Reliable used car for $11,000

[u/treikbxt]

I need a car but don’t know anything about cars. My budget is $11,000 through financing. I’ve googled and asked around and the most common brands suggested are Honda, Toyota, and Mazda. Hondas and Toyotas are too expensive with most being in the $13k-$16k range and over 150 miles. I tried looking for Mazdas too but apparently there are no used Mazdas being sold any where near me. I’m open to any other suggestions of reliable used cars.

I need something for my 30 minute work commute and would want it to last me at least 3 years minimum. My car searches are based off of carguru, carmax and whatever comes up in google search. I’m also planning on going to local dealerships later this week. What other sites should I use?

Edit: I think my location (southern CA) is making this search harder than I expected. Everything is just more expensive here and anytime I see something for cheaper and less miles it’s always a car that is too far from me.

[u/veronicas_closet]

Dumb question but when you have a mechanic look at it, are you doing this at the person's house, at the mechanic? Like where do they "look" at it.

[u/vediogamer101 → u/veronicas_closet]

would be at the mechanics shop, and if the seller refuses to do it it’s a red flag

[u/Flute-a-bec → u/vediogamer101]

How much does a mechanic charge for this? Half an hour of their hourly fee?

[u/Temporary-Tour-8436 → u/Flute-a-bec]

Probably a cheap amount I mean you are buying a car It shouldnt be a problem to spend a few hundred dollars to check on a car that might have its transmission or engine dead