Quote:
Originally Posted by 19bonestock88
While I did also consider a K24/manual Accord, someone also suggested to me a third gen Acura TL, which is Accord based but uses the J series V6(either J32 or J35), though with the Acura I’d have to get a high mileage example and hope it held up, I’m not shelling out $15k for a 2008 anything...
Would a Prius handle heavy loading/steep hills very well? I don’t want it to be worse than my Saturn...
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The Prius is gutless, but I can't imagine needing more power than wide open throttle on any hill. It will be noisy because it will have to rev up to get full power. There's no shifting though, so it's effortless from a driving perspective.
If you want a manual car under 10 grand, I suggest a 2006 Acura TSX 6-speed. They're rare as hens teeth, but the 6-speed gearbox is a dream. Car is good for 30 MPG, and takes hills at whatever speed you want to take them from the 4-cylinder engine. My complaints are that 6th gear is a bit short for freeway driving, so fuel economy isn't as good as it could be, and the turning radius is about as good as a bus.
The Ford Fusion hybrid has no compromises except perhaps a slightly smaller trunk than a standard sedan. It's good for 45 MPG, is super quiet, and has respectable power on the hills. Plus, they are discontinued, so the value might increase on them. The plug in version can do over 20 miles on EV only. Probably only the oldest ones sold private party would meet the $10k price point though.