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Used Hatchbacks - Got any ideas?
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These cars are not known for reliability. My wife bought a '90 model, but it now has only 61,000 miles. (Our daughter now has it). But the manual transmission failed at 50,000 miles, and the rebuild cost was $2800. The crankshaft pulley failed about a year later, and whole top end (valves, etc) of the engine was damaged to the tune of $3000. Clearly, repair costs are very high. Otherwise the car has aged gracefully.
I would certainly have the car inspected by an independent mechanic whom you trust. And, I would make the dealer show you the ownership records. A lot of young persons purchase these cars and abuse them.
In summary, I would be very cautious about this car. As an alternative, I would suggest Certified Pre-owned or a one-owner Acura Integra. My wife has a '97 model, and it has been totally trouble free in the five years she has had it. Overall, the Integra has a reputation for rock solid reliabiity. Still, check the ownership and maintenance history before purchasing.
Learned
It handles well too.
If you frequent the MINI discussions you probably know that I'm going to trade up soon but I would still recommend a 1989 - 1993 civic si to anyone shopping the older hatches.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Can somebody tell me if it is a good buy? Planning to buy it from private buyer. Engines sounds ok, little crack on mirror.Little bit dings on body. nothing major. However, mileage kind of high it got 150789 miles on it. The seller asking $1600. I'm not sure whether it is a good bargain. Is there any major stuff that i should be concern with this 93 probe?. Can i someone guide me on this. Appreciate all the response. Thanks
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Here is the deal. I'm 24, been driving my dad's cars on and off since graduating college a year and 1/2 ago. My take home per month is about $1900 after taxes, and I have fixed expenses around $800-900 a month. I need to buy a car as I have been relying on my father for far too long.
The amount I can afford to spend is pretty flexible. I'd like to stay in the $4000-6000 area, however, I am having a tough time finding any hatch backs that are in that price range and don't already have a ton of miles. I am completly open to spending more money on a newer hatchback, however, I have many reservations about spending $8-10,000 on something w/ 60,000 miles on it already, with no warranty and when I might be able to hold out for something a little older w/ similar mileage.
The hatches I have considered so far are the Honda Civic, VW Golf, Ford Escort (except I don't really like the look of these), Toyata Celica.
Are there any other hatches I should check out? For ex., today I am going to look at a Honda Civic, a '95 w/ 85,000 miles, and the seller is looking for $4500. Many older ones w/ around 100,000 go for the same amount of money, and the car is nearly 8 years old which means it has only been driven about 10,000 miles a year.
Why have we abandoned this great design here in the U.S.? Your opinions are appreciated.
Once you're narrowed down your choices, you should also try asking your questions in our individual vehicle discussions.... where there's usually more activity. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your decision.
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
If you can deal with older, do it. There are plenty of low mileage hatches from the late 80's around for these prices - the 90s were just bad for hatches.
Two examples that come to mind that are fabulous to drive are the MkII Toyota Supra (86-92) and the late-80's RX-7, which was also around until about 1992. If you can find some 92's, there are bound to be a few with around 100-120K miles or less, and they are two of the most fun cars to drive, in very different ways.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Very Kindly,
TheWorldIzMyn
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
The closeness of the gates was a bit of a problem only in the sense that boy racers trying to do really quick slift downshifts would go down three gears instead of one, then pop the clutch and redline the engine - toasted. Toyota made some kind of fix to this, I am not sure what.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Also check the tires. See that they match and that they have even tread wear. If they are mismatched or worn out...that is not such a good sign.
$3,500 sounds reasonable for an Integra in good shape depending on the year.