$5,400 · 2010 Kia Forte EX Sport, 184k, 5-Spd, Mechanic Owned, $2000 in recent work

If ultra-reliable, super-economical vehicles are your “forte,” then this car’s for you. Luxurious but practical, quick, nimble, but it’s an an absolute gas miser. The kms. are good, it’s just had a boatload of recent maintenance (including a new clutch, see below), and it looks and runs like a much newer than 15 year old car. It needs absolutely nothing, and with the new clutch, it’s an ideal vehicle for novices to learn standard. All the luxury options are there, including cold cold a/c in the summer, hot hot heat and heated seats in the winter, a large electric sunroof that gives it a convertible feel, and super comfortable seats. Three reasons to buy this car: 1) The aforementioned maintenance (most of it scheduled or preventative): new timing chain/tensioner, serpentine belt, new clutch, new pads all around, rotors all around and tires. 2) Its looks - practical but sporty at the same time and quite contemporary looking. A number of tasteful upgrades - 5-spoke alloys, interior LED lighting, sound system, interior LED lights and rear spoiler. The rear seats fold flat to give you an almost stationwagon-sized amount of storage in the back. 3) The price - check and compare other cars in the $5000 range. The Kia fares very well, especially given the recent work and reasonable kms. on the odometer. It's a car that needs nothing and won't need anything for a long time. Having said all this, it IS a 15 year old car, so please don't expect perfection. The body has two small dings and two or three scratches. No rust or dents, though. It's a local, clean title vehicle.