I am going to have to buy a car (though I would rather not) - suggestions?

[StellaBlue]

I am going to have about $3,000 for a downpayment, and I can only afford about $150 a month MAX for repayments (but more like $50-75 would be better!), so I figure I need to buy a car that's in the $4,000-8,000 range, depending on what my downpayment turns out to be (currently saving) and what kind of financing scheme I sign my soul away for.

The car will be for very light commuting in a hilly area plus the occasional (every other month) road trip (like 1000 miles round trip). I want something dependable, easy get worked on (and not out-of-sight expensive), that gets good gas mileage, and, preferably, has good eco/safety ratings. I am open to ANYTHING, including trucks, VW vans, imports, etc.

I am leaning toward a Ford Focus hatchback. My dream car (aside from a hybrid, of course), would be a VW Golf, probably!

Any input greatly appreciated!

[MercutioATC]

1. Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

They're both great on gas and damn near bulletproof. Have you LOOKED at the recall list on the Ford Focus???

[StellaBlue]

6. no

I was under the impression that they were a good, middle-of-the-road type of car. My ex had one in the UK and we loved it. hmmmm

Will check out prices/locations of Corollas and Civics - know people who have both of those, one had trouble with the former, but it was REALLY old. And aren't Civics like one of the most stolen cars in the USA?

Thanks!!!

[MercutioATC]

13. The Civics used to be high on the stolen list. Acura Integras are now...

Of course, there's no shortage of lists, and here's why they differ:


http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/car-guide-2004/most-stolen1.asp

[StellaBlue]

15. Aaah... that's what I get for living out of the USA for four years...

So behind, so very, very behind.

Are Kate Spade handbags still in?

SO CONFUSED.


haha

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

57. I love my Integra. It gets very good gas mileage and is fun to drive.

[VolcanoJen]

95. I love my Integra, too!!!

I've had it for four years, plan to drive it for four more! It still gets great mileage, and it really is damned near bulletproof!!

Plus, it's a hot-lookin' little sportscar. :-)

[ContraBass Black]

21. As I recall, the original release of the Focus had a problem

With the wheels falling off. }(

[LeftyMom]

33. It had a lot of problems

Supposedly the '03's and newer are great cars.

[Lochloosa]

59. Only the new Civics are stolen.

One in your price range won't be a problem. Buy a Toyota and don't buy a Ford. I had a 95 Taurus that had 86K miles on it and blew the head gasket. Three mechanics told me that was the life of the engine and did I really won't to put 1500 bucks into it. 86K is the breakin period on a Toyota. I have had two Celica's and sold both of them with >200K miles on them.

[tkmorris]

108. The Focus is NOT reliable

It's practically a lemon actually. And IIRC it isn't user friendly to work on. I would definately look elsewhere.

[deadcenter]

113. find a mechanic first

talk to friends, neighbors, co-workers and find a good, reliable, honest mechanic. whatever you decide to buy, take it to the mechanic and have them go over the car. These days it's kind of like having a home inspection done before you buy a house.

autotrader.com will give you an idea of what cars in your area are selling for, both dealer and private sale. good place to start negotiating from.

epinions.com has a lot entries for a wide variety of cars, some reviews are better than others, but it's nice to be able to see what people that owned the cars have to say about them, rather than depending on a review put together by someone who only spent a few hours or a couple of days with the car.

[BiggJawn]

7. Yeah, not the Focus...And I'm a Ford truck man.

My girlfriend had an '84 Civic she got rid of this year because it was finally rusting out too bad to fix. 187,000 miles on the original clutch and CV joints. Replaced batteries and ONE Alternator.

Corolla is good, and I've heard good things about Saturns, believe it or not...

[yorkiemommie1]

12. we've had three saturns

generally good except that the alternators give out.

[StellaBlue]

17. My cousin

Just bought a brand new Saturn - loves it. So far. ha!

[norml]

8. Agreed, she should get a used Honda or a Toyota sedan or coupe

made in the mid 1990s.

[MercutioATC]

16. My 1996 Accord has 158000 miles. I've only done scheduled maintenance.

The starter is FINALLY dying, so I'm having it replaced next week. Other than that, I haven't done anything that the owner's manual doesn't include in scheduled maintenance.

[sendero]

69. The problem is..

... used they command a price premium far in excess of their added value. I know, I'm in the used car business. I rarely even buy them, they are simply overpriced.

Also the fact that customers looking for them tend to be folks who want to get a car in "new" condition for $4K doesn't help my attitude towards them :)

[MercutioATC]

93. Agreed, but there are good deals (private party sales) to be found.

I'd much rather pay a little more for a reliable car than save a few bucks and have to deal with constant problems (which are more likely to occur in a used car).

[sendero]

98. Yes...

... you might find a good deal. But I think my point is this: a Nissan or a Mazda or a Saturn is *almost* as good a car as a Honda or Toyota, and they cost a lot less used. For the difference in price, put the money in the bank for future repairs that you probably won't need.

Trust me, the idea that Hondas and Toyota that are 10 years old don't develop expensive repair problems is bunk, they break down and wear out just like other cars. People are brainwashed by advertising IMHO into believing these are supercars. They aren't. Expecially avoid older Civics with auto transmissions, they frequently fail and the cost to fix them is astronomical.

[MercutioATC]

109. You do have a point, but I'd put a 10-year-old Honda or Toyota up

against almost any other car.

A 5-year-old Nissan or Mazda will probably be better than a 10-year-old Civic, but when comparing apples to apples, I really think Honda and Toyota (and 78-83 Porsches) have it sewn up.

[Dude_CalmDown]

111. I say get a Honda

But I may be a little biased.

[tompayne1]

2. dodge magnum?

or a diesel something or other.

[StellaBlue]

9. Had a diesel in England

Had no probs with it whatsoever (Vauxhall - '96 model)

[Robertwf]

3. Subaru!

[slackmaster]

63. Seconded

Subarus rock.

[JanMichael]

83. Subarus don't rock when their gaskets fail, and oil is leaking all over

Rear main seal: about 700

Timing belt, front cam seals, water pump....about 700

Subaru is famous for oil leaks, AND on the 97-2001 models...ahhhh the infamous head gasket.

[jshafted]

4. Recent Vintage Chevrolet Prizm

About 5-6 grand will net you a re-badged Toyota Carolla, sold as the Chevy Prizm, without the Toyota markup. It is basically the exact same car with a different stereo. Try to get one with a stick for the best gas milage.

[StellaBlue]

10. I am now used to driving sticks

But my dad is trying to talk me out of it (why?!?!?!?!)

[charlie]

30. Don't let him do it

After 10 long years of settling for automatics for reasons of economics and availability, I've finally gotten a stick model again... and I'm blissed. My Scion XA, my little rollerskate bomber. With a stick, as all proper cars should be.

[StellaBlue]

35. Saw one of those today at lunch

LOVE EM!

[trogdor]

82. Just got me an xA a few weeks ago.

They're a BLAST to drive, and I've been getting around 36 MPG. You can even get two adults in the back seat without folding them in half. It's got a really LOUD MP3-capable stereo, too.

Everybody at work loves my xA. The women think it's sooooooooooooooo cuuuuuuuuuuuuuute. The dudes think I'm some kind of genius for getting a really fun car that gets kick-ass mileage.

It has a stick, natch'.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

87. Good to know!

We bought a Mazda 3 a couple of months ago, and now the second car (mine) is beginning to get to the point of "should we start thinking about what to do when this dies." I liked the xA when we were looking at cars- never got to test drive one- they kept flying off of the lot every time the dealer got one in stock. We got a deal on the Mazda 3s that was too good to pass up (under MSRP!) and bought it.

[VolcanoJen]

96. I drive manuals exclusively!

Stick-shifts keep you engaged on driving... you're always paying attention.

Stick-shift cars cost $1,000 less than automatic transmission cars on average.

And... no automatic transmission to fix! Ever!!

Get a stick-shift! :-)

[StellaBlue]

99. BUT...

I think I am a crappy stick driver (even if I don't stall out or do anything else obviously, cringingly, screechingly bad) - so I might waste so much fuel that it would be safer to buy an automatic! haha... Plus I think I probably scrape and crunch the gears and stuff... which could get costly... I wore out a clutch on one car... then again, the two previous cars I had (both sticks) were a '91 Peugeot XS 2-door hatchback and a (comparatively luxurious) '96 Vauxhall Astra Turbo Diesel 4-door hatchback. So... If I bought a 2000+ stick, it might seem so glidingly easy that I couldn't overdrive it... you know?

When I drove my ex's 2001 Focus, it seemed supersmooth compared to the two above (surprise surprise!).

s

[sendero]

70. Yes...

... this is good advice.

[crispini]

5. Buy a diesel.

GREAT gas mileage, proven technology, you can convert to bio-diesel if you're feeling frisky. Seriously, consider any kind of diesel.

[notadmblnd]

11. Why don't you get a scooter?

nt

[StellaBlue]

19. Did you see the 'road trip' part?

haha

Plus I am moving to a densely-populated, hilly place with scary-ass drivers and lots of college kids. My family all lives 400 miles away, so.......

[notadmblnd]

56. the do still have buses and trains for longer trips

nt.

[StellaBlue]

100. I wish.

Unfortunately, I cannot get from where I am moving to where my family lives without a car - which could include a taxi!

BUT... the only possible routes are:

1 - Take Amtrak/Greyhound to Dallas, have someone drive two and a half hours to come get me, and then drive two and a half hours back.

2 - Take Amtrak/Greyhound to Dallas and then Greyhound to the nearest town with a stop, 30 miles away, and have someone either come get me or take a cab.

:/

Considering that I am now living in the USA and thus can expect no more than 10 days vacation a year, most of my trips to see my family will be over weekends and thus the above options will waste 1/2 the time in travel.

If only we still had train service to this town! That would ROCK! I used to love riding in the UK, very romantic, totally unstressful... but overpriced!

Thanks, though... I hope to one day be car free... soonish... but I am afraid I had better get one for now. Especially since I am moving to a largish city (geographically speaking). We'll see, though... if I can get a job in walking/cycling/busing distance to where I want to live, then I might not get a car. According to my estimations, it's going to cost me about $400 a month o have one. Which would buy lots of Amtrak tickets and rent lots from Avis. :shrug:

[idiosyncratic]

14. Toyota or Honda will be best gas mileage and most reliable

I don't know what a 2003 Toyota Matrix 5-speed would cost, but that is a reliable, versatile vehicle that seats five people.

VW's haven't been known for their reliability and the Ford Focus has more recall notices than any other vehicle I can think of . . .

[SidDithers]

18. Another Corolla fan here...

My 1990 5 speed finally had to be put to sleep this year, it needed exhaust work and a new suspension system, but I was still able to sell the 200,000 km engine for $150 and it was transplanted into another 1990.

Also, the Corolla engine is a high revving engine, which I really liked for hills. I've got a Ford now which feels really sluggish compared to my old Corolla.

Good luck with whatever you buy.

Sid

[dretceterini]

22. A little more than what you want to spend

but we have had a number of post 2000 Hyundais and they have been VERY reliable and cheap to maintain.

[StellaBlue]

25. My dad (who is my principal advisor)

is looking at Elantras and Accents...

My dad drives a Chevy Z71 pickup

[SidDithers]

32. My wife has a 2000 Elantra Wagon ...

and has been very happy with it. Transmission has been a bit spotty lately, but it's great for lugging kids around, and the wagon's flat rear deck is great for groceries and stuff.

Sid

[NNN0LHI]

20. I have driven several Kia's and they seem really nice n/t

[Democrat 4 Ever]

75. I just dumped a Kia Sportage and will never own another one.

Cheaply made, expensive to fix and the local dealer's repair shop was a total dick. (I'm told that this is a consistent problem with KIA - do not support their dealerships so the repair shops are very antsy to do any work under the warranty without having the customer sign an agreement to reimburse them if Kia doesn't.) Had a catalytic converter problem still covered under a federal regulation (*note - all catalytic converters are covered on ALL cars under 80,000 miles - federal law - dealerships, no matter the manufacture, have to repair or replace) and the dealership refused to fix it without my giving them a substantial down payment ($500.00) "just in case" Kia decided it wasn't a covered problem.

The Kia's 4 cyl had absolutely no power, get up and go, started rusting even though I am very careful with my vehicles, cheap, cheesy exterior details that do not age well and the interior was cramped and awkward to lay the seats down to haul stuff. (I like to haul stuff.)

I bought a 2001 Pontiac Aztek as a replacement and just love it. It is classified as a SUV but it is really a van with the back end kinda chopped off a bit. (You can swing between it is very cute or butt ugly - depending upon your own taste - definitely funky!) Mine is a 6 cyl but gets much better gas mileage than the Kia's 4 cyl. The Aztek should be in your price range, very roomy, lots of little "extras" that spoil you and I get 24-25 mpg (compared to 17-18 on the Kia) in town driving. There are very mixed reviews about the Aztek - seems you have people who really love the car or really hate it. So far, I'm in the really love it category. I was shopping for a 4 cyl but kinda just found this vehicle and have been very pleased. I, also, like the size. I feel better protected in the Aztek than in the Kia. Felt like I was traveling around in a coke can with doors and the new car has some weight and substance to it.

And finally, you know this, have it completely checked out by a mechanic that will do more than just walk around it and kick the tires. Worth every penny and saves you a lot of heartache later. I found one car before the Aztek that I just loved, good price range, looked spiffy, rode like a cloud, etc. yadda, yadda, yadda. Took it to my handy dandy mechanic and he found the front end was shot and was going to cost approx. $800.00 to fix and warned me that it was dangerous to even drive back to the car lot.

[NNN0LHI]

76. I appreciate the info

I have never owned one but was considering it in the future. As I said I had just driven a few. Thanks to your post I will scratch that one off my "possible" list. Thanks again.

Don

[StellaBlue]

23. Thanks for all the responses!

I am shocked! By the number... and general agreement.

[blonndee]

24. Oooh goodness hope I don't get slammed or mocked for this

but I've had good experiences with Pontiacs, believe it or not. I had a Sunbird for 9 years and it was really awesome on gas, performance, etc. I got about 27-30 mpg in town and anywhere from 40-45 on longer trips! With NO cruise! BUT it did start having problems, small stuff that just started adding up, I guess like older cars tend to do. Being alone two states away from family, with practically no public transportation, I had to have something that was more dependable, so I got a 2001 Grand Am, which has so far worked out great.

I personally wouldn't go with something as old as a Sunbird but you should be able (depending on where you are) to get a good used Grand Am for a good price. Mine was a little under $8000 a year ago. It's okay on mileage - 25 in town, around 30 (sometimes more, but I'd guess 30 is the average) on the road. Good performance, smooth ride. No problems so far. MPG obviously won't compare to a Golf or a Focus or anything like that, but the price is good, and it's okay mileage for a mid-sized sedan.

[StellaBlue]

31. My mom did, too.

She bought a Sunbird brand new in 85 and drove it until 1994.

[blonndee]

40. I guess I should add

that I have an automatic and I do live and work in smallish towns, so the MPG might be lower in a bigger city with more stop-and-go. But I think the lowest I ever calculated my in-town MPG was 22. IMO that sucks for a car, but overall like I said, its MPG is pretty good for the size of car and the performance. I wanted to get something a little smaller and newer originally but prices and practicality (needed something big enough to pack dogs and luggage in, if tightly, and couldn't afford an import) and so when I first got the GA I was somewhat disappointed. But it's fast and all the rest of the good things I mentioned, and I'm very happy with the car.

Best of luck on finding the right car for you. I think the advice another poster gave you on Consumer Reports is right on too.

[annabanana]

60. one note.. beware of "floodies"

Thousands of apparently "ok" cars are NOT..
Make sure your mechanic can say without reservation that the car has never been immersed...

[salin]

26. When buying used - go to the library and get the most recent

annual Consumers Report (book - not the monthly mag) report on cars - they go through used cars - what to look for - what to expect to pay (given the year and make of the car) - AND reliability (per repairs). I have always bought used - and have relied on this guide for advice (what to do before buying) - per pricing - and per reliability advice.

For the first time in my adult life I will buy a new car later this year - and intend to get a Toyota Prius (hybred). Mind you I drive cars for years - and my current car is almost ten years old (when I bought it, it was three years old a 'virtually new car' in my car buying experience up to that time.) I have found the used car information provided by Consumer Reports to be exceptionally helpful.

[AirmensMom]

46. I was going to suggest Consumer Reports, too.

My daughter has bought two cars from the "used cars to avoid" list and had every problem they listed. We bought a Toyota last year after driving Fords for 30 years and we love it.

We spent the $12 for the CR new car price service and saved a bundle.

[salin]

47. My mother spent that same amount on a CR report on her

relatively rare car (only a few years) to get an idea of what to ask for the car when selling. Well worth the money for either a buyer or a seller of used a car.

[LeftyMom]

27. I love my Saturn

You could probably get a late 90's SL (4 door sedan) or SW (wagon) with just that three grand or just a hair more and save a ton on insurance since you wouldn't need full coverage. It's a very safe car and they tend to look nearly new forever because of the dent resistant panels. We only paid $2400 for our SW1 and in the year and a half we've had it all it's needed is routine stuff like brakes and tires.

We get about 30 hwy in the wagon with an automatic, the sedan and stick combo would probably get closer to 35. It might not be a good car for you if you do a lot of stop and go, the milage goes in the toilet in traffic. In that situation it gets maybe 22 mpg, it's one of those cars that really thrives on the open road. It's pretty fast for a four cylinder and it drives up steep and winding mountain roads without complaint.

Your $8K budget would get a you a newer and sportier ion pretty easily, too.

We were sure we'd get an import but an utterly reliable and very safe car for about half what a comparable Japanese car cost was too good to pass up.

[mrriden]

37. Yes Yes

Saturn is a good cheep reliable car. I have two of them. one with 120K. Plenty of poot to get over hills yet good on gas, union made. Plastic bodies that won't dent or rust. With your budget you would be looking at 2002 or eairlier modles.

[spuddonna]

51. I love our Saturns! Our SL2 saved our butts at least three times...

We did a lot of winter driving (Rochester to Erie, NY roundtrips) and our Saturn kept us out of accidents when other cars and pick-ups were wrecked and off the road. Make sure if you get one that you get the traction control feature!

We like the Saturns because they have great safety ratings, are a good price, support unions and are mostly USA made, plus, the cars hold up really well. Our first Saturn, SL2, had few if any problems (brakes had to be replaced under warranty) and we got it well over 100,000 miles. My hubby has a SC2 now, and it gets pretty good gas mileage.

The service at the Saturn dealerships is kinda pricey, but I've always felt it was worth it.

On the other hand, we have a Ford Windstar minivan, which I am chomping at the bit to get rid of! I like the safety ratings it got, but I have had numerous mechanical problems with it. I'm waiting to be able to trade the minivan in for a Saturn minivan (We got the Ford minivan because at that time, Saturn didn't make a minivan!) :) Can you tell I like Saturns? lol

[Dees]

64. Saturn.

I have a 2005 L300. Great car. Service from dealership is excellent. Good mileage from a six cylinder and extremely quick. Mother-in-law has 95 Saturn. She can afford anything and won't give up her Saturn. Never has had a problem.

[sendero]

71. I can endorse the Saturn..

.... I've sold quite a few of them. They do have their problem areas, alternators, fuel pumps and motor mounts - but none of these are particularly expensive to fix (don't go to the dealer!).

They also do very well on gas and have reasonable performance also.

[pennylane100]

28. I just got a new car.

It was new to me but slightly used. I got it from Hertz (I hope that is not a red company). I highly recommend a slightly used car as you will pay at least 40-45% less than a new car and can still buy 4-5 year protection plans. However they and Avis mostly sell American cars.

[thebaghwan]

29. I have owned nothing but Toyotas since 1967; they are great!!

N/T

[lutefisk]

34. Toyota or Honda- but the used car market is treachorus

Those brands are really a cut above the others- unless you are looking at the Japanese luxury brands like Lexus.

Browse edmunds.com to get some informed perspectives. There seems to be a consensus that a VW can be very expensive to maintain, for example...

[StellaBlue]

38. re: VW

that's what I have always heard, too, and I don't know anyone who has one

[lectrobyte]

45. I had a late 80's Golf, and it was fun while it lasted, but they are

problematic cars, with expensive parts, and the last time I was looking at them 2 years ago, I got the impression the dealers think they are Mercedes or BMWs or something. Still, a Golf TDI would be fuel efficient.

[lutefisk]

88. VW comment and another recommendation

Came close to buying a Passat tdi last summer. After doing some research I just didn't want to face the almost certainty of high maintainance costs and down time. The last new car I bought (1995 Infinity G20)is still doing great at 125,000 miles with only one repair- a starter. Other than that, I've changed the oil and coolant,and the front brake pads were replaced at 110,000 miles (the rear pads are still fine!).

It gets around 30mpg and would make an excellent used car buy. I have had similar experiences with the Toyotas I have owned. So, add the 1995-96 Infinity G20 to the used car list. They are going for $2000-$3000, A bargain. Consumer Reports named it THE most reliable used car a few years ago, iirc.

[longship]

36. Prius.

They are a technical engineering wonder.

If you can afford it and/or afford to wait.
Some dealers here in SoCal have them on the lot.

[peekaloo]

39. Honda Civic......good gas mileage and built well (just check odometer).

Even light driving in hilly areas can wear on a transmission (I know!) and Hondas are tough little cars.

[medeak]

42. agree

bought one for son 6 years ago.. the little thing won't stop even with no oil change for 6 years.

[ohio_liberal]

62. I bought one for my son as well

It's a sweet little car.

[lectrobyte]

41. There are a lot of good suggestions, but looking for used

cars is not the same as looking for a new one. The best used car deals I've found were cases where I knew the person wanting to sell the car, and had a good sense of the real history of the car. Ask around, you might have a friend who's getting ready to trade, or know someone who knows someone. There's supposedly a real glut of used cars due to all the leasing and other deals. I'm also a fan of a local private sell as opposed to a big car dealership.

I'm probably going to get slammed on this one, but I don't think Toyota or Honda is necessarily the best starting point to shop for in a used car. You pay more for the name, and a Mazda or Nissan might go much cheaper. A lot of depends on the car. A well maintained Chevy Cavalier (don't laugh) driven by the proverbial little old lady might be a much better value than the Corolla that is beat upon by a teenage driver.

Given the price range, I think you'd be smart to budget something for maintenance and repairs. Is it gonna be due for a timing belt? Some cars (Saturn?) don't need that maintenance, that's $100 or more. You may want to talk to your insurance company, too, I seem to spend a lot on insurance, and some cars are just cheaper to insure for some unknown reason.

[StellaBlue]

44. Yes indeed

I was thinking smaller, smaller-engine cars would be cheaper on insurance. I am 26 with no accidents in 10 years, so my premium shouldn't be sky-high - just high.

I drove a brand-new Cavalier for four years in college and had no probs with is whatsoever, even after someone sideswiped me and I had to replace all the right side body of the car!

But I think that might be a bit too much of a youthful look for me now... as far as aesthetics, I would prefer a hatchback little zippy thing, but not anything that is a sportscar or, worse, a wannabe sportscar (like a Cavalier!). haha

[lectrobyte]

48. Cavalier is not a bad choice for a used car, or the Pontiac

version. I also like Ford Rangers as a used car, but the gas mileage on anything but the 4cyl 5sp is pretty bad. Why a Ford Ranger? Cheap, easy to to fix, no CV FWD stuff to break, common enough to have lots of shops that can work on it. In your price range, a similarly priced Honda or Toyota equivalent is gonna have a lot more miles, and as good as Toyota and Honda are, they are going to need work, stuff does wear out.

[madokie]

81. Ford Ranger, let me tell you a story

When my stepson got his drivers license we bought him a ranger. I don't think he ever took off without spinning the tires, taking the little truck to its limit all the time. The stories we, his mother and I hear from him and his friends now, not then, about the "Danger Ranger" never ceases to amaze us. The number of new tires purchased would make me cry If I was to sit down and add 'em up.

Early on, one day I'm out in the yard piddling and I hear a sound, a ford sound, clattering lifters. About that time around the corner comes the danger ranger, it sounded like it was barely running. A heater hose had broken and It was hot, hot. Well we replaced the hoses and changed the oil and filter but It still barely ran. I told him it might take a few miles before the lifters get pumped back up and then maybe it would be ok. Close to 60,000 miles later the water pump went out and it got hot. Cold day with a 40 mile wind. He calls and wonders what to do, I tell him that thing has paid for itself many times over and to bring it on home if he thinks it will make it, he said he thought it would. He made it to about a mile from home before it died dead. When he opened the hood the spark plugs were glowing red. Well, needless to say we thought it was toast and moved it out of the way for the time being.

A couple months goes by and it's starting to be in the way, so he goes out and tries to start it and it starts right up, no noises or anything and relocates it in the back. A couple months goes by and he's driving an older, good shape 150. Gas keeps going up and up and one day he says, what do you think if I put a new water pump on the danger ranger, will it, do you think, it might be ok, it started and ran ok moving it. I say it's worth a chance. Well, needless to say that was about 30,000 miles ago and it still runs great. A tough little truck. Saves him a lot of money in gas.

[musiclawyer]

90. I agree

Within your price range, (topping out at 8K) to get a good car, with good gas mileage, look at a two or three year old Mazda 3 or Hyundai Elantra. I got my Elantra with 17k miles for $8k. They are great cars, equals to Honda and Toyota, and far less expensive for the same vintage. My ex-wife's Elantra has been all over the country. It gets punished. And it never has given her a problem. The only domestic to consider is a Ford Focus. It's a "world car" sold in virtually every country, so it must ( and does) have a lot of appeal and designed not to be shitty.

[StellaBlue]

102. Re: the Focus

I was surprised by the beating it took early in the thread, having driven one with my ex for two years with no problems at all - they are EVERYWHERE in Europe. The. Standard. Car.

:/

Perplexed.

[tatertop]

43. I will be looking for a car soon, this topic is great

bookmarked

[StellaBlue]

49. How much mileage is too much mileage?

I estimate driving the car for 3-5 years, longer if it's still a runner!

[LeftyMom]

50. I'd be sure to get a mechanic's inspection and rely on that

I'd rather get a car that has high freeway miles than one with lower mileage that was used in stop and go traffic. Our car had 104K when we got it, but they were mostly freeway miles.

The nice thing about the inspection (we got ours from AAA for about $75) was that the upcoming maintenance issues they found (they correctly predicted that our brakes needed serviced soon and said our alternator might need replacing at some point although it hasn't happened yet) allowed us to talk the price down a bit.

[MercutioATC]

54. I'd second the suggestion for a pre-purchase inspection.

Always a good idea.

That said, mileage is relative. My 1983 Porsche has an engine that typically runs 250k+ miles without needing any work. An early 90's Escort wagon's engine typically dies at 80-100k (if it lasts THAT long).

The internet is a great resource. Look into forums on the cars you are looking at...they'll give you the strengths and weaknesses of each car.

[radwriter0555]

52. Check cars out on http://www.edmunds.com ... you can research how each

car you shop has fared as it's aged, and find out what inherent flaws there are, how others have liked them, repair problems, etc. It's a very comprehensive site and completely FREE and really, really easy to navigate.

Don't forget to factor in INSURANCE into your monthly bill. And always, always, always ADD medical coverage into your insurance cover, even if you have health care; just do it, trust me.

[StellaBlue]

53. Thanks again

For all the excellent info and advice!!!!

I really do want a manual transmission, smallish, hatchback type of thing... will have a look around... I like the Civics... hmm....

[NMMNG]

55. I have a 97 Saturn and I am very satisfied

I have over 129,000 miles and I still have not had to replace the brake pads or shoes. I also have only had to do routine maintenance, replace a few tires due to punctures, and have one actual repair job done in all the time I've had the car. I can safely say it is the most dependable car I've ever had.

[LostinVA]

58. Toyota Scion -- sedan gets quite good mileage

[mikeytherat]

61. Mid-1990s Ford Escort Wagon

You can get a good, low-miileage example (50,000 miles or less) for about $2,000-2,500.

Mine has the 1.9 litre engine with a five-speed manual transmission. I get 35 mpg city, 42+ highway. Very cheap and easy to maintain.

mikey_the_rat

[rndmprsn]

65. KIA and Hyundai...

are the best values out there, and they have the bext bumper to bumper warranty in the bizz, 10 year 100k miles.

great gas mileage too

[flvegan]

66. Mazda Protege

I have a PR5 (the sportwagon), and love it. I'll get 25 mpg around town in stop 'n go. I have 3 or 4 friends with them, as well, varying ages, and all are mechanically reliable and gas sippers.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

[sendero]

72. I drive...

.... an old Protege (97) as my daily car. It has the 1.5 liter engine and a 5-speed, gets 30 mpg in town and 35+ on the road.

They are solid little cars, not quite as 'refined' as a Honda or Toyota but cost much much less.

[elehhhhna]

67. I LOVE our Hyundais--Sonata for me, hubs has the smaller one--

less exp than Toyota or Honda plus a standard 10 year/or 100K mile warranty.

We were going to buy 2 Toys but the salespeople were such asshats Hubs took their loaner car to Hyundai, negot'd the trade in of his Dodge Behemoth Truck, and bought both cars for less than 24K total. One year later WE ARE STILL THRILLED.

NOTE: Dodge is a warning, not a brand name. My Intrepid (Decrepit) blew up at 35K miles. Never again.

PS we are TALL people and these cars are roomy. Sweet.

[bklyncowgirl]

68. I just bought a Toyota Matrix

Has all the practical cargo capacity of a small SUV but gets over 30mpg and looks pretty cool.

I'll be giving my old Honda Civic to my daughter. It's a 95 with around 200,000 miles on it and still going strong.

Used ones are pricy but it's hard to go wrong with Japanese cars.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

73. You probably don't want one of these, then...

http://www.skytoprover.com/

[JNelson6563]

74. What a fascinating political discussion

Not sure why this was left in GD.

[StellaBlue]

103. Soooory

I thought this was GD - there is already a Political GC section... I didn't put it THERE!

[WA98296]

77. Bought a AVEO with our GM "dollars" and turns out

that after driving trucks (pickups and SUVs) all our lives, we LOVE this little car. It is roomier inside than we ever imagined. It cost us next to nothing and it gets an honest 32 MPG. we now use it most often.

The only reason we bought it was that we had several thousand dollars in rebate funds coming from GM credit card so we wanted to "spend" them on the cheapest GM product we could find. We were more than pleasantly surprised! Turns out we love it.

Good Luck.

[LynneSin]

78. BEST USED CARS: Japanese cars

Seriously, you can beat the crap out of a Toyota or Honda and it will still keep running along

Ford Focus is NOT a reliable car - go Japanese!

[medeak]

89. wanted to do a Toyota commercial!

own a fleet of 30 trucks for business.. One winter it was 35 below zero and not one battery would turn over. We had this ancient Toyota pickup inherited when we bought company 20 years ago...no seats.. wood boxes to sit on.

It started right up! Had to pick up parents at airport in the thing..but damn was I grateful for the little guy!

[thinkingwoman]

79. mazda 626

They are so great--dependable, good gas mileage, and they last forever.

My in-laws had one that their teen boys ran into the ground and it still kicked around a while after that.

Hubby and I bought a used one 7 years ago for approx $8,000. At the time it was about 5 years old with just under 100,000 miles. We've taken numerous trips in and Hubby commuted 3+ years 2 hr round trips. It's got a lot more miles on it now and all we've replaced are brakes, tires, the muffler, and one new clutch.

Starts every morning no matter how hot or cold the temp. Runs like a dream.

[newportdadde]

80. I've driven mostly Fords, stay away from Neon's.

Stay away from NEONS! My wife got this as her first car a 99 neon that had spent its previous life as a rental. The thing leaked oil from day one at just 50k miles, Dodge even paid for most of a new headgasket even though warranty was expired. It still leaked after that. Around 90k it blew its water pump and left my wife and newborn stranded. The cars just don't seem to hang in there. I might get one if I knew someone would be around to help if I had a fairly short regular commute. But with 1000k mile trips I would stay away. To me the Ford Focus seems like the Ford version of a Neon I would be leary.

I drove a 93 Ranger from 46k to 90k then my father bought the truck off of me for his commutes. It has about 150k on it now. He has done NOTHING besides change the oil on this truck, solid truck. I'm currently driving a 99 Mustang with 70k miles, bough it new, two issues with it, the dash cluster had to be replaced because the mileage would blink on and off occassionally and the driver side window will occassinally get stuck if I open and close the door with the window down. I know what needs to be fixed just haven't spent the money(busted plastic piece).

Actually a mustang would be in your price range if it was the age mine is with its miles, BUT most drivers abuse the hell out of them and carfax will have a sheet a mile long with different owners etc.. so I would probably steer clear.

My wife has a 2001 Buick its not the first Buick my family has had and I find them to be good cars, the 3800 series V6 is said to be a solid engine. You could probably pick up a nice used one that some elderly person had parked in a garage most days at a pretty good price, it would be older but the mileage probably low.

[jmowreader]

84. Try these

1. Honda Accord or Acura Integra, 1989 to 1996. These are essentially the same car. You may be able to get a good 1989-92 model for the $3000 and not have to worry about payments. Very reliable, very comfortable car that is gentle on gas but has a lot of acceleration--which is why the four-door is better than the coupe. The coupes are popular targets of kids who steal them to go street racing. Four-doors ain't cool.

2. Toyota Corolla or Geo Prizm, same years. Once again, essentially the same car although if you get one and need to change the alternator, you need to take the old one with you--there are three different ones.

3. Chevrolet S-10. This is the world's strongest truck. It must be. You should see all of the customers who want to take 4000-pound pallets of shingles home in these 2500-pound trucks. All kidding aside, the S-10 is reliable and, because they made three S-10s for each man, woman and child living on the North American continent, getting parts for one is no problem. The GMC S-15 is the same truck.

4. Ford Ranger. Another good reliable vehicle. Its analog is the Mazda B-series.

5. Any Volkswagen with a diesel in it except for a Vanagon. That one's too damn slow.

6. A Vanagon diesel if you're willing to do a LOT of work to it: the easiest way to make the car go fast is to put a Rabbit engine in it.

[ohio_liberal]

97. Chevy S-10, GMC S-15

Get one with TBI. It's the most reliable fuel injection system. All in all, my s-10 blazer (secondary snow car) has been a most reliable vehicle. Bad news is that the gas mileage sucks.

[1932]

85. See if you can get a used Honda Insight -- 60 mpg

[Democrat 4 Ever]

86. Whatever car you get serious about be sure and check it out

on http://www.dmv.org/

Heard about this web site yesterday on NPR as a way of protecting yourself against cars that come from hurricane damage on the Gulf Coast. It is free and should give you a history of the car - especially if it has been wrecked or totaled for some reason. Just plug in the VIN and do a search.

I, also, used www.carfax.com to do a title search (approx $20.00) to get the history on a car. Found one car that had come from a northern state. Looked at the frame and was really in bad shape from snow and salt that wasn't removed.

[tokenlib]

91. Another Saturn cult member...

I have two and love them. The polymer panels are awesome--you can forget worrying about everyday parking lot dings--no dents, only scuffs and scratches that don't rust. My 99 SL2 still looks really good after 7 years. Saturn service is usually great. Insurance costs are low, and great gas mileage for a domestic.

[fed-up]

92. Proud and Happy Honda Civic owner here

I bought a brand new Honda Civic 1500 DX (hatchback) in 1984 and drove it until I needed a car with more room in 1996. I forget the mileage, but repairs were minimal.

My current car is a 1989 Honda Civic Wagovan (hatchback) which gets 30MPG mixed highway/city driving. It has almost 250,000 miles on it and is still running great. I also talked to someone that had 350,000 miles on theirs.

I saw one for sale for $1,500 that had under 100K miles on it!!! Just wish I had the $$$ to get it. If you spend less on the car you will have extra to sock away for possible repairs.
You may have to search the classifieds in a larger city to find one as most people keep them.

If you can find one with low mileage you would save on gas, registration and insurance over a newer car!!!

Honda's are extremely reliable!!!

ad from google search:
http://hartford.backpage.com/automotive/classifieds/ViewAd?oid=oid%3A153474&name=cars%20for%20sale

$950 Honda civic wagovan 1989, 5 door, roof rack, 110K miles

Kelley Blue Book Look up site
http://www.autobytel.com/content/Research/KBB/index.cfm/action/selectOptions/valuetype/TI/Year_si/1989/Make_vch/Honda/Model_ID_ch/1989HOCB/Model_vch/Civic/kbbModel_vch/Civic/Trim_vch/Wagovan%25204D

I entered 100K miles and good condition and came up with $945 trade-in value

[VolcanoJen]

94. Upgrade that Civic... buy a used Acura Integra!

The Integras are basically souped-up Civics with a sportier design. They stopped making them in 2001, and they're still a little hard to find in the used car market, but I've owned mine for four years now, and it's the best little car I've ever had.

Sporty, great mileage, incredibly reliable. It's been a mainstay of Consumer Reports' "Best Used Cars" list for years now.

[jobycom]

110. Get one from New Orleans even cheaper!! nt.

[triguy46]

101. What's the beef with an import???

What do you have against superior manufacturing, better mileage, longer life, higher value? I had a focus and it was ok if all you want is 28 mpg and to get to know your service guys well.

[NancyG]

104. Suburu Outback Wagon

I used to be all Saab, but the Suburu wagon holds curves like it's on a railroad track. And I drive curvy woodsy roads every day. Very safe and reliable.

[never cry wolf]

105. Check out ebay... seriously

http://www.motors.ebay.com/

Over the summer we got my son a car over ebay motors. A '98 Volvo S60 with 75k miles for 5k. It was a trade in at a local Volvo dealership and rather than wholesale it they put it up on ebay. Original owner bought it from the same dealer, we got wholesale price (value = 7k at least.)

Be careful, if a deal sounds too good to be true it is, especially if they say the car is overseas. Most cars have a carfax report and financing is available.

As for the best car, def check out consumers reports.

[Book Lover]

106. Find a Volvo on autotrader.com

With maintenance (the regular stuff, nothing killer) Volvos regularly achieve 200+k miles over the life of the car.

[masshole]

107. Any V O L V O up to 1993.

Rear wheel drive, that is. The SAFEST cars EVER made (they're not just called "Bricks" because of their shape), decent gas mileage, and of course they are famous for going 400,000+ miles with basic maintenance.

Look for a 90-93 240 sedan or wagon, you can find them for well under $5000 in great condition. Many of the mid-80's Volvo's had bio-degradeable engine wiring harnesses that were prone to fall apart after many years(I just changed one on my 87), that's something to look out for.
Stay away from the 6-cylinder Volvo's, the engine was actually made by Peugeot and it was terrible, but the 2.3 liter 4-cylinder is practically indestructible.

I currently own 2, and 84 240DL with 175,000 miles on it, and a 87 760 turbo wagon with "only" 130,000 miles.

Your insurance rates will be much lower too.

[lumberjack_jeff]

112. Redefining nonconformist... late '90's Olds Aurora

They can be had cheaply, they are frequently owned by retirees so well-maintained low mileage examples are plentiful. They are stylish, COMFORTABLE, safe, reliable, powerful, sporty and with a 250 hp 3.2 liter 32 valve aluminum V8, they get decent mileage (25-30)

Parts availability is fine too.

[redredwine]

114. Vibes Rock

I have a 2002 Pontiac Vibe. It gets 32-34 MPG and has a totally steel cage (similar to Volvo but admittedly not as safe) surrounding the passenger compartment. Mine is also all the time 4WD (so if it gets icy in your environs with your hills, it zips up and grips down!) Mine was previously a drivers Ed car so I got a great deal (had only 3K very carefully driven) miles on it. The back seats fold flat and so does the front passenger seat, so you can haul fairly big objects. Engine specs come from Toyota so the engine runs flawlessly (mine was totally built in VA and TN so said the rep... they follow Toyota specs though)

I really love my Vibe :loveya:

PS it's exactly the same engine and pretty much same body as a Toyota Matrix -just different more 'mod' interior styling

[Macman44]

115. You might

want to rethink the hybrid concept. Check out this link:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/AUTOS/09/23/hybrid_alternatives/index.html