Recommend me a reliable, economical car - under 5k

[LS2JSTS]

What "body issues" and what "other concerns"...I own one and would like to hear them for reference in the future if you don't mind.

Outside of steering half shafts and some suspension issues, these are new to me. It would be helpful if you could go into a little detail...if you care to that is.

 

[rjacket]

With the prices of used cars at an all time high, and manufacturers desperate for new car buyers, with so many deals around for low / 0% financing over long periods, and the prospect of record low depreciation on new cars, have you considered buying a new car?

Low depreciation, far better fuel economy, minimal maintenance, all issues covered under warranty would all add up to a true cost of ownership that might rival such an old car. New Toyota's have maintenance included.

Even nearly new cars are being offered with low apr financing.

Have you done the analysis? For very little difference you'd be in a far nicer, safer and worry free car.

 

[rjacket]

Originally Posted By: rjacket
With the prices of used cars at an all time high, and manufacturers desperate for new car buyers, with so many deals around for low / 0% financing over long periods, and the prospect of record low depreciation on new cars, have you considered buying a new car?

Low depreciation, far better fuel economy, minimal maintenance, all issues covered under warranty would all add up to a true cost of ownership that might rival such an old car. New Toyota's have maintenance included.

Even nearly new cars are being offered with low apr financing.

Have you done the analysis? For very little difference you'd be in a far nicer, safer and worry free car.


Here you go:

2011 Mazda 2 4-Door Hatch MSRP (negotiable) $14,100 60 months @ 0% $235.00 per month. 29/35mpg

Also:

2012 Nissan Sentra MSRP $16,800. Discount available $2,500 / 15% 1.9% apr available for 60 months

 

[mechanicx]

FWIW the HHR has a good reliability record: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=2008&make=Chevrolet&model=HHR. I think a lot of it is if a domestic has an issue or two even minor they assume they're going to have all kinds of problems. Meanwhile they overlook or take in stride any issues they have with an important brand. Seen it many times.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
What "body issues" and what "other concerns"...I own one and would like to hear them for reference in the future if you don't mind.

Outside of steering half shafts and some suspension issues, these are new to me. It would be helpful if you could go into a little detail...if you care to that is.


I'll send you a PM about your other childish comment and then you deleted (but everyone in this thread got emailed to them.)

For the record I work graveyards so some of us who work have to sleep during the day. Since its a hard shift sometimes we can respond and sometimes we can not since we are trying to get rest.

Now to answer your question;

They have had many suspension issues, motor mounts, something with the cooling fans (don't know if its relay or the actual fans) window issues (again don't know if its switch, relay, motor or ??) plastic problems with the door (handle mostly) and a/c problems (which is prob the biggest to the drivers)

I do know they are trying some other models and hopefully they find something that works well since in todays world its becoming harder and harder to keep/stay in business.

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
FWIW the HHR has a good reliability record: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=2008&make=Chevrolet&model=HHR. I think a lot of it is if a domestic has an issue or two even minor they assume they're going to have all kinds of problems. Meanwhile they overlook or take in stride any issues they have with an important brand. Seen it many times.


So CR is a biased/a joke but MSN is the gold standard for data?

Please all of them are a joke. ACTUAL reports from people/owners who own them without an agenda (which most people have esp on the Internet) are much more informational then some link.

The OP is trying to find another vehicle, some of us want more info to find out what ACTUALLY is happening so some factual info is being collected and others have their agenda.

So lets get back to the OP question with out the bashing or agenda. I should have asked him PM since I wanted to know for my info (but I guess you consider that being "over looked" since I only asked a FEW TIMES) so I apologize with that.

Bill

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: rjacket
With the prices of used cars at an all time high, and manufacturers desperate for new car buyers, with so many deals around for low / 0% financing over long periods, and the prospect of record low depreciation on new cars, have you considered buying a new car?

Low depreciation, far better fuel economy, minimal maintenance, all issues covered under warranty would all add up to a true cost of ownership that might rival such an old car. New Toyota's have maintenance included.

Even nearly new cars are being offered with low apr financing.

Have you done the analysis? For very little difference you'd be in a far nicer, safer and worry free car.


There is some good thinking with this. You can get a Nissan Versa (though what would be stopping me (and is in some ways) is its a first year vehicle even though it drives nice and would be a good commuter for less than $11k though they go as quick as they come in) and many others in the $13-16k range.

Some of the manufactures do have excellent warranties up to 100k these days. With the used market being so over priced (I was looking at a 2007 Matrix with 78k for "only" $12,995) new does have some appeal.

Bill

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah



Originally Posted By: mechanicx
FWIW the HHR has a good reliability record: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=2008&make=Chevrolet&model=HHR. I think a lot of it is if a domestic has an issue or two even minor they assume they're going to have all kinds of problems. Meanwhile they overlook or take in stride any issues they have with an important brand. Seen it many times.


So CR is a biased/a joke but MSN is the gold standard for data?
Please all of them are a joke. ACTUAL reports from people/owners who own them without an agenda (which most people have esp on the Internet) are much more informational then some link.

The OP is trying to find another vehicle, some of us want more info to find out what ACTUALLY is happening so some factual info is being collected and others have their agenda.

So lets get back to the OP question with out the bashing or agenda.Bill


I never said MSN automotive is the gold standard but its reliability ratings are based on actual repair records.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/reliability_ratingsinfo.aspx
Quote:
Founded in 1987, Identifix, Inc. has evolved into the nation's best source for knowledge on what breaks, which vehicles it breaks on, and how to fix those vehicles correctly.This knowledge is derived from continual analysis of data gathered from over 3.5 million calls, since 1987, to the Identifix Repair Hotline™.

Identifix manages the nation's largest automotive repair hotline fielding approximately 250,000 calls from subscribing auto repair shops each year -- roughly 20,000 per month. In addition, Identifix offers Direct-Hit®, the award winning subscription-based online diagnostic service.



Not bashing or an agenda here just replying to others' posts with my own knowledge and experiences. I might recommended for a $5k used car a Cobalt/Cavalier/Malibu/Grand Am/Alero/W-car etc because I think GM are good used car values and you might recommended something Japanese

.

 

[OVERKILL]

 

[garlicbreadman]

i would pick up 4 door acura integra. i get 36mpg in mine. Strong engines and transmissions. TONS of fun in this car...

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: Scooby
A used tranny is anywhere from 1100-1600 with 80-100k miles on them.


That the used tranny is that expensive tells me that there is a demand for them. That there is a demand for them tells me that they frequently break.

 

[pzev]

03-05 Focus would get my vote. The duratec engine used in these cars is bullet proof, and these model years didn't suffer from the plaguing issues the earlier focuses did. I have an 03 with the 2.3l motor, and it drives like new at 110k miles. In the 05 model year they moved to the 2.0l, which offered a substantial fuel economy improvement while sacrificing just a little power. You could still get the 2.3l in the ST model however. The 2.3l in the earlier cars has plenty of HP and torque (144hp, 148tq), making it rather fun to drive. It returns decent mileage...not the best for a small car, but not the worst either. I'll average 30mpg+ on the highway with A/C on going 80mph.

The irony is that a used one would be a better bet then new, because if these cars due suffer any issues, it usually happens early in life. I did loose a rear wheel bearing at low mileage...something not uncommon with a Ford. However it was an $80 fix (did my own labor). The factory brake rotors were garbage, but at this age, nothing you will look at will have factory rotors

.
The most substantial failure was the factory alternator at the 4yr mark. However, they redesigned the alternator on the 05+ cars to include a slipper clutch. My car had the earlier style, and it failed when the retaining nut holding the pulley failed, allowing the pulley to spin freely on the shaft. This caused a great deal of heat, which subsequently burned up the alternator. Mined you, I have a large aftermarket stereo in the car, so my amperage draw is higher then normal. Replacement was $160 aftermarket. Replacement is only tricky as the Alt will only fit through the bottom subframe in 1 orientation. Other then that, its just a bolt on part...takes a couple hours at most. I burned up the replacement alternator after 2.5yrs....so I really believe my stereo is the cause for the failures, and not Ford. Good thing I got an Alt with a lifetime warranty

.

I've had no other issues with the car. And considering how cheap parts are for these cars, I'm not overly concerned with anything that may pop up in the future. The engine and transmission (manual, MTX-75) are very robust and long lasting. The coolant is G-05, and very good. Car handles like a sports car ( I did install SVT Focus suspension), and at 8yrs old it doesn't rattle or squeak. I was a teenager when I got this car new, so my driving style over the course of ownership has been rather spirited. If this thing can last 110k with me, then it should last 300k with your average driver

.

 

[Scooby]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Right now, the two cars on my radar are
1) 2003-2005 Ford Focus
2) New as possible Chevrolet Impala

We'll see how the transmission repair goes.

Thanks

 

[cb450sc]

Get a Civic and be done with it. My son has a 1993 civic with 245,000 km, my daughter has a 1998 with 210,000 km and I have a 2003 Civic Hybrid with 240,000 km. Easy to maintain for the DIYer and parts are easy to get and best of all they run forever.

 

[tgferg67]

Originally Posted By: brianl703
Originally Posted By: Scooby
A used tranny is anywhere from 1100-1600 with 80-100k miles on them.


That the used tranny is that expensive tells me that there is a demand for them. That there is a demand for them tells me that they frequently break.


This problem is well known on the GenVibe site. Since manual transmissions are a small percentage of sales it does not affect reliability data. I'm looking for a used Vibe and avoiding the manual trans because of this issue.

 

[Scooby]

Originally Posted By: tgferg67
Originally Posted By: brianl703
Originally Posted By: Scooby
A used tranny is anywhere from 1100-1600 with 80-100k miles on them.


That the used tranny is that expensive tells me that there is a demand for them. That there is a demand for them tells me that they frequently break.


This problem is well known on the GenVibe site. Since manual transmissions are a small percentage of sales it does not affect reliability data. I'm looking for a used Vibe and avoiding the manual trans because of this issue.


Thanks

Yes, this is a very well known issue. I only wish I had researched it a bit more before buying. The 6 speed that MWR sells with ratio designed for 1ZZ motors is tempting, just VERY expensive.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: css9450
Originally Posted By: JOD
Originally Posted By: css9450
Surprised no one has mentioned a gently-used Crown Victoria yet.


No one is averaging 30+mph in a Crown Vic, which was one of his requirements.


I dunno, I've read some pretty outlandish claims re: Crown Vics, here on the forum. I don't necessarily believe them.
I did early on. Panther.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: cb450sc
Get a Civic and be done with it. My son has a 1993 civic with 245,000 km, my daughter has a 1998 with 210,000 km and I have a 2003 Civic Hybrid with 240,000 km. Easy to maintain for the DIYer and parts are easy to get and best of all they run forever.
Mine was junk. Bad engine, rear suspension, well known terrible ignition sytem with coil-in-cap distributer. The truth is, most all economy cars are fairly reliable when maintained. Amazing, I still see mid 80's cutlass cierras & pontiac 6000 everywhere.