[KayGates]

I am sixteen, and I have a dilemma.
I would like to know what the most reliable and inexpensive cars are.


Any help would be appreciated.

:)

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I would recommend Civics, Accords, Fits, Corollas, and Camrys. European cars tend to be somewhat less reliable and more expensive to maintain.

With good preventive maintenance, however, most late model cars will last 200,000 miles or more. As a new driver, make sure you only use full-synthetic lubricants in your car; e.g. Mobil 1. Change the engine oil and filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Plus, use full-synthetic automatic transmission fluid (e.g. Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF) and change the fluid and transmission filter every 30,000 miles. If you do that, you will avoid the really big, expensive repair bills. Record recommended maintenance (from the Owner's Manual) in a Maintenance Log. If you do things "by the book," it's less expensive in the long-run.

[450donn]

And don't simply jump into any car just to have a set of wheels. You also need to think about the cost of insurance, and maintenance when you look at the price of a car. How about gas money? A car is probably the second most expensive item in a household budget, so think very carefully if you really really need one.

[KayGates]

I need one because I feel it is time for me to get a job, and I don't have one I could walk to. I may be able to get rides to work for the time being, but it really is time to get a car. Within the next year I mean.

[450donn]

When my girls decided that they wanted cars I made them a deal. They could use my VW (old bug) to get to work after we got home in the evening. When they had earned enough for the car and insurance we went car shopping. I also made them work on that bug several times with me when it needed an engine. After they bought their first cars, it was dear old dad who worked on it for them. Along with them of course. Might make a similar deal with your parents and see how they respond.

[KayGates]

Good idea 450donn.
That sounds like what we are working on doing.