Used car advice

[53' Stude]

So after talking to my insurance company it's gonna be Russian roulette on the Focus being fixed. Instead of waiting around, I am already searching for decent used cars. The Jimmy I decided to donate as it's four wheel drive and I can drive good in winter. Thinking along lines of older Corolla or maybe even older Camry or dunno yet. Price range would be $3,500-4,500 range. Thank for any suggestions

 

[Al]

Its a [censored] shoot. Hopefully you will find something that has a good history.

 

[53' Stude]

Thanks Al, and I'm looking hard already

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Honda Civic.

 

[macarose]

Three things.

The owner of the vehicle will have a far greater impact than the brand or manufacturer.

If you live in a rust climate, do a Carfax and aim for one in a non-rust region.

Finally, go here. Good luck!

http://longtermqualityindex.com/

 

[53' Stude]

Thanks for that link friend

 

[macarose]

Anytime. The guy who created it is a real hunk according to my wife

All the best!

 

[dblshock]

buy the Toyota's from a woman who had it serviced at the dealer, lot of these out there.

 

[JC1]

Originally Posted By: car51
So after talking to my insurance company it's gonna be Russian roulette on the Focus being fixed. Instead of waiting around, I am already searching for decent used cars. The Jimmy I decided to donate as it's four wheel drive and I can drive good in winter. Thinking along lines of older Corolla or maybe even older Camry or dunno yet. Price range would be $3,500-4,500 range. Thank for any suggestions


What about a Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix or do you want a car with a trunk?

 

[53' Stude]

Thinking of the Vibe if it's still at the mom and pop used car place nearby

 

[Nick1994]

If you want a Camry, keep the cash in your pocket and buy a 97-01 Camry. The 5SFE is a lot better engine IMO than the 2.4L in the 2002+ ones. Good disposable, simple, no thrills commuter car. I couldn't be happier with mine.

My mom was looking for a car earlier this year and I went and test drove a Matrix. I didn't like how it drove, but it also could have been just that car. It was like a tin can and bounced around a little rough. Camry is much smoother.

Matrix and Vibe would still be worth a test drive.

 

[53' Stude]

Thanks Nick1994, I'll keep a eye open for one in that year range

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: car51
Price range would be $3,500-4,500 range.


Is this a cash (or credit/debit) price?

How far are you willing to travel? I'd highly recommend not settling for something just because it's right down the road...

Anything in particular you'd really like to have (brand, model, etc.)?

 

[bbhero]

Nick 1994 is spot on here with the 97-01 Canry. My lady's Camry with that older motor has been great. We got hers from her grandmother and it had 67k miles. It's been flawless up til 105k miles. Relatively easy to work on and parts are very easy to find.

 

[53' Stude]

Ramblejam: cash

 

[69GTX]

I'd consider Crown Vics, Mercury Grand Marquis, V8 Lincolns and Caddies in the 2002-2008 era. You can find some fairly low mileage cars for $3500-$4500. You'd be surprised. The Crown Vics are the cheapest and simplest. I shoot for cars owned by seniors. Have yet to buy a bad one and I've had 4 of them since 1988....all bought in the 20K-55K mile range. All so far have made it over 200,000 miles. And they've gotten better every year.

2006 with 30K miles at Ebay bid of $4000

Philly PA Grand Marquis that ends bidding tomorrow. Similar cars are out there. Check the old folks home.

 

[np6000]

I agree with the other posters here, but I would cherry pick the following models if possible:

00-01 Camry
05-08 Corolla

I would recommend avoiding the first model year for a particular generation, so 97 Camry or 03 Corolla. Of course a exceptionally good deal may negate the associated risks with a first model year car.

In my experience the corolla is cheaper to run on a cent/mile basis, but the Camry is pretty close. If you pickup a Camry that has a documented timing belt replacement, you would be ahead of the game.

The Camry is a more comfortable car than the Corolla of the two vintages we speak of. If your purchasing in PA, keep an eye out for corrosion. The Corolla's seem to hold up better than the Camry in regards to corrosion.

For reference, in my nuclear Family we have owned: 5 05-08 corollas, 2 92-95 Camrys, 1 99 Camry, 1 08 Camry, and 1 '12 Camry, most being 5 spd manuals. These cars are pretty hard to kill.

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: car51
Ramblejam: cash


...and my other questions?

 

[BrocLuno]

Hop a bus to Phoenix and drive a rust free whatever home

 

[cb_13]

I'm gonna recommend the greatest vehicle I have ever owned personally the Ford Escort Zx2. 200k miles and only non-maintenance items replaced were a leaking thermostat housing and a ccrm to fix the AC.