4 beater cars I’m considering. Input?

[bighead2586]

Hoping to check out 4 cars in my area today. Looking for a spare car and reliability and cheap/easy maintenance and repair are my priorities. I'd like to keep it below $5K if possible. It’s slim pickings around here but I’m not in a hurry. I don’t really “need” one but I’ve gotten used to having an extra car for visitors and backup. My other car is an 2011 RX 350 with 182K miles.

Any advice is appreciated.
2008 Corolla
https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...h&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post

2005 Camry
https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...h&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post

2007 Accord
https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...h&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post

2005 RAV 4
https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...h&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post

 

[97prizm]

Whats the milage and history, I don't have Facebook. The corolla is as reliable as a stick, is the Camry a V6 or 4 cylinder? Rav 4's seem to have a cult following and hold their value. My Geo was a rebadged corolla and was dead reliable to 246k miles.

 

[SC Maintenance]

You pretty much need to go look at them to know. They all look like candidates, but facebook could be a picture from 10 years ago.

Call or text the one you like best and go down the list. If anyone is flaky cross it off.

 

[gfh77665]

Not enough info on engines and maintenance. In absence of that, 1) Accord - just 132K miles easy first choice. 2) Camry - more "car" than the Corolla 3) Corolla a bit newer (2008) but higher milage 187K and 4) RAV 4 older, high mileage (190K+).

 

[2010Civic]

I'd take the Accord. Those 7th gen Accords were very well built.

 

[6.7 CTD]

The Camry and Rav 4 both have the 2az-fe, which are fine except for the possible head studs stripping. They’re also known to consume oil, as is the Accord. The Corolla has paint issues that year. I’d pick the cleanest, most well-maintained. I’d stay away from the Camry or Rav if they were ever overheated. To be honest, I’d probably pick the Accord or Corolla if they’re in good shape and had mostly regular oil changes.

 

[bighead2586]

I'd take the Accord. Those 7th gen Accords were very well built.

Yeah this is the one I'm most optimistic about. Seems like the buyer is a more together person than some of the other cars. I know Accords have had transmission issues but from what I've read the 07/08 Accord are better than the 03/04/05.

 

[DannyM]

Yeah this is the one I'm most optimistic about. Seems like the buyer is a more together person than some of the other cars. I know Accords have had transmission issues but from what I've read the 07/08 Accord are better than the 03/04/05.

at least Accord and Camry are in this article and C&D usually chooses Accord as the better car and they did again here: https://www.caranddriver.com/review...yota-camry-chrysler-sebring-comparison-tests/

 

[sunroof]

I'd start with the Honda.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

For used cars, and especially used cars under 5k, you have to take each example individually. Drive them and go from there.

 

[Lubener]

From the information provided , my order of choices:
1. Accord
2. Camry
3. Rav 4
4. Corolla

 

[JavierH19]

Given that it's hawaii those prices aren't bad since all cars are generally more expensive there.

 

[wavinwayne]

From the information provided , my order of choices:
1. Accord
2. Camry
3. Rav 4
4. Corolla

Same. Do Hawaii cars rust, being so close to the ocean?

 

[The Critic]

Definitely Corolla if you're looking for the automotive equivalent of a Briggs and Stratton. The Accord from that generation is a major target for catalytic converter thefts and also oil consumption issues (if you care).

 

[bighead2586]

Same. Do Hawaii cars rust, being so close to the ocean?

A bit but nothing like living in the northeast or something. A lot of the heavier populated areas on Maui have predominantly offshore breezes so the air is usually not that salty even near the beach.

 

[mojoe]

I have a 2003 Camry LE that I bought new from the dealer. It has 152K miles and is still my daily driver. I've replaced some belts, hoses, and gaskets, some suspension parts, brakes, spark plugs, power steering pump, the usual stuff. Engine and transmission are great. Car cranks right up every time, gets 24mpg and is smooth and quiet. I don't know if you would be so lucky with a used one, but mine is a tank.

 

[odie]

Mitsubishi Mirage ?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Definitely Corolla if you're looking for the automotive equivalent of a Briggs and Stratton. The Accord from that generation is a major target for catalytic converter thefts and also oil consumption issues (if you care).

K24a burned oil? You know why?

 

[bighead2586]

Mitsubishi Mirage ?

Haha probably not. I have a bit of bias toward Toyota but some Hondas and Mazdas interest me too,. I'd love to find a 2010ish Mazda 3 hatchback but right now none for sale around me.

 

[odie]

The 1.2 Ltr. 3 cylinder can take a beating . There are some threads here on that topic . Test drove the MAZDA 2 with 5 speed manual the first year of introduction in the U.S in 2010 as an 2011 . The clutch and shifting were the easiest I ever encountered to this day . Wish I bought it and still see them on the road or parked in driveways in what look to be in good external condition.