Need advice from car people

[Selmak The Tok'Ra]

Since my current car only gets 20 mpg highway, and is an 05 Ford Taurus sedan with some mild mechanical issues that I wouldn't trust much farther than between Ames and Des Moines or Ames and Waterloo/Cedar Falls, I'm looking for something more fuel efficient.

Normally I'd buy used but the used market is so jacked right now that unless I happen upon an amazing used deal, I'm probably better off just buying something new. My budget would be around $25k and my main priorities are something that gets good gas mileage that doesn't struggle on the highway. Doesn't have to be sporty. Just doesn't have to struggle on the highway.


The Corolla and Forte are the only models I've been able to find recent enough model year used versions to test drive (impossible to find anything new in stock right now) so those are the final candidates just by nature of that.

I'm looking for advice as to what to get. I should add that I'm open to other suggestions in this price range but currently the leaders are the Forte and the Corolla as explained earlier.

 

[TXCyclones]

Hyundai is the best car on the market right now (mechanically, reliability). I'd tell you the Elantra, but the Kia Forte is a close substitute. Toyota is still struggling to regain their quality following their issues five years back.

 

[zumbro clones]

Take a peek at Consumer Reports and look at the reliability info. The Toyota Corolla is way better than what is reported for the Kia Forte.

 

[Cyfan1965]

I have a 2014 Kia Forte with 115,000 had zero problems with the car. We had a Kia Soul with 125,000 until the boy totaled it, loved that car. Kia Sedona with 160,000 hit a deer totaled. Never had any mechanical issues with any of them across the board. Forte has a nice interior too not cheap and lightweight.

 

[Gonzo]

Since my current car only gets 20 mpg highway, and is an 05 Ford Taurus sedan with some mild mechanical issues that I wouldn't trust much farther than between Ames and Des Moines or Ames and Waterloo/Cedar Falls, I'm looking for something more fuel efficient.

Normally I'd buy used but the used market is so jacked right now that unless I happen upon an amazing used deal, I'm probably better off just buying something new. My budget would be around $25k and my main priorities are something that gets good gas mileage that doesn't struggle on the highway. Doesn't have to be sporty. Just doesn't have to struggle on the highway.


The Corolla and Forte are the only models I've been able to find recent enough model year used versions to test drive (impossible to find anything new in stock right now) so those are the final candidates just by nature of that.

I'm looking for advice as to what to get.

Don't necessarily give up on pre-owned yet. Might take a little longer, but keep your eyes peeled and you could find a good deal. Last summer we got a 2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition for our college daughter, had only 18k miles and we got it for <$19k, with a great warranty.

 

[Stewo]

I'd suggest getting the Corolla Hybrid. A combined 52.5 MPG seems pretty cool.

 

[cyputz]

Any thoughts to the Kia K5

 

[1100011CS]

Take a peek at Consumer Reports and look at the reliability info. The Toyota Corolla is way better than what is reported for the Kia Forte.

Do you live in Rochester?

 

[JayV]

If it was me, between the choices you listed, I'd go with the Kia.
Kia seems to be way ahead of where they were even 10 years ago.
That said, I've only been driving Kia's as rental vehicles, and don't have a long term ownership thought or experience.
I'd also include the Subaru Impreza in the list of vehicles to look at as well.

 

[CyJam]

I've been happy with the Toyota products we've owned. Currently have a Sienna, Avalon, and Prius. You should test drive a Prius if possible, you might like it.

 

[zumbro clones]

Do you live in Rochester?

Not too far away

 

[1100011CS]

If it was me, between the choices you listed, I'd go with the Kia.
Kia seems to be way ahead of where they were even 10 years ago.
That said, I've only been driving Kia's as rental vehicles, and don't have a long term ownership thought or experience.
I'd also include the Subaru Impreza in the list of vehicles to look at as well.

If you live in the Midwest or North, don't get Sport version. We made that mistake and the low-profile tires and scoops makes getting around in the snow impossible and all that plastic breaks when you bump a hard drift. Had to get snow tires for it.

 

[Selmak The Tok'Ra]

Hyundai is the best car on the market right now (mechanically, reliability). I'd tell you the Elantra, but the Kia Forte is a close substitute. Toyota is still struggling to regain their quality following their issues five years back.

Do you know if the Forte/Elantra have similar enough seating/leg room that you could get an idea for how the Elantra would feel from having test driven a Forte given the close relationship between Hyundai and Kia?


Sounds like a dumb question but I really don't like the idea of ordering a car without having test driven at least a recent model year version of it to get an idea of what to expect before going in on a purchase like that

 

[1100011CS]

Not too far away

Recognized the zumbro reference from my time at Mayo. I love that city other than the weather and the reason a lot of people are there.

 

[CascadeClone]

Have to plug for the Corolla. I know it's a much different car now, but I bought a 2006 Pontiac Vibe in 2009 with 30k miles. The Vibe was made at the same plant as the Toyota Matrix, and both are just hatchback versions of the Corolla. The Vibe would be the cheaper version (more plastic).

The Vibe currently has over 300k miles and has been very reliable, despite my son nearly totalling it in 2011, and my daughter driving it for the past 8 years. It is showing it's age, and there are some unrepaired flaws, but my daughter jokes "it cannot be killed".

The electronic odometer has stopped at 299,999 miles; apparently they all do this. The Vibe is "Forever 29. 9999"

 

[carvers4math]

One of my kids has a Nissan Sentra that has some kind of fuel efficiency setting and he gets great mileage

 

[Lineup]

Acura, Honda

 

[Yaz]

Buy a Consumer Reports used car booklet (Free at the Public library too) or online membership and give yourself an edge on buying a reliable car. Without that, you're guessing as there is an ebb and flow to design and reliability among all models. Find out what is good or not so good with the year and model you are targeting.

Best money you can spend right here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used-cars/

 

[Cyfan1965]

I have a 2014 Kia Forte with 115,000 had zero problems with the car. We had a Kia Soul with 125,000 until the boy totaled it, loved that car. Kia Sedona with 160,000 hit a deer totaled. Never had any mechanical issues with any of them across the board. Forte has a nice interior too not cheap and lightweight.

I get 30+ MPH and the ride which I just read the review said was stiff 2022 is not with 2014. Rides like a dream even my kids noticed driving it.

 

[KennyPratt42]

If you have a car that functions/is safe currently do not buy a new or used car right now. I can’t tell you if it’ll be six months or eighteen months or somewhere in between, but supply will even back out and you’ll get more car for your money in the not that distant future. The only reason to buy a car right now is because you have to (car gets totaled or a major repair is known & needed).

Edit: And maybe even more importantly, you’ll have a much wider range to test drive and pick what you like best. Particularly if fuel economy is important to you and you’d be interested in a hybrid. I can not say strongly enough, do not buy a car right now unless you have to.