more mustachian?

[southernhippie]

Is it more mustachian to get a used american car that is early 2000s for under $5000 or to buy Japanese car (Nissan,Honda, Toyota) for around 10000 for about the same mileage or more and same age?

american car averages low 20 mpg in city and the Japanese car averages high 20s to low 30s mpg in city

I drive less than 8000 miles a year by the way

[the_gastropod]

If you're only driving 8,000 miles a year, having a ~30 mpg car will only save you ~$350 a year in gas vs a ~20 mpg car (assuming $3 / gallon).

Assuming the cars are of similar reliability, it doesn't seem worthwhile to spring for the $10,000 Japanese car.

I think the 3rd option that you didn't mention is to get a $5,000 Japanese car. You can get an early 2000's Honda Civic for well under $5,000, for example.

[Monkey Uncle]

If you're only driving 8,000 miles a year, having a ~30 mpg car will only save you ~$350 a year in gas vs a ~20 mpg car (assuming $3 / gallon).

Assuming the cars are of similar reliability, it doesn't seem worthwhile to spring for the $10,000 Japanese car.

I think the 3rd option that you didn't mention is to get a $5,000 Japanese car. You can get an early 2000's Honda Civic for well under $5,000, for example.

Yes, a sensible Honda or Toyota of that age should be way less than $10,000.  And, assuming it's been maintained well, it almost certainly will be more reliable than any American car of the same age and mileage.  The better gas mileage is an extra bonus.