Edit:06/05
We decided to go with 2012 Camry hybrid with 70k on it for $10k. There is a accident in history but car is serviced and certified as toyota certified and was used by a physician, drove 80 miles a day. 40mpg. Tx for the advice.
Edit: 06/04
After test driving and discussing the points suggested we ruled out SUV types from our list. For now we decided to keep and ride the small cars for next 5 years and then decide if we need an Suv at that pointnin life.
Wife do not like under powered small cars (we felt Prius sluggish on highway).
1. Toyota Camry hybrid with accident history in personal lease then certified by Toyota (6more months to its warranty exp) for $10,000.
2. 2017 Toyota Camry for $16,000 with 35k miles
3. 2013 Toyota Camry for $13,000 with 50k miles
4. 2016 Hyundai Elentra for $11,000 with 60k
5. 2016 Hyundai Sonata for $13,000 with 60k
I am not sure how well hyundai retain resale value.
Other options are with buying rental cars. But resale on them is also not sure.
Original post:
I had to get a second car (own a prius) as wife got a job in different place and we would be doing weekend travels (180 miles one way).
I always wanted to buy one bigger vehicle (wife may move or I may get new job near to her place in next 3-6mos) and one smaller one (precertified prius with this month it will be paid off).
My criteria:
<$15,000
Preferably hybrid or decent mileage.
Most high distance will be covered by Prius
Reasonable new (2010+) as I am not planning to sell it in next 5 years both cars.
After a lot of thinking I am confused with below options and in order ood my preference
1) Lexus hybrid
2) CRV
3) Acura RDX
4) Rav4
5) Camry hybrid
6) Avalon hybrid
If these dont work out then
7) Civic from a friend (know for sure he didnt had any accidents and he bought as new) for ~$9k
8) Or I would buy a honda accord/civic/camry interim until we get settled down.
Now what I dont know is about cars. Wife doesn't want another Prius.
I see currently in dealer or craigslist below cars which looked nice
2012 Camry hybrid 70k $12000
2012 CRV 87k $12500
2008 Acura RDX technology pack $8500 114k,
2011 LEXUS RX 450H 110k
Is Acura good in terms of issue and maintenance?
Can I buy above with high miles? I see the carfax maintenance record exists on these vehicles.
When I go to $5000 range, I am not sure how I would avoid a lemon. I am sure I overpaid during 2014 when I got my 2010 Prius IV for $15,500 with 45k on it. But last 5 years, 60k miles driven, I spent $500 on rotar, $200 on oil change and nothing else.
Tried searching forum but still I am confused.