I’ve always been cheap when it comes to cars, as long as it has the basic necessities (A/C and Radio) I’ve been happy. A few weeks ago I picked up a 2019 Versa (5 speed) with 49K miles on it from my credit union’s repo lot for 10K; the credit union also offered .99% interest so overall I feel pretty good about the purchase. The simplicity and efficiency has me in straight econobox nirvana and was wondering if there are other weirdos out there like me who just love a good bare bones car that does one thing and one thing only, going from A to B.
Absolutely.
For me, it’s about getting a car and driving it to it’s limits.
I’ve got a 2005 Toyota Prius. Bought it at 111,000 miles and currently at 123,000 miles. It’s lifted, oversized tires, and gets to do off road and still gets 40+ MPG. I’ve replaced a lot of parts on it and hoping to continue driving it until at least 400,000 miles.
That sounds wicked! How much lift does that thing have?
A tiny 1.5 inch. 😂
The oversized tires give me another inch, so a total of 7.5 inch clearance.
That’s a really good deal for a car right now, even a car like the versa that sells new for under 20k. I got hit by a pickup this morning and am likely going to need to buy a new car in a hurry. I would take that deal in a second.
I usually prefer to buy a new econobox vs spending more on a used SUV or whatever. Unfortunately there really aren’t many cheap econoboxes left. Even the cheapest cars are only available in higher trim levels, bringing them well over $20k.
Anyone have any cheap new car suggestions?
Mitsubishi Mirage? 2023 starts at 16K. I’m pretty sure that and the Versa are two of of the cheapest new cars you can buy in America these days. Anyone know something I don’t?
No Mitsubishi dealer near me, unfortunately. The mirage was the first car I considered. I don’t mind getting a car from somewhere far away, but I’d have nowhere to get warranty service unless I drove 3 hours each time.
I had a Versa as a rental a few years ago, I think it’s too basic for me for the new price.
I appreciate your suggestions. I’m going today to check out a Toyota Carolla.
I mean, you can never go wrong with a Corolla. Thing will still be running 100 years from now.
Drive slow car fast better than fast car slow.
This principle is why I would love to have a kei car. Need to put all your driving skills at max to keep with traffic. Sounds like a fun idea for the few that actually like driving cars.
Hell yes. High performance engineering is beautiful and fascinating in its own way, but making genuinely simple, durable, reliable, economical cars also requires that spark of human creativity and ingenuity. It’s a warm and reassuring feeling to know the car is your trusty steed and will always start and do what you need it to do. A lighter car with more simple direct mechanical connections through the controls feels fun and engaging to me. Although I haven’t driven that many newer econoboxes, a few of my favorite older ones:
- Ford Focus
- Honda Fit/Jazz
- Ford Ka
- Nissan March/Micra
- Honda Civic
- Original Mini
- Toyota Prius
I love little cars. On my second Chevy Spark and I never want to get rid of it. just coming up on 50k miles on it and I’ve only done basic maintenance so far. Great for parking in the city and I’ve personally hit 95 on the highway.
They’re usually small, light, and can be commonly found with a manual transmission, so they can be a blast to drive around. Also, your definition of necessities is different than mine, the windows go down for a reason, right? :)
Slow car fast always is fun, and you can get away with it without breaking the speed limit haha. Plus, you don’t have to worry about them as much as a nice car
I’m gonna keep my 2002 Honda Accord kicking around until it dies. So satisfying to drive on the highways or push grip to the limit on backroads
Not necessarily econobox cars, but I love my little 1984 Honda Elite scooter. I have a few motorcycles and a Miata that I love driving, but nothing is as simple and reliable as that piece of shit scooter.
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Nuggeteering seems like a very fulfilling life
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Absolutely. I’ve driven the wheels off a Honda Fit (300,000+ miles) and I still get as much kick out of it as I did when I first bought it.
As a rental car, I also kinda enjoyed the Versa. It’s so light. The CVT was what let the car down, so with the stick shift it’s probably a bit of a hoot.
Funny you bring up the Fit as my wife drives a 2012 Fit Sport. Amazing little car that does whatever we ask it to. Only 150K miles so it’s barely getting started.
Absolutely. I’m driving a 2012 Civic.132,000 miles. I love my little car. I just put new tires on it, and that didn’t even crack 400 bucks. I get fliers from my local dealer telling me my car could be worth 10 grand. Like, if they had anyone with the gift of vision look at it in broad daylight for more than four seconds, they’d know the thing is worth 900 bucks on a good day.
It’s a thing of beauty to me. My wife drives a 2019 Accord, and I think we’ll be buying her a Pilot because she has always wanted an SUV. If I replace my car, I want a manual 2.0 Civic
Oh, and I rev my car out to 4-5k on the regular, and the thing just fucking takes it. No engine is indestructible, but this R block is showing me it’s not far off.
Yeah. I had a fiat, couple Geo metros, and a mini Cooper. I’m happier with small motorcycles though, even in the snow lol
