i have 6k for a new car.....

[cofi]

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

[Gunner]

Honda civic?

[nisils14]

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]

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"

[Cman]

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]

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.

[BigDee]

$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.

[BigDee]

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]

i have been looking at the prius

Please turn in you man card.

[BushMasterBoy]

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.