I am looking for a used small to midsized car. I have looked at a dodge stratus and an Olds Alero. I need something under $10,000. But in decent shape. What kind should I look for that hasn't had many recalls and problems?????
2006-09-02 08:59:57 · 10 answers · asked by chazzer 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Ford Taurus, Civic, Impala.... lots of them. Don't pay a lot of money.
2006-09-02 17:07:01 · answer #1 · answered by wazup1971 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check out autotrader.com. Every car has problems, American, Chinese, Korean, Austrilian. And saying don't buy american means nothing, because even Toyota has plants over in the states. A big thing to look at is are the recals and problems worth fixing. All cars have problems, but fixing a Ferrari costs more to fix than a Cavalier. I drive a Saturn that hasn't had any problems except that it smokes. Ask almost any single cam saturn owner if their car smokes, they will say yes. They burn oil, but it runs great. You mentioned both the Stratus and the Alero... If they weren't somewhat decent cars, there wouldn't be so many on the road. Check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. They have a list of both recalls and Technical Service Bullitans for every car. If you are at a gas station and you see someone driving a car you were thinking about ask them about it. Yes every car is different, but say you talk to 15 people who like the Camry, it would mean a little more than me saying it, who has only driven a 1987 Camry. Ask the owner(if you buy it from a prive seller) why they are getting rid of it, about any problems they had, and other questions. If I had to pick one, out of those two it would be the Alero, but maybe you would be interested in a Jetta(a little less roomy, but better on gas) or even a Taurus(the only negative I've heard is that some run better on a higher octane than 87). Another good suggestion is to take some over night test drives. Dealers sometimes let you because they want the sale. Get a feel for what you like and need. Sorry it was long winded, I was just trying to help. Check out http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/ for some recall information. And never think you are taking the process to slow in deciding. Its not a book, you can't return it as easy.
2006-09-02 10:03:05 · answer #2 · answered by onceuponatime 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Look for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Neither the Stratus nor the Alero are very relaible; actually they're two of the worst cars on the road.
2006-09-02 09:39:27 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ford Contour, Ford Focus, Ford Taurus, Ford Escort, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln LS, Mercury Sable, Mazda 626, Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Mazda Protege, Volvo S40, Volvo S60.
2006-09-02 13:40:03 · answer #4 · answered by 1970boss302mustang 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
A late 90's BMW.
2006-09-02 09:05:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Like bostonboy said, look into a used Accord or Camry. oth of which will give you better reliability and stronger engines
2006-09-02 13:02:32 · answer #6 · answered by Ryan Sng 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Check out cars at carsurvey.org. they don't make many American cars that are trouble free. I've tried them all, now I only buy Japanese.
2006-09-02 09:03:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
honda accord, will last longer than the 2 you posted
2006-09-02 09:05:48 · answer #8 · answered by Dan C 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
go to carsoup.com
2006-09-02 09:08:09 · answer #9 · answered by xwitu 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
dont know
2006-09-02 09:05:26 · answer #10 · answered by Daisy Duke 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋