In another thread, I asked whether to repair or replace my truck after a tree fell on it. My insurance company totalled it and decided it was worth $6000--not bad considering I paid $5500 for it four years ago! After the deductable I've got $5000. The damage was a lot worse than it initially looked like and repairing it myself and pocketing the difference isn't practical considering my time and space constraints.
I've been looking at smaller cars with good mpg and durable engines, preferably for under $4000. I'd like to be able to save some of the insurance money and set it aside into savings since I really have no emergency funds available.
A few cars in particular I've looked at all have the 2.2 ecotec motor. From what I've read they're pretty dependable motors but had some timing chain issues in earlier model years. The cars I'm going to check out tomorrow are a 2003 Alero with 89k miles, a 2003 Cavalier with 121k miles, and a 2005 Malibu with 120k miles. The Alero is the least expensive and looks to be in great shape, but I'll see in person tomorrow. The Cavalier doesn't have a price listed but I'd offer $3k or so. The Malibu is just a touch under $4k, but of course thats open to negotiation.
So any input on the ecotec for these model years? I just need something to last a couple years til I finish college and can get a real job.
I've been looking at smaller cars with good mpg and durable engines, preferably for under $4000. I'd like to be able to save some of the insurance money and set it aside into savings since I really have no emergency funds available.
A few cars in particular I've looked at all have the 2.2 ecotec motor. From what I've read they're pretty dependable motors but had some timing chain issues in earlier model years. The cars I'm going to check out tomorrow are a 2003 Alero with 89k miles, a 2003 Cavalier with 121k miles, and a 2005 Malibu with 120k miles. The Alero is the least expensive and looks to be in great shape, but I'll see in person tomorrow. The Cavalier doesn't have a price listed but I'd offer $3k or so. The Malibu is just a touch under $4k, but of course thats open to negotiation.
So any input on the ecotec for these model years? I just need something to last a couple years til I finish college and can get a real job.