Topic 'Re: Recommend a used one?' in forum 'Automotive' - dslreports.com http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22585477 en Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:01:12 EDT Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:01:12 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22659444 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22659444 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:08:36 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658508 said by markwp2001:

Budget is $4,000, it's going to have to be a few years old :D
sure, if all he looks at is Honda's and Toyota's.

he could probably get a decent domestic in that price range that isn't 10 years old.
--
Today's motto: Dearly beloved, We are gathered here today to bid farewell to personal responsibility and accountability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658508 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:50:58 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658256 said by dirtyjeffer:

said by markwp2001:
Ah, but the OP is not shopping for a new vehicle, so ten year old differences are important.


they shouldn't be, anything 10 years old is going to need repairs.

Budget is $4,000, it's going to have to be a few years old :D
--
Into music? tealeafgreen.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658256 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:39:45 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658211 said by markwp2001:
Ah, but the OP is not shopping for a new vehicle, so ten year old differences are important.

they shouldn't be, anything 10 years old is going to need repairs.

quote:
Also, how would we know if "everyone makes great vehicles now"? Only time will tell, and the data right now is that certain makes are better than others.

there are differences, but as i said, the differences are not as significant as they used to be...don't forget, the 80's were over 20 years ago. :p
--
Today's motto: Dearly beloved, We are gathered here today to bid farewell to personal responsibility and accountability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658211 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:23:37 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658068
Also, how would we know if "everyone makes great vehicles now"? Only time will tell, and the data right now is that certain makes are better than others.
--
Into music? tealeafgreen.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22658068 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:34:02 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22657285
My reasoning was:
a) if something expensive breaks, I can just junk the car, and never need to worry about fixing it (never had anything more serious than clutch/waterpump/starter/alternator/rear main oil seal/tire/master cylinder/brakes)
b) if I wreck it -- big deal (did happen with an $350 Toyota, a day after I bought it :mad: )
c) I won't need to worry much about my cars getting stolen (once I even left the key in the car by accident, but there were no takers ;))

On the downside, they didn't look pretty, and I got stopped more than once just because my car didn't fit the neighborhood image. (Of course the "official reason" was something like 2 mph over the speed limit, cracked break light, etc.)
--
And the winner is:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22657285 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:33:58 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22656810
Anyone who buys American has no idea whats going on.

Yes everyone will make cars that have a defect, however buddy of mine has 3 vehicles.

07 ford 350 (bought new) all options, front end is already 3-5 inches lower than new.

07 caddy XLR, leaks like hell so it smells. Been to dealer a few times for other issues as well (bought used with 3k miles)

09 Yukon Denali (bought new), leaks, also smells, been to dealer, still leaks.

3 of 3 suck, and those are high end cars and trucks.

Before the Yukon he had a GMC truck again top end one, by 80k miles door handles were breaking, had a clunk in the front end no one could find. American cars and trucks are junk.

Don't remember what make and model but, 6year old American car, blow motor goes bad, was around $200 for the blow motor, another $30 for the install kit... HAHA!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22656810 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:51:58 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22656387 --
Into music? tealeafgreen.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22656387 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:14:14 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22655364
Honda and Toyota
--
Into music? tealeafgreen.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22655364 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:55:59 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22652068 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22652068 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:23:40 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22646416 --
Today's motto: Dearly beloved, We are gathered here today to bid farewell to personal responsibility and accountability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22646416 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:36:14 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22645940 quote:
Google Toyota Sludge or Honda Transmission..... Just as bad as the domestics.


Not in my experience - replaced the auto tranny in a Chrysler before it was 7 years old yet the 12 year old Accord Wagon's tranny is fine.

Chrysler is still far worse and my ILs 2000 Oddessy - the tranny was fixed for free or they replaced then for free. I got to pay $3400+ for the Chrysler. I know which one I trust more....
--
Brian

"It drops into your stomach like a Abrams's tank.... driven by Rosanne Barr..." A. Bourdain]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22645940 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:05:13 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22645915
Other than that, a civic is a great way to go. For 4k, you can probably get something from the 2000 era.

Maxima is a great car for little money, however they are frequently beat up and will generally not last as long as the cars above. Whatever he gets, he should look for one in good shape that has had its maintenance for the foreseeable future done. Concetrate on this more than actual mileage. A civic with 120k that has had all the major maintenance done recently can be way less expensive to own that one with 70k that just about to be due for the big stuff.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22645915 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:59:19 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22642373 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22642373 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:01:24 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22641914 said by Rogue:

Find a used Subaru - good on gas, great in poor weather, very reliable.
Repair costs will eat them up when it breaks down.

Honda is cheaper and much more reliable than Subaru.

Plus the Subaru boxer engine isn't as easy to work on for shops like the Honda inline 4.
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22641914 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:19:08 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22639205 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22639205 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:39:25 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22613408
Another good value is used Buicks. Their design often lends them toward older buyers, which puts ego in the way of purchase for many, driving the prices down.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22613408 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:56 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22604355 said by bemis:

Don't count out the Taurus/Sable yet...

My 2000 3.0 Duratec has done remarkably well in terms of repairs costs (avg less then $250/yr) and now has just over 100K miles. i have had equally good reliability from my 2000 Taurus (with the Duratec engine as well).

one thing i did at the 100,000 kms mark is a transmission flush with new fluid and filter...$80 at the Ford Dealership i get my service done at...it shifts as good as it did the day it was new. :)
--
Today's motto: Dearly beloved, We are gathered here today to bid farewell to personal responsibility and accountability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22604355 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:28:42 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22598549
HTH
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22598549 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:01:27 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22597805 said by itguy05:

Google ... Honda Transmission.....
Esp. the 6-cyl engine around 2002-2005 ... what a nightmare those were.

I believe a friend of mine went through 3 transmissions in his '03 Acura TL-S all within 50-60K on the odo before they finally agreed to lemon-law it and give him an '05 after he got his story on the front of the metro section of the LA Times :-P

As soon as the '06 models (w/ the previously unavailable manual transmission) hit the showrooms he traded in the '05 automatic.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22597805 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:14:55 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22597781 said by Rxdoxx:

From what I've learned so far, taurus transmission is out.

Any suggestions for model and year appreciated. TIA
Don't count out the Taurus/Sable yet...

My 2000 3.0 Duratec has done remarkably well in terms of repairs costs (avg less then $250/yr) and now has just over 100K miles.

It does sometimes have a glitch going into 1st gear when coasting down from 15-20mph and re-starting before a stop, you get a "slam" kind of a feeling--but I've found that same glitch seems to plague many FWD/transverse-AWD cars in general: My SO's 2005 Subaru Impreza has it, and it's much worse in the Subie IMHO. The only automatic's I haven't felt it in are RWD based. You can also very quickly learn the one or two sets of steps where it occurs and then avoid them.

The Taurus was great in the snow/ice too, esp. w/ the traction control and ABS.

They're also available w/ side-air bags.

I averaged 23-24MPG with 70/30 hwy/city ... I would see about 28-30MPG @ 65-75MPH on long highway trips.

It's a long car compared to some others out there, so you have to get used to it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22597781 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:10:19 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22595735 quote:
Toyotas and Hondas seem to be the workhorses of longevity anymore. I think Hyundai has made great strides as well with their latest vehicles.


Google Toyota Sludge or Honda Transmission..... Just as bad as the domestics.

You could go Taurus - lots of car for little $$ and recent models are fine as far as reliability.

Or Focus - same thing.

Or even a recent Cobalt.

Hyundai/Kia are nice as well.

What I learned is at that price point anything will need a decent amount of repairs as the mileage is usually high.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22595735 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:36:19 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22593136 said by Rxdoxx:

From what I've learned so far, taurus transmission is out. not sure what you mean here?...1999 and older Taurus' may have issues with their transmissions..2000 and newer should be fine as they did make improvements with the newer design...if you are buying a used car, consider looking at a decent domestic car...because of their low resale value, you will get a lot of car for the money and still get decent quality.
--
Today's motto: Dearly beloved, We are gathered here today to bid farewell to personal responsibility and accountability.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22593136 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:58:49 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22589777 said by Jim Gurd:

If you're looking for a good AWD system I suggest a Subaru.
x2 at looking at a used Subaru.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22589777 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:03:30 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22589230 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22589230 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:13:57 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22589198
1 Honda might not be as nice as this Toyota.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22589198 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:02:46 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22588101
Real budget for car is really $4,000... anything less is gravy :)

Maxima? Didn't know that they could be had that cheap, I drove one for a bunch of years, don't remember the exact year but it had just changed the name from 810 to Maxima. Definitely be looking in that area now :)

Agree snow is not like Rockies :) but for an inexperienced driver just moved here from Houston, he is going to encounter things that there is really no way to prepare him ahead of time, from things like slush ridges between the beltway lanes up to how and when to keep an eye out for black ice. FWD/AWD will be some help.

Not a question of what he wants at all, he is open to practically anything (except maybe hot pink :D )
Factors in descending order are reliability, then price, then MPG. He can put a slipcover on the seat if it looks bad as long as the car is solid.
--
Was a Cruise Fanatic, one cruise on Princess cured me. Bleah]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22588101 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:46:21 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22586525
I agree with the cars though.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22586525 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:05:03 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22586461
Toyotas and Hondas seem to be the workhorses of longevity anymore. I think Hyundai has made great strides as well with their latest vehicles.

If I were in this situation, I'd aim for a Civic or a Corolla. He should probably hit carmax even if you don't buy there to get an idea of what fits him and what doesn't.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22586461 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:47:50 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22585935 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22585935 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:16:36 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22585932
Snow. It's not like that is the Rockies.

Not counting insurance?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22585932 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:11:43 EDT Re: Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22585927
Reliable as all hell (very few major issues to be expected, and the VQ engine just won't die), decent power, decently large interior and trunk space, etc. Can be had for well under $4k, depending on area, and maintenance is relatively cheap on them as well. Not to mention the ~20 MPG city and ~30 MPG highway.

Best of all, V6 sedan with available 5 speed. Very common to find them with a lot of options as well; sunroof, keyless entry, 'premium' sound, alloy wheels, ABS, cruise, etc.

But again, I may be biased :)
Click for full size
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Recommend-a-used-one-22585927 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:55:36 EDT Recommend a used one? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Recommend-a-used-one-22585477 Has $4,000 max to spend on one.
No snow driving experience, so I'm wanting at least FWD for him (or AWD) cause I've found better control, and in Maryland he will have to drive in snow from time to time.

From what I've learned so far, taurus transmission is out.
As a poor student, he is thinking great gas mileage is good, but I've convinced him that if he can get a good car at maybe $2,000 less, he will have years of driving before the "better gas mileage" breaks even.

He is over 6' but I don't think that is a big issue these days.

Any suggestions for model and year appreciated. TIA
--
Was a Cruise Fanatic, one cruise on Princess cured me. Bleah]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Recommend-a-used-one-22585477 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:38:11 EDT