Recommend a sub 5k newer vehicle for my brother.

[JustinH]

Hey Guys.

My brother is 20, i'm 24. He was driving his 00 grand am with 108k miles about 40mph in a 45 zone. A 75 year old woman pulls out of a gas station, never looked, and he hit her directly in the front fender.

It could have been much worse. Thank #@$%! he was wearing his seatbelt, and the car had airbags.

The force of the accident pushed his car across traffic into the ditch.

Both bags went off. He walked away without a scratch, just bruises on his chest from the belt, and bruises on his head and face from the bag. He actually looked like he was in a boxing match, but he was resting at home and doing very good.

Anyways I go to his house to talk to him for a while. Of course he has the laptop across his lap, and he's looking at autotrader.

His priorities in a car have changed overnight.

What kind of car do you guys recommend he get?

He is a realtor, so he needs a sedan that can haul people and his stuff for school.

He needs something under 5 grand, and probably under 75k miles.

Something that is dead reliable, and cheap to insure.

A couple cars come to my mind, what comes to yours?

Right now I'm thinking that he get like a 2000+ buick, or bonneville with the 3800 motor. Even an olds with the 3800.

A 96 or 97 ford tbird or mercury cougar with the 4.6L.

Or a crown vic/marquis/towncar.

Got anything else to add to that list?

We live in buffalo, but RWD is not a problem, thats what snowtires and sandbags are for.

Thanks,
Justin

The woman was ok as well.

Anyways his car is demolished.

 

[The Critic]

I'd get a 2002 Saturn SL2. They can be easily purchased for about $5k from a private party. Look for one that has had frequent oil changes as these engines tend to consume a bit of oil.

Otherwise, aside from a few minor problems that be easily fixed on your driveway, they are very reliable cars that can easily last 250k+ with good maintenance.

 

[VTEC01EX]

I think you're on to something with the Buick/Pontiac/Chevy 3.8L V6 powered cars. I'd include the Impala on that list too, lots of good deals on those floating around. I think the Saturn SL2 might be too small for him, especially since I'm assuming he's using that rear seat to carry around clients looking at property. The only other thing that stands out would be 4th gen Nissan Maxima - plenty reliable and inexpensive.

 

[Shaman]

Grand Prix or Buick can be had for around that, just check on the intake manifold gasket if you get the non-supercharged one.

 

[DriveHard]

I would stick with the GM 3.8 as well. Probably not the Grand Prix as they have the least amount of backseat space among those with that engine.

 

[JHZR2]

a gm 3.8 would be a good choice... perhaps a nissan maxima in older form? they still look good (better than the new ones, IMO), and seem to be decent cars if treated well.

could he find a 300M for that price? If so, that would be a good deal, as would its cousins, like the intrpid or whatnot.

JMH

 

[JTK]

Quote:

---

..He needs something under 5 grand, and probably under 75k miles.

Something that is dead reliable, and cheap to insure..

---

Not the easiest list of requirements to work with, but a late model taurus can be had pretty cheap. Roomy with a fair amount of metal around your bro.

Joel

 

[wavinwayne]

I'd recommend something ultra-reliable, that doesn't need a lot of attention. Something like a '99-04 VW Passat 1.8T, with an automatic transmission.

Now, pick your jaw up from the floor. I'm kidding of course. Seriously, I think he should consider something like a late model Bonneville or a Buick of some sort with the 3.8L V6.

 

[Drew99GT]

You could probably find a Regal GS with the blown 3800 for that much. Moor reliable than the naturally aspirated 3800 IMO. Or a Grand Prix GTP.

 

[Shaman]

By blown Drew means Supercharged. But he would have to probably use premium if he likes to enjoy the power.

 

[kkreit01]

He needs a sedan, but does it have to be midsize or large?

If not, try a Neon, Cavalier, etc.

If midsize, try Taurus, Malibu, Stratus, Grand Am, Alero,. etc.

I'm picking decent cars with poor resale. You wouldn't be able to get a low-mileage non-domestic in that price range.

 

[simple_gifts]

LeSabre, 1/2 their purchase price is gone in 3-4 years.

 

[RedDart]

From personal experience I would recommend a 2003 or newer Impala (to avoid the upper intake manifold leaking problem on the 3400). They are pretty reliable cars. Parts and repairs are reasonable compared to Japanese or European cars. Depreciation is stiff in the first several years but levels off after about 3-4 years. An added bonus is that there are a lot of them available. Glad your brother is OK and good luck to him in his search.

 

[Rand]

but could you find an 03 impala with under 75k miles for under 5000$ (if so tell me where I need a new beater)

 

[msparks]

What about a Crown Vic? Maybe a 2001 to 2003 model

Just found a 2003 with 70K for $5900 (that's the listed price) should be able to get it for less.

 

[Auto-Union]

Volvo 850 offers a great car for the money.

 

[1Vic1S10]

I bought my 95 Vic P71 with 115,000 mi for 1800 three years
ago. Best 1800 I've ever spent on a car. Civies are more
expensive than interceptors but usualy have nicer interiors.
Interceptors have a lot of idle time and usually need P/S
pumps and drive belt tensioner and idler. If he does get
a Vic get a 98+, it still looks like a new Vic. For a
realator I recomend a civie and he should splurge for an
LX (P74). They are very solid cars (they have been producing
the Panther platform since 1978) the later 4.6's are great
motors (better valve stem seals) and the civie has 2.73
rear gears (Except HPP cars) and can get 25+ MPG hwy. Sorry
for the big blurb but I love my Vic.

 

[JTK]

I love crown vics too, but in a NY winter they can be a bit rough. A few neighbors have them & need weight snows/studs and even then they have a rough go of it.

Joel

 

[eljefino]

I like the 3.8s as well. Bro-in-law got a dud in a 99 bonneville but two others I watch over are running strong.

Had an olds intrigue with the 3.8... a 99, with 195k miles. Felt like new, though of course that has to do with the previous owner's care. Real spunky car but also quiet and safe feeling. W-body like the grand prix which is halfway between the grand am/alero and lesabre/bonneville in size.

Oldsmobile= OLD people car, nice cheap insurance and probably well kept.

Also consider the "big hyundai" if you can get it cheap enough.

 

[Earl Filter]

A little out of the 75k mileage range, but I looked at this one yesterday for my Mom, and it was very well kept. It was mostly highway miles. Something like this is the way I'd go...but then again, I'm very familiar and comfortable with the 3800 in all of its forms. The seller indicated he's ready to move it, so it would probably bring $4500 or less.

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/258036483.html