Guys, my eldest daughter who is newly wed and just graduated from college is in need of a car. They had purchased an older Kia about a year ago and after having it checked out by a mechanic and told the car was solid, they purchased it. After a year, they've already replaced a defective AC system ($4000) and she was just informed yesterday that the pistons are shot and she needs a new engine to the tune of $9800. They are obviously not going to be repairing it.

What cars should they be looking at? Her budget is in the $12-$15k range but would be better that they're closer to $12k. I'm fighting the urge to step in and shelter her from this life lesson but I'm going to refrain because I really don't think that helps a kid out. They need to fight through these sorts of trials and figure out how to survive.

She graduated with no debt with an accounting degree and works full time now. Her husband is studying mechanical engineering but he still has a year left and they're paying for his school and just finished paying for her school so they don't have a lot of flexibility or savings right now.

In short, they really need a reliable car that can be counted on that is not going to break the bank. They will need to take on some debt.. They live up in Provo, UT and she works in West Jordan, UT and has a commute of about 30 miles one way. What would you guys recommend she look at given her budget and needs?

Your help is much appreciated.

Will do.

Don't rule out new. With zero percent, the payment might be low enough to handle. Maybe not, but they need to explore that option before taking it off the table.

Any particular website you recommend to look up that data?

"Make sure to google every vin to see auction data/crash picks."

NM, saw location in Utah

Much appreciated guys.

2016-2018 Rav4. Find the one in the best condition possible. Mileage isn't a huge concern -- 150K is NOT much to worry about here, although I'd be more concerned about maintenance records in that case than the actual mileage. These are solid vehicles, though they aren't built for a lot of highway duty (5 or 6 speed trans and low HP engine). You can find these in her price range.

My wife's Rav is one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. We've done tires, batteries and nothing else, other than body work on a little fender-bender and some paintless hail fixes. Well, routine maintenance, of course.

Your daughter will like the Rav over a car any day, I suspect.

If she wants something a little bigger and sportier, I'll sell her my '16 Acura MDX. 82K-ish miles. EDIT: missed the Utah thing.

Thank you for the suggestion. I've mentioned to her to price Camrys and RAV4s as well. Lawyer, if I didn't need to get it to her all the way up in UT, I'd be very interested in the Acura.

Another vote for a 15-18 model Rav-4. Solid vehicle, low maintenance. That's my commuter vehicle everyday to work now ever since my wife got a new car.

And I'm actually looking at purchasing 2 for my company now as inspector vehicles for a couple of my 1 man crews.

My daughter's CX5 surprised me with the nice interior and has been great so far. Needed an alternator recently at 130k or 140k.

Would anyone have any concerns about a 2017 Mazda 6 with 93k miles? It's a 4 cylinder 2.5L engine.

Highlander. My wife has had 2 - loves them. Reliable, has enough power, has a lot of room in the 2nd row (and a 3rd row if needed). Something 2022 or older.