$3K beater for brother in law?

[12,000 RPM]

His parents wanna throw him $3K for a car for his bday on the 20th. Initially I said "mmmm no bad idea". But then I started to think outside of the box. Im seeing some decent stuff from Mitsubishi (though I am really not sure about its owner base). Hyundai/Kia seem to have a lot available too. Found a random 2000 Corolla with 68K and a salvage title. Looks clean though. And of course there is a ton of stuff if Im lenient on mileage. Lot of ~160-200K Nissans for example, which I would be OK to check out. Not going to do anything too out there, like a Saab or Volvo, and I am not too keen on American cars. Maybe a Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler but not much beyond that. Any ideas?

[MX793]

I wouldn't touch a Chrysler-made "beater" car with a 10 foot pole unless there's a mechanic in the family.

[ifcar]

The Hyundai Accent is a pretty strong candidate if he needs transportation but no room to speak of -- it's well-executed basicness. For a little more space, a slightly older Elantra would also end up in that price range. Focuses are also somewhat plentiful and cheap, and not bad for reliability compared to other things in that price range. 

Anything in that price range will likely need some sort of repairs, though, and there's always the risk of something major happening like a transmission going with a cheap high-mileage car. Just try to get as new and low-mileage as possible, though not a salvage title unless someone you trust explains exactly what happened to the car and a mechanic confirms it looks good.

[SJ_GTI]

The Hyundai Accent is a pretty strong candidate if he needs transportation but no room to speak of -- it's well-executed basicness. For a little more space, a slightly older Elantra would also end up in that price range. Focuses are also somewhat plentiful and cheap, and not bad for reliability compared to other things in that price range. 

Anything in that price range will likely need some sort of repairs, though, and there's always the risk of something major happening like a transmission going with a cheap high-mileage car. Just try to get as new and low-mileage as possible, though not a salvage title unless someone you trust explains exactly what happened to the car and a mechanic confirms it looks good.

That would have been my suggestion. You can also some times find them with minimal options, which then makes them really cheap to buy/own.

[Eye of the Tiger]

The Hyundai Accent is a pretty strong candidate if he needs transportation but no room to speak of -- it's well-executed basicness. For a little more space, a slightly older Elantra would also end up in that price range. Focuses are also somewhat plentiful and cheap, and not bad for reliability compared to other things in that price range. 

Anything in that price range will likely need some sort of repairs, though, and there's always the risk of something major happening like a transmission going with a cheap high-mileage car. Just try to get as new and low-mileage as possible, though not a salvage title unless someone you trust explains exactly what happened to the car and a mechanic confirms it looks good.

[12,000 RPM]

I recall 2o6 having mega problems with a Focus. Transmission issues IIRC.

Are Kias OK? I am seeing some of those. The Accent/Elantra are both looking strong though.

[ifcar]

I recall 2o6 having mega problems with a Focus. Transmission issues IIRC.

Are Kias OK? I am seeing some of those. The Accent/Elantra are both looking strong though.

The Kias designed under Hyundai ownership are the better ones, and they probably would be above the $3k price point. I guess an early Optima might squeeze in, but compacts would be much easier on gas.

I assume you're talking about automatic transmissions, right? Pretty sure 2o6 had a manual.

[Cookie Monster]

I thought 2o6's car rusted out or something.

[12,000 RPM]

Yea, gotta be an automatic. I need to snap out of looking for myself too, Im here looking at Maximas and shit lol. LOT of Nissan Sentras, that might be the move.

[2o6]

There's a nice Honda CRV about two states away for that price

[2o6]

I thought 2o6's car rusted out or something.

It didn't rust out, but it had hella problems related to rust.

[2o6]

Don't touch anything Korean, they've got really bad rust issues.


A 2001+ civic would go well

[MX793]

Don't touch anything Korean, they've got really bad rust issues.


A 2001+ civic would go well

Rust is likely less problematic in the Carolinas.

[12,000 RPM]

Yea no rust here, there are still Hondas from the early 90s running around in pristine condition

[2o6]

- Duratec Focus


- Any 2001+ Civic

- Pontiac Vibe (it MIGHT) be that cheap



Stay away from

- Mazda 6

[AutobahnSHO]

I wouldn't touch a Chrysler-made "beater" car with a 10 foot pole unless there's a mechanic in the family.

+1

[AutobahnSHO]

There's a nice Honda CRV about two states away for that price

ROAD TRIP

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Does it have to be a car? I see a lot of first Gen Ford Escapes in that price range.

[SVT666]

Ford Focus

I wouldn't touch a Mitsubishi with a ten foot pole.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Ford Focus

I wouldn't touch a Mitsubishi with a ten foot pole.

Mitsubishi rox. Ppl r just ignt.

[CJ]

buy my volvo plzz