Car Advice

[f_399]

I have spent more fixing my car then its really worth.

I am looking to sell it and get a used car.

My budget is about 11,000(trade in + about $1.000 down and finance the balance)

I think I am done with american cars(no offense), I am looking into getting either a Toyota or Honda

Which one should I get with my budget?

Also if there are other reliable cars out there with cheap maintenance cost pls let me know.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Honestly if I was thinking about cheap maintenance cost, I'd say an old GM sedan :lol: Sure you might have a higher frequency of repair but damn the repairs are cheap :D Get something with the supercharged V6 and it's fun to drive too :D

How about a lightly used Maxima stickshift or something? Toyotas and Hondas are just too boring :lol:

[AirMoore]

A few cars come into mind:

3rd Generation Honda Integras (2nd Gen are a little old and parts are becoming harder to find).

Mid-to-late 1990's Honda Civics or Accords

Mid-to-late 1990's Camry

etc etc...

None of these cars are really 'sporty' or 'pimp' cars really but often are cheap fixes and long lasting cars. Honda Integras are however becomeing rather popular with the import crowd that is finally loosening its grip on the Mits. Eclipse (2nd Gen)

I would also suggest a mid-to-late 90's Mitsubishi Galant, if you are willing to look at Mits.

(All w/manual transmissions...which are much better cars; then Autos) :lol: :lol:

[AirMoore]

How about a lightly used Maxima stickshift or something?

Not a bad idea there.

[compu44]

I'm looking at a 2003 Toyota Corolla in a year or so. Done a lot of reading on it and it seems like an awesome vehicle.

[AirMoore]

I'm looking at a 2003 Toyota Corolla in a year or so. Done a lot of reading on it and it seems like an awesome vehicle.

I can say you would really probably enjoy that car...

The only reason why I didnt suggest somewhat newer cars (like 2003ish) is because their parts can often times car be a bit more expensive if they do happen to go, not to mention cars under 5 years old often have a few recalls trickle in to the 5 year mark...after that they become much more sparse... but still a hassle.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

I'd stay very far away from Integras and Civics. Around here they were very popular when new (still are, RSX doesn't sell like the old Integra did though).

However, the #1 most stolen car on volume is the Civic, the #1 most stolen car on percentage of cars on the road is the Integra, Civic is #2... insurance rates are completely nuts :shock: and there is a decent chance it won't be there in the morning (with the Integra). Things might be different in Dallas.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Anyway, I don't particularly mind repairing my cars. But I do particularly care about performance, driving satisfaction, ergonomics and long-distance comfort. And it has to have 3 pedals :lol: So that's why I like my Saabs :lol:

[compu44]

I'm looking at a 2003 Toyota Corolla in a year or so. Done a lot of reading on it and it seems like an awesome vehicle.

I can say you would really probably enjoy that car...

The only reason why I didnt suggest somewhat newer cars (like 2003ish) is because their parts can often times car be a bit more expensive if they do happen to go, not to mention cars under 5 years old often have a few recalls trickle in to the 5 year mark...after that they become much more sparse... but still a hassle.

I did consider the price of parts, but I looked at some on ebay just to get a general idea, they don't seem all that bad. I'm getting tired of stupid crap breaking on the Escort when it doesn't even have 130,000 mi yet. Things like wiring melting just plain should not happen. The way I look at, if the parts cost three times as much, but I only have 1/4 as many repairs, that's fine.

Recalls on Toyota products (especially the Corolla) are REALLY low
I believe on the Corolla there's only been two recalls since 97, and one of them ammounted to tightening a bolt. Can't recall what the other was.

Anyways, back on topic, I think i'd be worth at least looking at for the original poster, seeing as he could get one with under 50,000mi in excelent condition with some nice options and still be in his price range.

[AirMoore]

Anyway, I don't particularly mind repairing my cars. But I do particularly care about performance


Umm...performance...Saab....performance....Saab lol somethings not making sense here.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I'm kidding it is a good GM car.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

f_399, what kind of criteria do you want in your car? Manual transmission or automatic? 4 banger? V6? V8 (you KNOW you want the V8 just admit it!)... 2 doors or 4? Maybe 3? Compact, fullsize? Economy or luxury? Sporty or bland? Cloth or leather?

You know you can get a decent Ferrari 308 for just a little bit more coin... forget about the maintenance costs though :shock:

[lordhamster]

My wife drives a 95 Honda Accord. Its never had a problem and still runs like the day she bought it (she bought it used). Great vehicle... I can't say enough good things about honda.

[compu44]

My brother owned about a 2000 Honda Accord and loved it. I don't think he ever had a problem with it. It could easily get in the low 40's for highway mileage too.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Umm...performance...Saab....performance....Saab lol somethings not making sense here.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I'm kidding it is a good GM car.

Hey Saab set many endurance speed records at Talladega Raceway... the first time in 1986, they took 3 9000 Turbos off the factory line, and ran them at WOT for 100 000km straight. The cars had an average speed of 213km/h INCLUDING all scheduled maintenance, driver changes, tire changes, etc. Then in 1996 they took several 900 Turbos off the factory line and did the same thing. 225km/h was the average of the fastest car, *and* they had several other cars that journalists drove at the same time, so the factory drivers had to keep swerving out trying not to hit these guys going like 100 mi/h :roll:

[holein1]

My buddy just got a 99 acura 3.2 tl it's a very nice full size car, he paid around $11,000. If your looking for a smaller car I would highly recommend a 99-00' civic si, fairly quick car,awesome gas mileage & the engines are bullet proof!!!

[f_399]

the thing with civic si, integras, preludes... you know the owner drove it like he stole it!

it would be nice to have a manual, no more then 6 cylinders and either 2 or 4 door

looking at corollas, civics, accords, maxima(there is a late 90's almos 2000 model that looks very sport i dont know what model thougg), galant, camry....

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Maxima is by FAR the one I'd go for out of those choices... Get the SE with 5-speed, newer is better (3,5 litre not the 3,0).

[brick]

Sounds like the same thing I went through last summer. My Accord has been rock solid so far, and I absolutely love it. I'm sure you could find one to fit your budget. One caveat for '98-'02 Accords: DO NOT get the V6 w/auto tranny. It shifts like crap while it works and then they all break at 80-110K mi. It's a damn shame, too, because everything else about those cars is excellent. 4-cylinder, manual transmission is the way to go, anyway. :wink: Relatively fun to drive, averaging 28-30mpg in mixed driving, can't go wrong.

Maximas are good, too. My buddy got a '02 or '03 a few months ago. Torque monster!

[f_399]

what about an 03 golf gti 1.8T 5 speed

51K miles $13,000

[brick]

Definitely fun to drive but I don't know if it's going to be what you want in terms of reliability. Modern European cars tend to be VERY expensive to fix when they break.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Volkswagen wiring SUCKS! Very unreliable and I know people whose Jettas and Golfs caught fire as result :roll: And you're always got weird shorts and things don't work.

Generally this would become VERY apparent once the car becomes 9-10 years old. But someone on a forum here had their 2002 Jetta TDI burst into flames at the post office :shock:

And really, for reliability, GM kicks VW's ass :lol: . Mind you, VW's offer a "unique" driving style, and a LOT of people LOVE their Volkswagens, despite their flaws.

I wonder what you could get on a 2003 Saab 9-3 2.0t Linear 5-speed...

[f_399]

how about a mitsubishi galant GTZ?

http://www.autolove.com/mitsubishi/379%20Ga2.jpg

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Boring...

it doesn't even break enough to be remotely interesting :lol:

[f_399]

http://www.p.honey.btinternet.co.uk/photogallery/photo26003/050302.jpg

i like how it looks

how is mitsubishi reliability though?

[AirMoore]

I suggested the galant, my brother had one with white leather, with moon/sunroof, 5speed....nice cars.

Mitsubishi are you kidding me...if you kind find one in good shape (not beat on) they last.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

If you want a Mitsu, go to the dealer and see what kind of deal they'd be willing to cut you. Mitsu is in the doo doo :lol:

[f_399]

Definitely fun to drive but I don't know if it's going to be what you want in terms of reliability. Modern European cars tend to be VERY expensive to fix when they break.

going to test drive it in 30mins---- that didnt work, someone bought the car just as i got there

test drove a tutbo audi tt manual.... it was fun but i hade the lag time before it spools

also drove an automatic 1.8T GTI

i dont think i will be buying any of these cars, i have to go with japanese cars

[Dilip]

The galants and accords are very very popular in HK and u see many that are in perfect condition and they run good, very reliable.

A guy like u doesn't want a camry, get an accord! Or if u can afford it, get a 2003 mazda 6, manual :)

[raresvx]

You live in texas and you want a fwd car? Over all the cars I owned/have driven. Rear wheel drive is the cheapest way togo and the smoothest ride.

Gas mileage isnt going to be high like FWD car. Dont get me wrong, I love my 89 turbo grand am and 90 turbo grand prix. FWD cars are noisy and seem to need more repairs regulary. Plus they dont take abuse like RWD.

Im not much help. Maybe a mini truck/suv? If it were me room is a big factor.

[lordhamster]

Definitely fun to drive but I don't know if it's going to be what you want in terms of reliability. Modern European cars tend to be VERY expensive to fix when they break.
Amen

I drive a German car and I love it to death, but I'm only leasing it. I don't think I'd buy it. Not because it hasn't been a great cart, but because:

1. The Quality Ratings on German cars has been miserable lately and
2. Repaircosts are phenomenal.

To buy a car, I'd probably go japanese.

[Ford_Focus_05]

Call me crazy, if you can find a used Scion Tc Those are nice looking, and they are sporty, they can be standards, cause everyone loves standards and they have a nice look to them, In my opinion, Scion is made by toyota!

And they have a nice kick to them plus you can buy a superchager for them, if you ask me the Tc is evrything you are looking for!

[A-TownNavi]

i have to agree with you. a buddy of mine has one with the 5-speed, its pretty quick. just dont get the f-ing xA or xB both look retarded as hell. if any of yall are wondering why Toyota didnt name the car the "xC" its cuz Volvo had already licensed that for their XC 90. just a little FYI :D .

[brick]

When I called my insurance company for quotes the lady I spoke with was pushing me to look at the Tc. She was looking down the list of small-ish cars with good claim ratings (so low injury rate, low theft rate). If I had been looking for a new car at the time I would have gone to the Scion dealer to see. You should be able to find more of them used by now.

JTW has one, I believe. Maybe he will chime in.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

tC? Is that the fake BMW body on an Echo chassis with a base Camry motor they came up with so they could kill off the Celica? :?

[A-TownNavi]

tC? Is that the fake BMW body on an Echo chassis with a base Camry motor they came up with so they could kill off the Celica? :?

i believe it is. just like the F-ing dam Liberty did to the Cherokee XJ! i hated Jeep for that. the Liberty sucks. heres proof- http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=8093FEC5-D1CC-427A-B151-8ED0A91DF965&term=liberty&p=0

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Liberty does suck. I remember Dieter Zetsche saying "the Jeep is the vehicle that ended the Second World War. Our new Jeep Liberty is so named to protect that heritage" or something like that :lol:

In Europe the Liberty is called the Cherokee though... and it's a dead ringer for that "Dakar" 4-door Wrangler they had in 1997 touring the autoshows...

I really don't know what exactly Jeep is trying to do at the moment. ie the Commander, the upcoming Dodge "neon replacement sportwagon" with 7 slots on the grille, and the other fwd one...

[brick]

the upcoming Dodge ***** ADMIN - DELETE THIS POST!!! ***** with 7 slots on the grille,

Say again? I do not copy!

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Damnit I didn't even notice :shock:

[brick]

I guess the forum software doesn't like the idea of a Neon wagon. :lol: