WTB - Car

[GBauer]

Hey guys,

Figured i would just put this out there and see if anyone has any thoughts. My GF is in desperate need for a new (to her) car. (I hate car shopping) We are just looking for something that is simple and reliable. Her price range is probable 4-6K. She is not super picky... civic, accord, cherokee, escape, camry, CRV... etc.

If you guys have something for sale, know someone who does, or know a good car dealer feel free to let me know.

Thanks for all the help!
Graham

[cuhollow]

I had good luck with craigslist when looking for a car.

classifieds - craigslist (http://norfolk.craigslist.org/search/cta?query=&minAsk=4000&maxAsk=6000)

[Porter316]

i have been keeping my eyes open for a friend who might need to buy a car in the 3-5k price range......

in that price range, i would DEFINITELY recommend buying a used honda.

i drive a 1993 accord with 175,000 miles....27-30 mpg driving 75-80 mph (4cyl auto) and it runs as good as the day i got it with 83,000 miles. almost 6 years so far, and i haven't had a single problem with it....just regular services, brakes, etc.

my mom drives my old 87 civic that i bought in high school....it's gotta be close to 300,000 miles.

check ebay.....lots of nice used accords and civics - that will give you an idea as to the honda market.

for my next car (i commute 130 miles round trip), i've already made up my mind that i'm going to buy a used civic....i saw an 86 civic on ebay last week.....it was CLEAN......stickshift......120,000 miles....went for under $1,500. that's an unbelievable value for a 40-45 mpg car that's probably good for another 150,000-200,000 miles. if i was single, i would have bought it just to have it. the whole nagging wife thing squashes that......

but honestly...for price, value, and reliability....you absolutely cannot beat a honda.

[goose70]

I have a silver 2003 Corolla LE (aluminum wheels, "wood grain" accents:rolleyes:, sunroof, 6-speakers, etc.) that I was going to trade in for a new Prius this weekend. It has 124k miles....about middle-age for a Corolla. In mixed driving, it gets about 33 MPG. Blue Book is about 3.9K, since it's not perfect (slight oil leak in head gasket....not necessary to fix, but would cost about $900 if you wanted to; also needs new thermostat sensor ($250), which doesn't impact performance but is needed to pass emissions inspection). It has new rotors and brakes. It's very clean, well-maintained, looks nice.

If that interests you, b-mail me in the next 24-hours. My plan was to see what the dealer offers on Saturday, then take it from there.

Otherwise, I agree generally about Honda (Fit, Civic) and Toyota (Yaris, Corolla). Also, don't overlook Ford Escorts. My wife sold her's 7 years ago at 80k miles and we saw it on the road (same parking decal on bumper) last fall, still chugging away.

[GBauer]

Thanks guys for the advice.

Jeff - You have a PM

[goose70]

Guys, thanks for all of the b-mails expressing interest in my car. Gary, hope you find one that works for you. The dealer offered me more than I expected (just under 5k), so I felt I had to take it. To be honest, I would not be comfortable asking a fellow TF'r for that much....she's a great car, but as I said, needs a little work right away (new tires and thermo sensor...about $600....plus possible head gasket at some later date). I suspect that you can do better by combing the classifieds.

We ended up getting a Prius, but if you end up looking new, non-hybrid, I really was impressed with the Scions (a Toyota brand). My wife said no way, but I think they're very practically designed cars, decent mileage and great price.

Good luck whichever way you go.

[GBauer]

Jeff -

Im sure you'll be pretty happy as gas prices go up! I couldnt agree with you more. 5k sounds like a good deal and without any hassle.

We are looking at an older honda civic right now. It only has 75k on it and i think i can get it for a pretty good deal. I understand what your talking about when it comes to buying cars with a woman. I'm looking to see if its reliable, safe, simple, cheap... and she wants to know what color it is, if its cute, does it have lights in the vanity mirror!!! Are you kidding me!?!? I have never even thought about lights in the vanity mirror!