I live in Texas and have to commute/drive up tp 50 miles total a day. I had a job previously that gave me a company car. (i lost it)...now I have a new job, and have a small amount of cash to work with, and do not want a car payment. I'd prefer to buy a car in cash upfront so I can minimize my monthly car payment options, but obviously, I dont want a car that is going to poop out on me and cost me thousands of dollars in repairs. Does anyone know what kind of car, model, year etc that I should buy that they have used or seen someone else use with relative reliability? Thank you!
2006-09-29 13:36:16 · 17 answers · asked by eands10 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
I think is a good idea to pay the car cash out front. I did the same some years ago and I am very happy because when I looked for a house the mortgage company was very pleased to know that my wife and me had our cars paid.
Most people should do the same.
Look in autotrader.com for a good Ford Escort. You will get 30 +++ miles and they are very reliable (Of course, a good tune up is good in any old car).
I drive a 99 escort and has been a very reliable car.
Another well kept secret is the Mazda Protege. My wife has had 3, excellent cars. Good luck.
2006-09-29 19:16:19 · answer #1 · answered by wazup1971 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest a chrysler product...they tend to be very dependable. Living in Texas...I know that you pay more than I do here in ks for a car. for $3000 you should be able to get something like a 2000 intrepid or stratus in good shape. Check it out good...ask the seller for a maintenance report (oil changes and such). One thing to look for on these cars is the inner tie rod ends...the bushings wear out...not expensive but a pain to change...and the rack and pinion mounting bushings...if you know what you are looking at...just have some one turn the wheel and watch the rack and pinion mounts...if there is excessive play then deduct this from the cost of the car for that to be replaced.
Although I"m a GM proponent I don't reccomend buying a used GM car...unless the seller can show the maintenance report.
Chrysler cars are by far better.
2006-09-29 20:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chevy cavaliers are a good car. If you can drive a stick a stick shift is recommended.
They have an almost will not die attitude and the stick shift models get very good gas mileage and the 2.2 motor has good power to boot.
Don't get a Cavalier unless it's at least a 1992 or newer. The yrs before 1990 weren't a very good car. Any Honda after 1990 would be a good buy also if in decent condition.And everyone knows their mileage. But they also have fairly decent power.
2006-09-29 20:45:24 · answer #3 · answered by whtsthislif4 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been buying cars for under $1000 all my life (I'm 50 now) . currently driving a 99 suzuki swift ,paid $400 for a year and a half ago . My wife has a 95 escort wagon paid $600 about a year and a half ago. Ive put nearly 30,000 on the suzuki . my advice is go as cheap as you can , you'll have money left over for repairs. escorts seem to hold up for cheap autos . Its a risk buying this cheap but I dont buy lottery tickets . good luck
2006-09-29 20:52:18 · answer #4 · answered by oldtreeplanter 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had good luck with used Ford Taurus's they don't have a great resale, they get decent gas mileage and it's been so long since the styles have changed only a expert can tell how old your car is.
Another suggestion is to not buy from a car lot. Look for cars for sale sitting on peoples front lawn or newspaper listing.. Hope this helps and good luck.
2006-09-29 22:10:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any clean-up, well maintained Honda...they are very reliable, fuel-efficient and easy to self-maintain..Best piece of advice though, have the car check out by a reputable mechanic, you may lose the money after turning down the car, but you saved yourself the hassle of dealing with a lemon car or a scoundrel selling it! I speak from experience.
Check out autotrader.com in your area for listed vehicles in your price range, check out atleast 5 cars before deciding aswell. Best of luck! and Don't sweat the small stuff ;-)
2006-09-29 20:46:03 · answer #6 · answered by Annette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alot of it has to do with the previous owners.
forget the brand. i have spent $900 on an old (1977) dodge van than lasted forever and spent thousands keeping a ford ranger running. bought an edsel for $3500 and it is still the best running car ive ever owned. talk to the owners......find out how it was taken care of!
2006-09-29 21:01:47 · answer #7 · answered by icameheretosleepnotchat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
toyota camery is the best on gas I say if your going 50 miles each way everyday you will use about 1 1/2 gallons of gas each day to get there and the same to get back
2006-09-29 22:07:02 · answer #8 · answered by lalondejr_donald 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have an old commuter that's pretty reliable...'94 Ford Escort LX, I bought it for $850. I love it for that. It gets around 40-45MPG and I have yet to repair it. Ford Contours. Oldsmobile. Buick. just not an old saturn, japanese, or chevy.
2006-09-29 20:45:01 · answer #9 · answered by Scott T 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honda
2006-09-29 20:43:13 · answer #10 · answered by unplannednudity39624 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋