Looking for a new(used) Commuter Car

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Tech819

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Feb 8, 2015
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Location
Toronto, Canada
I looking for anyone to some help. I need a new car to commute and want from anyone who has owned or works on these cars to shed a little light on the good choice.

Commute is about 44km (28Miles) of mixed city and hwy

These are the cars i am looking at:

2003 Camry V6 171km (106 miles)- asking price $4500
2007 Saturn Aura V6 150km (93 miles) asking price $4600
2007 VW Rabbit 5sp 124km (77 Miles) asking price $ 5400
2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 Auto 150km (93 Miles) asking $5800
 
None of those miles are that far apart. The Rabbit is likely not geared the best for highway use, but makes up for it in the city, and it would probably get slightly higher MPGs than the V6 camry, which I think would be my choice otherwise assuming the body is straight, dent, and corrosion free and there are records. It may be a sludgemonster though...
 
Hard to say without looking at the cars.
However the only one that I would consider off that list would be the Camry.
 
I've driven and owned Toyotas for a long time. I'd have no problem recommending the Camry. They've been incredibly reliable. The only reason why I might be tempted to go for the Subaru was if AWD/4WD was something I'd benefit from a lot (e.g., lots of snow/ice). If I was ok with 2wd, then Camry for sure. As far as the price goes, at least in southern California, a Corolla with that mileage and price would be a decent deal. I'd jump on the Camry.
 
They are all clean and no rust. Only the Camry has had a accident 4 years ago $1500 in the centre rear. Or at least the only one that has reported any accident damage.
 
Originally Posted By: paulri
I've driven and owned Toyotas for a long time. I'd have no problem recommending the Camry. They've been incredibly reliable. The only reason why I might be tempted to go for the Subaru was if AWD/4WD was something I'd benefit from a lot (e.g., lots of snow/ice). If I was ok with 2wd, then Camry for sure. As far as the price goes, at least in southern California, a Corolla with that mileage and price would be a decent deal. I'd jump on the Camry.


I live in Toronto So cold and sometimes snowy winter similar to north easter US states which is why I like the Subaru
 
1. Camry
2. Subaru
3. Saturn
4. VW

Also consider if any of these engines need their timing belt replaced and use that to negotiate a lower price. Timing belt replacement is not inexpensive.
 
Originally Posted By: Tech819
I live in Toronto So cold and sometimes snowy winter similar to north easter US states which is why I like the Subaru


My sister lives in mountains, and loves her Subaru. There absolutely is a need for those vehicles, that's for sure.
 
Originally Posted By: Leo99
1. Camry
2. Subaru
3. Saturn
4. VW

Also consider if any of these engines need their timing belt replaced and use that to negotiate a lower price. Timing belt replacement is not inexpensive.



Camry and the Subaru use Belt and Saturn and VW use chains
 
I had an Aura, I liked it a lot. It's a rebadged Malibu. All of those prices are really good, they would go for a lot more here.
 
Originally Posted By: Tech819
They are all clean and no rust. Only the Camry has had a accident 4 years ago $1500 in the centre rear. Or at least the only one that has reported any accident damage.


In rust areas like Ontario, thats reason enough to NOT buy that car.

Id be fearful of a hackjob cost cut on corrosion protection by the auto body.

Which has been regularly Krowned????
 
Look for a low miles late 99 (digital odometer) to 2002 Saturn SL2, manual transmission.

Now find a manual transmission SL1 in a junkyard.
Remove the bell housing behind drivers front wheel, and remove the two gears you can see.

https://youtu.be/Cs_cE57Tw4Y

5th gear in the SL2 is a .730, in the JY SL1 it's a .605.
Like having 1,2,3,4, and 6th gears...

Around 40 MPG....
Don't shift into 5th below 2250 RPM's, you will blow the differential pin...
 
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Might be easier to pick with a more open set of rules than only those four cars, unless something hard-limits you to those four. And with a list of priorities. Ie - "most reliable and best mileage on a car up to $6000" could yield better results i'd think.
 
Originally Posted By: Leo99
1. Camry
2. Subaru
3. Saturn
4. VW

Also consider if any of these engines need their timing belt replaced and use that to negotiate a lower price. Timing belt replacement is not inexpensive.


This..............

You may like the Sub better since you live in Toronto since there is snow and the Sub is all wheel drive. I have seen pictures of Subs with over 400K on the clock. Camrys also have a history of logjevity. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

I had a Rabbit in the 80s and hated it. Saturn isn't made anymore that mau influence your decision.
 
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