A tiny budget.........

Started by 2o6, August 06, 2007, 01:46:21 PM

thewizard16

Quote from: 2o6 on August 06, 2007, 04:30:28 PM

Exactly. I kinda want my car to break down.
Even if you love working on cars I don't see the logic in that at all. You're on an extremely slim budget, and parts cost money. It makes sense to get something that will run for cost reasons alone, to say nothing of the inconvienence of not being able to drive your only vehicle for potentially days at a time.
92 Camry XLE V6(Murdered)
99 ES 300 (Sold)
2008 Volkswagen Passat(Did not survive the winter)
2015 Lexus GS350 F-Sport


Quote from: Raza  link=topic=27909.msg1787179#msg1787179 date=1349117110
You're my age.  We're getting old.  Plus, now that you're married, your life expectancy has gone way down, since you're more likely to be poisoned by your wife.

El Barto

Quote from: ArchBishop on August 06, 2007, 03:37:46 PM
Get the first or second generation altima, or better still, a Nissan maxima. The VQ is one of the best, if Not THE best V6 you could get in the mid 90's.

or just get the G20.

I couldn't find any 4th Gen Maximas for under $3500.  If he gets a Maxima it would have to be a 3rd Gen, which has the VG.  I've seen a few listed locally for under $1500, they had a lot of miles, but mine runs great at 146,500.  Finding one with a manual might be a problem though.
2016 Volkswagen GTI (Aug 2015 - Present)
2008 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg (Aug 2011 - Aug 2015)
2003 Saab 9-3 2.0t (Oct 2007 - Aug 2011)
1990 Nissan Maxima SE (July 2003 - Oct 2007)

Raghavan

Quote from: 2o6 on August 06, 2007, 04:30:28 PM

Exactly. I kinda want my car to break down.
Uh, why would you want that to happen???
:confused:

The_Joker

Quote from: El Barto on August 06, 2007, 09:32:54 PM
I couldn't find any 4th Gen Maximas for under $3500.  If he gets a Maxima it would have to be a 3rd Gen, which has the VG.  I've seen a few listed locally for under $1500, they had a lot of miles, but mine runs great at 146,500.  Finding one with a manual might be a problem though.

Keep in mind he's not getting a car for 2 more years.  Once he's 16, he'll be able to get a car and thus cars will depreciate over the next two years.

As for what's a good car to get, it's tough to find a great car thats reliable.  I'd suggest in a couple years looking at a Ford Escort, or Chevy Cavalier as an appliance car to get you from point A to point B.  Maybe not in style or grace, but it will do.

94 M-Edition Miata

USA_Idol

Quote from: 2o6 on August 06, 2007, 03:28:21 PM
Dodge Stratus/Plymouth Breeze, Ford Contour, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry?

Avoid the cloud cars (Chrysler Cirrus, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze)...especially the 1995-2000 models.? Saying that they are problematic is an understatement.

I have no experience with the Contour/Cougar/Mystique trio.

Accord and Camry are great, but they'll cost you a lot more.

nickdrinkwater

What about a Taurus?  Don't their values drop really badly?  And they made a ton of them so you should be able to find a few.

ChrisV

The problem is in that price range ANY car you will find could break the following day after buying it. ANY car. And ANY car could last for years. The key is to buy a car you LIKE at that price range so you'll want to take good care of it and want to fix it when it breaks.

A $500 Chevy Citation could last for decades with minor care, but would you be happy with it? If you're not happy with a car it doesn't matter if it still runs. That's why, even when I was a poor teenager, I only had interesting cars. And being a poor teenager taught me to work on the cars myself to save money.
Like a fine Detroit wine, this vehicle has aged to budgetary perfection...

nickdrinkwater

It depends if you're getting the car to have fun with or you just want to be able to get from A-B every day.  In an ideal world you would get something you enjoy, but if it means it needs 2,000$ of repairs after six months and you can't get to work, then it's not a good idea.  Depends on your needs.

Onslaught

#38
Quote from: 2o6 on August 06, 2007, 04:30:28 PM

Exactly. I kinda want my car to break down.
Yugo then.

I've actually seen Mazda MX-3 cars go for around that before. But I don't know if I'd say they seat 4 or not. I'd go with the escort suggestion that others have made.

ChrisV

Quote from: nickdrinkwater on August 07, 2007, 06:17:22 AM
It depends if you're getting the car to have fun with or you just want to be able to get from A-B every day.  In an ideal world you would get something you enjoy, but if it means it needs 2,000$ of repairs after six months and you can't get to work, then it's not a good idea.  Depends on your needs.

Again, in this price range, you're not guaranteed a vehicle that will run every day regardless of manufacturer or model. The more popular makes and models that are known to be reliable will be only available in older, higher mileage, worse condition examples. I bought a CRX in this price range that broke immediately after bringing it home.

That's the problem. You go for a car you may or may not like but everyone says is reliable, and in this price range, you can only find a beater example of it.

Hell, even my BMW hasn't needed $2000 in repairs... And it has 152k miles. Listening to the doomsayers here it should be a money pit.

But that's my rule for success. Only buy cars you like, and when buying real cheap, assume it WILL need to get fixed.
Like a fine Detroit wine, this vehicle has aged to budgetary perfection...

nickdrinkwater

Quote from: ChrisV on August 07, 2007, 06:49:49 AM
Again, in this price range, you're not guaranteed a vehicle that will run every day regardless of manufacturer or model. The more popular makes and models that are known to be reliable will be only available in older, higher mileage, worse condition examples. I bought a CRX in this price range that broke immediately after bringing it home.

That's the problem. You go for a car you may or may not like but everyone says is reliable, and in this price range, you can only find a beater example of it.

Hell, even my BMW hasn't needed $2000 in repairs... And it has 152k miles. Listening to the doomsayers here it should be a money pit.

But that's my rule for success. Only buy cars you like, and when buying real cheap, assume it WILL need to get fixed.

I see your point.  What I would say though is that by owning 'interesting' cars, you're gonna have to spend more on fixing them than on something mainstream where you can get parts easily and for next to nothing.

the Teuton

Mr. 2o6, there are two places to shop in NE Ohio for a used car.  One is classifieds and Craigslist.  The other is Lorain Ave. in Cleveland or other streets lined to the gills in semi-ghetto Cleveland.  Go there with $1500 and I GUARANTEE you will come out with a cheaper than expected car that will serve you well and looks reasonable good.  Trust me.  I've done it before.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

2o6

Quote from: the Teuton on August 07, 2007, 10:51:45 AM
Mr. 2o6, there are two places to shop in NE Ohio for a used car.? One is classifieds and Craigslist.? The other is Lorain Ave. in Cleveland or other streets lined to the gills in semi-ghetto Cleveland.? Go there with $1500 and I GUARANTEE you will come out with a cheaper than expected car that will serve you well and looks reasonable good.? Trust me.? I've done it before.


True, True.



Ok, I've got an Idea.



Saturn SL

Saturn SC

Mazda 626

Infiniti G20

Nissan Altima

Nissan 200ZX
(MAYBE.........)

Ford ZX-2

Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique

Mazda MX-6

Dodge Stratus/Plymouth Breeze

Honda Accord (3rd or 4th Gen)

Acura Vigor

Chevy Cavalier

Toyota Camry

Toyota Corolla

Mitsu Galant



the Teuton

Quote from: 2o6 on August 07, 2007, 11:19:39 AM

True, True.

It most definitely is.  PM me for my adventure stories.

Quote
Ok, I've got an Idea.



Saturn SL

Saturn SC

Decently reliable.  Kinda buzzy.  Engines are cheap as hell to replace, if need be.

Quote
Mazda 626

They have been known for both tranny failure in auto models and head gasket failure all-around.  I wouldn't.

Quote
Infiniti G20
Nissan Altima

Both are decently reliable.  Make sure you find a "T" or sport model of the G20, as it had an LSD.  They're both decent choices.

QuoteNissan 200ZX
(MAYBE.........)

There's no such thing as a 200ZX in America.  There is in Japan, but not here.  As for the 240SX, I have a friend who could sell you a kinda beat up, but great-running 1993 SE model (read:  LSD, 5 speed, 266k miles, strong runner, lots of rust) for $800-950.  Lemme know.

QuoteFord ZX-2

It's a safe choice and, quite honestly, a great, little car.

QuoteFord Contour/Mercury Mystique

My brother has had a ton of luck with his 1995 Contour V6 SE 5 speed (roughly 5,000 built in 1995), but a lot of horror stories have come from them, too.  See Eddie about that one.

QuoteMazda MX-6

Beautiful car, but has been known for engine issues and the auto has had some of the same issues as the 626.

QuoteDodge Stratus/Plymouth Breeze

No.  It's for your own good.

Quote
Honda Accord (3rd or 4th Gen)

Acura Vigor

Reliable, but expensive.  You'd most likely find a high-mileage car.  Very high mileage, but we sold our D15 gen 4 Civic with 185,000 miles on it and it ran like a top a few years ago.  There's no reason why these won't be as reliable.

QuoteChevy Cavalier

Is there such thing as reliable junk?  If there is, this is it.

Quote
Toyota Camry

Toyota Corolla

See Honda.  Reliable, but expensive for low mileage, especially in Ohio.  Go to Cleveland for cheapies.

QuoteMitsu Galant

Tranny, head gaskets.  I wouldn't.

Seriously, other than typical 20-24 mpg city driving, what's wrong with a Subie?  Also, can I recommend an old Volvo, Sentra, or a Civic?
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

Onslaught

Quote from: 2o6 on August 07, 2007, 11:19:39 AM

True, True.



Ok, I've got an Idea.



Saturn SL

Saturn SC

Mazda 626

Infiniti G20

Nissan Altima

Nissan 200ZX
(MAYBE.........)

Ford ZX-2

Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique

Mazda MX-6

Dodge Stratus/Plymouth Breeze

Honda Accord (3rd or 4th Gen)

Acura Vigor

Chevy Cavalier

Toyota Camry

Toyota Corolla

Mitsu Galant




If you get a 626 or MX-6 auto make sure it has the warranty transmission oil cooler from Mazda put on it. If they had that then it should be ok. If not then it's probably not running now anyway!

2o6

Just for the record, all these choices would be manual trannies. (And I meant the 200SX, not the 200ZX, which is basically a Sentra coupe)




And I totally forgot about subaru.

the Teuton

Check Craigslist and set your price limit at $1800 as I'm sure you'll be able to knock $300 off anyone's price.  There are plenty of great choices there from Honda, AE86 for $300, and Volvo.  Check it out.
2. 1995 Saturn SL2 5-speed, 126,500 miles. 5,000 miles in two and a half months. That works out to 24,000 miles per year if I can keep up the pace.

Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit.  I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents.  I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: MrH on January 14, 2011, 01:13:53 PM
She'll hate diesel passenger cars, all things Ford, and fiat currency.  They will masturbate to old interviews of Ayn Rand an youtube together.
You can take the troll out of the Subaru, but you can't take the Subaru out of the troll!

Soup DeVille

Two words:

Ford Festiva

accept it. embrace it. Love it.

and then beat it to hell and gone.
Maybe we need to start off small. I mean, they don't let you fuck the glumpers at Glumpees without a level 4 FuckPass, do they?

1975 Honda CB750, 1986 Rebel Rascal (sailing dinghy), 2015 Mini Cooper, 2020 Winnebago 31H (E450), 2021 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Lincoln Aviator

S204STi

I bet you might be able to get an early Ford Focus in two years for not a lot of dough.  They weren't too expensive in the first place, and don't seem to hold much value, but they're fun to drive and fairly reliable.

2o6

Quote from: R-inge on August 07, 2007, 09:09:27 PM
I bet you might be able to get an early Ford Focus in two years for not a lot of dough.? They weren't too expensive in the first place, and don't seem to hold much value, but they're fun to drive and fairly reliable.

Not from the Year 2000.

the_koof

In the year 2000.....In the year 2000!!! Conan O'Brien watchers will get it.

A Volvo 240 should treat you well and they were offered with stick shift. Not uncommon for one to be seen with over 200,000 miles and still be a daily driver or so I've read. They seem to last forever.
"If you only work on the days you feel good, you won't get much done in your life."

Raza

Quote from: the Teuton on August 06, 2007, 06:32:11 PM
It's been on the road all summer.? Whachu talkin' about, Willis?

Doesn't it not have an engine?  Or do you mean it's not on a lift?

Clever, if you do. 
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
If you can read this, you're too close


2006 BMW Z4 3.0i
http://accelerationtherapy.squarespace.com/   @accelerationdoc
Quote from: the Teuton on October 05, 2009, 03:53:18 PMIt's impossible to argue with Raza. He wins. Period. End of discussion.

Raza

Will someone fucking listen to me?

Dodge Neon.  Good on gas, cheap as dirt, fairly reliable, handles very well. 

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
If you can read this, you're too close


2006 BMW Z4 3.0i
http://accelerationtherapy.squarespace.com/   @accelerationdoc
Quote from: the Teuton on October 05, 2009, 03:53:18 PMIt's impossible to argue with Raza. He wins. Period. End of discussion.

omicron

Acura Vigor sounds like a pill for curing erectile dysfunction.

93JC

Sadly it's more likely to cause erectile dysfunction...

3.0L V6

On Neon: watch for headgasket issues. Also, Neons that have done lots of "one wheel peels" will most likely throw the differential pin at some point, destroying the transaxle. Watch for timing belt, as I think this is an interference engine.

I'd recommend the GM models, just for a couple reasons: Both the Saturn and Cavalier have timing chains. Watch for oil consumption problems with the Saturn, Engine Coolant Temp Sensor issues ($20 part, 10min to replace), also watch for "one wheel peels" as seen for Neon.

Cavalier 2.2 pushrod engine is fairly good, but might need a headgasket (unlikely though). Cavaliers were engineered down to a (low) cost, so things like struts tend to wear badly.  Also, with GM cars, parts are plentiful and relatively cheap.

Don't know enough about the other models listed to comment. Good luck!



etypeJohn

Quote from: ifcar on August 06, 2007, 03:28:56 PM
There is a decent chance that you will have trouble with any older car, and that risk increases with age and miles.

And complexity,  throw in power everything and a bunch of electronics and your repair bills can skyrocket in no time.

SaltyDog

#57
You can make a lot of money in 2 years...maybe you can get something >$1500.  Not that you can't get a lot of car for $1500.  But something desirable or fun in that price range will probably need work. 

Edit:  You can find good running examples of b13 SE-Rs for under 2k  :rockon:  That's a lot of performance for your dollar.


VP of Fox Bodies
Toyota Trucks Club

In the automotive world slow is a very relative term.

SaltyDog

Quote from: Raza  on August 08, 2007, 06:31:30 AM
Will someone fucking listen to me?

Dodge Neon.  Good on gas, cheap as dirt, fairly reliable, handles very well. 



You're right about that.  The only trouble is finding one that's not red or white :P


VP of Fox Bodies
Toyota Trucks Club

In the automotive world slow is a very relative term.

TheIntrepid

Quote from: Raza  on August 08, 2007, 06:31:30 AM
Will someone fucking listen to me?

Dodge Neon.  Good on gas, cheap as dirt, fairly reliable, handles very well. 



It's ass to drive though. I would know, I drove one to school for the majority of this past school year.

2004 Chrysler Intrepid R/T Clone - Titanium Graphite [3.5L V6 - 250hp]
1996 BMW 325i Convertible - Brilliant Black [2.5L I6 - 189hp]