Useful size, reliable late model used car

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I get 16-18 city
and
25-29 Highway

Somedays I drive very "sprited"
Somedays I drive like a old man!!


Its a very small 3.9L V8. But it puts out great power!

I was really suprized at how great it was on gas.
My buddy has a 06 chevy cobalt 2.2L V4
He gets 18-22 city and 28-30 highway.


So about 2 MPG loss compared to a econocar!!!
 
OK, with that info I did a quick Craigslist search in the $7000-10000 price range. Some interesting choices:

'01 VW GTI, $10k
'04 Nissan Altima 2.5, $9k
'07 Focus SES sedan, $8.5k
'02 BMW 325i sedan, $9.7k
'04 Corolla S, $8.8k
'03 WRX wagon, $7.7k
'02 Acura RSX, $10k

Lots of cars to choose from in the price range but a little challenging to find something decent that still gets 30mpg. There's a lot of demand for cars under $10,000 that get good gas mileage.
 
well of that the focus would potentially fit the bill.

Unless mileage is vastly different, no way we'd pay 8.8k for an 04 toyota when he could get an 07 focus for 9k.

Thats a good one... focus for the list too. IIRC, they do 37 MPG in mt trim.
 
+1 for a Focus. You can get them in many different flavors including 5 door hatch and the wagon. If he wants to make it handle a little better too, You can get the SVT Focus Suspension kit brand new for around $300 out the door if you look on Ebay.
 
Focus is a good choice. I have an 08 that I really enjoy! I am getting 32 mpg CITY. Believe it or not!
grin2.gif


Thing is does he have to have a car? Are the roads so bad in NJ during winter that a FWD is nessacary? Could he get by with a 4-cylinder Ranger? He might need a truck if he is going to be moving.
 
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Originally Posted By: zoomzoomlx


+1 for a Focus. You can get them in many different flavors including 5 door hatch and the wagon. If he wants to make it handle a little better too, You can get the SVT Focus Suspension kit brand new for around $300 out the door if you look on Ebay.


Wagon is no long available since the new platform came out. (too bad, we need more Wagons then SUVs)
 
Originally Posted By: Camu Mahubah
Supposedly Ford is gonna bring the European Focus to US for 2009. I saw a five-door hatchback in a magazine. I would have bought that and I may even trade for one.
They are.

It will be built in Mexico....
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
02-03 TL with a fresh timing belt and a fresh transmission.

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Make sure it has low mileage too, so that in case you need another transmission it is still covered.
 
He should consider a nice, used low mile Corolla.

Pennies per mile to keep on the road, 40+ MPG , cheap on insurance and parts are dirt cheap.
 
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Camu Mahubah
Supposedly Ford is gonna bring the European Focus to US for 2009. I saw a five-door hatchback in a magazine. I would have bought that and I may even trade for one.
They are.

It will be built in Mexico....


Just as long as it is built in the Western Hemisphere. I like Japanese cars. I had one that was great. Not perfect but good. I do think the Japanese have enough money. I would like to spend my money on cars made closer to home.

I don't really know what I am talking about as a lot of Japanese vehicles are built in the U.S.

Wait we're talking about used cars aren't we? So it doesn't matter. Go to dealerships and take a look at used cars. Find one you sorta like. Test drive the ergonomics and performance to see if it suits your needs. Then go home get online and find a private seller that has a similiar car. Test drive it to make sure it is mechanically solid. Arrange a deal. Done.
 
Ford Taurus, Focus or Escort. Underestimated but with good maintenance they'll run as long as any foreign job. Cheap and plentiful with alot of cheap parts since they're well seen as domestic junk that is if you need parts.
 
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