I will be making 100+ miles each day on weekdays. While gas economy is important, security and at least a 4 door is a preferable since I've been driving a 2-door for a period of time now and we've had to rent cars when going camping, etc. I am thinking also to perhaps sell the car after a year as I'll have the chance to move closer to my destination, so I'm concerned about how much value of the car I can keep over the year despite the mileage.
Thank you for all the answers/recommendations.
2006-07-24 08:59:59 · 8 answers · asked by Discover7 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
When we went to buy my husband a car I looked on consumer reports and based on it's recommendation picked:
99 Saturn SL1 with 60,000 miles
We were prepared to pay ~7K but the dealer had one on sale for $5,900. So after everything else we were still under the Kelly Blue Book.
It is a four door, 4 cylinder. It doesn't have a ton of juice to accelerate with, but it is good for the commute. With reasonable accessories for the price. I would make the purchase again.
The only issue we have had since we bought it 2 years ago is with the water pump, and it was able to be repaired, not replaced. So about $150 to fix.
If you aren't into the saturn I would check out ConsumerReports.org ($4.00 for a monthly online subscription) They have NEVER lead me astray. I check them out before every major purchase... for like the last 15 years. They are non-profit, so they don't have any reason to lie.
That will narrow you down to price range, size, make, model etc. Then get on KellyBlueBook.com for milage vs. price.
Then you can have a list of Which cars at what price/milage you are willing to buy when you go to the dealer.
*TIP if you are getting a loan: get approved for a loan from a bank before you go. That way when you go to get the car you aren't at the mercy of the dealer for funding...You see if you stick with the dealer for the loan, they are really selling you TWO things: The car, and the money (interest for the loan).
Good luck!
2006-07-24 10:19:18 · answer #1 · answered by Crystal Violet 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ummm I'd go for a used Honda- those things last forever. If you don't know much about cars I suggest having a friend who does go with you, or ask to take the car to a mechanic you trust to find out if it can hack your schedule. Compacts are your buddies if you're on a budget (who isn't) and four doors are easy to find.
As far as resale value I know lots of people will shell out bucks for a good Honda for thesame reason I'm suggesting one to you- they last forever.
Good luck
2006-07-24 09:06:55 · answer #2 · answered by superandy_83 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was going suggest a miata because mine gets 34mpg and i have never had any problems with it, but if you need a 4 door, based off the miata's good service, maybe a mazda protege would be a good choice.
2006-07-24 10:19:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Volvos
2006-07-24 09:03:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
100+ miles per day, ouch that sucks.
I'd suggest a toyota co rola or camry. Mine has well over 100,000 miles and runs GREAT! Also, they hold their value so you can resell them.
2006-07-24 09:05:12 · answer #5 · answered by Lord_of_Armenia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a 98 honda civic
2006-07-24 09:04:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean, you want to spend 6k for a car and 7k, for yearly maintenace, ???
2006-07-24 09:05:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ford Focus..... the original one, apparently you can pick them up for around 6k if you look around.
2006-07-24 09:18:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋