Cheap Transportation: Five Great Used Cars for Daily Commuting

February 15, 2020February 6, 2023 in Great Used Cars, Blogby chris

If you commute on an everyday basis, you may want to reconsider buying a brand-new vehicle. After you start to pile up the miles, it’ll quickly start to lose value. You can save a lot of cash by opting to purchase a pre-owned vehicle. Here are five great cheap used cars made for the daily grind.

Toyota Corolla

Toyota has earned a reputation for producing long-lasting automobiles. For good reason, the Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling used cars in history. Even pre-owned Corollas are well worth the money.

Although this compact sedan isn’t designed to offer a great deal of performance, it’s extremely reliable and inexpensive to maintain. You can also expect the Corolla to deliver good fuel economy. If you desire a bit more fun, go for the Corolla SE. A sports-tuned suspension enables it to handle with more poise.

Honda Civic Si

Like the Corolla, the Honda Civic proves to be an ideal daily-driver. It’s efficient, dependable, and comfortable. However, Honda offers a high-performance version of the Civic. You can expect the Honda Civic Si to deliver years of driving excitement. A quick-revving engine and sweet manual transmission make it one of the most fun used cars in the segment.

When searching for a Civic Si on the used car market, be sure to have it fully inspected by a certified mechanic. Because the Civic Si appeals to a lot of younger drivers, it tends to experience more abuse.

Acura TSX

Although Acura TSX stopped selling the TSX in 2014, it remains a highly recommended used car. This small luxury sedan posted some of the highest reliability scores in its class. North Carolina drivers also appreciate the TSX’s sporty performance.

In many ways, it’s a more luxurious version of the Honda Civic Si. You’ll find a similar engine under the hood, which equates to strong acceleration. A smoother ride adds to the TSX’s appeal. Unlike its counterpart, the Acura TSX offers niceties like heated leather seats.

Mazda Mazda3

Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Mazda3 is another great compact car to consider. Although the Mazda3 is priced like an economy vehicle, its quality is top-notch. When serviced at the recommended intervals, owners rarely experience any major engine or transmission problems.

When it comes to driving fun, very few cars in this price range can outshine the Mazda3. It handles like a legitimate sports car. You can also expect the Mazda3’s 2.4-liter Sky Activ engine to have a powerful punch. Although a high-performance Mazda Speed model was offered, drivers looking to save money should avoid it. Maintenance costs for the turbocharged MazdaSpeed3 are notably higher.

Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is among the best cars for commuting. It’s especially ideal for drivers who have a family. A big backseat gives everyone plenty of space to spread out. Although the automatic transmission is a popular pick, it sacrifices a bit of performance. You can get up to speed quicker with the Sentra’s manual transmission.

Base Sentra trims have a rather plain appearance. Fortunately, there’s a more stylish option. Featuring a sleek body kit and larger wheels, the Sentra SR is destined to catch your attention.

No SUV? No Problem. Five Great Cars for the Snow

February 2, 2020February 6, 2023 in Cars, Blogby chris

With Asheville being so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s always a chance for you to experience wintry weather. Having a vehicle equipped with all wheel drive (abbreviated as AWD) is a big plus. Although trucks and SUVs are typically recommended for snowy conditions, some cars can also handle the job. Here are five cars that perform well in the snow.

Dodge Charger GT

Long known as one of the most exciting muscle cars ever, the Dodge Charger was never a good winter vehicle. Its rear-wheel-drive platform resulted in poor traction during icy weather. However, Dodge now offers the Charger GT. Standard all-wheel drive makes it one of the best cars for traveling on snow-packed streets.

Although the Charger GT isn’t available with a traditional V8 engine, it still packs enough performance. Dodge tunes the sedan’s V6 engine to push out a competitive 300 horsepower. A sports-tuned suspension also enables the Charger GT to dance around curves.

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima has always been one of the best-selling family cars in America. With the arrival of an optional all-wheel-drive system, this sedan has become even more appealing. You won’t find this traction-enhancing feature on cars like the Honda Accord.

While Nissan’s more powerful turbocharged engine isn’t offered on the AWD-equipped Altima, its standard four-cylinder engine is strong and efficient. Because the Altima’s system AWD system is only part-time, you’re able to save fuel. The sedan tops out at 36 mpg, which means it favorably compares to cars without all-wheel drive.

Volvo V90 Cross Country

If you desire a more luxurious ride, check out the Volvo V90 Cross Country. Not only does this Swedish wagon provide lots of passenger and cargo room, but it also comes ready for the snow. It’s one of the few cars that are a legitimate alternative to an SUV. Standard all-wheel drive and extra ground clearance help the V60 Cross Country to conquer an unexpected blizzard.

On the road, the Volvo V60 Cross Country impresses with its balanced handling. There’s also a lot of muscle under the hood. Volvo tunes the Cross Country’s advanced engine to develop a healthy 316 horsepower. You’ll have no trouble surging pass slow-moving cars on the interstate.

Subaru Impreza

Subaru has a reputation for building great winter cars. If you’re looking for a fun car that’s easy on the wallet, consider getting a Subaru Impreza. Unlike other compact cars, it comes standard with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD system.

Under the hood rests a “Boxer” four-cylinder engine. This engine’s unique design allows it to sit lower to the ground, thus enhances the Impreza’s athletic handling. Strong fuel economy also makes the Impreza great for daily commuting.

BMW 3 Series

In terms of driving excitement, the BMW 3 Series ranks among today’s best small sports sedans. Superior performance capabilities make the 3 Series hard to beat. BMW’s outstanding xDrive AWD system gives the 3 Series yet another edge over the other cars in the segment. You’ll be able to have fun throughout the year.

Although you can get the 3 Series with a twin-turbo V6 engine, its base turbo four-cylinder engine is strong enough for you to embarrass most cars. BMW has a history of underrating the output of its engines. Although the 3 Series is listed to develop 255 horsepower, there’s no overlooking its extra kick. You can hit 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds.

February 2020