12,000 budget for a car

Anything Honda, Toyota is usually a good idea and gets great gas mileage. Obviously the "smaller" the engine, the better the gas mileage. There are some 6 cylinder cars that get better gas mileage, but you'd be better off with a 4 cylinder if you can.

If you can get your hands on a Consumer Reports book, that'll be your best bet. I really recommend these books. Might be able to pick them up at the library.

Or she could just ask a man and save her money.

The newer Hyundai's have really good ratings and are inexpensive.

The only thing that I would suggest is make sure it is 2008 or newer. I know that may limit your search but 2008's and newer require side airbags. You can pick up a newer Ford Focus for that price or even some Toyota's. I would stay away from Dodge they don't do small cars or good mpg very well. When I was looking I found a 2011 Hyundai Elantra for 14K that was back in Jan of this year. So maybe see if you can find one of those. They are a great car. I actually decided on the Optima only because the car seats wouldn't fit in the Elantra.

I drove a 2002 Civic until I crashed it and now I have a 2002 Camry. Both are fantastic and I love them, though the Corolla is better on gas than the Camry (which is fantastic on highway and not so much city).

They're old and high mileage, but run like tanks, so they'll last and are about the price range you're looking, though you may have to haggle a bit..

i'm actually researching 2002 civics!

It was a fantastic car. I drove it for 10 years. I will say the transmission went around 120K, but that is the only repair (outside of maintenance) it ever needed, so when I did the math, it was worth the price. I'd still drive that car if I hadn't totaled it. :-( I like the Camry, too, though. It's bigger.

Ford Fusion

Mazda 3 or 2.
Toyota Corolla or Yaris.
Hyundai Elantra or Sonata.

I'd start with a Mazda 3 and go from there. I personally don't like Honda but they make really good, incredibly boring cars.

^^^ Agreed. The Mazda3 Hatch is what I want, they are SUPER cute, and well made. The Elantra and Sonata are both really nice (Sonata's are more expensive) but both are really nice on the inside.

My budget is around yours and I've find quite a few Mazda3, Corolla and Elantras that fit in my budget.

good questions,
i'm single, no pets, live in southern california. would prefer 4 door, but 2 door is fine. automatic

Before I had children i had a VW Beetle convertible. I live in the UK, so not sure how much one of those would cost 2nd hand in the US. Sounds like a good car for southern California though!

VWs are good cars though.

I've got a Vauxhall Zafira now, with 2 child seats! I miss my Beetle!

went to the bank, budget is down to 7000.

found a 2002 honda accord with 38,000 miles for 6999, going to look at it tonight!

That's a fantastic deal. Is it a dealer? If it's off Craig's List, it may be too good to be true. I just got done using CL to find a car for my daughter and I have some stories!

went to the bank, budget is down to 7000.

found a 2002 honda accord with 38,000 miles for 6999, going to look at it tonight!

That's a fantastic deal. Is it a dealer? If it's off Craig's List, it may be too good to be true. I just got done using CL to find a car for my daughter and I have some stories!

its a private seller off autotrader. taking my Dad with me to check it out and make sure everythings tip top

Good luck! Hope it works out for you.

went to the bank, budget is down to 7000.

found a 2002 honda accord with 38,000 miles for 6999, going to look at it tonight!

That's a fantastic deal. Is it a dealer? If it's off Craig's List, it may be too good to be true. I just got done using CL to find a car for my daughter and I have some stories!

its a private seller off autotrader. taking my Dad with me to check it out and make sure everythings tip top

Good luck!

(And "everyone" has Hondas because they're good cars that last, which is what you want!)

Bummer. I've learned when the price is too good, there's usually a reason.

Congrats.