Need a good vehicle for under $5k
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Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
A 1995-2001 Explorer 4.0 OHV V6 or 5.0 V8 would be a vehicle to look at. 2WD models will be the cheapest to buy, insure, and maintain. All 1995+ Explorers have four wheel disc brakes, ABS, and dual air bags. If looking at an automatic trans model, check the condition of the fluid. Explorers can have some issues, but they are mostly minor, and good maintenance will go a long way. I have seen Explorers with 300K-600K miles on them before.
I was about to suggest a 2nd gen Explorer too.
A 1995-2001 Explorer 4.0 OHV V6 or 5.0 V8 would be a vehicle to look at. 2WD models will be the cheapest to buy, insure, and maintain. All 1995+ Explorers have four wheel disc brakes, ABS, and dual air bags. If looking at an automatic trans model, check the condition of the fluid. Explorers can have some issues, but they are mostly minor, and good maintenance will go a long way. I have seen Explorers with 300K-600K miles on them before.
I was about to suggest a 2nd gen Explorer too.
Time to update your skillset. Drum brakes haven't changed much since 1915 and there aren't many changes on the horizon either.
My grand marquis, and many other 4 wheel disc cars, still have drum brakes for the parking brake. I'll take a minute to compare the 4r70w trans in the GM vs the 4t65e in my GM V6 van:
1-2 shift at WOT: Van shifts firm, not snap your neck though, perfect.
1-2 shift at WOT: GM grabs 2nd at 40 MPH, slows down, releases 1st at 50 MPH, then starts accellerating like crazy again. Suspect trans is shredding itself inside for a smooth, old lady approved shift.
Now to the ford's credit the suspension is set up awesome for a big car. The unequal front wishbones make the tires "lean into" corners and the car feels very sprightly in rotaries etc. If you get a post 99ish car the motor's bulletproof, the fixed the intake around then. Yet I would agree with the lesabre/ large General motors sedan. Not perfect but close and good for the price. You should drive both; the dynamics are very different. BTW the 3.8 is rated around 195 hp which about matches a single-exhaust ford 4.6. (But the V8 will have more torque)
For $5k you should be looking at 2003-04s in lesabres or grand marquises. Get a plane ticket to florida and rent a car for a few days looking for the perfect old lady car.
My grand marquis, and many other 4 wheel disc cars, still have drum brakes for the parking brake. I'll take a minute to compare the 4r70w trans in the GM vs the 4t65e in my GM V6 van:
1-2 shift at WOT: Van shifts firm, not snap your neck though, perfect.
1-2 shift at WOT: GM grabs 2nd at 40 MPH, slows down, releases 1st at 50 MPH, then starts accellerating like crazy again. Suspect trans is shredding itself inside for a smooth, old lady approved shift.
Now to the ford's credit the suspension is set up awesome for a big car. The unequal front wishbones make the tires "lean into" corners and the car feels very sprightly in rotaries etc. If you get a post 99ish car the motor's bulletproof, the fixed the intake around then. Yet I would agree with the lesabre/ large General motors sedan. Not perfect but close and good for the price. You should drive both; the dynamics are very different. BTW the 3.8 is rated around 195 hp which about matches a single-exhaust ford 4.6. (But the V8 will have more torque)
For $5k you should be looking at 2003-04s in lesabres or grand marquises. Get a plane ticket to florida and rent a car for a few days looking for the perfect old lady car.
+1 on the 2002-2004 Buick LeSabre
These cars have to be the most underappreciated thing on the road, next to the venerable Crown Vic (or Grand Marquis of same vintage). I think the Buick has better comfort/ergonomics/creature features than the CV/GM.
Lots of interior space and creature comforts (which you will grow fond of--everybody does)
Great ride--smooth and quiet, but without sloppy or mushy handling as long as you have decent tires
24-31 MPG normally
Lots of good safety features
Widely respected 3800 Series II/4T65E drivetrain, which is powerful and very reliable with routine maintenence--look at how many experienced mechanics drive them!
For the best value, look for one with 60-100K and good maintenence records--it will have 200K left in it for sure
These cars have to be the most underappreciated thing on the road, next to the venerable Crown Vic (or Grand Marquis of same vintage). I think the Buick has better comfort/ergonomics/creature features than the CV/GM.
Lots of interior space and creature comforts (which you will grow fond of--everybody does)
Great ride--smooth and quiet, but without sloppy or mushy handling as long as you have decent tires
24-31 MPG normally
Lots of good safety features
Widely respected 3800 Series II/4T65E drivetrain, which is powerful and very reliable with routine maintenence--look at how many experienced mechanics drive them!
For the best value, look for one with 60-100K and good maintenence records--it will have 200K left in it for sure
For a small SUV, you can't go wrong with the later model Chevy Trackers or Suzuki Grand Vitaras. Bulletproof little trucks, with either a 2.7L V-6 or a 2L 4 banger.
My mechanic buddy said anything that doesn't have a timing belt. He hates timing belts.
Myself, a car has problems if you don't maintain it. You just need to look around, check out some cars and go through a check list of things to look for.
When buying a car, narrow it down. You want it for the track. So take out anything thats big/heavy(trucks etc, large sedans like a CV, GM).
Narrow it down to a few makes/models. Research them for problems, scope out a few cars that fit your criteria and check all fluids and ask for service records. If a vehicle was dealer maintained ask him/her to contact the dealer for records. Make sure the VIN matches paperwork and CarFax.
I like the old 89/90 RX-7(can be had for cheap). A Nissan 300ZX can be had for 5k(turbo or non turbo). 96 Imapala SS(possibly but would be very high miles as those tend to be keepers).
Myself, a car has problems if you don't maintain it. You just need to look around, check out some cars and go through a check list of things to look for.
When buying a car, narrow it down. You want it for the track. So take out anything thats big/heavy(trucks etc, large sedans like a CV, GM).
Narrow it down to a few makes/models. Research them for problems, scope out a few cars that fit your criteria and check all fluids and ask for service records. If a vehicle was dealer maintained ask him/her to contact the dealer for records. Make sure the VIN matches paperwork and CarFax.
I like the old 89/90 RX-7(can be had for cheap). A Nissan 300ZX can be had for 5k(turbo or non turbo). 96 Imapala SS(possibly but would be very high miles as those tend to be keepers).
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