I'm 6'2". I've made all the mistakes in car buying, so you don't have to. Here are my criteria for evaluating a car:
- Already depreciated
- Efficient
- Multi-purpose
- Reliable
Things like color or style shouldn't
really come into it (but they still will.) For a car to be depreciated, it has to be 3+ years old. (Some people ignore this rule, and it's true that cars that hold their value well, like many Honda/Toyotas don't grant you wild savings just by being a few years old.) Efficient cars are typically economy cars and some mid-level sedans. But sedans don't qualify as multi-purpose, in my opinion. You really need a hatchback, wagon or one of the more efficient SUVs. Reliability is easiest to count on if it's a Toyota or a Honda. Oh, and the car should fit me, and ideally I'd fit OK in the back seat, since if I fit, anyone fits! Given all that, here are my recommended cars:
- Honda Fit
- Toyota Matrix / Pontiac Vibe
- 2012+ Mazda 3
- 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport (2.0L engine)
Of these, I fit just great in the Fit or the driver's seat of a Corolla/Matrix/Vibe. I haven't really explored the Mazda3 yet, but the CX-5 was a great size for a giant like me, and I averaged 31-32 mpg in the 6MT version. You can't go wrong with a Honda Fit. He might assume it's just like the Accent, but he should test drive it before making that conclusion.