Meier_Link

Alright, it's time for me to get a new used car. I've got to spend probably somewhere between $5,500 and $8,000 on this car. Here's what I need in a nutshell:

4 Door Sedan - I may be driving clients around plus I'm due to have a kid soon ... no more 2 door sports cars

*Reliable - I'm going to be driving at least a couple thousand miles a month when I start my new job, I need something I can run the wheels off of that won't cost me a fortune.

*Good on gas - As I said, I'll running the wheels off this car and I need something that won't cost me an arm and a leg.

-I'm leaning toward a Honda Accord right now. (Bigger than a Civic and a damn reliable car.) I've thought about Volkswagen, Toyota, and Nissan...

Let me hear what you think.... I'm kinda up in the air at this point.

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THGL

Volvo - not as expensive as you might think to buy or repair (as long as you have a good Volvo mechanic).

I bought a '94 940 Turbo a few years ago with 150k miles on it and I've had almost no problems with it. It's got 180k on the clock now and I'm not planning on getting rid of it for at least another couple of years (20-30k miles).

They come in 4, 5, and 6 cylinders, turbo and N/A, so your mileage will be pretty good (depending on how heavy your right foot is). The only model I've been told to stay away from is the '93 850's, that was the first year for them and their transaxle has problems.

The 240/740/940 all use the same engine/transmission/rear end so parts are readily available and inexpensive. Also, the 4 cylinder is a "non interference" engine so if your timing belt goes the engine won't chew itself apart. The 960 is a 6-cylinder version of the 940. The 960 later became the S90 but those years might be out of your price range.

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BadNick

Based on what I've noticed as consistent top ratings on a variety of new and used car reliability reports, especially on cars in your price range, IMO the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry would be the best choices if you need a car in that size range. They also hold their value a little above average for that reason so shop around for a reasonable deal. These two cars also typically have lower than average maintenance and operating expenses compared to other cars in that class.

LazyBoy

I know that Accords are kinda "no thrill" cars, but they are VERY reliable, a 4-door has plenty room for 4 adults, they get great gas mileage...and they look pretty good IMHO.

So yeah, that would be my option.

-Will

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BadNick

We've had several Accords in our family and they never seem to die, though I agree they are not exciting cars in stock form ...but IMO not as boring as a base level Camry I bought my first Accord brand new in 1980 and finally gave it away after 10 years when it had over 160k miles on it, not a lot for an Accord. When we sold my wife's '87 Accord with 100k miles on it, at what I thought was a "higher than I'd pay" price, the guy who bought it was ecstatic and thought he got the greatest deal in the world, but he was prepared to fix and maintain it himself for many years so I'm sure he's still using that car.

DDDDave

Another vote for an Accord.

I've had three. '88 - sold in '95 with 155K. '95 - sold in '00 with 160K. '00 - still have it (my wife handed it down to our daughter when she bought her G35) 175K and still running strong. We replaced the AC on the '95, but other than that just regular maintenance.

Don't be scared about high mileage when you are looking. Try to get one that has been highway driven. Use the high mileage to your advantage when negotiating.

Good Luck.

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duck0987

I'll throw in my 2 cents in on a VW Diesel (Golf, Jetta Wagon or Sedan, or mid 90's Passat), they get excellent gas milage, I have an '03 Jetta, with 80k on it, I average about 45 mpg. I look forward to another 220k before I get rid of it. VW has a bad name when it comes to reliability, but that is in their petrol line, Go diesel or go Japanese.

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snowy

We bought a '94 940 Turbo wagon that was a lease return in '96--I'm driving it now and we've had no problems with it. It's never had to have any major work done--just routine maintenance. I've got almost 180k on the odometer now and it still runs wonderfully. I'm planning on holding on to it until it's over 200k.

My folks also own a '95 960 wagon and a '96 960 sedan. Both are incredibly reliable cars, and Volvo owners tend to take better car of their interiors. The '96 looked practically brand-new when my folks got it a year ago.

The trick to finding a cheap used Volvo? Look in your paper for ads for Volvos at non-Volvo dealers. They don't know the value of what they have on their hands--they probably picked the car up at auction and want to get rid of it quick. That's how we've gotten both of the 960s--both from different Chevy dealers!

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Meier_Link

Thanks people. This thread has mostly reaffirmed what I believed in the first place, Accord is the way to go, but Volvo is an option that I haven't considered.

Tomorrow I'm going to go look at a 99 Passat V6 with 71k for about 8000... I don't know what to expect from VW, some people swear by them and others think they will cost a fortune in the long run.

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newtx

Ahh, an easy one. Honda accord, (don't worry about the miles if the timing belt has been changed) Prime would be just over 100,000 miles and very clean.
Toyota Camry. same specs as the Honda. Either of these would be my first choice.

Or save yourself some cash and get a Ford Taurus. (older with low miles) The Taurus is kind of a sleeper. Doesn't have the high resale value but is a very good car for the kind of money you want to spend.
An older Nissan Max would also do nicely. Will be pricey like the Honda or Toyota.
'95\98 should be about right or maybe up to a 2002 on the Taurus.

Sp0rAdiC

I don't know how mine compares to this car, but in August last year I got a 96 Passat VR6, and it's become a money pit. I think I've reached the point where everything that could break has, so it's good for now. I got the car for $4,000, knowing I needed $1,000 work on it. After that, I found out that I had to... get a lot of electrical stuff replaced, get an axle replaced, had a belt snap on me when I was 70 miles from home that cost me an assload. The main problem is cost of repair parts for VWs.

Rodney

Yes, the timing belt is a big deal on Hondas (and Acuras). Should be changed at 60K/120K/180K and so on, and it's never cheap -- at least $700, not necessarily including the water pump (usually swapped out at the same time).

You want to be sure that the timing belt _was_ in fact changed at the last recommended interval, and that you've got a good long run until the next time.

All that said, Honda Accord is recommended; even a 4-dr Acura, though you'd have to get a pretty old one to fit into your price range; they do hold up well, though. And Toyota is just as fine. My family is split between Toyota and Honda factions, and we argue about it, but really both companies produce reliable if (usually) boring cars.

cyrnel

I know it's something of a fluke, but after my experience with an early 90's Accord I almost flinch when I hear about Hondas now. That thing went through transmission controllers, engine computers, was falling apart in every crack & crevice, and even when it seemed okay it would act up when the moon was full. All at just over 110K. Damn thing was haunted. I've worked on many different vehicles but never enjoyed working on that Accord, and I do not care to work on another anytime soon.

BTW, changing the timing belt, seals, et al is a fairly simple job. Parts should be under ~$100 depending on vehicle. Given the extreme labor cost padding the last few years (call around!), learning how to do it yourself would be a good investment for anyone with the inclination. The cost of tools often makes people hesitate. Those will pay for themselves 2-3 times over the very first time you change the belt. Find a forum, find their FAQs, and buy pizza & beer for a friend who's done it already.

BBTW, timing belt service interval varies by car. Many are the classic 60K but many are much higher. Never something to push on an interference engine but 60K is very early for one that lasts 90K.

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newtx

I'm with you Rodney on the Accura. Another good choice if it can be found for the money. I'm for the 3.2 TL if it has been well cared for. Parts will be more expensive but much more fun to drive. Much quicker than the Accord or Camry. This is one that will give you some zip. And you can't get too much zip.

Psycho Dad

While likely not something I'd shop for myself, from what you described as your needs I'd say the Accord is what you need to go with.

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BadNick

In addition to the favorable Accord experiences I mentioned, my "daily beater" car that I drive whenever I don't want to drive my fun car on nice days is an '89 Acura Legend 4dr. It's been in our family since new and we got it from my father-in-law. It's hard to believe this thing is already 17 years old; it only has a tad over 130,000 miles on it which is relatively low and it runs like it will just keep going forever, cruises at 80mph+ like it's nothing, and I have no plans to ever sell it. If you can get an old Legend in good shape, they are much heavier, larger, more luxurious, huge trunk for a sedan, and more powerful than an Accord of the same vintage.


Usually ...but at least one exception is my '95 Supra turbo which IMO is the antithesis of boring ...also out of Meier_Link's budget range.

2000189

get a four door 1995 to 1999 BMW m3. have a coupe myself and it pulls hard. pretty reliable if the few gremlins have been fixed (water pump! some shock bushings...) gas mileage is ~25 mpg and you look fly while driving it. i guess matinence costs could be high though...

any used 5 or 7 series should be good too and would definitely impress clients

ncgti

Go for Honda or Toyota - they run and run and run......

hemiram57

Camry or accord. Not very fun cars but will reliable seams how you don't have a big budget.

ozahs

I'll go against the grain here and recomend an American car. I bought a 98 Pontiac Grand Prix new, and never had a problem with it. Currently has 120,000 and runs almost like new. It has lots of room, lots of zip, and I love the heads up display.

PDOUBLEOP

Nissan Maxima...mine has 191k and I've never put a penny into repairs. It gets almost 30mpg and you don't have to worry about that timing belt...these babies have chains.

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