Because I prefer older cars I tend to stick with brands and models that I am more familiar with the common issues. I know way more about the Honda Odyssey than I ever wanted to know. I'm good with GMT400 GM trucks as well.
One car I've found to be very reliable is the 90s to early 2000s Mazda Protege, especially the manual transmission models.
Mazdas are great used cars
They depreciate a lot
Just don't buy one with an automatic Trans
They don't last
Stick with the manual
Read the ads on CL
Almost every Mazda says
"Needs transmission"
Or
"New transmission "
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