No idea where to start for buying a car $15-20k budget

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

Looking to buy a car and I have no idea where to start. For the record I know nothing about cars/brands/etc. Here are the things I am looking for:

Budget: $15-20k

Size: something that can fit myself, spouse, dog, and baby

New/Used: Doesn't matter

Purpose: Mostly for getting around DC - we both commute via metro to work so this will just be for weekend use. We likely take 1-2 big road trips a year - 1000 miles totals

Year: Something relatively new(ish). We're not looking to have a ton of issues off the bat


Please help! Thank you!

Any specific models/brands you think I should look at?

[Anonymous]

I have a Honda Fit and I love it. Not sure how big your dog is but it holds more than you would think.

[Anonymous]

Autotrader

[Anonymous]

carmax. You'll over pay by a little, but you get a warranty and a ton of selection

[Anonymous]

Start by browsing user car websites like Carmax or similar aggregators. This will give you an idea of what is available within your budget, different car sizes, options, fuel type (hybrid vs electrical or fuel).

Given that you have a baby (who will grow older) and a dog and you take family trips, I would get something larger than a Honda Fit. I’d start with Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, or Subaru. I also like Honda CRV or HRV (though these may be above your budget).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a Honda Fit and I love it. Not sure how big your dog is but it holds more than you would think.

Honda Fit will lose in any collision with a bigger vehicle. They’re too small to be safe. Hard pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Start by browsing user car websites like Carmax or similar aggregators. This will give you an idea of what is available within your budget, different car sizes, options, fuel type (hybrid vs electrical or fuel).

Given that you have a baby (who will grow older) and a dog and you take family trips, I would get something larger than a Honda Fit. I’d start with Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, or Subaru. I also like Honda CRV or HRV (though these may be above your budget).

Holds fit owner here. I have two older kids (11 and 7) and we take family trips and it’s perfect for us. Obviously not pushing the car, just saying that it’s fine for older kids.

[Anonymous]

I think collision performance is very important when choosing a vehicle.

I use iihs.org.

[Anonymous]

Mazda3 , CX3 or Mazda cx-30. Start cars.com.

[Anonymous]

I had a similar budget and don’t laugh. I started looking at used Japanese cars but all were 3-4 years old with 30k-40k miles. We ended up buying a brand new Chevy with full warranty for slightly less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a Honda Fit and I love it. Not sure how big your dog is but it holds more than you would think.

Honda Fit will lose in any collision with a bigger vehicle. They’re too small to be safe. Hard pass.

Honda Fit is fine for city driving. I’d never take it on a highway or frankly any road with a greater than 45 mph speed limit. The crash test ratings are only tested on crashes against other cars in the same weight class. Against an SUV or a semi, the Fit will not fair well. I’d look at a used Subaru Outback. Subarus run forever, perform well in crashes and hold their value very well.

[Anonymous]

www.cargurus.com

www.carvana.com

I would look for a SUV...Nissan Rogue; Subaru Forrester, etc
Family has both vehicles for the last few years, no problems with either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a Honda Fit and I love it. Not sure how big your dog is but it holds more than you would think.

I don't have a Honda fit but I have a few friends who drive one. they love it.

But 2020 was the last year for the Honda Fit in North America, They have been replaced with the Honda HRV.

[Anonymous]

https://www.autoweek.com/news/g32332812/15-new-cars-under-20000-dollars/

[Anonymous]

OP, I'd not look at used cars. I'd suggest Japanese brand - Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru (but no Nissan). Look at Toyota Corolla, RAV4, Honda Civic or CRV, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, or a Forrester. Personally, I'd probably go with a Toyota. Good luck.