Could use some suggestions for a gas-efficient car.

[Dappleganger]

Dh just called and his transmission has died, so we have to buy another used car for him to ride to work and back. With our small budget we can only afford up to $3500 or so (then add tax and title on to that). We prefer that it is automatic since this car will also be used by our oldest daughter for commuting to college later this year. Any good suggestions? Civics are priced so high around here, too! Thanks.

*tired of the break-down bullseye on our family :(*

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Hubby adores our Subaru, but they are not very easy to come by cheap or with low mileage.

[flvegan]

2. You might be able to find a good used Toyota Corolla for that.

Probably a late '90's Nissan Sentra or Mitsubishi Mirage, too.

I'd have a mechanic that you can trust look at any potential purchase if at all possible. Good luck!

[Taverner]

3. Used Priuses (or is it Priii?) might go for that

Especially First and Second Editions...

[LeftyMom]

4. Nope.

Priced 'em out a few months ago- even the itty bitty ones that look like the old Toyota Echo run more than that.

[LeftyMom]

5. Subaru Impreza.

And make your daughter learn to drive a manual, that way you won't have to worry about most of her friends at school borrowing her car.

[Dappleganger]

9. If it was up to me she would...

but we have struggled with her getting her license as it is (she's 18 and just got her license, hates to drive).

[LeftyMom]

10. 90's Saturn then

They're cheap, they last forever, and if she's a new driver the dent resistant panels will save you a lot of headaches.

[jobycom]

6. Don't go Honda, unless you go back to the 90s.

My store's mechanics hate Hondas made in the last decade. Overpriced and poor quality. Toyotas are the best if you can find one. Mazdas are underrated, but I'm not sure about the mileage. Nissans are decent--my mother has an Altima with 200K miles that is going strong, but it's had some AC and wiring issues.

Some of the American half-imports are good, and not high as Toyotas. I drive a Neon, and while it's a piece of junk in general, it gets about 30 on the highway, and I've taken it on numerous 1000 mile drives with no troubles.

[david13]

8. I have experience with a number of late (2000 to 2009) model

Honda's and they are as excellent as ever. Excellent in quality, excellent in being trouble free, and excellent gas mileage (particularly compared to other cars, or ... SUVs?)
I would say Honda or Toyota.
dc

[Dappleganger]

12. Thanks, we ended up getting a 2000 CRV

We bumped our budget up a bit so we could get something which will last a bit longer, and we're familiar with this model as my sister's got one the same year. She gets upper 20's for mpg so hopefully this one will do the same. I have a feeling we're going to also try and find a used Civic as well. I wish we could buy something much newer but until dh gets a permanent job that isn't going to happen. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Wapsie B]

7. Ask your mechanic. They should tell you of the most reliable cars

with good gas mileage.

[Brickbat]

11. Ford Focus.

Total love, awesome mpg.

[Initech]

13. My Nissan Altima averages 37 MPG.