Calling it quits.

[TBR]

I bought my Prelude 3 years ago for $3800. It had 309000 miles on the body and about 70,000 on the engine. Now I know I didn't get a great deal on it (though I don't think it was a terribly bad one either), but it has served me well. I put 50,000 miles on it before I really had to put any kind of money into it at all. But, in the past 6 months I have spent ~$2500, thinking that it would be good to go for another 50,000 miles. My suspension noises, however, are back and worse than ever. So, I took it to my mechanic, he said all the rubber under the car is rotten and needs to be replaced. $800-1500 (depending on the struts). While I am still not convinced that the smartest thing financially wouldn't be to just fix it, I don't think I can stomach putting anymore money it. So, I am all but set on replacing it. With what I don't know. The logical choice would be a late '90s GM sedan of some sort. Reliable, dirt cheap to buy, and dirt cheap to own. But, I just don't think I can stomach driving a waft-machine. This time I am not stuck on a MT, but it is preferred.  I am test driving something this afternoon that does have a MT (and which you all would definitely approve of), but the price is suspiciously low, so we'll see. Any thoughts? Reliability is paramount. $5k or under, though I could probably stretch to $6-7k if need be. Something bigger than the Prelude would be preferred, but not a necessity.

Also, don't suggest the Miata. It's too small, too loud, and I can't stand the driving position.

[Raza]

Focus.  You live in the south, rust won't be an issue. 

[TBR]

Focus.  You live in the south, rust won't be an issue. 

Definitely on the list, and an infinitely smarter move than what I am looking at this afternoon.

[ifcar]

For reliability and manual transmission on a budget, I'd go with the Elantra. Unless prices where you are are very different from here, you can probably find a 2004 with under 80k miles for $5,000. Going up a bit higher, you could also probably find a 2005 and up Focus with the Mazda 2.0-liter, which would be another strong choice.

No need to buy a large sedan if you want inexpensive reliability, and those GM sedans are several years older now than they were when people first started pitching them around the internet as the most reliable used cars.

[cawimmer430]

Raza's E320? 

[TBR]

Raza's E320? 

No way in hell.

[TBR]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255231002&dealer_id=56419135&car_year=2006&rdm=1255534147891&num_records=25&model=FOCUS&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&first_record=26&make=FORD&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=27109&advanced=y&end_year=2010&pager.offset=25&transmission=Manual&doors=&max_price=&cardist=20&standard=false

I'll look at this one tomorrow I think.

[TBR]

I am also seriously considering going carless. I threw this idea around at the beginning of the summer and rejected it (mainly because I was going to be at school during the summer and wouldn't know very many people so I definitely wanted a way to leave campus). But, I have only driven 300 miles in the past two months, so it's a much more viable option right now.

[565]

What about..

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1420272964.html

Miles are a bit high, but those 2JZ motors go forever in N/A form.

[TBR]

What about..

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1420272964.html

Miles are a bit high, but those 2JZ motors go forever in N/A form.

Nope, the only way I am spending over $5000 is to get something with very low miles or very new.

[Raza]

If you go carless, you'll have to be banned from CarSPIN.  You can join WalkSPIN, BicycleSPIN, or BusSPIN though. 

[NomisR]

Miata.. 

[J86]

I am also seriously considering going carless. I threw this idea around at the beginning of the summer and rejected it (mainly because I was going to be at school during the summer and wouldn't know very many people so I definitely wanted a way to leave campus). But, I have only driven 300 miles in the past two months, so it's a much more viable option right now.

Definitely the most unfun, but smartest financially option.  Particularly for a college kid.  If you don't have a car, you've got plenty of buddies who do...  Be warned though: I tried this option and lasted one semester before I bought something else.  You get used to being able to up and go without having to track down a set of keys first...

[TBR]

Definitely the most unfun, but smartest financially option.  Particularly for a college kid.  If you don't have a car, you've got plenty of buddies who do...  Be warned though: I tried this option and lasted one semester before I bought something else.  You get used to being able to up and go without having to track down a set of keys first...

True. Yeah, I have only put 300 miles on it, but those were all sub-10 mile trips so that's 30+ trips that I needed my car for (and, only once was it a case of someone else could have just driven).

[S204STi]

Focus.  You live in the south, rust won't be an issue.  

+eleventy-billion

One of the best deals in the used car market IMO.  They drop in value like a lead balloon used, which means you can find a decent one with 100k or fewer miles for around 3-4k probably.  They are great fun to drive, very reliable, dead simple, they handle wonderfully with some of the best steering of any car made, let alone any compact car, and they even look good especially the case of the 1st-gen hatches.

[S204STi]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255231002&dealer_id=56419135&car_year=2006&rdm=1255534147891&num_records=25&model=FOCUS&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&first_record=26&make=FORD&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=27109&advanced=y&end_year=2010&pager.offset=25&transmission=Manual&doors=&max_price=&cardist=20&standard=false

I'll look at this one tomorrow I think.

Yeah, see what I mean?  That's a decent little car right there.

[2o6]

+eleventy-billion

One of the best deals in the used car market IMO.  They drop in value like a lead balloon used, which means you can find a decent one with 100k or fewer miles for around 3-4k probably.  They are great fun to drive, very reliable, dead simple, they handle wonderfully with some of the best steering of any car made, let alone any compact car, and they even look good especially the case of the 1st-gen hatches.

Focii are coming into MY price range. They seem to be awesome deals. IIRC, TBR you were looking at the Focus, right? I would get one.

[TBR]

Just got back from my test drive. 1999 BMW 328is. 133,000 miles. $5000. (since it's in good condition, that makes it a screaming bargain)

It drove just as well as the 325i I drove last year, except with more 00mph. Not a fan of the color (red), but otherwise it is a very well maintained (by a guy that just graduated from Wake, and is driving a brand new S4). Still test driving the Focus tomorrow.

Edit---> Actually, it's a good deal, but not the screaming bargain I thought it was. Guess that means I'd probably be able to haggle him down a bit.

[S204STi]

It's your call obviously, but I'd recommend that you try to get something that won't cost  you an arm and a leg to repair while you're in school.  Consider this: Ford's Motorcraft parts are nearly always cheaper than the aftermarket, whereas BMW parts are expensive by all standards.  Additionally, there is the possibility of added complexity being a source of trouble.  Additionally, nearly any independent shop should be able to diagnose and repair a Ford but a BMW might require a visit to a specialist or dealer, which in terms of labor rate is going to eat your lunch, and maybe take a bite or two out of dinner.

[TBR]

It's your call obviously, but I'd recommend that you try to get something that won't cost  you an arm and a leg to repair while you're in school.  Consider this: Ford's Motorcraft parts are nearly always cheaper than the aftermarket, whereas BMW parts are expensive by all standards.  Additionally, there is the possibility of added complexity being a source of trouble.  Additionally, nearly any independent shop should be able to diagnose and repair a Ford but a BMW might require a visit to a specialist or dealer, which in terms of labor rate is going to eat your lunch, and maybe take a bite or two out of dinner.

Yeah, I know all that.

I don't know what I was thinking test driving that thing. From the first time I saw it I knew I would love it. Then I talked to the guy, heard the price, and knew it could actually happen. We'll see.

The biggest problem with that Focus (and I am dead serious): no cruise.

[S204STi]

I understand that caveat.  After driving ours back and forth from NH to CO several times I am sold on CC 110%. 

[TBR]

I understand that caveat.  After driving ours back and forth from NH to CO several times I am sold on CC 110%. 

Yeah, I can't quite imagine 700 miles of I-20 without it.

[nickdrinkwater]

Friend has an E36 323i Coupe and it's a good car.  Sounds reasonably nice, goes well enough and is solid - whilst not dirt cheap to maintain, it's not complex engineering by today's standards so not unreliable.  I say go for it if you like the car.  Just make sure it's a manual.

[SVT_Power]

You guys really love CC...

When I made trips between here and NJ (roughly 10-12 hours, dunno exact mileage), I must've used cruised like 5-10% of the time 

And I'm thinking about calling it quits on my car too but I can't not have a car because of my job right now 

[TBR]

You guys really love CC...

When I made trips between here and NJ (roughly 10-12 hours, dunno exact mileage), I must've used cruised like 5-10% of the time 

And I'm thinking about calling it quits on my car too but I can't not have a car because of my job right now 

That's because you just max it out. Some of us can't afford tickets and court fees, so we have to keep it a more reasonable 5-10 mph over.

[TBR]

Friend has an E36 323i Coupe and it's a good car.  Sounds reasonably nice, goes well enough and is solid - whilst not dirt cheap to maintain, it's not complex engineering by today's standards so not unreliable.  I say go for it if you like the car.  Just make sure it's a manual.

It is, though the shifter will definitely take some getting used to it. The gates are huge compared to anything that I have ever driven (including that 325i I think).

[SVT666]

Focii are coming into MY price range.

Focuses

[SVT666]

You guys really love CC...

When I made trips between here and NJ (roughly 10-12 hours, dunno exact mileage), I must've used cruised like 5-10% of the time 

And I'm thinking about calling it quits on my car too but I can't not have a car because of my job right now 

You just fixed it man.  Why would you sell it?

[the Teuton]

Have those EP3 Civic Sis come down in price to attainability yet?

That would be a gnarly new car.

[BimmerM3]

Just got back from my test drive. 1999 BMW 328is. 133,000 miles. $5000. (since it's in good condition, that makes it a screaming bargain)

It drove just as well as the 325i I drove last year, except with more 00mph. Not a fan of the color (red), but otherwise it is a very well maintained (by a guy that just graduated from Wake, and is driving a brand new S4). Still test driving the Focus tomorrow.

Edit---> Actually, it's a good deal, but not the screaming bargain I thought it was. Guess that means I'd probably be able to haggle him down a bit.

If I don't get the Miata, I might have to buy that BMW out from under you...