I’m getting ready to buy a car and I could use some advice.
Price maximum - $15000
Must have
Automatic transmission
4 door
Good gas mileage
Cruise control
No older than 2007
Nice to have
Stereo aux port
decent trunk space (maybe hatchback)
Any suggestions/advice? I’ve looked for major car dealerships around here and found a few within 15 miles. I plan on looking at at least 5 places and probably test driving 1-2 cars at each.
I’m interested to see what people recommend, as I am also going to need to get a car for the first time in the next 12 months.
Starsaber, do you have any more specific preferences in gas mileage or manufacturer?
I’m not really sure what good in-town gas mileage is. I’m guessing something in the low 20s is average, and I’d like a bit better than that. Cost is a pretty hard cap though.
I’m quite happy with my Pontiac Vibe (aka Toyota Matrix). Good mileage (I do about 30mpg on the highway) and it has enormous inside room. Seats fold down flat, turns into a van almost.
I have a 2005 Malibu Maxx 4 door hatchback and I love the car. They made the Maxx up until 2009 I think, so you should be able to get a newer model in the price range you are looking in. It’s midsize, and has good gas milage. The rear seats fold down to give you impressive storage space.
I love it because it is a freaking workhorse. I commute 70 miles round trip five days a week and it has never let me down. It’s a beast and it just goes and goes. Passengers like it because the backseats recline, the doors are huge and open at at about an 80-85 degree angle for easy access. A rear moonroof comes standard I believe in all the models. The rear hatchback is roomy enough and comes with a removable shelf system that I love. It’s perfect for grocery shopping.
Some cons I have with the car is the cd player. All Malibu cd players start to stick after a few years and and the onboard computer systems run through the stereo console, so changing out the stereo is a hell of a job. Something else, at least in the 2005 model, is the interior fabric. It’s kinda boring to be honest, and can get dirty fast.
Get a manual
Only time I drove a manual before, it died 
Yeahhhh… wanna teach me to drive a stick?
Sure
Learn to drive it better
You are on. A girl I had a crazy thing for once tried to teach me but it was just the one night. The GF could teach me but I am pretty certain it would end in tears and yelling. But you could totally teach me–all we need is a car.