The Accord is out due to reliability issues. So the hunt continues.

[JCE]

You're forgetting I'm German so getting a Volkswagen would only completely solidify my German-ness in this country. But, in all honestly I'm really open to about anything. I've been spotting some pretty good things like:

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/d...=225209362&sort_type=make_modelASC&cardist=25

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/d...=225209362&sort_type=make_modelASC&cardist=25

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/d...type=make_modelASC&pager.offset=25&cardist=25

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/d...type=make_modelASC&pager.offset=25&cardist=25

That Accord and those Mercs are really calling my name.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

That Accord looks pretty good. It should be reliable and get good fuel economy. The drive can't be that bad either.

 

[JCE]

Agreed. Right now its probably #1 on my list due to its mileage, price, location, and options. It has a CD changer, that is a good thing. Plus I always liked this model of Accord saloon the best--and its green. Looks sexy in green.

*edit*
I just noticed on the credit part of the dealer details that they cater to "Good Credit". Aw damn, looks like that's a no-go. But at least you guys can see what sort of stuff is available down here--and what I'm looking for (minus 1980's Mercs, I just liked that one).

 

[JCE]

Every car I went to look at today was either sold or they wanted an insane price and or down payment for. So I'm waiting another two weeks and then hopefully I can find something a bit where I want it. More money = talks.I'll be looking forward to seeing everyone's suggestions as well as refining my own list again.

I test drove a few cars this morning. So far my impressions are mixed. The Infiniti J30 was quite awsome--Nissan + RWD = win. The Maximas I drove felt just like my old one--which is a good thing. The V6 Mustang was...a V6 Mustang. And lastly I think I like the Escort ZX2, it wasn't too bad on interior space and it felt ok chassis wise. My only problem is apparently they're hard to come by around here.

*damn it*
Did it again. I got to learn to scroll down before hitting "Reply" at the top if the page.

 

[JCE]

The decision has been made (sort of). I'm waiting and rebuilding/swapping the Camaro's engine before I get a daily driver. I just can't have a car payment during the most important money saving phase of the Camaro rebuild fund.

However, I DO appreciate the suggestions and will get another vehicle this year--and it will be one that I can afford and have fun in.

 

[JCE]

Copy from the first post:

After thinking about this vigorously for the past week today I've come to the following conclusion...

If I save up and spend $2,500-3,000 on an engine rebuild for my Camaro that still leaves me with no Aircon, no radio, no interior, no heater, original transmission, brakes, fuel filter, radiator, muffler, catalytic converter, bodywork, and paint to save up for. That my friends is that. My first original plan was to buy a reasonable car that can be a daily driver for 3-5 years while I save up bits and pieces for the Camaro--I've since changed it (my plan) twice since, but now I'm wanting to get back to my original long-term plan.

So here's the deal, I went to the mid-range single owner dealer to see what I'd qualify for and what he had. I originally saw a Maxima, a Caddy, and a Ford Bronco but failed to meet his lender's expected down payment of (in the Maxima and Caddy's case) over $2,700 worth. And the Bronco sold last weekend. But, he said he had this black on black 2000 Honda Accord EX V6 coupe with 90,500 miles that he would personally finance me for with $1,000 down and less than $300 per month for 36 months. So I waited fror him to get the car in and took it for a test run checking as much mechanical as possible. Rides VERY smooth, VERY good brakes, turns sharp, no abnormal noises, and most importantly the interior is completely intact and it has leather ()! The exterior has a few minor imperfections but with what I'm paying for the car its well worth it. I'll be financing $7,000, this car with its mileage and options retail blue book's for $10,300.

I forgot to take a pic with my phone but here is what it looks like exactly:

Tomorrow I go and put my $500 deposit down so he will hold it two more weeks until I get the other $500. He indicated that he *may* contract me and do a deferred down payment split and letme take her home on Friday. So as long as no emergencies happen this will be my new car. Its not fast, but its everything else I want. Looks, comfy, radio, space, reliablity (hopefully), and cheap insurance along with a cheap monthly payment.

Thoughts?

 

[YSSMAN]

Sounds like a pretty good car, I do rather like that generation of Accord. It wouldn't be exactly what I'm looking for (*cough*MINI*cough*), but yes, a wonderful car nevertheless...

Best of luck to you!

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Thoughts?

Sweet, can't wait for some pics. I think the Coupe is a pretty nice looking car.

 

[Philly]

Nice car. I've always thought the Accord coupe was a sweet car.

 

[Keef]

Nice choice, and nice price! How the heck did you get them down that low? Ten-thousand sounds like a reasonable price for the car you get.

 

[Thirdeye]

Be careful with the transmission in the V6 Accords, they can be problematic. Not so much in the V6 as the 4-cylinder for that year, but still beware. And one thing YSSMAN forgot to mention is that the 1.8T is a sludgemonster. Don't even think about going past 5k on your oil changes in that car, and keep up to date on the PCV maintenance. Also keep in mind that they're trying to dump that Accord because it's probably due for a new timing belt.

 

[JCE]

Sounds like a pretty good car, I do rather like that generation of Accord. It wouldn't be exactly what I'm looking for (*cough*MINI*cough*), but yes, a wonderful car nevertheless...

Best of luck to you!

I like that gen Accord too. I almost call the coupes baby NSX's when they have that spoiler on the bootlid.

Sweet, can't wait for some pics. I think the Coupe is a pretty nice looking car.

I think so, and its black on black--which is what I wanted.

Nice car. I've always thought the Accord coupe was a sweet car.

+1

Nice choice, and nice price! How the heck did you get them down that low? Ten-thousand sounds like a reasonable price for the car you get.

It needs a bit of work on the body, but other than that it seems to be a pretty solid drive. I don't like the tires on it, they look too tall. But no worries, they have plenty of tread. I'm going to wash and detail it before I take some pics. I also need to remove the dealer sticker, and install a better radio head unit that plays MP3s.

Be careful with the transmission in the V6 Accords, they can be problematic. Not so much in the V6 as the 4-cylinder for that year, but still beware.

Thankfully its a V6 and it doesn't have alot of miles--at least for a Honda. 👍

 

[Keef]

Be careful with the transmission in the V6 Accords, they can be problematic. Not so much in the V6 as the 4-cylinder for that year, but still beware. And one thing YSSMAN forgot to mention is that the 1.8T is a sludgemonster. Don't even think about going past 5k on your oil changes in that car, and keep up to date on the PCV maintenance.

Turbos spew a lot of carbon. As a matter of fact, I just happened to learn that the old 993 Turbos had widespread problems with PCVs getting clogged and spark plugs fouling. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

 

[Boz Mon]

Well played my friend, well played. I have always been a fan of those Accords and the V-6 is a plus. I think you will enjoy it.

 

[JCE]

Well played my friend, well played. I have always been a fan of those Accords and the V-6 is a plus. I think you will enjoy it.

Its not a Prelude but it'll do.

 

[YSSMAN]

Meh, it took some of its driving lessons from the Prelude. Even as a "mid-size" sedan, it will still outhandle the neighbor's Accord, Altima, and Passat of the era...

 

[Thirdeye]

If I remember right, the timing belt maintenance for that car is at either 90k or 100k, so expect to fork over $500 or more to get that changed ASAP when you purchase it. And even with the low mileage there can still be transmission issues. I know of people who have gone through three transmissions in that time.

 

[JCE]

If I remember right, the timing belt maintenance for that car is at either 90k or 100k, so expect to fork over $500 or more to get that changed ASAP when you purchase it. And even with the low mileage there can still be transmission issues. I know of people who have gone through three transmissions in that time.

Got any links for me to go read up on some signs of the transmission issues? I don't recall hearing or reading about a transmission epidemic for these. And $500 seems cheap for a timing belt change. I remember it costing me over $1,000 for my 240SX a few years ago. If there is such a huge problem with this car's reliability I won't get it. I'm looking for comfort and reliability mainly. I have ZERO hesitation to not buy it if it will become a problem.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Got any links for me to go read up on some signs of the transmission issues? I don't recall hearing or reading about a transmission epidemic for these. And $500 seems cheap for a timing belt change. I remember it costing me over $1,000 for my 240SX a few years ago. If there is such a huge problem with this car's reliability I won't get it. I'm looking for comfot and reliability mainly. I have ZERO hesitation to not buy it if it will become a problem.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/reliability.aspx?year=2000&make=Honda&model=Accord

Automatic transmission: On V6 models, transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2002)

source

Pretty interesting

 

[YSSMAN]

My only guess to the transmission problems would be similar to those that are found in the Acura TL/CL of the same era. Edmunds doesn't have too many reviewers listing it as an issue, but a few did, so I imagine that there are ones out there that are having issues. If its really common, it would be hard to find replacement parts, but I can't be so certain with the Honda.

See if they have any paperwork for the car from the previous owners, or better yet, CARFAX it. That $20 report may save you $2000 from a transmission shop...

 

[JCE]

And the carfax is in, the vehicle has been wrecked. Not totalled, but wrecked. That's not the worrying part, the transmission thing is. I'm going in this morning and telling him I'll wait for something a bit more reliable. Damn, I was looking forward to driving it. I had NO clue that the automatic transmission was junk on these. More reason to get the 5/6spd. Oh wel, time to change the topic title back.

 

[ND4SPD]

Changing it to "Getting P71 Crown Vic" seems perfect.

 

[JCE]

Changing it to "Getting P71 Crown Vic" seems perfect.

No one can find me one. Apparently they are a hot commodity around here. So the hunt continues. I get the feeling that I'll be looking forever.

 

[Thirdeye]

Ahhh don't feel like that, you'll end up rushing things and getting yourself into a money pit. Just take your time and don't worry, something will pop up. I wasn't even looking for my car, but I saw it and had to have it. Turned out to be a perfect car. Have you tried looking at Autotrader.com yet? I found my first car on there and that car was amazing as well ('98 Altima GXE). Just keep us posted with what you find and we'll try to steer you in the right direction

 

[YSSMAN]

What kind of budget were you looking at for a car payment, for insurance, again?

I had been pretty dead-set on getting the used car thing covered, but until I actually sat down to figure prices out, leasing was the only thing that made any sense.

 

[ND4SPD]

No one can find me one. Apparently they are a hot commodity around here. So the hunt continues. I get the feeling that I'll be looking forever.

That sucks! They're everywhere here, well a search on autotrader shows there are tons around here!

 

[JCE]

Ahhh don't feel like that, you'll end up rushing things and getting yourself into a money pit. Just take your time and don't worry, something will pop up. I wasn't even looking for my car, but I saw it and had to have it. Turned out to be a perfect car. Have you tried looking at Autotrader.com yet? I found my first car on there and that car was amazing as well ('98 Altima GXE). Just keep us posted with what you find and we'll try to steer you in the right direction

I have no problem taking my time, I just don't want to take too much of it. I've set a preliminary deadline of March 7th.

What kind of budget were you looking at for a car payment, for insurance, again?

I had been pretty dead-set on getting the used car thing covered, but until I actually sat down to figure prices out, leasing was the only thing that made any sense.

Leasing is out of the question. Remember since my 2007 Focus was repo'd I have that on my credit--so major dealership financing is out. I've found three places (two I like) that offer monthly payments with low down payments.

That sucks! They're everywhere here, well a search on autotrader shows there are tons around here!

Yea, but it wouldn't break my heart if I didn't get another P71. I just like too many vehicles to get dead-set on any one particular. Infact, I've been informed that a 1999 Ford Mustang V6 Convertable is available. Yes itsa V6 Mustang and yes its a girl's convertable. But it looks to be in good interior and exterior shape. I'll test the mechanicals today or tomorrow. Here is the car in question.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/img_popup.jsp?car_id=237694828

I've given the following list to two of the car lots in question...

1993-2003 Ford Mustang that isn't 4cyl
1998-200? Ford Contour (Ford Mondeo for you Euros)
1993-1997? Ford Thunderbird V8
1993-1997? Mercury Cougar
1999-2001 Lincoln Town Car
1999-2003 Ford Crown Victoria
Anything Nissan passenger car or coupe
Any Honda Civic 1997+
Any Honda Accord 1998+ with less than 90k miles (and now without the automatic)
Mazda MX3
Mazda MX5 hardtop (yes you read that right)
Mazda MX6
Mazda Millenia
Mazda 929
Mazda Protege 3 or 5
Any Chevy Camaro
Any Pontiac Firebird/Trans-Am
1999-2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP with less than 90k miles
2000-2001 Lincoln LS
Any Toyota MR2
1994-2000 Toyota Celica
1994-1999 Toyota Camry V6
1997-2003 Ford F150
1997-2003 Ford Ranger V6 automatic (and the Mazda equivalent)
2000-2004 Ford Taurus SE/SES
Any Taurus SHO
1999+ Nissan Pathfinder
1997-200? Ford Expedition
1996-2000 Cadillac STS/SLS
1996-2000 Cadilac Deville
1995-2000 Dodge Avenger ES V6 with less than 90k miles

And probably a few others. Feel free to post general issues and or reliablity problems for any of these listed. And don't give me a statement lik "that isn't cool" or "I think its ugly". This is about reliability and comfort.

*edit*
They have a 2000 Nissan Maxima that one lot can do for me. Problem is I don't know if it is a GXE/SE/GLE. And that matters quite a bit in terms of pricing. Also, not that it bothers me but it has 168k miles--but my old '95 SE had 160k-ish miles and ran perfectly. The only real issue is the ignition coils and MAF. Both of which I can replace myself. Otherwise I'm going to try and get him to let me do the 1999 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer that has a superlow 117k miles. Very minimal issues, nothing that completely renders the car not operable.

Thoughts?

 

[buickgnx88]

That's quite a range of choices....have fun trying to whittle it down!

 

[Thirdeye]

Out of your choices, I'd recommend:
Mazda MX-5
Toyota Celica (but be careful, some of those years are sludge prone, so check under the oil filler cap for any type of sludge, if you see more than varnish, avoid at all costs, and when you get one, keep your OCI's modest)
Chevy Camaro
Ford F150
Ford Ranger
Dodge Avenger
Ford Taurus/SHO
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota MR2 (tough to find them unmolested though)

Not on your list:
1993-2001 Nissan Altima (fantastic cars, the 2.4L engine is bulletproof, no timing belt to replace, etc.)
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota T100
Acura Legend
Acura Integra
Early 90's Toyota Supra

 

[Boz Mon]

I would definitely go miata, I'm looking for one also, but not for a DD. SHO also if you can find a decent one, Camaro, maybe even a V-6 auto but maybe not. Theres a lot of stuff on your list, hopefully you can find something. BTW wheres the Prelude love on the list? Maybe even a 4th gen? Lexus SC300 maybe if you dont mind paying for gas a lot. Just throwing stuff out there.