Car recommendations?

Camry, Accord, Taurus, Corolla...
Those are the most common and mass-produced cars on the planet. Why don't you want something cool? Are you like 50 years old? Primarily need a car suitable for hauling the grandkids and knitting supplies?

How about an older Eclipse, Mustang, Jeep, small pickup, Miata, Cougar, Celica...

All of these are in your price range, if you're willing to go enough model years back. The used '95 Lincoln Mark VIII was originally a $40,000 car, but I bought it several years ago for $16,000, and now it's worth about $7,000 or less. Don't surrender to buying a less-than-average car.

I absolutely won't pry into your finances, but if $4000 is the amount of cash you have, that would be an incredible downpayment on a great used car or truck. Having a small car payment is an excellent way to build a credit rating, may get you into a much newer and better car model/brand, and greatly expand your shopping choices.

Heck, because of low interest rates on many models, $4000 would be a good downpayment on an inexpensive new car, and still have a low payment. Kia, Chevy, and Ford all have models in the $10,00 range. So you'd be financing $6000 for 60 months, or $100 - $150 a month, depending on interest and whether you finance taxes and registration too.

Buying new also has it's advantages and disadvantages. A warantee is great. Depreciation sucks. No one's smoked in it. You select the color and options. Insurance is higher. They come with new paint, new tires, fresh oil, etc.

Some general car-buying tips:
My rule of thumb, if it looks like something a family would buy, I'm not interested. At least you're not considering an SUV/minivan...
Consider ~all~ aspects of the car. Exterior styling, interior design and ergonomics, safety, economy, performance (power and handling), value, features and accessories, comfort, etc.

There're always trade-offs, so you have to prioritize the list for yourself. A 4WD truck has excellent traction and clearance and is the best choice for utility use/work, but poor economy. A Corvette has an excellent performance rating, but isn't very comfortable and insurance is high. The Celica has a decent exterior, but the interior is totally chinzy.

Yes, RWD handles better, but you'll have better snow and mud traction with an AWD or FWD. It's another trade-off. I've always gone with RWD and accepted the limitations.

Good Luck in your hunt!
-Bob
 
Are you a car salesman? Trying to sucker the poor kid into buying a brand new car? My first car cost me $200 and I certainly wouldn't recommend anything over 2 grand for a first car. Personally, I would suggest that he spend 2 on a car, then put the other 2 in a retirement account, but thats just me.

My suggestions (in order of increasing cost)?

Volvo 240 of any vintage: very reliable, VERY easy to work on, parts are very cheap, tons of space if you get a wagon, and yet still fun if you get one with a manual tranny (RWD)

VW Rabbit GTI: reliable, great gas mileage, very fun to drive yet not fast enough to get you in too much trouble, here's your hatchback and can fit a decent amount of stuff in there, easy to work on and parts are readily available

VW Golf GTI: the evolution of the Rabbit GTI, reliable, great gas mileage, fun to drive yet not as much of a slotcar as the Rabbit, more refined and 'better looking' than the Rabbit, hatchback again

BMW E30 (3 Series): decently reliable, these older BMWs are easy to work on and parts are relatively cheap, well made with more 'luxury' than the above cars, lots of fun to drive if you spring for a 325is, can be economical if you get the 325e instead (or a 4 cylinder version), of the cars I've mentioned so far this is most likely to get you in trouble, coupe/sedan so don't expect too much luggage space

Mazda Miata: you can pick up a 90 or 91 in your price range, very reliable, easy to work on, VERY much fun to drive, great gas mileage (30s with the 1.6 engine), convertible!, very little luggage capacity

These are some of the best cheap yet fun cars you can pick up. But if you want utilitarian, stick with the mainstream choices that other people have mentioned.

Mark
 
Ugh, i'd caution against buying a "muscle" car (or a wannabe "muscle") - cars like that eare bought new by people who like to drive fast and all and usually wear their cars out pretty well and then sell them before the big problems start to arise - this way they avoid the expensive repairs and shift these costs over to thhe next buyer. You're less likely to find a beefed up car/model (like suggested VW GTIs, or Honda with VTI engineor something aloing these lines) in "mom & pop used to drive it on Sundays" condition than you would with less beefed-up cars/models. As in: you'll pay less to start with and you'llspend less on hidden costs you haven't even thought about yet. If you need something that will last you for a while withoutsignificant additional investments those aren't exactly a safe bet.

Ultimately it's your money so it's your call, but you oiught to be aware of all the aspects. If i were you i'd also calculate the distance to nearest service center and the impression they give [about their ability] into the price - what good is a cheap car if it breaks down soon and you have to drive far to get lousy service and have to cough up big time for spare parts ?
 
Are you a car salesman?
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:)
Uh, no. Not unless he wants to buy my 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII that has 150,000 nearly-trouble-free miles, a perfectly designed interior, attractive exterior, 280 horsepower, and gets 28-32 MPG highway.

Not sure I want to sell it anyway just yet. I can't find anything else I like as much.

I was just trying to introduce some ideas that perhaps hadn't crossed his mind, and broadening his options. More choices = better.

I never had a car of my own until after college. But when I did buy one, I made sure it was a car I was proud to own, a six-year-old Mercury Cougar that cost around $5,000; $700 down and $200/month payments. Even as a field archaeologist (very low-paying), the payments were usually a breeze, and a small price to pay for a car that was comfortable for travel, powerful, efficient, good-looking, well designed, and dependable.

However much you spend, make sure you're going to get your money's worth. Don't skimp too much. Pay for a week's worth of shop time, miss a few days of work, pay for a rental car for a week, pay for food and motel as a stranded motorist... you'll wish like hell you bought a better car. And with those expenses and loss of income, you won't be any farther behind financially. That's advice from first-hand experience - I used to own a Dodge. :(

-Bob
 
Bob W said:
.....Why don't you want something cool?......
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FWIW - I've owned everything on four wheels from a Studebaker with rusted out floor boards to a minty new Ferrari Testarossa. It's been my experience that more often than not, 'cool' = 'expensive to repair'.

Almost anyone, with some effort and sacrifice, can scare up enough cash to drive a used BMW or Volvo off the local used car lot. The trick is to KEEP that car on the road - repairs, service, insurance, RELIABLE tires, and...GAS (ouch!) Spend as much money on a used car as you can amass - and keep $1,000. in a slush fund for repairs. (The price of a replacement water pump, many years ago, for my "cool" Porsche 928 was Cdn$935. :( )

There's been lots of good advice handed out here - read it. Then read it again.

In the end, you'll do what YOU want anyway! :) :) :)
 
By the way, all of this is on my mind right now because I too am car shopping. My car buying process goes like this:
* Shop the new car lots
* identify better-than-average cars with average pricetags
* Wait two or three years
* buy a used one!
Planning ahead like that has worked very well for me. Nothing sucks worse than buying a car under the pressure of an 'emergency' situation.

Right now I'm considering the Eclipse, Crossfire, Thunderbird, Mustang, 350Z, RX-8, and a few others. I sure wish Jaguars depreciated faster. And I wish Mercury and Lincoln had two-door V-8 models. I wish the new Cadillac models were priced similar to the models they replaced. Mercedes and Lexus hold their value way too well for me to even afford a used one - good for new car shoppers, bad for me.

Wife wants a Chrysler 300M - a giant boat suitable for old people who no longer want to drive copcar look-alikes.

Good Luck in your search. Test drive one of everything, and have fun.
-Bob
 
Pick yourself up a nice used Honda Civic. You'll be glad you did. Front wheel drive cars handle quite well, and are definitely better if you ever plan on driving in the snow. I'm on my second Civic right now, both with manual transmissions. No problems shifting in either one.
 
Bob W said:
.....Mercedes and Lexus hold their value way too well for me to even afford a used one....
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Depends on what the used car market is like where one lives. Last Spring I took a $5,000. loss when I got rid of my 1999 E320 wagon - that I had originally purchased for about $200 over wholesale from a dealer friend. That car was my fourteenth MBZ (and you thought collecting knives was a sickness? ;) ) and I'll NEVER get another Mercedes with the expectation of it 'holding its value'. :(
 
i say get a VW GTI/golf or a honda civic. ive had my 88 civic sedan for three years and it still runs great with almost 300,000 miles. the gti is a bit more fun to drive and in my opinion alot nicer looking than the honda, but mines in the shop due to an accident. id stay away from rear wheel drive for now, espeically if you plan on driving in the snow.
 
If you decide to go for it and buy brand new, remember this, as soon as you drive that car off the lot, it automatically depriciates in value, and annually depreciates after that. If you just need transportation, nothing more, get a small sedan, it will save on gas, and as long as you have a spot to store your coat and maybe a briefcase/backpack/daypack, you'll be alright. My father and uncles use their trucks as their office, and I am trying hard not to do the same. I made a bad decision and bought an SUV. Now, I am paying through the nose for gas, and pushing my little Toyota 2wd truck into the ground, trying to conserve gas, it'll be a bitch when summer comes knocking and I have to go back to the Blazer because of the A/C. If all you need is something to get you to work and school, a small sedan is fine. Make sure it has working a/c. If you are mechanically inclined, or know someone who will fix your car for cheap, then get that $500 special. I got an extremely good deal on my SUV, but I have since put a lot of parts into it, including a used rebuilt motor! My next vehicle will be a truck, but I need that, not for work, but for what I do in my spare time. Check the classifieds if you are low on cash, if you have some to spare, go and get a certified used car, and a short warranty.
 
I'm shopping myself. My preferences are:
Low maintenance (I've dealt with cars breaking down every year or so, and I'm sick of it)
Small enough for easy turning and parking (I live in the SF Bay Area)

Based on my own and friends' experience, I'll be getting a used Civic or Corolla. Why the hell pay more? I don't have kids on soccer teams or tons of lumber to haul around. My bike rack fits great on the back of either one.
 
I like my 97 Ford Thunderbird, but it may be a little more in terms of engine size and power than you're looking for. But it's fun as hell to drive (4.6l v8, 210hp), and handles wonderfully.

There are a lot of low mileage mid-90s T-birds out there and they'd make a great first car. The manual transmission version is a little hard to find, but they are out there.

It's a very safe car, and Ford seems to have good brakes.

The only problems I've had with it was a throtle line issue last summer and recently the air intake sensor went out (incidentally, I think that's what's been killing my gas mileage). Considering that it's still under 100,000 miles and has had no major problems, I'd say it's fairly reliable.

The only drawback to this car, it doesn't run well on regular gas, and $20 got me half a tank lastnight ($2.36/gallon for mid-grade).

hmmmmm... maybe it's not a good first car with gas prices and all.

I'm not a fan of Japanese cars, but I do like Nissans and Subarus. Both makes are good on gas and good drivers (find a low mileage late 90s Nissan Maxima, or a mid 90s Subaru Impreza or Outback and you'll be happy).

Or, you could go all out and get a new Mustang... they're purty.
 
I like my 97 Ford Thunderbird, but it may be a little more in terms of engine size and power than you're looking for. But it's fun as hell to drive (4.6l v8, 210hp), and handles wonderfully.
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Those are the same cars as the Cougar I suggested earlier. Exact same engine and chassis, different options and body style. Fantastic values. The 4.6 V-8 is not a "hot-rod" engine in those cars because of the gearing and the car's weight - it's super-smooth on the suber-slab with good high end accelleration, but any punky little kid in a souped up tincan will spank you accellerating from a stop.

The Mark VIII is similar, but a higher-performance engine and upgraded everything.

My '94 Cougar got OK mileage, around 28 highway tops as I recall. The Mark '95 VIII gets 28-32, but of course requires premium gasoline.

Even though those cars are two-door, the back seats are roomier and more comfortable than most four-door cars.

Have you decided on anything yet? Lots of good car-buying advice in all of the posts here, dispite philisophical differences.

-Bob
 
Any honda/toyota... no nissans/mazda's...

VW's passat and golf are good cars, more expensive when they break than the japanese.

Me personally, if I was looking for a car that I didnt care about and only needed for transportation I'd pick up a late model geo metro. Check out the point of diminishing returns when it comes to value drop... sips gas... engines are cheap as all get out! If I remember correctly its a suzuki under the skin.

You cant go wrong with a small toyota pickup truck either.

All of the above should be manuals in my opinion! A bit better on gas.

Besides that, whatever you buy... take it to a decent mechanic, have them do a leak down test on the engine along with a compression check. Have them go over the suspension. When you look at whatever it is, go through all the buttons electronics wise and see what works/doesnt.

:D
 
Sorry guys, I haven't had a spare moment recently, tomorrow I'll try to read the whole thread and shop around. There's a good chance I've just discovered that my father might let me buy his '95 900 for a pretty low price, so that would be great. It's in terriffic shape and I'm very familiar with it, so it would be ideal :)
 
NeedleRemorse said:
Sorry guys, I haven't had a spare moment recently, tomorrow I'll try to read the whole thread and shop around. There's a good chance I've just discovered that my father might let me buy his '95 900 for a pretty low price, so that would be great. It's in terriffic shape and I'm very familiar with it, so it would be ideal :)
Click to expand...


A SAAB 900 1995?
Great car. I have an SAAB 9-5 Aero and the 9-5 always gets topremarks, one of the, if not THE safest cars in the world. Also the Aero with 250 HP is a great fun to drive :)
 
Ah yes, Saabs. Note I didn't list any because they are some of the WORST cars in the world to work on. They rank right up there with Audis and Jaguars for being completely stupid in how they are put together. But only Saab will have a single part attached with torx bolts and several different sizes of hex head bolts. There's a running joke down at the garage that when you work on Saab's you might as well dump your tool box out on the work bench because its all going to end up there anyways...

Enjoy. ;)

Oh, and to faramir, if you consider a 90hp Rabbit, something that does 0-60 in about 10.5 seconds (slower than most modern minivans), to be a muscle car, I think you need to check your meds. :)

Mark
 
BAck in the day, I owned just about every peice of junk you could ask for. Even today, the best car I've ever owned was the Geo Prizm, which was just a Toyota Corolla with a different badge. I'm sure you could get a good one for 4K. The manual version was actually fun to drive. My Mom has had old suburus and old toyatas (like, buy for about a grand) with equally good reliability. The subbies had all wheel drive, but got much worse gas mileage than the toyotas.
 
I will throw in my thoughts. If you can find a Subaru in your price range they are a very good choice. The German cars start having electrical problems in the dash after 10 years or so. VWs over the last 10 yrs seem to have a lot of repair issues (listen the "the car guys on Public Radio"). The old Geo's are cheap. The narrow tires, once you get some snows, are good in the snow. In the Central New York winters I got 35-45 mpg in my 91 Metro (winter rat- summer car was a 92 Subaru SVX). Saabs seem to hold well, ( I have had 2) and I have had great luck with dealer service even when out of town.
Oh, by the way - Get Snow Tires! All 4 wheels especially with AWD or FWD, even on RWD they steer better! Now the tires are so wide they just float on the snow. Good Luck!
Bill
 
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