Hey Y’all,

Cool to see this community already exists! Would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks so much.

Here’s what I’m looking for: -used and as close to $10K as possible but up to $20K for something really solid.

-fuel efficiency important, hybrid ok. Not sure about full EV.

-Not a daily driver. Maybe 3-4 trips a week max. Mostly in town. And a ~100 mile round trip commute once a week or so.

-I want this car to last 10yrs at least. But I intend to drive it until one of us goes first.

-I live in Oakland CA, we have lots of potholes and some particularly dangerous drivers so I want something safe and reliable (solid).

-don’t care about aesthetics.

-I like to drive but fun to drive is just a nice to have.

-trunk space: enough for light camping or moving my bass and amp around.

-size: no SUVs or trucks please, prefer sedan or smaller (parking). 2 door/seat is ok as long as it has trunk space. I’m short, if it matters.

-I do like my music so some media controls are nice (like on the steering wheel), but can upgrade the sound system and console later ;)

-the simpler the better in terms of components, controls, maintenance. I’ll be happy with a roller window, no key fob, etc.

-it’ll be parked in a garage most of the time.

-some cars I’ve looked at that seem decent are: prius, golf, Mazda M3. Golf’s seem fun to drive and is a good size for me I think.

-I’m down with a manual if that comes up.

  • JeSuisUnHombre@lemm.ee
    4·
    20 hours ago

    I don’t know what I’d recommend, but it seems like an EV would fit your driving needs very well as long as you can charge it at home. Just wondering why the unsuredness.

    • psyvibe@lemm.eeOP
      2·
      14 hours ago

      I think a full EV may limit my options a bit. I’m unsure if these are totally valid though.

      I actually used to drive a tesla fairly often. It was my ex’s, who I lived with. We actually did street parking in that place, with no charging at home. Closest charger was 15 mins away. Not a huge PITA honestly - as long as you plan to charge around other errands. But we took a few road trips and there was always so much planning around the next charge, how fast it was, what the interface was (if not a supercharger) - and that’s in California!

      I was also always paranoid about the battery dying in the middle of nowhere with no way to get it running without a tow to a charger. With a reg/hybrid, one can at least get a can of gas.

      I do have charging in my current building’s garage, but there are several EVs here already, I don’t know/see how busy they are. I may also move soon.

      When EVs are commonly found at 500mi ranges, I’ll be more interested. Willing to have my mind changed though!