What kind of car...

Moooo · 06-19-2006, 11:35 PM

Okay, lets say a certain person is looking for a cheap, reliable car to take him places. Lets say this person wants to spend somewhere in the range of 3000 bucks, and would like to be able to drive the car another 3 years or so. I had a car I just bought for 500 that did the same thing, but I know for every one that does, there's another 3 that don't. Plus just because it lasted doesn't mean it was the most pleasant vehicle to drive.

I'm torn between going american, and getting someting under 10 years old with about 100,000 miles on it, or going import, getting one more like 15 years old with about 150,000 on it (I think as far as reliability, that is about an equal playing field). The American car will be a bit more refined, but I have great luck with imports.

If I go foreign, I'd take pretty much anything I can get, as long as its not a pickup. As far as american, I don't know which cars are the more reliable of the domestic persuasion. I saw a Dodge Stratus that looked nice, but someone told me they suck. Also, I saw a Neon, but I was told the same thing about it, along with being told the same about late 90s malibus and cavaliers. I don't really want a Ford unless it's before 2000, just because most everything before that looks downright hideous.

So, since most everyone has an opinion on something like this, please give a confused Moooo some insight on where a good direction would be (especially with what sort of late 90s American car to get).

Moooo

P.S. I don't want a sports car, cause you pay too much for what you get and they're usually RWD, which I need this car 365/year.

**luv** · 06-19-2006, 11:52 PM

I drive a 2000 Ford Contour. Got it for $7499 almost 5 years ago. Nothing really wrong with it besides routine maintenance, with the one exception of the fuel pump. It was still under warranty though (thank goodness). Older model Honda Accords are good. I drove a 93. Loved it (until I wrecked it).

Miles · 06-19-2006, 11:57 PM

94-95 Civic or Accura Integra might be a good place to start.

**Bugeater** · 06-19-2006, 11:59 PM

You should be able to get a mid-90's base model Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for that kind of money. As far as domestic, I've had several Dodge Caravans and they've been good to me but I don't know much about the rest of Chrysler's lineup. I wouldn't buy a 90's GM product.

**luv** · 06-20-2006, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

You should be able to get a mid-90's base model Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for that kind of money. As far as domestic, I've had several Dodge Caravans and they've been good to me but I don't know much about the rest of Chrysler's lineup. I wouldn't buy a 90's GM product.

Ummm...someone's gonna have your hide for saying that!

Moooo · 06-20-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

You should be able to get a mid-90's base model Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for that kind of money. As far as domestic, I've had several Dodge Caravans and they've been good to me but I don't know much about the rest of Chrysler's lineup. I wouldn't buy a 90's GM product.

Yeah, I've been looking at Accords pretty heavily, and also Camrys. I would REALLY like one with a five-speed, because not only are they usually about 500 bucks cheaper, but I'm a big fan of them. I don't know how an automatic transmission works, and I do know how a manual one does, not to mention all the imports I've had were manuals and all of them went for over 200,000 with only clutch changing (which I'm cool with).

Moooo

Miles · 06-20-2006, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

The American car will be a bit more refined, but I have great luck with imports.

Refined doesn't exactly fit the discription of most any American auto.

**Bugeater** · 06-20-2006, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

Ummm...someone's gonna have your hide for saying that!

Hey, I could have easily left the "90's" part out, but I'm feeling nice tonight.

**luv** · 06-20-2006, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

Yeah, I've been looking at Accords pretty heavily, and also Camrys. I would REALLY like one with a five-speed, because not only are they usually about 500 bucks cheaper, but I'm a big fan of them. I don't know how an automatic transmission works, and I do know how a manual one does, not to mention all the imports I've had were manuals and all of them went for over 200,000 with only clutch changing (which I'm cool with).

Moooo

Honda Accord.

Although Civics around that time were cool, too. And Preludes.

Miles · 06-20-2006, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

Yeah, I've been looking at Accords pretty heavily, and also Camrys. I would REALLY like one with a five-speed, because not only are they usually about 500 bucks cheaper, but I'm a big fan of them. I don't know how an automatic transmission works, and I do know how a manual one does, not to mention all the imports I've had were manuals and all of them went for over 200,000 with only clutch changing (which I'm cool with).

Moooo

How are the prices for 94/95 Integra's with a 5 speed around your area? Seems like that may be something that may fit well for you.

**luv** · 06-20-2006, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles

How are the prices for 94/95 Integra's with a 5 speed around your area? Seems like that may be something that may fit well for you.

Welcome to Springfield. Along with churches, chinese buffets, and junior colleges/colleges/universities, there are used car lots on whatever empty corner is left.

**Bugeater** · 06-20-2006, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

Yeah, I've been looking at Accords pretty heavily, and also Camrys. I would REALLY like one with a five-speed, because not only are they usually about 500 bucks cheaper, but I'm a big fan of them. I don't know how an automatic transmission works, and I do know how a manual one does, not to mention all the imports I've had were manuals and all of them went for over 200,000 with only clutch changing (which I'm cool with).

Moooo

We sold our '93 Accord last summer with 180K on the original auto transmission, so I wouldn't sweat that too much. Although the manual will do better on gas.

Moooo · 06-20-2006, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles

How are the prices for 94/95 Integra's with a 5 speed around your area? Seems like that may be something that may fit well for you.

like 5 grand! My 500 dollar car was an 87 Integra. That's kinda why I'm loyal to the Honda family.

But they're expensive other than that. The only one's I've found in the paper that are under 3 have like at least 175,000 miles on it. And I'm not going there again. This car needs to last for 3-5 years, hopefully without going over 200,000 (or 150,000 if its a domestic).

Moooo

Miles · 06-20-2006, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

like 5 grand! My 500 dollar car was an 87 Integra. That's kinda why I'm loyal to the Honda family.

But they're expensive other than that. The only one's I've found in the paper that are under 3 have like at least 175,000 miles on it. And I'm not going there again. This car needs to last for 3-5 years, hopefully without going over 200,000 (or 150,000 if its a domestic).

Moooo

Have you looked outside of your market? I have no idea where you live but larger cities seem to have more reasonable prices on used cars.

**luv** · 06-20-2006, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moooo

like 5 grand! My 500 dollar car was an 87 Integra. That's kinda why I'm loyal to the Honda family.

But they're expensive other than that. The only one's I've found in the paper that are under 3 have like at least 175,000 miles on it. And I'm not going there again. This car needs to last for 3-5 years, hopefully without going over 200,000 (or 150,000 if its a domestic).

Moooo

Integra is an Accura, not a Honda. Or am I missing something?

06-19-2006, 11:35 PM
Moooo Seeking Enlightenment... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Springfield Casino cash: $10004900	What kind of car... Okay, lets say a certain person is looking for a cheap, reliable car to take him places. Lets say this person wants to spend somewhere in the range of 3000 bucks, and would like to be able to drive the car another 3 years or so. I had a car I just bought for 500 that did the same thing, but I know for every one that does, there's another 3 that don't. Plus just because it lasted doesn't mean it was the most pleasant vehicle to drive. I'm torn between going american, and getting someting under 10 years old with about 100,000 miles on it, or going import, getting one more like 15 years old with about 150,000 on it (I think as far as reliability, that is about an equal playing field). The American car will be a bit more refined, but I have great luck with imports. If I go foreign, I'd take pretty much anything I can get, as long as its not a pickup. As far as american, I don't know which cars are the more reliable of the domestic persuasion. I saw a Dodge Stratus that looked nice, but someone told me they suck. Also, I saw a Neon, but I was told the same thing about it, along with being told the same about late 90s malibus and cavaliers. I don't really want a Ford unless it's before 2000, just because most everything before that looks downright hideous. So, since most everyone has an opinion on something like this, please give a confused Moooo some insight on where a good direction would be (especially with what sort of late 90s American car to get). Moooo P.S. I don't want a sports car, cause you pay too much for what you get and they're usually RWD, which I need this car 365/year.
Posts: 3,405

06-19-2006, 11:52 PM	#2
luv MY LITTLE #15 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $6199600	I drive a 2000 Ford Contour. Got it for $7499 almost 5 years ago. Nothing really wrong with it besides routine maintenance, with the one exception of the fuel pump. It was still under warranty though (thank goodness). Older model Honda Accords are good. I drove a 93. Loved it (until I wrecked it).
Posts: 63,432

06-19-2006, 11:57 PM	#3
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $1602400	94-95 Civic or Accura Integra might be a good place to start.
Posts: 14,521

06-19-2006, 11:59 PM	#4
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6242680	You should be able to get a mid-90's base model Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for that kind of money. As far as domestic, I've had several Dodge Caravans and they've been good to me but I don't know much about the rest of Chrysler's lineup. I wouldn't buy a 90's GM product.
Posts: 70,443