What used car to get?

[Fumesucker]

Sometime in the next month or two I'm going to be getting another car, I have $3,000 give or take a bit to spend and I could possibly go as high as $4,000 depending on how much I get for my currently surplus 87 F150, I want something that is reasonably sporty and also frugal as well as hopefully reasonably reliable. I don't really need to carry more than two people since I have the use of an Expedition for those times when I need passenger space or hauling capacity..

I don't mind something that's not pristine since I know I'm not going to get that in my price range and I don't mind doing some maintenance and or minor repairs. I want a stick and preferably a four cylinder engine.

Some cars I've been looking at are Mazda Miata, Volkswagen GTI, Audi A4, Toyota MR2, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Infiniti G20.. I've driven all of these and like they way they handle and feel and I know they're mostly pretty frugal if you drive them reasonably.

I'd love to hear some more suggestions, I know all the cars I've listed are foreign and if anyone can think of some American cars in the same or similar class I'd be open to that.

[Writer]

1. A Honda _____. Take your pick. n/t

[femmocrat]

3. We have had great luck with Hondas.

Highly recommend them for reliability.

[Writer]

5. Especially if you're buying used.

Most people trade those in because they're purchasing a more modern model. Otherwise, they run forever, it seems.

[Fumesucker]

6. Yeah, Hondas are great relibility wise but they get a real premium on the used market..

It's hard to find a good one for the kind of money I have to spend and the sportier ones have mostly been ragged to death..

[Shell Beau]

10. That is the good thing about a Honda if you want to sell one.

Maybe not so much if you want to buy one. But you can still get a nice used Honda for 4 grand.

[flvegan]

2. Is $4k the total for the car or the down payment?

I don't think I've seen an A4 for that money.

[Fumesucker]

4. Total.. I've seen a few with the 1.8t and the stick in that range..

Just about all the cars I'm looking at are at least nine or ten years old and have 120k plus miles on them, it doesn't bother me though..

For instance.. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1634998115.html

But that doesn't say whether it's a stick or not, I'm going to be hypermiling a lot (particularly if gas goes up big time again) and it's a lot easier with a stick..

[flvegan]

8. I think that if I were spending that money, I'd go for the Miata.

Reliable, fun, convertible, an aftermarket loaded to the gills with options...

[Fumesucker]

12. That's pretty much what I've concluded really..

I was just trying to see if I'd missed anything..

It's a shame there don't seem to be any American cars in that class.

[flvegan]

16. Fun two seater convertible?

Well...there's the Corvette, and...that's it. The Americans also don't make a hot hatchback anymore.

Nobody mention the Mercuri Capri, either. That's a shit horrible excuse for a car. As was the Geo Metro. I think I may gag just thinking about it.

The MR2 isn't a horrible choice, but rear-engined Japanese cars are hell to work on. Honda did make the Civic Del Sol, which was *almost* a convertible. I'm just not much of a fan of them.

[Fumesucker]

21. I had a Suzuki Swift GTI 1.3 one time..

It's basically a Metro with a different name tag and I have to say I was shocked at how much fun it was to drive.. Basically a tiny rally car, they're great at slaloming, point the front wheels where you want to go and punch the throttle.

[LeftyMom]

7. You can get a early 2000's-ish one for about that.

I wouldn't, but you can.

[flvegan]

11. Really? Wow.

I just checked the local Autotrader and the cheapest one listed is $7k.

And I sure as hell wouldn't.

[Fumesucker]

15. Autotrader prices tend high.. quite high actually..

Craigslist is where I've gotten all my good deals on cars for the last few years..

[LeftyMom]

20. Is that on a lot?

I'm talking private party. The dealer probably paid $2500 at auction. If that.

That reminds me, the OP should see if anybody she knows has access to a good car auction. Not one that's open to the public, one that's picky and only for businesses- those are where the killer deals are.

[Fumesucker]

23. That's a good suggestion.. I don't have many contacts myself..

But I think my son in law knows everyone in the county, I'll ask him..

[flvegan]

25. No, private sale.

[LeftyMom]

26. Dude, people are crazy in Florida.

Is it the one with the awesome engine and two turbos or something? Because otherwise that's really, really high. Remember, I was pricing them last summer, before you and Muriel talked some sense into me.

[flvegan]

28. No, I think it was the 1.8T.

Didn't look that hard at it. They make my eyes bleed.

[Shell Beau]

9. My vote is for a Honda.

Best cars out there IMO. They do not have issues. I have never known a single person that had any issues with their used or new Hondas. I am sure there are some lemons out there, but for the most part, a Honda is an extremely reliable car.

[MajorChode]

13. I sold my Honda Accord at 170K miles to a co-worker...

It now has over 270K miles on it and has been wrecked and repaired 8 times. It's still going strong. Still looks good. Still drives good.

The nice thing about Hondas is that since they are so popular, you can buy all the parts that commonly fail on them dirt cheap on ebay.

[LeftyMom]

14. I would scratch the VW and the Audi.

Highly unreliable, and not cheap to repair. Your other options all strike me as reasonable. Since you're buying used on a pretty tight budget, I'd looking for the best deal in your field of available cars rather than limiting yourself to only one model. For example, deciding on the Miata now might mean missing a fantastic deal on a well-kept MR2, so I'd go ahead and be prepared to look at anything locally that you'd be happy with that looks like a bargain.

Since you're buying used I'd also suggest getting a pre-sale inspection from AAA's shop or another reputable mechanic, and using any flaws found that you're willing to live with to negotiate the price down. Obviously if anybody objects to having the car inspected take your money and run.

[Fumesucker]

18. Good points.. I'm taking my time looking, there's no rush..

I'm also searching Craigslist up to 250 miles from my home, I don't mind driving a fair distance for the right vehicle and I've found prices in more rural areas tend a good bit lower..

But German cars are so much fun to drive, that's the main reason I've been looking at them..

[caitxrawks]

17. my husband has owned one car in his entire life.

A used Nissan Altima. It's been very very good to him. I don't have anything bad to say about Nissan :)

[Fumesucker]

19. I've had two Altimas myself..

They are a very decent car but hard to find with a stick and not really quite a sporty car either.

[Shell Beau]

22. My husband had a Nissan Maxima. It was only 2 years older

than my Honda (which is older than dirt, a 1997). His car died a couple of years ago. It had much more work done on it. It did do good, but nowhere near as good as my Honda. I have only had maintenance on my car, while his required other things. I do agree that Nissans are good cars, but they don't have the quite the reliability factor of a Honda. At least to me they don't.

I am about to get a new car. Mine is still kicking at 250,000 miles. It has another good 2 years in it, but I need something bigger for me and my baby. I will get another Honda. Hopefully a CRV depending on their mileage and gas. I was told I could sell my 13 year old Honda for $1500!! That is absurd to me. We'll probably keep it as an extra car. The Nissan did have a better sound system though. My husband was all about the Bose.

[Arugula Latte]

24. We recently got a Ford Taurus in very good condition for under $4,000.

It's a dependable car, seems to handle well, and we have no car payments. I know it's not a Japanese car, but you can get good deals on used American cars that you can't get on Japanese cars.

[Captain Hilts]

31. The recent models look like VW Passats. That's a good choice. The Ford 'Passat'. nt

[LeftyMom]

27. Oh, and if you want something sporty that comes in a manual,

I adore my Subaru and you could definitely get an Impreza in that range. They've got pretty much every aftermarket option under the sun available, they're good on gas and they last forever.

[Fumesucker]

29. I've had a Subaru, one of the original 4WD wagons..

I wouldn't have called it sporty but it was very reliable and all but unstickable in the snow or mud..

An Impreza is a good choice, thanks..

[Captain Hilts]

30. I love my VW, but, contrary to the ad campaign, VWs ARE expensive to maintain - BUT

getting one of the Ford Passat imitations is a good maneuver.

Domestic cars are less expensive to maintain - you can't do it yourself any more - so this is a factor to consider.

[BlueJazz]

32. Ford Ranger Very Dependable

[madrchsod]

33. toyota MR2 ,mazda maita or a honda delsol

for the most fun per dollar ya can`t beat these three cars....

[PJPhreak]

34. This...

Parts,Maintenance,Repairs...NO Problem!
Cool Factor...Yup,Buttloads!
Loud...Yup
Handles Well...For what it is.
4-Cyl/Stick....Check
Around 4 Grand...Easy,jus gotta look around



for the Hot-rodder on a Budget!

[Lindsey]

35. In December I got a 2008 Nissan Versa. So far I LOVE it. I have

a friend who's never owned anything but Nissan's in her life. I was a Toyota girl but have to admit I was a little hesitant because of what's been happening and how horribly they handled everything. I also considered Honda but had hardly any time and the Nissan deal just seemed to be everything I wanted. It handles like a dream and has major pick up and go. Since it's pretty new, I have a car pmt. that is very manageable. I don't think you could go wrong with Honda or Nissan.

[MrsMatt]

36. Not this one

I imagine it will be for sale shortly

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x9317712

[Mopar151]

37. I'd narrow that to the Miata or the Nissan SE-R

Having driven "beaters" for most of my life - avoid turbos in your price range. They require 2X more maintainence, and don't always get it - and it's too easy to turn up the boost and hurt the engine.
Both those cars have very loyal followings in amatuer motorsports, which is a good thing - it means the running gear is well designed and durable, and some small upgrades are dirt cheap and available. Also, don't automatically shy away from a car that has been club raced - a lot of those owners are strong on the maintainence and upkeep, and buy quality stuff to do it with. Better them than the guy who leaves the bar sideways every night.
The newer GTI's are prone to gremlins, and they're heavy. Audis are not low maintainence, and the maintainence is not cheap.
BTW - I'm told the Miata engine is such an exact clone of the Lotus Cortina engine that the valve covers will interchange.

[Fumesucker]

39. I had an Infiniti G20 a while back, it has the same engine as the older SE-R..

A very nice car and an outstanding engine but you can't find them at anything like a reasonable price any more, that's why I'm interested in an SE-R, I think if is if anything a little lighter than the G20.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Miata, I've had both a Sunbeam Tiger and a Lotus Elite in the distant past and I enjoy driving small cars you can throw around but neither of those was what you would call reliable.

You make some good points and I shall certainly keep your advice in mind, thanks for your input.

[Mopar151]

40. When the Miata was introduced

A number of auto writers said it was a clone of the Lotus Elite, but rugged and reliable. A friend of mine has an Elite, and I can definitely see the influence.

I like Miatas 'cuz they cater to two of my predjuices - Rear wheel drive and no struts.

[Captain Hilts]

45. The Miata is nothing you want to be driving on a major highway like 95. nt

[mnhtnbb]

38. Once you decide on the car, watch Craigslist for private sellers.

My son recently bought a used Honda convertible that way and was able to negotiate a very good deal.

Oh and hubby drives an 02 Mazda Miata. I'm not comfortable in it for long trips or on the freeway;
I feel very vulnerable in such a small, lightweight car, especially given the way 18 wheelers
love to run up on your tail.

[Skip Intro]

41. Definitely check Craigslist, but be careful. Got 4 cars off CL, 3 hits, one big miss.

I bought a 00 Jetta GL for $3,800 - good car.

Sold it for profit, then

bought a 00 Mustang in great shape for $3,000

Sold it for profit, then

bought a 00 Explorer Sport, and it was a money pit from hell

Sold it at a big loss after absolutely necessary repairs, then

bought a 98 Escort, very cheap and in good shape

that's the car I have now and although I want to cry about going from a Jetta and Mustang to a freaking Escort, I've gotta say that I plan to soon be back on CL looking to buy something a little nicer and then selling the Escort, definitely for a profit.

Just be careful with Craigslist. No phone number in the ad is definitely an orange flag. A deal waaaay too good to be true is a big red flag, especially if there is only an email reply. Also do a Google search for the listed phone number of a car your interested in. Sometimes, you'll see the same number listed for several cars in a short time span. I'd be leery of that person too. But there are deals to be had on CL, no doubt. And no dealer markup, either.

[dembotoz]

42. be careful on craigslist and keep an open mind

Just had an intensive introduction to used cars on craigslist.
Had to replace 2 family cars in 1 month due to an accident and the other with
mechanical death by over heating(oh those little lights really mean something???)

Replaced 1 thru a friend of a friend whose cousin was thinking of getting rid of their extra car, and the other was replaced thru craigslist.

Craigslist is eye opening. There is some real junk out there. There are also some folks who value
their car much more than any rational being ever should.
But there are some pretty good deals out there if you are careful.
I would narrow my choices to maybe a range of possible cars.
If you focus on a very narrow selection you might not find a lot of selection and then
you start to panic(personal experience) and then when a potential car shows up you are not as
careful as you shoud be.

[Skip Intro]

48. "oh those little lights really mean something???" - rofl nt

[Fumesucker]

49. You're right on all points..

Some people think their junk is worth an arm and a leg, there are some good deals and some real crap..

And that's why I was soliciting ideas for cars, to try and get a range rather than one specific model.

[Deep13]

43. Forget the sports cars.

Not only will you get less for your money and be expensive to insure, but there is a good chance the last owner beat on it. I suggest a Honda Civil or Accord.

[Fumesucker]

50. I just turned sixty and haven't had a ticket in at least fifteen years..

So insurance is not that big a deal.

I've had lots of sedans and some sporty cars too, I prefer something a little sporty and I don't have to cater to anyone else any more.

Civics and Accords both fetch a premium on the used car market, they are hard to find in good shape for a good price, agreed that they are good cars but that's just not what I want right now. Another ten years or so and I'll probably have to get something more sedate, at this time I want to enjoy myself a bit.

[bif]

44. Saturn L200

I have a 2004 and love it. Best car I've ever owned. I've put almost no money into it, it's rock solid and gets around 35 mpg. I'm so bummed that GM dumped the brand. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat! It's a stick with all leather interior, heated seats and power everything. Bought it in '05 off the lot so they were eager to move it. Got a great price. I imagine you could pick one up for that price easily.

[snooper2]

46. here you go...

Price $3,295
Mileage 139,000
Body Style Hatchback
Exterior Color Black
Interior Color Black
Engine 4 Cylinder Gasoline
Drive Type 2 wheel drive - front
Fuel Type Gasoline
Doors Two Door
Stock No. 9293S
VIN View VIN Enter the characters shown in the image into the box below.
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http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=272773667&dealer_id=56476583&car_year=1997&rdm=1270479915541&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&systime=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1996&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=7&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=2500&body_style=CONVERT&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=30313&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=3300&cardist=20&standard=false&rdpage=thumb



Price $2,750
Mileage 134,000
Body Style Coupe
Exterior Color Green
Interior Color Tan
Engine 4 Cylinder
Transmission Manual
Drive Type 2 wheel drive
Fuel Type Gasoline
Doors Two Door
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=276925474&dealer_id=65147063&car_year=1998&rdm=1270479915541&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&systime=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1996&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=7&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=2500&body_style=CONVERT&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=30313&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=3300&cardist=27&standard=false

[struggle4progress]

47. I'd just take whichever one in the parking lot still has the keys in the ignition

[Flaxbee]

51. Some sort of Honda

Started with a Honda Civic, have had a Toyota, Daewoo, Mercury, and back to a Honda Odyssey. Loooooove my Honda.