Wrecked My Car, Have Little Money, Need Suggestions...

[Kent]

Just like the title...

I've wrecked my car and need suggestions.

Speed, looks, all that... Doesn't matter one bit.

I need reliability, gas mileage, and low insurance premiums.

As of now I'm looking into older Toyotas like the Camry and Corolla.
93-99 for each, although I'm sure a '98 camry or newer would be just a bit too costly.

Hopefully I will have about 3,000 to throw down on an initial payment, after that it would be a matter of what a dealer & bank would let me finance.

Any suggestions you all can make for cars under 10,000 would be great. 👍

Also, keep in mind that this is real life for me and that means my GT spirit takes a back seat to practicality (literally and figuratively).

Thanks in advance for any and all comments you guys can make besides "oh that sucks you poor bastard"... I know I'm not rich and I know I've screwed myself so don't bother with that crap.

Just talk to me about the most valuable deals you can think of (in general terms).

Remember... Longevity, reliability, MPG, functionality, those are my concerns.
Not great looks and a "fast" engine.

My dreams of owning a fast car can wait but my need for transport can not.

 

[Ev0]

The Camry would be a good choice, but I'd go for an Accord instead (unless they are more expensive). The Accord is just as good as a Camry, except a bit more exciting to drive. Yes, I know you don't care about excitement, but why go for a more boring car when there is a more fun alternative that has no drawbacks?

Also, are there any used Mazda 3s available in your area? They might be able to go for just under 10k USD. Otherwise, a Mazda Protege probably wouldn't be a bad bet if you wanted to look into a Mazda.

Or you could play it safe and just get a Civic or a Corolla.

*EDIT* Almost forgot about Doug's favourite used car; the Volvo 850 Turbo. Might want to check that out too.

 

[Kent]

Thanks for the advice... That's exactly the kind of thought process I hope to hear more of.

Only one thing...
Hondas lack the torque of even Toyotas (just using my Camry and My brother's Corolla as comparisons to little bro's girl's Civic and all the other Hondas I've driven... They seem to emphasize the new-age tuner high-rpm culture more than I would like).

However, I do love great handling. 👍
And luckily, great handling is one of those things that doesn't push your insurance up too much (although great handlers are usually more expensive anyway ).

Point is...
Thanks for the words of advice.

Mazda may be a good direction to look in too. 👍
Don't look bad and because of the current Toyota/Honda domination of the market, it might be more economical to look at Mazdas such as the 3 or protege.

Thanks again and keep 'em coming.

 

[Flerbizky]

Any Toyota you can get.. No matter what model, they're practically bulletproof and should give some decent gas mileage. A friend of mine had a 1993 Corolla and he beat the living crap out of that car - it never failed him once - Didn't even use any oil. They've now bought a 2001 Golf, and if has given them nothing but trouble. Monthly checks, uses as much oil as fuel etc..

Next time we're shopping for a new(er) car, we'll be getting some sort of Toyota...

 

[Duke]

I'd stay away from '80s Toyotas... "bulletproof" is not a word I'd use to describe mine. But for your criteria, I would agree, Kent, a Toyota from the first half of the '90s should fit the bill well.

Older Hondas tend to rust, too, worse than Toyotas (Toyota trucks excluded), and the paint is softer. They also get to burning oil, too. And yes, I currently own a Honda product.

Mid-late '90s Mazda 626s can be had for a song at this point, and while they are not Toyotas, they seem to hang together pretty well.

Also look at mid-'90s Subaru Legacies, particularly wagons - they're relatively cheap at this point, and most of the ones I've seen have been pretty reliable.

Sorry to hear you wrecked your car, Kent! I hope you're OK.

 

[CFM]

Insurance will be high on a Honda. My 98 Prelude I had was more then my 2004 Mazdaspeed I have right now.

We have a 1999 Mazda Protge, and while it is a nice car, we had a number of repairs that had to be done right after the warranty expired. I suspect the main reason is that the 1999 was the first model year of the all new Protoge and as such had some bugs to be worked out. A newer one would most likely have fewer problems, and usually gets good reliabilty ratings from what I've seen. One big plus of the protoge is that it's roomy and handles excellent, you could take it stock and go Auto-X it and have a blast. 2700 lbs.👍 Get a stickshift by the way my wife bought the Auto trans and it's a dog.👎 Mazda 3's will still be commanding a fairly good price so that may be out of the question, though if you can afford one they are very nice and have a very torquey engine.

If you are lloking for all out reliability, I'd go Toyota, but unfortunately,
Toyota = completely characterless and boring. Maybe a Nissan would be a good thing to look into as they're fairly reliable from what I've seen and have a sportier personality...

Of course if you have the option for a sports car, a Miata is one of the most reliable cars on the road, and used ones are usually lovingly cared for, and can be had for a good price. Two seats may not be good in your case, but hey you're single, right? Living down south I'd envy the year-round weather.

Edit: I agree with Duke on Subaru Legacies. A friend of mine had one with 250,000 miles on it and it still pulled pretty solid at 100 MPH.

 

[Sage]

Also, are there any used Mazda 3s available in your area? They might be able to go for just under 10k USD.

Oh no no no… I’ve been looking for a Mazda 3 for under 15k for many months now, and still haven’t found one. No way you’re gonna find one under $10k. (At least one in decent shape.)

Kent – the easiest thing to do is go to autotrader.com or cars.com, plop in the necessary data under their Used Cars searches (always use the Advanced searches!), and see what pops up.

 

[sicbeing]

If you want something that is relaible, not costly, cheap on gas and insurance, and will keep its value good, you need a honda or toyota. Whether it be a civic or a corolla, thats what you'd want. Myself, i just recently bought a Focus in the last month for 9k, only problem with this car is that it wont hold its value as well as a honda or toyota, and its a mistake i'll have to live with now.

 

[skip0110]

Also look at mid-'90s Subaru Legacies, particularly wagons - they're relatively cheap at this point, and most of the ones I've seen have been pretty reliable.

👍

In the mid/early 90's Subaru made some front-wheel-drive cars, which have depriciated more quickly than the AWD ones. They are just as reliable, though, and in Louisiana you probably dont need the AWD.

 

[LSQuicksilver]

Whatever you get, make sure you get a detailed vehicle history report and probably getting it checked over by a mechanic would help too. Since you're in Louisiana, it's possible you could find yourself a great car at a cheap price and it turns out to be flood damaged.

Sorry to hear about this.

 

[neanderthal]

you could buy a 190E 2.6 for 3 grand

 

[Gil]

My wife's '99 Camry went out the door at just over 10,000 when we bought it.
It is quite reliable, has room for 4 adults (I'd ride in the back seat), and it gets just over 30 mpg on regular. Performance is good but not stellar. Handling is good but not stellar.
Ours has am/fm, with cassette and in-dash CD player.
If you happen to be really long legged, you may find it to be a bit uncomfortable in the driver's seat. But drive a few and see what you think.
We also looked at an Acura sedan of the same vintage.
The Toyota got the nod due to the better gas mileage, and someone bought the Acura out from under her.

 

[niky]

A 2001 Protege or a Civic, maybe... the smaller the car, the less costs you'll incur in the long run. A 2000 SE-L Sentra would be nice, great engine, but a so-so car.

 

[Driftster]

Wrecked My Car, Have Little Money, Need Suggestions...

Get a new car.....

Thank you goodnight!

 

[Gil]

A 2001 Protege or a Civic, maybe... the smaller the car, the less costs you'll incur in the long run. A 2000 SE-L Sentra would be nice, great engine, but a so-so car.

Okay a Civic may actually run 33 mpg. It is significantly smaller than a Camry, which gets about 31 MPG, and probably isn't as loud inside.
You are also more likely to be able to lay hands on an Camry that is pre-owned and not modified in any way.

Also, a Camry is likely to cost a little less, and have more creature comforts.
The only downside: if you want a manual trans, you may have to hunt for a while.
The Honda while also a great choice, is a smaller car that gets only marginally better gas mileage. The Camry ('99-01) also has dismal ground clearance. It won't clear the speed bumps at the school unless it's driven over them at an angle such that one wheel is on the bump at a time.

As an aside, One of the women that works in my clinic drove her '00 Civic under a Navigator the other week, and it required a new front subframe, radiator, hood, emblem replacement, etc. She was going maybe 7MPH when she hit the Navigator. That whole "crush zone" thing does work. However, the Navigator is high enough that the airbag in the civic was not activated.
That would be the same for the Camry, as they share similar ride height.

So, I truly suppose that it's up to you. Drive as many cars as you can get your paws on.
Other options in your declared price range:
Chevy Malibu-not real pretty, in fact pretty damn ugly, but good cars that are inespensive, both to buy and to run.

Older Chevy Lumina- I've seen '98's under $6,000 with low mileage. I have one of those (a '97) also, and it pulls down near 30 Mpg on the freeway, with the V-6 and it is a very comfy, if somewhat generic car. Con's they stopped making them in '00.

Ford Taurus- Same as the Lumina

Nissan Maxima-Though you'd have to go pre '00 to get much under $10K

Nissan Altima-"mini" Maxima with 28-31 Mpg Highway. Nissans tend to be tough, and well appointed. Best buys in the '98-'01 model years.

 

[Driftster]

Okay a Civic may actually run 33 mpg. It is significantly smaller than a Camry, which gets about 31 MPG, and probably isn't as loud inside.
You are also more likely to be able to lay hands on an Camry that is pre-owned and not modified in any way.

that's a complete lie..

A Civic VX can get 40+ some odd miles per gallon, aswell as any of the other "economy model" civic's

Civic's are not loud on the inside at all, they are very quite cars..

A camry has some of the worste sensations of speed i've ever seen in a car..You'll get speeding tickets like crazy if you're the person that drives by feel instead of driving by gauges...

And there are SOOO many older people who have untouched civic's it's not even funny..

 

[crimson_menace]

Lo!

Sorry to hear that, bro.

suggestion:

How 'bout's a late 90's-ish subaru. maybe the outback. my aunt owns one and it's never done her wrong. like 33mpg, awd, and if you get the stationwagon, alotta cargo room. its looks aren't half bad. if you're not into subees, then try a kia. they're inexpensive, great on gas, and they've got a warranty that pwn's the rest(10 year, 100,000 mile). those are the best i can think of, cos i'm getting a '02 outback sw in about a month. subaru's got a similiar warranty. and as for the whole insurance thang...you're on yer own.

 

[skip0110]

33mpg in an AWD Subaru? I thinketh not, even with the 2.0 engine. I can't top 24 mpg in a 2.5 Impreza.

 

[retsmah]

92-95 Civic Si... all that junk about reliability and practicality, without the boring

 

[Driftster]

the outback is rated at 28mpg...
33 isn't that far off..

hell i can squeeze 35mpg out of the 4.9L cadi v8 at 65MPH

 

[crimson_menace]

Was unsure of the actual mpg. Just a guess, my aunt's, at anyrate. But not bad for a legacy, tho.

 

[retsmah]

As an aside, One of the women that works in my clinic drove her '00 Civic under a Navigator the other week, and it required a new front subframe, radiator, hood, emblem replacement, etc. She was going maybe 7MPH when she hit the Navigator. That whole "crush zone" thing does work. However, the Navigator is high enough that the airbag in the civic was not activated.
That would be the same for the Camry, as they share similar ride height.

The crush zone thing does work, the problem is that a lot of SUVs are practically designed to drive straight over other cars, rather than actually engaging the other car's bumper in an accident.

 

[niky]

@Gil: A Civic will definitely drink much less gas, even a 1.6. But the cost I was talking about was in terms of maintenance. Less car, less maintenance. That said, I agree a Camry would be a nice car. But not all Civics are ricers, and they are perfectly serviceable and nicely driveable daily cars, if a bit short of torque. If it's an Si with a B-engine, it'll have just enough torque for in-town duties... not a solid push like you'd get off a bigger four-banger or a six, but enough.

EDIT: Wow, quick editing! ...I agree about the Altima... great car, if you can get past the looks. Wouldn't know about how the Taurus and Lumina stack up, though.

@Drifster: I know what you mean... last time I rode a Camry, we were doing almost a hundred miles an hour (oh, around 150 km/h, to be exact) and everyone in the back was asleep. I was in front and I didn't know how fast we were going until I looked at the needle. Creepy. Don't think the driver noticed at all.

 

[Driftster]

niky, the car just feels like it's moving so slow doesn't it?
I found myself doing 60 in a 35...and when I slowed down to 35 I got that..

"OMG THIS IS SOOOOO SLOOOOWWW" feeling.

 

[niky]

on the other hand, every time I break 50 in my car, my wife starts yelling at me... hell, she hates it even when I go 35... in soft cars like the Camry, I can get up to 80 without a peep from her.

 

[Gil]

that's a complete lie..

A Civic VX can get 40+ some odd miles per gallon, aswell as any of the other "economy model" civic's

Civic's are not loud on the inside at all, they are very quite cars..

A camry has some of the worste sensations of speed i've ever seen in a car..You'll get speeding tickets like crazy if you're the person that drives by feel instead of driving by gauges...

And there are SOOO many older people who have untouched civic's it's not even funny..

A Civic Hybrid might break 40. But the gas versions are EPA rated 35-37. Add in real world variables, such as tires at proper inflation, rather than 50+ psi, and traffic, and you get 33 mpg or so.

Yes, the Camry does move a lot faster than it feels like it's moving. I use cruise, and pay attention to the speed the cars around me are going. If I'm blowing by them I know I need to slow down.
While it's true that a lot of oldsters own Civics, they are usually "last cars" and since they are owned by older people, usually women, they have automatic trannies. Not that women can't/won't drive a manual. Most reach a certain age and economic level and feel like they can live just fine with an auto.
Hell, I'm only 41, and my wife has been trying to talk me in to a car with an auto for the last 5 years. And while she is perfectly fine in a stick shift, she prefers to drive a vehicle with an auto.

I did also edit in that I think Hondas are good cars. I'd rather have an Accord. But for basically the same money, you can get a Camry with better creature comforts, and you only give up good ground clearance, and 2-3 MPG.

Also, I never said you couldn't find a Civic that hadn't been "riced". I said that you could get an unmodded Camry lots easier. I didn't add that almost all of them are Sage brown. I believe the key fob control for the alarm is so you can figure out which brown Camry is yours.

 

[a6m5]

I'm going to recommend '96 Protege. I had one new, and was quite impressed with the build quality. It was a good handling car, and had the fit/finish of car costing twice as much(easily). I also think Corolla is a bulletproof car. Corolla owners I know swears by them, and they usually are around or close to couple hundred thousand miles to prove it.

 

[niky]

used to have that problem with my Sentra... (identical cars)... One time I was in a Country Club parking lot, and I swear... I counted about forty Sentras of 96-00 vintage. Yes, alarm fobs come in very handy in those instances.

The Proty's okay, just don't get the AT... EVER.

 

[pSI civic]

well, let me just say STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM CHEVY! those malibus are just about the most boring car you can ever drive with NO throttle response. the lumina is no better. also, unless you hate yourself, dont even think about a cavalier. they have no room and are terrible cars.

good, newer cars under 10k i would have to say would be the focus, the protege, the neon if you dont mind people thinking your a college chick...

nice older cars... well, i must preach about honda here... 1988-1991 civic cx or dx. 1988-1991 crx hf or dx. 1992-1995 civic vx, cx or dx. 96-98 civic cx or dx. all these cars get great fuel economy and the 88-91 models are the most fun! (see sig)

other good cars... hmm... the 1993-1997 accord is nice looking and fairly reliable. i'd prefer the inline 4 to the v6 though.

the ford probe. another chick car but not that bad from most stand points. we briefly had an 89 model that was fun but needed a lot of work so i'd say stick to the next gen model.

the ford zx-2. the car that came before the focus. not that bad really...

again, the neon. if you can find one that still has paint that is...

maybe a geo prizim? hella good gas millage... just a really small, crappy looking car.

you could get a toyota... but i am not able to say anything nice about them so i wont say anything at all other then i agree with what has been said about them already here. i did however drive a '96 corrolla sedan with a 5 speed before and it was an ok car.

maybe an older vw like a golf...

i'd also stay away from a mitsubishi mirage. i know someone that has one, and while it has held together for a long time and isnt that bad of a car hes always telling me how much work it needs.

i hear the 90-93 sentra is a nice car.

mid to late 90s saturns are reliable cars and i hear are rather decent.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

I would stay away from older Subarus. When they start needing bits, they're very expensive. Routine servicing isn't too bad, but if you have to replace a diff or the like, you're in for a big bill.

You can't beat the big-two (Ford & GM) for cheap running costs, since they are always buying their parts from the cheapest vendor to actually make the cars, which has the upshot that you can buy unbranded parts readily and cheaply. With that in mind, I would suggest getting a Focus. You'll be able to pick one up in your price band, the 1.8 is quick-ish, and cheap-ish to insure, and punches well above its weight in both performance and handling. I'm getting 34mpg out of mine, with leaden-footed aircon-inhibited driving.

The Japanese cars will be more reliable, but the downside is more expensive parts and servicing when they do go wrong.

Volvo always used to have a very cheap parts supply. You could get a set of front discs and pads, fitted, for £120 on the old 740! They run FOREVER too.