Cheap, low mileage vehicle, have some questions.

[JHZR2]

I really like the MT in the focus. Very smooth and nice to shift - reminds me of my BMW.

The engine is decent enough, and the car has a lot of utilitarian space.

Id find a low mileage MT base model focus (some rental fleets have MT foci, that you could likely get cheap), and go with that.

Heck, I think a redesgn is coming along shortly... you might be able to get a new one for about 10k. Just dont be vain and think youre doing yourself a favor getting all sorts of doodads (power windows, locks, sunroof, etc) in an economy car. Not worth it. Buy basic and have more reliability, longer.

JMH

 

[The Critic]

Cobalt > Focus, hands down. Especially if you're getting an Auto. The GM 4T45E Automatic Transmission is very reliable, as is the Ecotec engine.

Ever look into buying something older? Like, a 2002 Saturn SL2 can be had for even less $$$. With a little maintenance, those things can last 300k easily.

 

[Throckmorton]

I would go with a used large domestic sedan. these things are usually well built and comfortable but they depreciate quickly so they can be had for a low price. A used Chrysler Concorde, LHS, 300M, Grand Marquis, or a used Buick Park Avenue would be an excellent choice.

 

[sciphi]

Elantra. They are some of the most under-rated cars out there. Good mileage, lots of parts, and cheap to fix in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Quote:

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I would go with a used large domestic sedan. these things are usually well built and comfortable but they depreciate quickly so they can be had for a low price. A used Chrysler Concorde, LHS, 300M, Grand Marquis, or a used Buick Park Avenue would be an excellent choice.

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I'd have to disagree with the sludgebucket Concorde unfortunately. It has the sludge prone 2.7L engine, and my cousin had one where the engine seized causing over $2000 in repairs. And I know it's not just an isolated case.

 

[aztec12]

maybe im out of line here but if it was me i would buy a mustang gt 4.6 5-speed.that way you would still have some fun driving it. there are some good deals out there.

 

[javacontour]

Frankly, if minimizing your spending is key, then buy three beaters for the next two to three years. One for your, one for her and one in case any of the other two breaks.

Budget $7500 for the vehicles and the remaining $2500 for any repairs (such as working A/C in AZ). You will save on having liability only insurance to begin with and when it comes time to unload these rides, your depreciation hit will be less.

So a few 8-10 year old Ford Escorts, Mazda Protege's, Geo Prizms etc can probably be obtained for about $2K to $2500 per vehicle and can be very reliable.

I purchased a 1994 Geo Prizm in 2003 with 106k on the clock and have driven it for the past 4 years 101K miles. Three repairs, less than one/year.

Cost/mile to drive as of today, $0.128 including purchase.

Want to save money? The biggest savings is in the hardware purchase.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I agree on the used car purchase idea. I bought a '98 Altima back in late '04 for $3800 with 118k on the clock. I knew it needed a new valve cover gasket because it was leaking a bit. Got that repaired and had a maintenance free two years until the alternator was starting to give out. Had that rebuilt for $50 and that was all I ever did to that car. Talk about reliable

It was mainly all short trips too. Also got great gas mileage. It was especially nice since it was a California car, so no rust either. Sold it for $3200. Only $600 in depreciation in 2 years