A reporter from a large national newspaper is looking to speak to consumers who purchased a used fuel-efficient car and why they decided to purchase it and whether they were surprised at the costs of the vehicle. If you’re interested in speaking to the reporter, please contact Chintan Talati at ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than July 9, 2008.
I'm a female college student looking to buy my first car. I'm not very knowledgeable about cars, but I know I want something used that gets at least 25 mpg. I have a pretty tight budget, but I don't want more than 50,000 mi already on the car/engine.
Anyway, I want to ask some knowledgeable people this question; so far, my two first choices are the Chevy Aveo and the Ford Focus. Which would you recommend?
I seem to be finding more Aveos in my price range and they look pretty good. They're cute, get decent mpg, and have pretty good safety ratings. I'm still skeptical though, because I've heard a lot more about the Focus.
WIthout hesitation, the Focus over the Aveo. Look for 2003 and newer, the early ones were trouble for a long time. There are several engines; sorry, I don't know which ones to choose.
If you can find a Chevy Prizm, any year, it's a great choice. Unfortunately, the word is out and they tend to be pricey. Put Civics and Corollas from your mind; their used values are so high as to make a new one generally cheaper.
Whatever car you pick, have it gone through by a competetent independant mechanic before you buy. And before negotiating a price, aks what it's worth over at "real-world trade-in values".
Be warned that fuel-efficient used cars are in high demand and are really expensive for what they are. A Taurus may be more cost-effective if you drive 10k/year or less. If you do drive a lot, consider a new car (Fit, Yaris, ...).
Actually, your best bet is a larger GM. They average 25mpg, believe it or not, but are built worlds better. A two year old Pontiac Grand Prix, for instance, will get 30mpg highway in real world driving and won't cost you $10K.(advertising for 10K locally here in Los Angeles - lots of room to haggle as well).
Safety? Mass is a big deal. 3500lbs vs 2500lbs makes the Aveo unlikely to do well versus most vehicles, especially the typical SUV that weighs nearly 5000lbs. Oh - it also comes with traction control, ABS, and other goodies standard that the Aveo lacks.
I'd wait for the 2009s to come out, though - that will drop the price on the 2007s to this price range. 2007 was the first year they started offering the 100K drive train warranty.
If memory serves, standard ABS and traction control were eliminated from the Grand Prix and many other GM vehicles in 2003 as part of Bob Lutz's Safety for Nobody campaign. Trying to find a 2003-2007 model that is equipped with that option is like pulling hen's teeth.
The other part is do you really want to drive a 2003-2007 Grand Prix. has to be the worst interior layout on the market. Rented a 2007 back in February. Absolutely awful.
But still better than the Aveo.(actually a re-badged Daewoo). Comparing a new Aveo to almost anything else used for the same $10-$12K is really not hard. Almost anything beats the Aveo without hardly trying.
If you want all of that, just get a 2-3 year old Buick LaCrosse. The base model has ABS, side airbags, traction control, and on and on - all the stuff that isn't even available on the Aveo. And the 3.8L V6 engine is a tank as far as reliability goes. It's also *slightly* better looking (IMO) than the Grand Prix.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&paId=273634422 Here's one for under $10K - the base model - 2007, no less(with the extended warranty). Though between you and I, I'd get the CXS in a heartbeat as they sold virtually none of them as rentals. The CXS is also literally twice the vehicle to drive.
You can get a new for Aveo about $12K. But $12K... Shoot, I could by a 5 year old Mecedes C class for $12K. I really don't understand why first time buyers insist on new cars when a certified one will allow them to step up a couple of levels and get a far better vehicle for their money.
You can get a new for Aveo about $12K. But $12K... Shoot, I could by a 5 year old Mecedes C class for $12K. I really don't understand why first time buyers insist on new cars when a certified one will allow them to step up a couple of levels and get a far better vehicle for their money.
Initial purchase price is just one part of the budget. Insurance is typically more for fancier vehicles, as are maintenance costs. Mahle oil filter for C240 - $18.95 online...crummy Fram for '87 Yugo - $3.
I realize that isn't always the case, but for the most part, more expensive cars have more expensive problems.
True, but a typical GM sedan isn't going to break your wallet to maintain, either. The 3.8 or 3.6VVT plus that 4 speed automatic is going to last forever and be cheap to fix when something does go wrong. $1600 for the transmission, tops(lots of places in any major city will do it for closer to $1200). $3500+ for the mega-speed transmission on a Camry.
My sister had a similar car - an older Park Avenue with the same engine and transmission and it lasted until the chrome was literally rusting off it 16 years later.
Well the 2007, which I posted a link to for $10K, has all of that and the 100K drivetrain warranty. Of course, the smart buyer would of course wait until the 2009s are out and get the same car for 1-2K less. :P
A reporter with a large national newspaper would like to speak with consumers who traded in their Volvo for another used vehicle. If you are a previous Volvo owner , please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than Thursday, August 7th.
I am contemplating the purchase of a gently used mid-sized SUV some time in the next year, probably to be used as a third vehicle. My sister and I (we're house mates) each have our cars, and neither one really wants to drive an SUV all the time, but we do need to haul 'stuff' frequently, and we'd like to have something that would be a good bad weather vehicle. She has a hatchback that she's going to turn in when the lease is up next Fall, and she definitely is planning to get a small sedan. And my car is an Impala, which has a massive trunk, but still a sedan and has its limitations.
So while we're by no means set on the idea, we're tossing around the notion of purchasing a good SUV with some years/ miles on it with the intention of keeping it around for many years. We tried this once before, but the vehicle we got was an old Chevy Suburban and it was just too darn big! Neither of us wanted to drive it unless it was absolutely necessary and it kind of died of disuse. I'm thinking something about the size of a Jeep Cherokee/ Toyota Highlander/ Honda Pilot/ Dodge Durango, etc. Nothing as big as an Explorer, Tahoe, or any other 'land yachts.'
Primary considerations: Good cargo capacity Dependable/doesn't cost a fortune to keep running/insure Decent to drive/ doesn't drive like an 18 wheeler Handles well in nasty weather
I am slightly partial to Jeep Grand Cherokees, but have heard enough horror stories from people who have had massive, constant repair bills to give me serious pause.
For all of you looking for cheap and good quality used cars, public and government car auctions are a great place to find one. There are thousands of vehicles being sold off every week at such auctions. Bidding at such auctions start at $100 and if you are the only bidder on that day, you could be lucky to buy a good quality car at a cheap price.
I recommend a RAV-4. It's just at that inbetween size, yet it's not ugly as sin like the Element.
The Jeep Patriot is also good if a bit on the basic side. Plus it has actual 4WD as opposed to only helps in a little snow and gravel AWD. With the automatic, the 4WD system in the Jeep has a manual lock mode which allows for full-time 4X4. Very nice in bad weather.
Prices have fallen dramatically, especially in the past 6 weeks, for such vehicles making the good ones (Highlander and Pilot) attractive buys. Same goes for the Acura MDX.
I was driving my uncle's Highlander for the first time today (previous model, not the new one).. It's really a nice package... Look for an '06, and you can easily get well under $20K.. especially, if you look for a low-optioned model.. stick with the V-6.
I'm not totally opposed to the idea of a mini van, I just hadn't given it much thought. My sister in law keeps getting vans even though their kids are now older because as she puts it "they're just so darn practical!" I've never actually driven one that I can recall. I always just imagine they drive like a bus, but I guess they've come a long way since their inception in the early 80's. And they're probably better on insurance than an SUV. Thanks! I'll add that to my points to ponder!
Prices have fallen dramatically, especially in the past 6 weeks, for such vehicles making the good ones (Highlander and Pilot) attractive buys.
Yeah, it's a shame I'm not in a position to get one right now! I have seen some insanely good prices on almost new things on lots near me. One lot near me must have over a dozen late model Jeep Cherokees. But it's just not the time..... However, having said that, I don't really foresee SUV prices ever climbing back to what they were before $4 gas.
I have test driven a RAV 4 and I really liked it. The V6 is like a little pocket rocket! So far that's the one SUV that I would actually consider driving on a full time basis.
I always just imagine they drive like a bus, but I guess they've come a long way since their inception in the early 80's.
Yes, they have. The Mazda MPV is a smaller minivan that is known for great handling and sporty good looks. Is easier to park and manuver than the bigger mini's, back seat folds flat for tons of storeage. We've owned ours since '04... it's been great.
Some excellent suggestions here - but I suspect that some of these will be so much fun to drive (v-6 RAV, wow) that you might get rid of one of your "primary vehicles" if you went that route.
An option not yet mentioned is to get a small trailer for towing when you need to haul. Or roof racks (Yakima, Thule, Malone, Saris). That way you wouldn't be paying insurance on a mostly parked vehicle and absorbing depreciation while it sits. Vehicles that sit unused are also subject to leaks everywhere - commonly, power steering, brakes, A/C, basically any gaskets & seals that are not being lubricated by daily use. Exhausts rot quickly on vehicles that sit. Like people, cars need daily exercise and systems fail when not used regularly. If you do get a third vehicle for just 2 drivers, rotate its use so its driven at least every few days.
All good points. I have a feeling this will end up with me simply trading in/turning in my leased sedan and getting something with more space. I really don't think the insurance/ maintenance/ etc is a good use of money. And I totally agree with you about letting a vehicle sit for more than a few days here and there. We used to have an old Suburban and it was dying of disuse.
Another consideration in these fuel conscious days is the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Or the Honda Fit. Huge amounts of hauling room but in a small package.
What do you think are the best non-Japanese used cars to buy, whether that be US, European, or Korean?
Do you have any specific makes and models to suggest?
I have been used car shopping and have been trying to get a used Japanese car like an Accord or Corolla. The only problem is that I've been having a hard time finding a decent one since it seems everybody wants one. So I think I may have to broaden my search to consider other makes.
I'm looking for a sedan for around $4000. I just want something reliable that won't break down and that I can put some mileage on.
Also add in the Buick LaCrosse/Lesabre. Reliable and get about 30mpg highway. I'd rather have one instead of a Grand Marquis, that's for sure. You shouldn't pay more than 10-12K for a coupe of year old model, either. The first generation CTS is also a very good car. Everyone ragged on its interior, but it's better than a Civic or other econobox for sure.
A much better car than a new Corolla, to be honest. Better features, leather, more solidly built(way safer in a crash)...
It's a shame that GM finally started to get it right and make excellent vehicles again right before it imploded. Guess we better get one while we can.
Also consider a used IS300 or GS300. Both are amazing vehicles and can't be killed. Fairly reasonably priced as well.
I'm looking for a sedan for around $4000. I just want something reliable that won't break down and that I can put some mileage on.
How big of a sedan are you looking for? A smaller commuter or a large vehicle? Your examples, the Accord and Corolla, straddle 2 or 3 size categories depending on years.
A Ford Focus would probably be the best bet in a compact sedan. There is also the Chevrolet Cobalt (I don't like the feel of it) and the Dodge Neon (which they have been making for so long the bugs have been worked out mostly). If your budget is tight, the Saturn S-series motors seem to offer a great deal of longevity.
If you are going up a size category, I would look at the 2001-2007 Ford Taurus (again, they were making these for so long, the bugs are gone). If you get the 24 valve engine, they are actually pretty peppy. The Buick Century (same making it forever clause) and the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 are also in the category. Again the Saturn LS series is a midsize entry.
If you want something big, you can go RWD and get a Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car, or go FWD and get a Buick LeSabre, Park Ave, or Chevrolet Impala.
Thats about all I can think of off the top of my head at 8 in the morning.
I have heard that Dodge Neons have a reputation for mechanical problems, particulary the 1990s model. Is this true?
In terms of the larger sedans, are cars with V6 (or V8) engines worse in terms of gas mileage? And are V6 engine cars more expensive to service and repair than 4-cylinders?
What do you think of the 1995 Infiniti G20 Basic sedan with a 4-speed automatic transmission?
Not much. Too old.
If you can raise your price from $4 to $6, you can easily buy twice as much car for it. LOTS of people want cheap cars; they often wind up paying extra for it.
Ford Taurus is a good bet, too. an '06 with 40k should be in the low sixes... that's a lot of car.
A little over $10 is an absolute sweet spot. TONS of one- and two-year-old cars available for that. If you're doing payments, that's the way to go.
I have heard that Dodge Neons have a reputation for mechanical problems, particulary the 1990s model. Is this true?
Head gaskets, wheel bearings, and automatic transmissions were trouble spots on earlier cars, however you should be able to get something newer than that with your budget. I would still be more likely to target a Ford Focus, and I would try to limit vehicles to 8 years old and newer and In terms of the larger sedans, are cars with V6 (or V8) engines worse in terms of gas mileage? And are V6 engine cars more expensive to service and repair than 4-cylinders?
Remarkably not as much as one would think. The General Motor 3.8 liter pushrod V6 (very old technology, relatively high displacement - big - motor) can get in the 30s on the highway. I am not a big fan of the 2.8 or 3.1 liter GM engines. The much more modern 3.5 and 3.6 liter engines from GM are out of your price range. A low-tech, 30 year old design 3.8 liter motor will likely be cheaper to repair than a "high-tech" 4 cylinder of the time.
A timing belt change for an Accord from that time is $600-700 and that is routine maintenance, not a repair. The GM motors have a chain.
What do you think of the 1995 Infiniti G20 Basic sedan with a 4-speed automatic transmission?
How many miles are on it?
Are there maintenance records showing whats been repaired over time?
My guess would be it needs shocks and struts - more specifically the rubber bushings that they mount to on the vehicle - need service. That isn't excessively expensive, I would estimate <$500.
Some of them had an issue with the power steering, but I can't remember if that was the earlier style (1990-1994) or that one.
I would still try to find something newer, that car is 15 years old already.
1 - Avoid anything nice or trendy or that claims high resale value. You want something that is a reliable car that is panned by the industry and magazines.
2 - Get something with a reliable engine. Ever moreso, get something with a cheap to fix transmission. . A Camry's transmission is about $3500-$4000 last I checked. A GM's 4 speed is half that to fix, because the design was unchanged for nearly 20 years.
3 - Get a used midsize car. Small is fun, but a tin can, no AC, no ABS.. it's just not worth it. And the larger and originally more expensive cars were built better - thicker metal, heavier brakes, better tires... So they age less quickly.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=259699218 5 years old, GM 3.8 Engine. It's a basic car, nothing special. But it will do another 100K easily, while averaging 28-30mpg highway. It'll fit 5 people and luggage as well in a pinch. Not bad for a 3600lb car. This is the same car as that year LeSabre, just different interior trim and body panels.
I'd recommend stretching the budget a bit and getting a 2003-2005 GM with the 3.8 in it. Pay cash. No loan means you can also drop collision/full coverage as well.(I have everything on mine except if I hit someone and kill my own car) - This saves me a good $400-$500 a year. It's not worth spending the extra money on a $K or less vehicle. If you have a loan, though, they'll require it.
** Note - the is an exception. If you are mechanically inclined, go much older and get a 4x4 with manual transmission. I drive my manual 4Runner in Los Angeles traffic every day. It's not impossible, or even hard to do. The $400 clutch job versus a $2000 automatic replacement is a huge incentive.
A good daily driver that's been gone over and had work done on it to go off-road can be had for 3-4K. I recommend a Toyota(4Runner or Pickup) or a Jeep Wrangler. Both are fun and cheap to fix. It won't depreciate a dime while you drive it, because there is such a following and desire for them.
Though, you will have to spend a hundred or so per month keeping it up fixing small things. That's far less than car payments on even an Aveo or other super cheap tin can.
Emailing a host (see the profile(s) at the top of each discussion) is a quicker and more direct way to ask for help. By the time the host sees a post such as this, he or she has also already seen the problem. Thanks.
The G20 is the Infiniti version of the Nissan Sentra. The maintenance costs will likely be higher on it than the Nissan version, and you could get a newer Sentra for the same price. I have owned 2 Infinitis and I'm a fan, but I think the G20 is a dog.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
The G20 is the Infiniti version of the Nissan Sentra. The maintenance costs will likely be higher on it than the Nissan version, and you could get a newer Sentra for the same price. I have owned 2 Infinitis and I'm a fan, but I think the G20 is a dog.
I don't know...if its still an SR20DE motor, it would be a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder with 140 hp compared to the somewhat sorry 1.8 or 1.6 liter sub-110 hp 4 cylinders in the 4 door Sentras. They might have had the one special edition SR20DE Sentra by then but I think it was just the 200SX SE-R.
That said, 4k for a 15 year old car seems a bit much. I would keep looking.
I used to have an old Nissan Sentra. The transmission was a nightmare. I had to replace it 3 times. The G20 has more power than a Sentra, but I've also heard that it's a glorified Sentra.
Is it true that Nissans in general tend to have tranny problems? Even Maximas and Altimas?
I used to have an old Nissan Sentra. The transmission was a nightmare. I had to replace it 3 times. The G20 has more power than a Sentra, but I've also heard that it's a glorified Sentra.
Was it a manual? 5th gear pop out?
I did some track events in SE-Rs and an NX-2000. Never ate a gearbox and they were a lot of fun. There were guys out there in G20s as well. There were so many SR-20 vehicles they made them their own class.
Is it true that Nissans in general tend to have tranny problems? Even Maximas and Altimas?
I have never known anyone with an automatic transmission Nissan, actually. The Altimas and Maximas were manual transmissions also. I don't think the automatic that goes with the 4 cylinders in Mazdas was particularly robust (626, MX6, Probe, Contour) but I hadn't heard anything about the Nissans.
Comments
Maybe a Maxima would be an option? Hadn't thought about that earlier. Not sure how reliable they are.
Anyway, I want to ask some knowledgeable people this question; so far, my two first choices are the Chevy Aveo and the Ford Focus. Which would you recommend?
I seem to be finding more Aveos in my price range and they look pretty good. They're cute, get decent mpg, and have pretty good safety ratings. I'm still skeptical though, because I've heard a lot more about the Focus.
Any advice?
Look for 2003 and newer, the early ones were trouble for a long time.
There are several engines; sorry, I don't know which ones to choose.
If you can find a Chevy Prizm, any year, it's a great choice. Unfortunately, the word is out and they tend to be pricey. Put Civics and Corollas from your mind; their used values are so high as to make a new one generally cheaper.
Whatever car you pick, have it gone through by a competetent independant mechanic before you buy. And before negotiating a price, aks what it's worth over at "real-world trade-in values".
Be warned that fuel-efficient used cars are in high demand and are really expensive for what they are. A Taurus may be more cost-effective if you drive 10k/year or less. If you do drive a lot, consider a new car (Fit, Yaris, ...).
Good luck,
-Mathias
Safety? Mass is a big deal. 3500lbs vs 2500lbs makes the Aveo unlikely to do well versus most vehicles, especially the typical SUV that weighs nearly 5000lbs. Oh - it also comes with traction control, ABS, and other goodies standard that the Aveo lacks.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=c&car_id=244681316
Pasadena, CA. Certified, no less.
I'd wait for the 2009s to come out, though - that will drop the price on the 2007s to this price range. 2007 was the first year they started offering the 100K drive train warranty.
If you want all of that, just get a 2-3 year old Buick LaCrosse. The base model has ABS, side airbags, traction control, and on and on - all the stuff that isn't even available on the Aveo. And the 3.8L V6 engine is a tank as far as reliability goes. It's also *slightly* better looking (IMO) than the Grand Prix.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=22&paId=27- - - 2653832
$12K - and this is the CXS - same engine as the Cadillac CTS of that year had, plus sport suspension off of the (base) CTS. Astounding car, really - not a typical Buick by any means. Driving it is tight, controlled, and the engine feels like tiny V8.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&paId=273634422
Here's one for under $10K - the base model - 2007, no less(with the extended warranty). Though between you and I, I'd get the CXS in a heartbeat as they sold virtually none of them as rentals. The CXS is also literally twice the vehicle to drive.
You can get a new for Aveo about $12K. But $12K... Shoot, I could by a 5 year old Mecedes C class for $12K. I really don't understand why first time buyers insist on new cars when a certified one will allow them to step up a couple of levels and get a far better vehicle for their money.
Initial purchase price is just one part of the budget. Insurance is typically more for fancier vehicles, as are maintenance costs. Mahle oil filter for C240 - $18.95 online...crummy Fram for '87 Yugo - $3.
I realize that isn't always the case, but for the most part, more expensive cars have more expensive problems.
My sister had a similar car - an older Park Avenue with the same engine and transmission and it lasted until the chrome was literally rusting off it 16 years later.
I am contemplating the purchase of a gently used mid-sized SUV some time in the next year, probably to be used as a third vehicle. My sister and I (we're house mates) each have our cars, and neither one really wants to drive an SUV all the time, but we do need to haul 'stuff' frequently, and we'd like to have something that would be a good bad weather vehicle. She has a hatchback that she's going to turn in when the lease is up next Fall, and she definitely is planning to get a small sedan. And my car is an Impala, which has a massive trunk, but still a sedan and has its limitations.
So while we're by no means set on the idea, we're tossing around the notion of purchasing a good SUV with some years/ miles on it with the intention of keeping it around for many years. We tried this once before, but the vehicle we got was an old Chevy Suburban and it was just too darn big! Neither of us wanted to drive it unless it was absolutely necessary and it kind of died of disuse. I'm thinking something about the size of a Jeep Cherokee/ Toyota Highlander/ Honda Pilot/ Dodge Durango, etc. Nothing as big as an Explorer, Tahoe, or any other 'land yachts.'
Primary considerations:
Good cargo capacity
Dependable/doesn't cost a fortune to keep running/insure
Decent to drive/ doesn't drive like an 18 wheeler
Handles well in nasty weather
I am slightly partial to Jeep Grand Cherokees, but have heard enough horror stories from people who have had massive, constant repair bills to give me serious pause.
Advice appreciated!
Karen
The Jeep Patriot is also good if a bit on the basic side. Plus it has actual 4WD as opposed to only helps in a little snow and gravel AWD. With the automatic, the 4WD system in the Jeep has a manual lock mode which allows for full-time 4X4. Very nice in bad weather.
Handles like a Camry (that's good for an SUV!)
More cargo room than the mini-utes..
Decent gas-mileage (over 20 MPG on the highway)
I was driving my uncle's Highlander for the first time today (previous model, not the new one).. It's really a nice package... Look for an '06, and you can easily get well under $20K.. especially, if you look for a low-optioned model.. stick with the V-6.
regards,
kyfdx
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Not much storeage area unless you put the second row seats down.
Yeah, it's a shame I'm not in a position to get one right now! I have seen some insanely good prices on almost new things on lots near me. One lot near me must have over a dozen late model Jeep Cherokees. But it's just not the time..... However, having said that, I don't really foresee SUV prices ever climbing back to what they were before $4 gas.
Yes, they have. The Mazda MPV is a smaller minivan that is known for great handling and sporty good looks. Is easier to park and manuver than the bigger mini's, back seat folds flat for tons of storeage. We've owned ours since '04... it's been great.
An option not yet mentioned is to get a small trailer for towing when you need to haul. Or roof racks (Yakima, Thule, Malone, Saris). That way you wouldn't be paying insurance on a mostly parked vehicle and absorbing depreciation while it sits. Vehicles that sit unused are also subject to leaks everywhere - commonly, power steering, brakes, A/C, basically any gaskets & seals that are not being lubricated by daily use. Exhausts rot quickly on vehicles that sit. Like people, cars need daily exercise and systems fail when not used regularly. If you do get a third vehicle for just 2 drivers, rotate its use so its driven at least every few days.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Do you have any specific makes and models to suggest?
I have been used car shopping and have been trying to get a used Japanese car like an Accord or Corolla. The only problem is that I've been having a hard time finding a decent one since it seems everybody wants one. So I think I may have to broaden my search to consider other makes.
I'm looking for a sedan for around $4000. I just want something reliable that won't break down and that I can put some mileage on.
Saturn
Hyundai
Chevy Prizm
Grand Marquis/Towncar/Crown Vic
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
A much better car than a new Corolla, to be honest. Better features, leather, more solidly built(way safer in a crash)...
It's a shame that GM finally started to get it right and make excellent vehicles again right before it imploded. Guess we better get one while we can.
Also consider a used IS300 or GS300. Both are amazing vehicles and can't be killed. Fairly reasonably priced as well.
You may find that to be true of other makes and models as well.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
How big of a sedan are you looking for? A smaller commuter or a large vehicle? Your examples, the Accord and Corolla, straddle 2 or 3 size categories depending on years.
A Ford Focus would probably be the best bet in a compact sedan. There is also the Chevrolet Cobalt (I don't like the feel of it) and the Dodge Neon (which they have been making for so long the bugs have been worked out mostly). If your budget is tight, the Saturn S-series motors seem to offer a great deal of longevity.
If you are going up a size category, I would look at the 2001-2007 Ford Taurus (again, they were making these for so long, the bugs are gone). If you get the 24 valve engine, they are actually pretty peppy. The Buick Century (same making it forever clause) and the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 are also in the category. Again the Saturn LS series is a midsize entry.
If you want something big, you can go RWD and get a Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car, or go FWD and get a Buick LeSabre, Park Ave, or Chevrolet Impala.
Thats about all I can think of off the top of my head at 8 in the morning.
Mazdas and Nissans...
Mazda 6
Mazda 3
Nissan Altima
Nissan Sentra
Mazda Protege
These all drop into the $4K range more quickly than the Toy/Honda twins...
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
I have heard that Dodge Neons have a reputation for mechanical problems, particulary the 1990s model. Is this true?
In terms of the larger sedans, are cars with V6 (or V8) engines worse in terms of gas mileage? And are V6 engine cars more expensive to service and repair than 4-cylinders?
Are the maintenance and repair costs on this car expensive?
Does the autonomatic transmission on this model have problems--as opposed to the stick shift?
And what are the insurance costs on the car like?
I would recommend midsize GM car from the late 90's early 2000's. Parts are plentiful for these cars and any mechanic can repair them.
Not much. Too old.
If you can raise your price from $4 to $6, you can easily buy twice as much car for it. LOTS of people want cheap cars; they often wind up paying extra for it.
Ford Taurus is a good bet, too. an '06 with 40k should be in the low sixes... that's a lot of car.
A little over $10 is an absolute sweet spot. TONS of one- and two-year-old cars available for that. If you're doing payments, that's the way to go.
-Mathias
Head gaskets, wheel bearings, and automatic transmissions were trouble spots on earlier cars, however you should be able to get something newer than that with your budget. I would still be more likely to target a Ford Focus, and I would try to limit vehicles to 8 years old and newer and In terms of the larger sedans, are cars with V6 (or V8) engines worse in terms of gas mileage? And are V6 engine cars more expensive to service and repair than 4-cylinders?
Remarkably not as much as one would think. The General Motor 3.8 liter pushrod V6 (very old technology, relatively high displacement - big - motor) can get in the 30s on the highway. I am not a big fan of the 2.8 or 3.1 liter GM engines. The much more modern 3.5 and 3.6 liter engines from GM are out of your price range.
A low-tech, 30 year old design 3.8 liter motor will likely be cheaper to repair than a "high-tech" 4 cylinder of the time.
A timing belt change for an Accord from that time is $600-700 and that is routine maintenance, not a repair. The GM motors have a chain.
How many miles are on it?
Are there maintenance records showing whats been repaired over time?
My guess would be it needs shocks and struts - more specifically the rubber bushings that they mount to on the vehicle - need service. That isn't excessively expensive, I would estimate <$500.
Some of them had an issue with the power steering, but I can't remember if that was the earlier style (1990-1994) or that one.
I would still try to find something newer, that car is 15 years old already.
1 - Avoid anything nice or trendy or that claims high resale value. You want something that is a reliable car that is panned by the industry and magazines.
2 - Get something with a reliable engine. Ever moreso, get something with a cheap to fix transmission. . A Camry's transmission is about $3500-$4000 last I checked. A GM's 4 speed is half that to fix, because the design was unchanged for nearly 20 years.
3 - Get a used midsize car. Small is fun, but a tin can, no AC, no ABS.. it's just not worth it. And the larger and originally more expensive cars were built better - thicker metal, heavier brakes, better tires... So they age less quickly.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=259699218
5 years old, GM 3.8 Engine. It's a basic car, nothing special. But it will do another 100K easily, while averaging 28-30mpg highway. It'll fit 5 people and luggage as well in a pinch. Not bad for a 3600lb car. This is the same car as that year LeSabre, just different interior trim and body panels.
I'd recommend stretching the budget a bit and getting a 2003-2005 GM with the 3.8 in it. Pay cash. No loan means you can also drop collision/full coverage as well.(I have everything on mine except if I hit someone and kill my own car) - This saves me a good $400-$500 a year. It's not worth spending the extra money on a $K or less vehicle. If you have a loan, though, they'll require it.
**
Note - the is an exception. If you are mechanically inclined, go much older and get a 4x4 with manual transmission. I drive my manual 4Runner in Los Angeles traffic every day. It's not impossible, or even hard to do. The $400 clutch job versus a $2000 automatic replacement is a huge incentive.
A good daily driver that's been gone over and had work done on it to go off-road can be had for 3-4K. I recommend a Toyota(4Runner or Pickup) or a Jeep Wrangler. Both are fun and cheap to fix. It won't depreciate a dime while you drive it, because there is such a following and desire for them.
Though, you will have to spend a hundred or so per month keeping it up fixing small things. That's far less than car payments on even an Aveo or other super cheap tin can.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=260405317
Perfect example. Mine has almost 400K on it, so this much mileage is nothing.
Mods,,please ,,delete this,,of no use to anyone.
Poster registered today and posts this! :sick:
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I don't know...if its still an SR20DE motor, it would be a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder with 140 hp compared to the somewhat sorry 1.8 or 1.6 liter sub-110 hp 4 cylinders in the 4 door Sentras. They might have had the one special edition SR20DE Sentra by then but I think it was just the 200SX SE-R.
That said, 4k for a 15 year old car seems a bit much. I would keep looking.
Is it true that Nissans in general tend to have tranny problems? Even Maximas and Altimas?
Was it a manual? 5th gear pop out?
I did some track events in SE-Rs and an NX-2000. Never ate a gearbox and they were a lot of fun. There were guys out there in G20s as well. There were so many SR-20 vehicles they made them their own class.
Is it true that Nissans in general tend to have tranny problems? Even Maximas and Altimas?
I have never known anyone with an automatic transmission Nissan, actually. The Altimas and Maximas were manual transmissions also. I don't think the automatic that goes with the 4 cylinders in Mazdas was particularly robust (626, MX6, Probe, Contour) but I hadn't heard anything about the Nissans.