First Time Car Purchase

Hey all! I'm currently in the process of looking for a new to me used car, or leasing a new car since theres a lot of Model year end sales going on. I'm just so torn between what makes and models are best. I live in the US in Kansas. I've looked at Volkswagen, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, Ford, and Mini. So many different deals/options.

I'm a first time car buyer. While I have my own car, it was purchased for me a couple years ago by my parents. However, its a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser that has recently started having quite a few problems and I can't keep trying to fix it when it's really not worth very much in resale value. That being said, here's what I'm looking for in a new(ish?) car: good sized interior, sedan/small crossover sized exterior, good gas mileage, some decent get up and go(like to feel the power of the machine), reliable, and if I buy- between 10k-13k on price.

Here's where you guys come in. I need suggestions on what you guys think are the best car makes reliability wise. I've heard lots of different things about different makes and while I know the more popular makes, like Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Volkswagen, are the most reliable, just want to know what all options are in there. I like cars that have a bit of a sporty look to them, but aren't necessarily a sports car. I can't afford the insurance on a sports car. Any suggestions would be awesome! Would love some tips too on the whole car buying/leasing process that could be helpful! Thanks!

I've owned 2 VW Jettas now, one was a gift for my first car, a '96 ugly little red Jetta sedan. It had around 150k miles when I bought it, and it lasted me 2 years before I sold it and I only sold it to get my newer Jetta! The old one had no issues with the engine at all. No AC though!

My newer Jetta is a '06, and its had some engine issues such as a few noises and the engine lights been on since I bought it. Bought it at 130k-ish miles, and the engine light hasn't led to any real issues and when I had the noises checked out they just said it was fine?? So who knows.

I like the Jettas, my current one doesn't really "look" sporty but it can get up and go like you said! An even newer model would be best for you since your budget is higher than mine was. I'd just make sure to find one that was well taken care of, and if it's a newer year then that shouldn't be super hard.

Good luck!

I have a 10 year old Honda Civic and absolutely love it!  My family owned hondas for a long time, and they've only ever really needed the normal maintenance on them. My parents recently got Subarus, and while my dad likes his for the most part, my mom has had issues with hers and wishes she went back to Honda. Even at 10 years old my car gets over 30 miles a gallon regularly, and the interior has lots of room, and the trunk space is huge. 

Thank you for the response Ma'iingan! I've been told the Jettas are pretty great cars, just really not a fan of how they look- unless they are the R-Lines. I'm really picky when it comes to the exterior looks of cars. I can only affor payments up to $300 a month currently, so looking in that range. Haha, my PT Cruiser has made quite a few different noises since I got it. Recently, I've had to fix a camshaft position sensor on it, the lower speed on the cooling fan no longer works- so no A/C, the front passenger side window doesn't like to roll up and creaks when it does roll up, and now theres some joint in the front wheels that groan when I turn or have to brake quickly. So, wanting something that won't have all those problems when the car isn't even breaking 100k miles yet.

Thanks Nebula also for the response! I actually have been looking at the Hondas and Toyotas more than any other make.

I've always had Toyotas (three of them now - a '94 Corolla, 98' Camry, and now a 2004 Camry) and they're sooo reliable.

I do recommend getting an inspection done of any potential cars. I was going to purchase a Mazda Atenza station wagon a little while ago but luckily got an AA inspection done and my mum's mechanic read it over then told us it'd need extensive transmission repair within a year or two.

My family has had wonderful luck with Toyota, no real issues. We have a 2000 4Runner (200k + miles), '05 Sequoia, and my '13 Corolla which I got in your price range last year. I am a Honda fan but most Hondas I came across were out of the price range or if they were in my price range they were much older/high miles. 

I agree with Valkyrie you may want to get an inspection. Beware of flood cars (they're popular here in FL and I came across a few while car shopping) they may hold water in there engine and cause all sorts of issues.

Yeah, any car from a humid climate is a bit of a lemon. My mum bought an imported Volvo from Singapore once and it constantly had issues with water in the engine.

Hey there!
I work for a large used car dealership that rhymes with varmax as a parts manager. By your budget stick with foreign but not german they are a lot more reliable, easy to fix, and cheaper to fix. Think toyota, honda, hyundai/kia etc. 

Little advice; Try not to finance through a dealership, they will give you a much higher interest rate then a local bank would. The bank may also offer a better warranty (if the factory one isnt in effect) and gap insurance.