Updated - 2nd vehicle to pair with Maverick Hybrid, $10k budget.

[zach57x]

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[OneAlienBoi]

So friend I got a few options here, my goal was to select decent vehicles that were drastically different than the maverick so you could have a varied two car garage, rather than just multiples of similar vehicles.

1. A classic Miata, the legend.

Pros: Very good handling, inexpensive, small so it's easy to see out of and park, good fuel economy for a sports car, good reliability for a sports car, and it's easy to find parts. It's also one of the few 1990s car designs that doesn't look like complete ass in this day and age.

Cons: Not a lot of raw engine power, it's a little slower than the maverick hybrid, despite being a performance car, these are handling cars, not throw you back in your seat straight line monsters.

2. A land Rover defender LR3

Pros: Looks freaking awesome, has decent interior materials, comes with a V8, it's a land Rover, so you can brag about that I guess, and they're apparently pretty darn reliable, which surprised me given Ranger Rover's reputation. They're cheap as hell also. They're starting to gain some traction in enthusiasts circles, so I'm honestly tempted to buy one myself now before the price takes off.

Cons: Despite by more reliable than most ranger rovers, it's still a ranger rover, meaning something is still gonna break sooner or later, and when it does, it's gonna be pricy. The gas mileage also isn't great.

What to avoid: Basically anything else European, and most Japanese cars. That last part may cause some to scratch their heads, let me explain. I've found that in this day and age, people who don't really know anything about cars, and by extension, car maintenance, tend to be drawn to Toyotas and Hondas. These people often use the reputation for reliability as an excuse to neglect and defer maintenance intervals, and abuse the shit out of things. It's why every Honda, and most Toyota's I've been around are piles of junk once they hit 100k. They're owned by people who view oil changes as optional extras.

What you want, is a brand that is actually somewhat decent, but everyone bashes, your Fords and kias. Those owners tend to actually take care of those cars, because they're afraid of having issues. As such, they often have less problems in the real world.

 

[OneAlienBoi]

Pontiac Solice 2007-2009

Are these reliable? I'm kinda in the same boat as the OP. I want something cheap, but fun, that isn't gonna take a steaming shit in my driveway the second I bring it home. I recommended the Miata, and the land Rover dr3, both reliable, affordable cars. But every time I see one of these, I love how they look.

 

[Panther City Outdoors]

how about theses imports? Honda Beat n Autozam az-1 (mazda)

 

[Nighowl2000]

Subaru with manual transmission

 

[Your_Cousin_Vinny]

I'm going to say opposite of what most are suggesting, and tell you to go land yacht (Obviously I'm biased by my 2nd car). You've got something pretty small and economical in the Mav, so get yourself a big comfy couch. You can find pretty decent roadmasters, towncars or the like, in your price range. Pretty easy to own and maintain, plus v8 noises and the kind of suspension that soaks up midwest roads...

 

[siberdraknon]

how about theses imports? Honda Beat n Autozam az-1 (mazda)

Honda Beat and other similar Kei cars shot to the top of my list initially. Unfortunately, MI sucks in this area and its my understanding they won't allow registration.

 

[sprubs]

Honda Beat and other similar Kei cars shot to the top of my list initially. Unfortunately, MI sucks in this area and its my understanding they won't allow registration.

That is a bummer. I'd lean towards the Miata.

 

[ATXTACOS]

Mustang GT

 

[Panther City Outdoors]

they won't allow registration.

I found this quote online " My 95 Suzuki carry is Michigan titled and insured through state farm, the local police even wave at me " If you cant get it proper titled, perhaps get a "slow vehicle/farm tag. I'm sure theres a Kei car group/forum someplace in Michigan that can tell you how. The Autozam w/gullwing doors, exudes beach vibe.

 

[stoptothink]

This is one of the worst times in decades to be buying a used car. So, IMO instead of wondering what to buy, maybe ask yourself if the Maverick checks all the boxes, this is just something to drive a few thousand miles a year with no real need or purpose in mind, and there is a pretty strict (and low) budget, why you are looking for 2nd vehicle at all?

If it's just for fun, I ride my (ridiculously overpowered, full suspension, fat tire) e-bike nearly as many miles as I drive the Maverick and with racks I can even do most of my errands with it. More fun for me on public roads at legal speeds than any car I ever owned.

 

[Panther City Outdoors]

Kei cars shot to the top of my list initially.

I wanted one of these since I lived in Japan, but they've shot up in price.

 

[surfstar]

Used EV or PHEV that qualifies for $4k federal tax credit and any state/local/utility rebates.
Go PHEV if you can't charge at home easily.

I save money for fun, though, so my $.02 is biased

 

[siberdraknon]

I'm going to say opposite of what most are suggesting, and tell you to go land yacht (Obviously I'm biased by my 2nd car). You've got something pretty small and economical in the Mav, so get yourself a big comfy couch. You can find pretty decent roadmasters, towncars or the like, in your price range. Pretty easy to own and maintain, plus v8 noises and the kind of suspension that soaks up midwest roads...

I've considered some larger comfy ride. I don't want to go too big as it'll take up a bunch of space in my garage. Maybe a park ave or something similar.

 

[siberdraknon]

Mustang GT

I've mostly avoided the Mustang. It'd check most of my boxes though other than being a bit too common. I'd feel obligated to go to a Cars&Coffee and run into something though. It'd also give off the slight impression that I'm a Ford fanboy, which I'm not. I still should probably check one out a bit closer.

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