I want a 2003-2005 used model - prefer small car or sedan
Price range $8000-15,000
2006-06-19 05:37:43 · 26 answers · asked by corneliusdvm 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Buy a Mazda. Good gas mileage and runs forever!
2006-06-19 05:41:50 · answer #1 · answered by k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First compile a list of possible vehicles that interest you. Then research information regarding the reliability of a manufacturer and the particular vehicle over a given period of time. A good sample period would be about five years. With this information go and test drive the cars on your list and decide which car is going to be the combination of factors that are most important to you. If you want reliability and quality, Toyota and Honda would be the logical choice; these two manufacturers have an average of 10-11 problems per 100 vehicles while both American and European manufacturers average at about 20-23 problems per 100 vehicles as compiled by Consumer Reports.
I would stay away from GM and Ford. If you follow the world of business, you might have known their bonds were rated at "junk" status by some of the top investment firms. This is not a sign of a company that makes quality products. Furthermore, the manufacturers warranty on Toyota vehicles follows the car, so as long as the car is under 60,000 miles and less than 5 years old, it is still covered under warranty.
Top recommendations for your price range would be Camry or Camry Solara, Accord, Corolla or Civic. If I had to pick one I'd say go with the Camry, it has a longer manufacturers' warranty than Honda. Not only that but the 2004 and up models come with side airbags standard, which is important if safety is relevant to you and is a larger vehicle than Corolla or Civic, which also adds to safety. If fuel efficiency is more important to you than safety, then a Corolla would be a better choice.
Also, if you can get your car from a private party I would recommend that as long as you have someone familiar and knowledgeable about cars to look for signs of mechanical or prior body damage. Also a must when purchasing a car from a private party is to use a vehicle history inquiry service such as Carfax; this will give you the complete history of the vehicle as shown in DMV's database.
2006-06-19 12:52:52 · answer #2 · answered by eikichi2005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ford Focus. Consumer Reports Best Buy for 2004, 2005 and 2006, in it's class. Great Gas Mileage, and more front head and leg room than most cars in it's class.
2006-06-19 12:42:08 · answer #3 · answered by almondjoy_1000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll tell you what NOT to buy - a Chrysler Sebring! I have one that's 4 years old, 50,000 miles and the engine is shot. Now I find out this car is notorious for this and there are 3 class action suits against Chrysler!
2006-06-19 12:42:13 · answer #4 · answered by junebug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toyota Scion Tc
2006-06-19 12:42:26 · answer #5 · answered by squashpatty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chevy Cobalt
2006-06-19 12:43:58 · answer #6 · answered by dsgc05™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
U never mentioned about your age group or social status or kids!!!...that's what is very important to answer this question!
Anywho...drive a 02 /03 Subaru WRX impreza....U probably will forget U'r age or social status....U'll love the car !
2006-06-19 12:48:35 · answer #7 · answered by FORD on FIRE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the Jettas and Passats and they should both fall under your description. They drove the smoothest compared to toyota corollas. Also Honda accords/civics.
2006-06-19 12:42:09 · answer #8 · answered by charlotte 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It is a good looking car and it's fun to drive
2006-06-19 12:42:39 · answer #9 · answered by truth_seeker1971 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should get a Honda Civic...great cars. They last for a long time...and the newer models are very, very nice.
2006-06-19 12:40:32 · answer #10 · answered by mel_kuchta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋