Used vehicle suggestion for co-worker?

[jigen]

Co-worker just bought a new house, so his commute to work is about an hour each way now. No real hwy miles, but lots of backroads with little stop and go.

He is just looking for good fuel economy and something that is fairly reliable. He is saying $5k is about his budget. Auto or Manual trans, he doesn't mind.

 

[Brons2]

early 2000s TDI?

 

[SLCraig]

It is impossible to not recommend a used Civic or Corolla when talking $5K and good on gas. Saturn S-series would be even less money, and excellent MPG.

 

[eljefino]

For $5k it would be nice to get newer than 2002, the last year for the saturn s series. Maybe a cobalt XFE or saturn ION, both available with stick shifts and the decent ecotec.

You'd get a much newer lower mileage american car than civic or corolla for the same money, which will easily much more than overcome any slight initial reliablity advantage of the Japanese name.

 

[hypervish]

I recommend a used Civic or Corolla.

 

[meangreen01]

These vague vehicle requests are annoying. While FE is the hot quality for a vehicle to possess these days, we all know it's rarely the only factor to be considered. But, going off of the criteria given, I'll chime in with a 1991 Geo Metro 3 cylinder. 2000 lbs, 70HP, 55 MPG. Hopefully it wouldn't be his primary or only vehicle, or that he doesn't regularly traverse windy, narrow coal roads with 30 ton trucks whizzing by within a few feet in the winter, and so on.

Maybe you tell us what he's driving now and what he wants in term of MPG improvement? Can he live with a small compact car? Or, will he want a small SUV/truck(4cyl Ranger, CRV, etc.)?

 

[Mr Nice]

My neighbor bought a mint 2005 Civic LX for $6000 with only 60K miles, so there are clean Civics in that price range if you look.

 

[wheelman]

Civic if a good deal can be found. I wouldnt get a corolla. I know a few people Who have had severe allignment issues. Cobalts are ok, focus aren't bad
. Not sure if one can be found for 5 grand but pontiac vibe. Is a nice car. Saturns are great if you can find one that was cared for. The early 2000 ecotecs had some oiling issues. After 04 I believe they were a lot better

 

[bepperb]

Civic, Corolla, Focus, Mazda 3... the list is long and the cars are surprisingly good. I think I'd pay extra for a Mazda 3 but I bet you can get a Cobalt for half the price (and while IMO not as good, it's certainly half as good) if it's just a commuter.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: wheelman
Civic if a good deal can be found. I wouldnt get a corolla. I know a few people Who have had severe allignment issues. Cobalts are ok, focus aren't bad
. Not sure if one can be found for 5 grand but pontiac vibe.


The Vibe is the same thing, underneath, as a Corolla. If the Corolla has alignment issues (they don't seem to be widespread if they do exist), a same-year Vibe should have them too. I had an '07 Corolla and loved it. I averaged mid-30s with my 5-speed model. The 2003-2008 is the same generation, and was a very successful model. They may be hard to find as gas continues to climb, especially for a reasonable price. The 2003+ models were larger and generally more refined than the 2002- models, and the earlier ones had issues with oil consumption.

 

[addyguy]

Ecotec-powered Chevrolet Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire. Should be able to get a nice one for $5k.

 

[jigen]

Thanks guys. Found some decent things on craigslist. I'll pass on the info.

 

[caravanmike]

since it is back roads with little stopping that means 2 lane road going 55+ mph. i vote for a bigger vehicle for safety!

 

[rjacket]

Ask GM if you can take a Volt off their hands for $5k.

 

[BigBuck]

Tell him to find an Elantra or Sonata. He can find one that is in better shape with less miles than any of the cars listed above.

 

[addyguy]

Originally Posted By: rjacket
Ask GM if you can take a Volt off their hands for $5k.


LOL!

 

[nixon]

As your coworker is inPa. , I'd seriously have him look at subarus . the other might be a AWD rav4
My wife has a 110 mile round trip daily in all sorts of weather . These are the cars that have served her well with no problems .

 

[rjundi]

For $5k can you actually get a decent Corolla or Civic as suggested?

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Neon
Focus
Escort
97-01 Camry
98-02 Accord
98-01 Altima
Protegé sedan/wagon
Prizm

 

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
For $5k can you actually get a decent Corolla or Civic as suggested?


They'll have 150k+ miles on them. In my area at least.