View Full Version : i have 6k for a new car.....
what should i get??my only requirements are.....reliability and gas mileage in that order. i would go for a vw diesel but somethiing is always breaking or just about to break on a german car.
i have been looking at the prius but battery replacement is pricey and the ones that i can afford look to be right at the age that there going to need that soon....the wife likes the chevy aveo cause we can get a 2009-2010 but there reviews are awful.
im not willing to finance so its gotta be something you can find on craigslist for 6k or less
nisils14
10-13-2012, 07:19
Just about any Honda or Toyota can fit that bill. Some older Nissans aren't bad, they can be leaky though which can be a problem. Subarus are decent as well. Just about with any older used car, some maintenance should be expected.
BPTactical
10-13-2012, 07:22
I would stay away from the hybrids. I recall reading where they figure the batteries will need to be replaced 6-8 years down the road at a cost of $8K+. Not to mention it is still a relatively new technology.
We have been very happy with our Rav4 FWIW.
Or buy a $500.00 Chevette and take your lovely wife on a vacation.
Or $5500.00 worth of "hardware"[Coffee]
Just about any Honda or Toyota can fit that bill. Some older Nissans aren't bad, they can be leaky though which can be a problem. Subarus are decent as well. Just about with any older used car, some maintenance should be expected.
^^^ This. Just make sure the timing belt has been changed at the proper mileage interval.
Holger Danske
10-13-2012, 08:05
There are some nice 1911's in the for sale forum? You could get a new gun and then get an old pickup for 3K. I don't know about reliability and mpg's though.
Actually, I bought and 02 Mercury Sable Wagon (Taurus) last year with the s-model engine for 2800. I get 24-26 in town and can get 34+ on the freeway loaded with kids and luggage. It is ugly as sin but it has been reliable and well on gas.
$6,000 is not a very big budget for a car these days. With that type of budget you should stay very far away from anything diesel or hybrid as these are cars that require extremely expensive repairs when something goes wrong.
If you need reliability and gas mileage you should consider a Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. You will get the most for your money with the Corolla or Nissan due to the Civics holding their value extremely well. I am guessing Civics will be hard to find with less than 150k miles under $10K.
Not sure how much of a haggler you are but this would be a great deal if you could get the seller down to 5000-5500.
Car has 94k and will easily go for 300k if you take decent care of it.
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3327998623.html
RCCrawler
10-13-2012, 08:13
i have been looking at the prius
Please turn in you man card.
BushMasterBoy
10-13-2012, 08:16
I drive a Chevy Colorado 2 WD, gets 27MPG on the freeway. Isuzu I280 is basically the same vehicle. If you can find one with all the service done regularly, you will be OK. Its nice to be able to sleep in the bed if you have a camper shell. Tires are $82 a piece at Walmart. Good forum on the Interwebs for them too.
ChadAmberg
10-13-2012, 08:17
With winter coming up, you probably need to get an official car of the state of Colorado: A Subaru... You'll get 25-35 depending on the model, they're pretty reliable, and great in the snow when you have to.
jerrymrc
10-13-2012, 08:20
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3277429763.html
What I would do. [Coffee]
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3277429763.html
What I would do. [Coffee]
That's about as guy as it gets right there. Not to mention its a Pontiac and probably has a lifespan of 160k which means its on the tail end of its life cycle.
Colorado_Outback
10-13-2012, 08:36
Put any amount of stuff/people in a Prius and try to drive it up any sort of grade then tell me you still want one.
jerrymrc
10-13-2012, 08:38
That's about as guy as it gets right there. Not to mention its a Pontiac and probably has a lifespan of 160k which means its on the tail end of its life cycle.
Its a Toyota ya Idjit. Just cheaper to buy than a Matrix. [Bang]
Canuckistani
10-13-2012, 08:43
FWIW, I gave 3k for my 2001 Ford Taurus with 68k on it. I get about 23-24mpg around town, and up to about 28 on the highway. I find them super comfortable compared to the more sub-compact cars like the Civics or Corollas, they're cheaper to maintain, and the difference in gas mileage is reasonable.
Put any amount of stuff/people in a Prius and try to drive it up any sort of grade then tell me you still want one.
I had my doors blown off by a Prius going up Vail pass a couple years ago.
Holger Danske
10-13-2012, 08:57
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3304993889.html This is nice and leaves you 2K for a the for sale section.
Great-Kazoo
10-13-2012, 09:09
Its a Toyota ya Idjit. Just cheaper to buy than a Matrix. [Bang]
This. For the asking price i would walk in with $55 100 dollar bills and drive home with it.
Tinelement
10-13-2012, 09:21
There are some nice 1911's in the for sale forum? You could get a new gun and then get an old pickup for 3K. I don't know about reliability and mpg's though.
.
^^^^ that is full of win rite thar!!!
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3277429763.html
What I would do. [Coffee]
But I gotta with this option. My parents have one if these for a 3rd run around commuter. He's had nothing but good to say about it.!
BPTactical
10-13-2012, 09:29
I had my doors blown off by a Prius going up Vail pass a couple years ago.
And you just admitted it on a male dominated forum[ROFL1][ROFL2]
JohnnyEgo
10-13-2012, 09:30
When you are forking over $7k for battery replacement, a used Prius looks much less attractive. In a similar vein, I had a buddy who bought a 1980s Ferrari for $10K. Then discovered that the scheduled maintenance due was another $15K.
There are so many high MPG imports available that I would just go with the lowest mile 4 cylinder light car or truck I could find.
And you just admitted it on a male dominated forum[ROFL1][ROFL2]
A car that doesn't need oxygen to run is going to do a lot better in higher altitudes than one that does.
rockhound
10-13-2012, 09:32
you live in colorado and you are not looking at a true 4x4,
first you get insurance discounts for 4x4 and you will be a whole lot safer on the road,
something like this, room for the family, and camping, tow a boat and get home no matter the weather, a bit more than your budget, but I know the owner [Beer], I am sure you can work something out, no timing belts to change and 18-21 on the hwy depending on how you drive it hand calculated
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3295273579.html
you live in colorado and you are not looking at a true 4x4,
first you get insurance discounts for 4x4 and you will be a whole lot safer on the road,
Insurance also goes up because it's a more expensive vehicle.
And four wheel drive is not safer. What kind of cars do you always see upside down in the median after the big snow? SUVs.
tmleadr03
10-13-2012, 09:35
what should i get??my only requirements are.....reliability and gas mileage in that order. i would go for a vw diesel but somethiing is always breaking or just about to break on a german car.
i have been looking at the prius but battery replacement is pricey and the ones that i can afford look to be right at the age that there going to need that soon....the wife likes the chevy aveo cause we can get a 2009-2010 but there reviews are awful.
im not willing to finance so its gotta be something you can find on craigslist for 6k or less
Of all the VWs the diesel is the most reliable. And not just the engine. That said, you are not going to get much in the way of VW Diesel for 6K. Those hold their price dramatically. I just sold my 2003 for 1500 over blue book with 122 miles. And you do know of a good German tech, so even if something does break you should be good to go. ;-)
While I am not a fan of the Prius, you are stressing more then you need about battery replacements.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120429084403AABl3kl
Find one in the 2004 and later range.
tmleadr03
10-13-2012, 09:39
you live in colorado and you are not looking at a true 4x4,
first you get insurance discounts for 4x4 and you will be a whole lot safer on the road,
something like this, room for the family, and camping, tow a boat and get home no matter the weather, a bit more than your budget, but I know the owner [Beer], I am sure you can work something out, no timing belts to change and 18-21 on the hwy depending on how you drive it hand calculated
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3295273579.html
I have driven in the winter for the last three years with a front wheel drive car and would pass SUVs and Trucks stuck on hills all the time. With all season tires, not even winter tires. 4x4 means nothing if you don't know how to drive.
rockhound
10-13-2012, 09:45
Insurance also goes up because it's a more expensive vehicle.
And four wheel drive is not safer. What kind of cars do you always see upside down in the median after the big snow? SUVs.
that is not true, anyone who cannot drive can wind up upside down, it has nothing to do with the vehicle, it is usually the subaru driver who are speeding in a snow storm, i have spent many a night rescuing many hondas, toyotas and one one occasion a 27k lb delivery van from the ditches, and my insurance absolutely gives a discount for 4x4
anyone who knows anything about driving in snow will know that 4x4 is much better for traction and control in a storm. to say otherwise is simply untrue,
under the same conditions and the same speed and same driver ability the 4x4 will have better traction and control, this one also has rear traction controls that enhance its ability in deeper snow
rockhound
10-13-2012, 09:49
I have driven in the winter for the last three years with a front wheel drive car and would pass SUVs and Trucks stuck on hills all the time. With all season tires, not even winter tires. 4x4 means nothing if you don't know how to drive.
and i have pulled many many hondas, acuras out of snow banks, front wheel drive four wheel and a decent driver will do fine, however, a front wheel drive vehicle will not get you home on my commute into the mountains and over three passes,
when the honda drivers have to stop due to weather, i do not.
i will challenge you any day to a snow performance and traction contest,
when my neighborhood has 3 feet of snow in it after a blizzard it is not the hondas clearing the road, pulling the neighbors out of snow banks and plowing neighbors driveways,
funkymonkey1111
10-13-2012, 09:58
consumer reports generally has an answer for this in their auto issue--what are the best cars for a particular price range. most libraries have a subscription you could check out
tmleadr03
10-13-2012, 10:01
and i have pulled many many hondas, acuras out of snow banks, front wheel drive four wheel and a decent driver will do fine, however, a front wheel drive vehicle will not get you home on my commute into the mountains and over three passes,
when the honda drivers have to stop due to weather, i do not.
i will challenge you any day to a snow performance and traction contest,
when my neighborhood has 3 feet of snow in it after a blizzard it is not the hondas clearing the road, pulling the neighbors out of snow banks and plowing neighbors driveways,
Sorry, did I offend you with my statement of reality?
I had my doors blown off by a Prius going up Vail pass a couple years ago.
don't you have a cavalier? just saying[ROFL1]
i own a big lifted yukon with a 7.4l v8 and a winch i got winter covered :)
i didnt realize the pontiac vibe was a rebranded toyota ill be looking hard at those
A car that doesn't need oxygen to run is going to do a lot better in higher altitudes than one that does.
My first trip to CO was in '81. Drove up from TX. Had a carbureted '77 Malibu. An old lady with a walker was faster than that car, on any incline.
Subaru would get my vote.
Subaru would be my choice. Anything AWD. Downside is Subarus in that price range will have a TON of miles on them, but I understand they are quite reliable.
I just bought a jeep wrangler with the 4 cylinder and I have to say that it is an awesome fit for just about everything but the interstate. It will do 75 easy, but it's mpg starts to drop off at about 60 mph because it is about as un-aerodynamic as it gets. I also put a couple upgrades on it, electric fan conversion, air intake and swapped the throttle body for a slightly larger one and now it has more power, runs smoother and is getting close to 30 mpg. That figure will drop a little when I get through my current tank of gas though, because I am running premium gas with fuel system cleaner to clean everything out. I have less than 4k into it. If you keep them close to stock and drive sensibly the older jeeps will last for 300k miles or more, and they are great for beating around in the hills and great in the snow. I went through exactly what you are doing now about 2 months ago and this is what I came up with for the best all around reliable, efficient yet capable vehicle for living in Colorado.
I forgot to add that if you are even remotely mechanically inclined, they are super easy to work on and parts are super cheap. About 1/3 of the cost or less, than that of a Toyota or Honda. Not to say that they aren't great cars, but the cost of ownership for my jeep is less than half of what my Tacoma was.
AirbornePathogen
10-13-2012, 13:24
I love my Jeep, have an 05 Wrangler Unlimited with the 4.0 inline six-cylinder. Been awesome for reliability, but economy, not so much. Word of advice- if you're gonna buy a Honda, avould the Accord like the plague. Extremely easy to break into, and there have been a rash of auto burglaries around the metro area lately, a lot of them targeting Accords.
Delfuego
10-13-2012, 13:33
Don't buy a VW!!!! I speak from experience! [Bang]
I have a buddy who is a Toyota Master Mechanic that is selling his GS300 for about that price. It is in really great shape and has always been meticulously maintained.
Shoot me a PM if you interested.
tmleadr03
10-13-2012, 14:32
Don't buy a VW!!!! I speak from experience! [Bang]
I have a buddy who is a Toyota Master Mechanic that is selling his GS300 for about that price. It is in really great shape and has always been meticulously maintained.
Shoot me a PM if you interested.
I drove mine for 90K miles with almost no issues. I spent less money and time on that vehicle then I did on my wifes Chevy.
Delfuego
10-13-2012, 14:42
I drove mine for 90K miles with almost no issues. I spent less money and time on that vehicle then I did on my wifes Chevy.Your the lucky one then, I will never ever ever buy a VW again. And Chevy is not a super reliable vehicle either...
Once you go Jap, you'll never go back! Toyota's and Honda's for me and mine...
Friends don't let friend buy Volkswagen! [Stooge]
spqrzilla
10-13-2012, 14:45
$6K is a problematic price level in my opinion. Not quite enough money for a good reliable used car useful in Colorado and too much money to be able to pull off the plates and toss a can of gas & match over it on the side of the road when it blows an engine.
Don't buy a VW!!!! I speak from experience! [Bang]
I have a buddy who is a Toyota Master Mechanic that is selling his GS300 for about that price. It is in really great shape and has always been meticulously maintained.
Shoot me a PM if you interested.
I had good luck with my VW passat. It was a 99, my first car that I bought on my own. drove it until 170K, then sold it and got my 03 silverado.
only thing that ever happened to it was the ignition system started to go bad at 150K. regular MX, timing belt. not much else required.
oh...and it did 129 mph[Tooth]
tmleadr03
10-13-2012, 14:52
Your the lucky one then, I will never ever ever buy a VW again. And Chevy is not a super reliable vehicle either...
Once you go Jap, you'll never go back! Toyota's and Honda's for me and mine...
Friends don't let friend buy Volkswagen! [Stooge]
Meh. Don't buy the gas motors or the autos and you are good to go with VW.
Your the lucky one then, I will never ever ever buy a VW again. And Chevy is not a super reliable vehicle either...
Once you go Jap, you'll never go back! Toyota's and Honda's for me and mine...
Friends don't let friend buy Volkswagen! [Stooge]
Most cars can be reliable if they are maintained and driven responsibly. So if you find one that has been taken care of, chances are it will be a pretty good car. The problem that I have with any popular small cars, Golf's, Jetta's, Preludes, Camry's, etc... is that chances are they were driven by some high school aged brain-dead fast and furious kid that drove it everywhere at 6000 rpm on a 10,000 mile oil change interval. Brand does not matter if it has not been taken care of. It will fail then it comes down to the cost of repairs and the cost of insurance to determine its cost of ownership.
Buy something that a teen-aged kid would hate and buy it private sale form someone who knows what a maintenance interval is and can tell you where and when the last service was performed per the periodicity chart in the owners manual. It will rule out about 80% of the cars on craigslist but you will end up with a good car. I also use consumer reviews to rule out years where certain cars had too many issues. A little research and being selective saves a lot of money in the long run.
Colorado_Outback
10-13-2012, 16:36
Meh. Don't buy the gas motors or the autos and you are good to go with VW.
LOL thats like 95% of them [ROFL1]
You need to buy a supermoto and then a $500 beater to drive in the snow. Problem solved!
Another vote for Subaru. We've had one or more in the family for 20+ years.
I love driving my 8 year old Audi A6, but it's kind of a money pit on maintenance. I spent more than your budget to replace turbos on it last year. :( Old A4's can be had on the cheap, but also $$ to maintain even using a (certified) indy like I do.
Damn hard to beat a Suby for 4x4 capability, decent mileage, and reliability.
what should i get??my only requirements are.....reliability and gas mileage in that order. i would go for a vw diesel but somethiing is always breaking or just about to break on a german car.
i have been looking at the prius but battery replacement is pricey and the ones that i can afford look to be right at the age that there going to need that soon....the wife likes the chevy aveo cause we can get a 2009-2010 but there reviews are awful.
im not willing to finance so its gotta be something you can find on craigslist for 6k or less
I found my Volvo for $4200 on Craigslist in Oklahoma City. Volvo's are Swiss, and are friggen tanks (really, I totaled an Audi on mine and just bolted the bumper back on). The engine and tranny parts are treated with nitrocarburizing (like Glocks, Hk's, and M&P's). Subaru's are awesome cars also, those boxer engines are bullet proof.
Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Corolla all have very high reliability ratings. You should be able to get one that is over 5 years old with roughly 100K miles on it for under 6K. Your best bet is to buy from a private party off craigslist rather than a dealership. Just look it over really well, check the transmission fluid, check the codes for free at an auto parts store, and have your mechanic put it on the lift to see underneath. If it wasn't owned by a teenager or a blonde, and if there is a stack of maintenance receipts showing regular oil changes and a new timing belt, you are good to go. Take care of a car like that and don't beat on it, and you can get 300K out of it.
Subaru's are awesome cars also, those boxer engines are bullet proof.
I've seen a few Legacys and Outbacks bite the dust. Transmission problems and issues with the harmonic balancer.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3277429763.html
What I would do. [Coffee]
I have an 03 vibe and it runs great for me. I have not had any issues with it and i am over 150,000 mile (mostly highway at this time). I get 28 mpg usaly and it is my wifes car now and she is just running around town most of the time. We take it when we traval and we get around 33 mpg or so. The back seats fold down and I have hald lumber in it before.
I forgot to mention that the vibe was a joint project with toyota. A toyato matrix is the same car, but the vibe is cheaper
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