Best-cheapest new car?
 

My son has a horrible luck with cars. Finally decided on something new, like a Nissan Micra. Something cheap and new.

What 2012 or newer cars do you guys like?

I'm not in Canadia so I can't help with the specific car, but I can help with a specific piece of advice: If you decide to go with a cheap car, MAINTAIN IT! Many people who buy cheap cars do not maintain them at all. By 100,000 miles the cars are trashed. Used cheap cars are a bad idea for the reason stated above. Keep good oil in it, and check it often to learn if the car consumes or leaks any oil.

Define "best". :)

Since you're asking on EcoModder, I assume you mean best fuel economy.

If you're OK with 78 hp and 3 cylinders, the Mirage delivers very good real world mileage, and seems to have fewer quality/reliability issues than the Nissan (and a much longer warranty) despite its very light weight and "insubstantial" feeling. You can get a stripped base model for the same price as the Micra in Canada (10k before taxes/delivery).

The Mirage has revised brakes, suspension and steering for the 2017 model year that improved it quite a bit. The Micra hasn't changed since it was reintroduced here in 2014, but it is much better out of the box than the Mirage if handling/responsiveness is a main priority.

I assume you'd go with manual shift for the best fuel economy.

FYI:


http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-2l-29176.html

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ost-32097.html

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...cra-30059.html

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...age-27384.html

I have a Ford Fiesta eco-boost and really like it. I'm thinking, that if you are looking now, you can find a 2017 on sale, since the 2018's are probably here. I paid $15,500 for mine; it's 2014, bought in October 2014 when the 15's were on the lot.

If you're really looking for new, i like the chevy cruze with the 1.4t. If you prefer more space and automatic, i had a rental 2015 malibu eco for about a month, it was a really great car. Nothing in particular was exceptional but everything together was very good.

Im partial to gm.

OP says son has horrible luck with cars, which explains nothing, and then solicits for the best car, which asks nothing.

If bad luck is getting hit by other cars, then it sounds like safety is what is best. Get something with lots of airbags and a top crash safety rating.

If bad luck is getting horrible fuel economy, then get a hybrid to help offset poor driving efficiency skills.

If bad luck is cars that break down, get a car known to be reliable, such as most Hondas and Toyotas.

...and buying new is just guaranteeing bad luck of massive depreciation.

Another vote for the Mirage. Especially since they come with 10y/160k warranties. Perfect for someone with "bad luck" who wants good fuel mileage. And to keep that warranty, you'll have to perform all the regular maintenance, which should help keep any questionable practices under control.

Personally I don't like the looks of the Micra, but those Nissan engines seem to be quite good.

I went for a cheap Honda Jazz (Honda Fit in US/Canada) and I love it. Economical, roomy, reasonably comfortable and reliable. Never had a Honda before now but would certainly get one again.

Mirage hatchback all the way.

If not new look for factory certified so you will get the whole 10 year, 160,000 km power train warranty.