what's the best short used car from circa 2012-14

[140mower]

Besides I'm always sceptical of any thing that claims to be smart.

..... including people. It's one of those things that we don't determine for ourselves......

 

[FatherWes]

I have a 2010 Fit. My daughter has a 2009. Terrific little cars. Would not want to x Canada in it (buzzy & underpowered), but it gets great mileage, is reliable (tires, filters & oil, one head light bulb and I just had the AC recharged). I’m 6’3”, 250 lbs and ‘Fit’ in, no problem. And the flexibility of the rear seat makes for an absolutely surprising carrying capacity.
I would not want to be in a wreck in it, but I drive it like I’m on my motorbike, i.e. assuming any collision will likely kill me…
I know several people with Toyota Yaris(s). Well over 300,000 km. The one was over 500k with no issues and only the most basic maintenance. No where near the cargo flexibility though.

 

[Tom O]

Back in the 80’s my girlfriend had a old Toyota Hillux truck that blew a headgasket when I opened it up I was shocked to see there was no ridge worn in from the piston rings on domestic vehicles if you had to pull the pistons you would have to use a ridge reamer.

 

[pdentrem]

One item that has not been mentioned is fixable over the long term. In the last 10 years, multiple computers or PCM, BCM, ECM, etc have been added to our vehicles and the question of long term usage has not been answered.
$1200 for a voltage regulator, or having to remove the front end of the car to replace headlamp bulb has already been happening.
When I was parts manager at our local dealership back in the ‘90s, I could already see issues with low to medium tech never mind what the high tech now.
Pierre

 

[Tom O]

One item that has not been mentioned is fixable over the long term. In the last 10 years, multiple computers or PCM, BCM, ECM, etc have been added to our vehicles and the question of long term usage has not been answered.
$1200 for a voltage regulator, or having to remove the front end of the car to replace headlamp bulb has already been happening.
When I was parts manager at our local dealership back in the ‘90s, I could already see issues with low to medium tech never mind what the high tech now.
Pierre

Why make it easy for the backyard mechanic. Managements main goal for years is to get rid of the neighborhood gas stations so the people have no choice than to take it to the dealers for repair. I’ve been lucky so far with my 2012 F150 Crewcab so far the only thing that has stopped working properly is the heater switch it only works on high and the backup camera works intermittently some times.

 

[Susquatch]

Myself, I cringed, if I have to decelerate fast, I want to do it in the 6 feet of crumple space afforded me in my F350 not a few inches available in a Smart car.

You are absolutely right. No ifs ands or buts.

 

[Perry]

Ever consider a Kei Truck?

My friends kid imports these and gets them road ready for Canada. Then re-sells.

 

[Perry]

I think they also make an electric Smart car. Might make the maintenance thing a little easier.

 

[Ironman]

I see these Japanese mini-trucks available all the time for about $6500. Basically they use a 650cc twin motorcycle engine midship for power, I'm told. They would be good for farm use.

 

[slow-poke]

I see these Japanese mini-trucks available all the time for about $6500. Basically they use a 650cc twin motorcycle engine midship for power, I'm told. They would be good for farm use.

Seems like these could be quite useful and only 11' long. Used ones with only 30k on the odometer for 5k CDN