts were covered by warranty at this point ,so the next 50-75K miles should have been cheaper). I am thinking about buying a more expensive car to replace it.
I was looking for a Pontiac vibe, but in my area they are super expensive used... 3-4K for cars with over 200K miles.
I kind of like the Mazda3, there is a 2013 sedan in my area with 60K miles for 9K, a 2014 certified used hatchback with 30K miles for 12K, and a 2016 certified used hatchback for 14K. I am trying to figure out how the cost/ month on these would compare to my last car. The 2014 redesign significantly improves safety.
I have family who bought a 18 month old certified used corolla for 16K in 2010.. have put on 110,000 miles over 94 months. Their cost including maintenance subtracting current value shows .11 cents/mile or $122/month. The corolla had a few thousand in work done under warranty, but has needed nothing other than tires/oil since warranty expired at 100K.
Why not buy the 2016 mazda3 hatchback for 14K (longer warranty than the 2014)? I will probably look at a newer corolla too. Any other cars I should look at? I do have major back issues (made much worse by accident..) so something with a comfortable drivers seat with adjustable lumbar is a must-- and ideally a hatchback.
Looking for advice on this, and to see what is wrong with my math-- it seems most recommend buying the low cost older model cars over new or certified used.
