What car should I buy that is reliable and safe?

Mazda Mazda Advice Mazda 3 Mazda 3 Advice Mazda 3 2009 Toyota Toyota Advice Toyota Corolla Toyota Corolla Advice Toyota Corolla 2009 Kia Kia Advice Kia Rio Kia Rio Advice Kia Rio 2009 Hyundai Hyundai Advice Hyundai I30 Hyundai I30 Advice Hyundai I30 2009
...

I'm looking for a small used car for two kids and myself. I want auto, fuel efficiency with as many bells and whistles as I can afford. Ideally it should be $7000 or under. Really not too worried about make or model, just something that will be reliable and safe.

You’ve got a limited budget, which will determine the car you can buy. It will be a relatively old car, so buy one in the best condition you can find, with the lowest odometer reading, a good service history, and the best safety rating. Try a Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Kia Rio, and Hyundai i30 from 2008/2009.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Comments

Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to Mazda 3 2009
Complete guide to Mazda 3 2009 CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more