Echo. Bought mine at 140,000 miles. Have over 300,000 on it now. Brakes, tires, 2 sets of belts, set of spark plugs. Still get over 45mpg on the freeway.
Looking at a list of beaters! any suggestions?
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Out of those, the Echo. Easily.
Maybe I'm getting old, but safety is a consideration. I wouldn't want to be involved in an accident while in an Echo. How about looking for some Buicks? Grandma's gold LeSabre usually can be had for cheap, garaged and usually cared for.
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Maybe I'm getting old, but safety is a consideration. I wouldn't want to be involved in an accident while in an Echo. How about looking for some Buicks? Grandma's gold LeSabre usually can be had for cheap, garaged and usually cared for.
Well how about a beater Mercedes? I'd avoid the 2003 E320's, but the 2004 and 2005 were ok, although they still had their share of problems, didn't really get better til 2007+ but those are a bit more than beater money. Lots of standard options, 4matic, navigation, 3 position memory seats, dual climate control, heated seats, satellite radio, 6 cd changer (although who uses cds anymore). etc. $3800-$5500. The 2003's had an issue where the transmission cooler in the radiator mixed with the antifreeze so it fried the transmission.
https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/d/2005-mercedes-benz-e320/6668632618.html
https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-mercedes-e320-4matic-low/6654071207.html
https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-mercedes-benz-e320/6663076295.html
Maybe I'm getting old, but safety is a consideration. I wouldn't want to be involved in an accident while in an Echo. How about looking for some Buicks? Grandma's gold LeSabre usually can be had for cheap, garaged and usually cared for.
Well how about a beater Mercedes? I'd avoid the 2003 E320's, but the 2004 and 2005 were ok, although they still had their share of problems, didn't really get better til 2007+ but those are a bit more than beater money. Lots of standard options, 4matic, navigation, 3 position memory seats, dual climate control, heated seats, satellite radio, 6 cd changer (although who uses cds anymore). etc. $3800-$5500. The 2003's had an issue where the transmission cooler in the radiator mixed with the antifreeze so it fried the transmission.
https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/d/2005-mercedes-benz-e320/6668632618.html
https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-mercedes-e320-4matic-low/6654071207.html
https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-mercedes-benz-e320/6663076295.html
Echo, or the Subie if you think you really will benefit from AWD. The 2.2 is pretty much free of the head gasket problems that plagued the early 2.5s.
I think that either of these cars would work well for you.
If you're going to be doing a lot of miles, the Echo is quite economical while the Legacy is a 25 mpg car.
Ask me how I know this.
LOL!
I think that either of these cars would work well for you.
If you're going to be doing a lot of miles, the Echo is quite economical while the Legacy is a 25 mpg car.
Ask me how I know this.
LOL!
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
97-01 Camry. Bulletproof cars, have a timing belt but non-interference.
Mine gets 36-37 mpg on the freeway if I baby it, low 30's highway if I drive normal.
It's a bigger more comfortable car (still pretty small though) so you won't get blown around like a bug on the freeway.
Mine gets 36-37 mpg on the freeway if I baby it, low 30's highway if I drive normal.
It's a bigger more comfortable car (still pretty small though) so you won't get blown around like a bug on the freeway.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Cobalt would be my pick.
I agree. Years of age is a factor, and the cobalt should have a low cost high availability set of parts. Should be ecotec engine as well.
OP, you do realize that chains wear and degrade performance, and can either break or just plain need replacement at some point, right??
Cobalt would be my pick.
I agree. Years of age is a factor, and the cobalt should have a low cost high availability set of parts. Should be ecotec engine as well.
OP, you do realize that chains wear and degrade performance, and can either break or just plain need replacement at some point, right??
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
97-01 Camry. Bulletproof cars, have a timing belt but non-interference.
Mine gets 36-37 mpg on the freeway if I baby it, low 30's highway if I drive normal.
It's a bigger more comfortable car (still pretty small though) so you won't get blown around like a bug on the freeway.
I can echo that. I test drove some 2009-2011 Corollas and this older Camry felt about the same size. But with better NVH.
Won't say it was fun doing my TB but it really wasn't that bad.
97-01 Camry. Bulletproof cars, have a timing belt but non-interference.
Mine gets 36-37 mpg on the freeway if I baby it, low 30's highway if I drive normal.
It's a bigger more comfortable car (still pretty small though) so you won't get blown around like a bug on the freeway.
I can echo that. I test drove some 2009-2011 Corollas and this older Camry felt about the same size. But with better NVH.
Won't say it was fun doing my TB but it really wasn't that bad.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted By: supton
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
97-01 Camry. Bulletproof cars, have a timing belt but non-interference.
Mine gets 36-37 mpg on the freeway if I baby it, low 30's highway if I drive normal.
It's a bigger more comfortable car (still pretty small though) so you won't get blown around like a bug on the freeway.
I can echo that. I test drove some 2009-2011 Corollas and this older Camry felt about the same size. But with better NVH.
Won't say it was fun doing my TB but it really wasn't that bad.
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
97-01 Camry. Bulletproof cars, have a timing belt but non-interference.
Mine gets 36-37 mpg on the freeway if I baby it, low 30's highway if I drive normal.
It's a bigger more comfortable car (still pretty small though) so you won't get blown around like a bug on the freeway.
I can echo that. I test drove some 2009-2011 Corollas and this older Camry felt about the same size. But with better NVH.
Won't say it was fun doing my TB but it really wasn't that bad.
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Thanks again guys!!!! It looks like the subie is the winner. We dont do much driving anyway. Add one more to the family!
Thanks again for the insight.
For the moment....my 25 year old bicycle and my 39 year old legs are getting excellent gas mileage!
Thanks again for the insight.
For the moment....my 25 year old bicycle and my 39 year old legs are getting excellent gas mileage!
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
Lol! My brother's been borrowing it since May, it's his short tripper to the grocery store and Starbucks, and long tripper for when he doesn't need to drive his 10 mpg truck. He's put maybe 1,500 miles on it.
I actually forget all the time that I still have it. I mean I see it all the time and go "Whoa! I still have a Camry!"
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
Lol! My brother's been borrowing it since May, it's his short tripper to the grocery store and Starbucks, and long tripper for when he doesn't need to drive his 10 mpg truck. He's put maybe 1,500 miles on it.
I actually forget all the time that I still have it. I mean I see it all the time and go "Whoa! I still have a Camry!"
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
Lol! My brother's been borrowing it since May, it's his short tripper to the grocery store and Starbucks, and long tripper for when he doesn't need to drive his 10 mpg truck. He's put maybe 1,500 miles on it.
I actually forget all the time that I still have it. I mean I see it all the time and go "Whoa! I still have a Camry!"
I've been considering a beater, short tripping the Challenger to the gym and using it to haul mulch from Home Depot is a bit ridiculous...but hey it's only a car, right?
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
Lol! My brother's been borrowing it since May, it's his short tripper to the grocery store and Starbucks, and long tripper for when he doesn't need to drive his 10 mpg truck. He's put maybe 1,500 miles on it.
I actually forget all the time that I still have it. I mean I see it all the time and go "Whoa! I still have a Camry!"
I've been considering a beater, short tripping the Challenger to the gym and using it to haul mulch from Home Depot is a bit ridiculous...but hey it's only a car, right?
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
Lol! My brother's been borrowing it since May, it's his short tripper to the grocery store and Starbucks, and long tripper for when he doesn't need to drive his 10 mpg truck. He's put maybe 1,500 miles on it.
I actually forget all the time that I still have it. I mean I see it all the time and go "Whoa! I still have a Camry!"
I've been considering a beater, short tripping the Challenger to the gym and using it to haul mulch from Home Depot is a bit ridiculous...but hey it's only a car, right?
Should have kept that S10!
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I hadn't driven my Camry in so long, when I drove it for a week in April I couldn't believe it, it's such a tiny car! My Sonata is a whale!
Why do you still have it? You should let me buy it.
Lol! My brother's been borrowing it since May, it's his short tripper to the grocery store and Starbucks, and long tripper for when he doesn't need to drive his 10 mpg truck. He's put maybe 1,500 miles on it.
I actually forget all the time that I still have it. I mean I see it all the time and go "Whoa! I still have a Camry!"
I've been considering a beater, short tripping the Challenger to the gym and using it to haul mulch from Home Depot is a bit ridiculous...but hey it's only a car, right?
Should have kept that S10!
Going against the grain here but I'd recommend against a Subaru of that vintage. I've owned a few "beater" Legacy's, a 02 and a 99, and in my experience they require quite a bit of upkeep. The biggest things are head gaskets and axles. Both my Subies needed head gaskets, all 4 CV axles (due to the weird angles they have them at or vicinity to the exhaust etc) as well as a full exhaust system including O2 sensors and cats.
I thought they would be a good idea in the MN winter but they were both spendy and time intense ( I'm a DIY'er) to keep on the road.
Older Buick's with the 3.8 motor are my go to.
I thought they would be a good idea in the MN winter but they were both spendy and time intense ( I'm a DIY'er) to keep on the road.
Older Buick's with the 3.8 motor are my go to.
The old Honda Insights can be had for $500 on up, disable the big battery and they are bulletproof save for very basic maintenance and 50mpg+ the whole time
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