Looking for a cheap DD (1 Viewer)

[Godwin]

Hey guys,

I'm on the hunt for cheap, reliable, efficient car to use as a I'm looking through the usual online sources but want to put the word out in case someone has a neighbor or whatever with a good deal. As a search I'm setting the upper limit at $4000 but hope to pick up something closer to $3k.

I'm focusing on Toyota and Honda and think that something in around the 2000 model year will come in within budget.

Until last year had a 2000 Corolla but a deer took it out. I'm not wanting another Corolla because it was not that comfortable. Corolla was replaced with a 98 Camry and this was a much better car but my eldest son took it to college. I could go for another Camry, or something else if it fits the criteria. How are Accords, will they deliver > 30 mpg on the highway?

Anyone know of any deals out there? I'd rather buy from an individual and want to avoid the shyster car lots.

 

[ClankBang]

Take a serious look at a 93-94 ls 400..
You should be able to find a really good one in that price range.
Non interference engine.
Gets 20+ mpg (I was getting 26 on the highway)
Comfortable and last forever.

 

[xodeuce]

How large do you need? I had a 99 Acura Integra that got 30+ MPG highway easy. You can find them <3k all day long.

 

[Elbert]

I had a 99 accord...it would get 28 on hwy (4cyl) ...nice car, I wish I had not sold it...my current commuter car (civiic) is not even close in ride quality.

 

[Land Speeder]

Agree with all the above... corollas and civics just ain't got what us old(er) folk need! I just rented a brand new corolla for the day while they had my junk. I'm glad I did because I now know I don't want one! The camry's ride and drive so much better!
My Scion tC was SO much bettter! Heck, I'm thinking of trading the tundra in on another tC or camry!
There's alot of good deals out there!

 

['74 UA FJ]

Check Avalons. I have a '97. Best car I've owned...it's got 245,000 on it now and runs like a top.

 

[ClankBang]

I thinking I just sold our 2000 for 2k.. Wish you would have been looking 2 weeks ago.
We have had a 95 and a 2000 both were great cars. Never had a single problem with the 96 was totaled with 250k on it. I think we did the breaks twice, the timing/water pump once. The crazy thing about the 95 (at least ours) is that it had a split bench in the front so you could have 6 total in the car if you wanted to.

The biggest issue I had with them was that they were just plain boring. You get in a LS and you are constantly amazed at what they thought of they designed the LS to make Lexus the name of Luxury and it shows. Read the Wikipedia on it some time it was truly the Japanese out to Kick the Germans a** and they did it well.

 

[Godwin]

Check Avalons. I have a '97. Best car I've owned...it's got 245,000 on it now and runs like a top.

What kinda gas mileage do you get? What about general maintenance, easy or a pain?

An oil change on a 4 banger Camry is easy, good access to the oil filter but ramps are needed to access the drain plug. Getting to the oil filter on the Corolla was more of a pain.

 

['74 UA FJ]

What kinda gas mileage do you get? What about general maintenance, easy or a pain?

An oil change on a 4 banger Camry is easy, good access to the oil filter but ramps are needed to access the drain plug. Getting to the oil filter on the Corolla was more of a pain.

Can get up to 30 on the highway. I get 26-27 on my work commute which includes country roads and several stops.

Oil change is easy. I don't use ramps, just a floor jack under the passenger side to get a little more room for the drain plug. Filter is reached easily from under the hood. And talk about comfort. Man. I'd drive it anywhere.

 

[ClankBang]

You know i belive the Camry, Avalon and the ES 300 are all built around the same drive trian.
So I think reliability should be the same across the three.

 

[shoupe89]

Caution to the accords with auto-tragic transmissions...I dont call them that for no reason...AVOID THE V6 auto like the plague!
Between three of my friends...8 transmissions have been in three 98-2001 V6 Automatics. Not to mention the TLs and RLs that had the same transmission treatment year models 02-04 3-4 transmissions each.

 

[Land Speeder]

You know i belive the Camry, Avalon and the ES 300 are all built around the same drive trian.
So I think reliability should be the same across the three.

Pretty much, the V6 at least.
The 4 banger Camry and scion tC share the same motor.

 

[Godwin]

I thinking I just sold our 2000 for 2k.. Wish you would have been looking 2 weeks ago.
.

I knew the day was coming when I'd have to start looking for a car, but I thought I'd have till October.

FJ60 gets driven most of the time during the summer and mileage is reimbursed so the bite at the gas pump is toothless.

 

[Godwin]

Caution to the accords with auto-tragic transmissions...I dont call them that for no reason...AVOID THE V6 auto like the plague!
Between three of my friends...8 transmissions have been in three 98-2001 V6 Automatics. Not to mention the TLs and RLs that had the same transmission treatment year models 02-04 3-4 transmissions each.

Last thing I need now is more transmission trouble. The FJ60 will soon have a new H55F as the one in it now is near death.

 

[Godwin]

Pretty much, the V6 at least.
The 4 banger Camry and scion tC share the same motor.

I'm leaning heavily toward another 4 banger Camry from past experience and overall reliability. But I'm still open to something else.

Any knowledge of Miatas here? My wife has been eyeing one but I not sure.

 

[bhmmapping]

Any knowledge of Miatas here? My wife has been eyeing one but I not sure.

They're not big, but they are supposed to be fun to drive.

 

[shoupe89]

They're not big, but they are supposed to be fun to drive.

I'm 5'10 and have long legs and I can't be comfortable in one...

That being said...the mx5 is a great little car that's fun and reliable.

 

[xodeuce]

I'm leaning heavily toward another 4 banger Camry from past experience and overall reliability. But I'm still open to something else.

Any knowledge of Miatas here? My wife has been eyeing one but I not sure.

I'm 6'0" and it's tough for me to get situated well.

However... as a weekend car, I'd gladly handle the mild discomfort for short periods of time to sling it around on Hwy 25 out in Vandiver, or some of the other fun roads around here.

It's about the cheapest you can get into a RWD "sports car" with a nice weight distribution. Also really light, easy on tires and brakes if you're really flogging it. Lots cheaper to drive hard and have fun in than other RWD options.

No idea about reliability for a DD though.

I know that's not terribly helpful, but they're pretty fun to sling around in the corners. With the blower on them they also make pretty good power.

 

[shoupe89]

S2k can be had for reasonable prices now also 9-12k for the AP1 but it has some shortcomings...AP2 is more refined and costs about 3-4k more equally equipped

I plan to buy an S2k when I sell my Mazda and my FZJ

 

[mjl132]

S2k can be had for reasonable prices now also 9-12k for the AP1 but it has some shortcomings...AP2 is more refined and costs about 3-4k more equally equipped

I plan to buy an S2k when I sell my Mazda and my FZJ

I had a 2004 S2000 for over a year as my dd and it was the most fun I've ever had. Not practical unless your 22 or 23.