The fiancee is looking for a new car to buy outright for~$10,000 that “isn’t big, gets good economy, is automatic, has a backup camera, and heated seats.” I know a used Camry would be the sensible choice, but I would like her to have something that isn’t a penalty box on wheels in terms of being fun to drive and I think sedans lack utility and are generally ugly.
Mini’s look like they depreciate to an amazing level to where you can get ~2015ish S spec cars for around her budget. Are they still as unreliable as the early 2000s models? How is DIY maintenance and parts support? Any other car suggestions? I’m accustomed to working on American RWD body-on-frame trucks so I realize most things will be more difficult than I am use to.
