There is definitely an appeal to buying the newest, shiniest car models that a manufacturer has to offer, but there are some major benefits to buying used cars as well. When you buy an older, used car you are typically paying a fraction of the cost of what the first owner paid, meaning you are missing out on that pesky thing called depreciation.

The Kia Spectra

The Kia Spectra went into production in 2000 and Kia ended production in 2009, so there aren’t any relatively new models. Regardless, the Spectra is pretty cool for an older car. You can purchase a Kia Spectra for less than $10,000 which is a pretty good deal for a reliable car. They lack a lot of the modern features that you want from a car.

The Kia Spectra doesn’t have a backup camera, touch screen infotainment system, or any of the neat technology safety features of the new Kia sedans. It’s a basic car that puts simplicity at the forefront of its design.

A good commuter car

Buying a used Kia means you probably aren’t concerned about the mileage, and that’s one reason that the Spectra is a good choice for a commuter car. They are known for the reliability and with just general maintenance can reportedly last over 200,000 miles.

Maintenance for the Kia Spectra is simple, and because it doesn’t have as many complications as newer cars and some luxury brands, they can be worked on by almost any mechanics. Owners brag about the low cost of repairing the Spectras, and most people claim that they haven’t had to do any major, expensive repairs as long as general maintenance schedules are followed.

The Kia Spectra also gets relatively good gas mileage, adding to the idea of using it as a commuter car. On the highway, the Spectra can get up to 32mpg and it can get up to 24mpg in the city.

The Spectra is a good car, but it isn’t necessarily nice, which is a great quality to have in a commuter car. Not only do you rack up miles on the odometer quickly the general wear and tear of driving a car every day can be tremendous. For less than $10,000 you can get a car that you aren’t scared to park at the front of the parking lot and risk getting dings and door dents. You don’t have to worry about swerving around potholes, where you are going to park your car or a smaller fender bender.

The interior of the car definitely doesn’t compare well to the luxury of most Audi or BMW, but this might actually have a major benefit. Many commuters have a small collection of items in their cars, and that collection seems to grow with the amount of time you spend in your car every day. Because the Spectra isn’t the nicest car on the inside, you won’t feel bad leaving the empty McDonalds bag on the floor for a few days, and you can just throw your briefcase or purse onto the seat without being afraid to scratch the leather.

Overall, the Kia Spectra is a great used car for the right reasons. It may not be a nice used car, and it may not have any features you could possibly want, but for some reason that just adds to the charm and usefulness of the car.