$5000 to spend for a used car

[Mattiee]

Hello,
I finally got around to look for a car. I am interested in a car that is somewhat fast. I think a 6 cylinder car is my preferred choice. 5000 dollars is a really little amount of money for a car that I want. I would love to have a leather interior and as I said somewhat fast, and also I want to be able to put my own head unit. I know some cars have a center console, and I would be unable to do so. I can go either for a sedan or a coupe. I would like you guys to make me some suggestions on car and model. I was maybe thinking for about a dodge stratus or a accord v6. What else is out there that I should look up? Also, where is the best place to get a car, craiglist probably? Dealers charge too much tax, etc. WHat about auctions?
Thanks

 

[herrjimbo]

1998 mazda 626 lx manual transmission. leather seats, a/c, 142,000 miles. picked it up on craigslist for $2500. prepare to do a lot of looking. eventually you'll find a car you're interested in.

 

[monk3yboy]

Mattiee, you are going to have to pay tax on whatever car you buy. When you license the car, they make you pay tax then. Good luck, I myself am looking at cars under $10K.

 

[Mermaidman]

For less than $5000, you can get a beautiful 2001 Olds Aurora.

V6 or V8 motor, luxurious leather interior, great ride and decent handling. You can install an aftermarket head unit with an adaptor kit, but you'll lose the steering wheel controls for volume and tuning.

Example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...Item&item=180405356191

 

[Heller]

for 5 grand you should be worried about its insides and not the out.

look for a 10 year old manual prefered SOHC civic, friends of mine have ran that motor in there dd/beaters for years. plus the older hondas are like legos, cheap repairs and basically anybody can fix em.

 

[Mattiee]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
For less than $5000, you can get a beautiful 2001 Olds Aurora.

V6 or V8 motor, luxurious leather interior, great ride and decent handling. You can install an aftermarket head unit with an adaptor kit, but you'll lose the steering wheel controls for volume and tuning.

Example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...Item&item=180405356191

http://www.ecarlist.com/showro...5/photos/138944#01.jpg
Wow that is a really nice car, and I haven't never heard of it. Unfortunately, none around NJ. Anyway are they reliable?
Any other cars?

 

[mafia]

I'd recommend maybe a Nissan Maxima SE year 2000 or up. Even if its high milage they have been known to last very long and their transmission are decent.. I'd say better than Honda. Thats if speeds your top priority.



Example

Its 1,000 more but If you convince the salesmen it probably can be cheaper. You can find cheaper ones with more miles though.

 

[mafia]

Originally posted by: mafia
I'd recommend maybe a Nissan Maxima SE year 2000 or up. Even if its high milage they have been known to last very long and their transmission are decent.. I'd say better than Honda. Thats if speeds your top priority.



Example

Its 1,000 more but If you convince the salesmen it probably can be cheaper. You can find cheaper ones with more miles though.

Another example.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Motorcycle > *

 

[thedarkwolf]

miata
It is always the right car for any situation.

 

[ballmode]

Miata for sports

Maxima/Accord for the FWD V6

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
miata
It is always the right car for any situation.

Unless you have kids...or need to buy groceries.

Then again, WTF do I know...I lust after a Lotus Elise, perhaps the least practical car ever made.

 

[CTrain]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
miata
It is always the right car for any situation.

Yeah if you want chicks calling your car "cute".

 

[MikeMike]

Buick Regal GS

FAST
Leather
under $5k
reliable

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: CTrain

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
miata
It is always the right car for any situation.

Yeah if you want chicks calling your car "cute".

Maybe he's used to the chicks pointing and saying, "awwwww, look at the little thing, it's so cute!"

 

[thedarkwolf]

Having a car chicks like is a good thing.

 

[hiromizu]

Check out an older manual trans VW GTI VR6. They're really cool cars.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
miata
It is always the right car for any situation.

Unless you have kids...or need to buy groceries.

Then again, WTF do I know...I lust after a Lotus Elise, perhaps the least practical car ever made.

pft, I can fit groceries in the trunk.. and the passenger seat, balance it all out.

 

[brblx]

Originally posted by: hiromizu
Check out an older manual trans VW GTI VR6. They're really cool cars.

should also be able to afford a newer (mk4 vs mk3) 1.8t jetta or golf.

none of them are hugely fast, but a little quick and with potential.

are you set on a a 6cyl as opposed to a turbo 4?

 

[Mattiee]

Originally posted by: brblx

Originally posted by: hiromizu
Check out an older manual trans VW GTI VR6. They're really cool cars.

should also be able to afford a newer (mk4 vs mk3) 1.8t jetta or golf.

none of them are hugely fast, but a little quick and with potential.

are you set on a a 6cyl as opposed to a turbo 4?

I am set for a 4cy turbo also. GTI for that price, seem a little too beat down and old. What is out there with turbo?
As far as miata goes, it's only a two seater, too small

 

[BoberFett]

Anything with a Turbo under $5K is going to be beaten to hell.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Anything with a Turbo under $5K is going to be beaten to hell.

My thoughts exactly. While a well maintained turbocharged motor can be almost as reliable as a good naturally aspirated engine (turbo adds on more moving parts that spin at high speeds which does affect reliability even in the best designs) they are more sensitive to abuse. Not changing the oil and filter is worse for a turbo charged motor because.

For $5k you're looking at either a vehicle with a ton of miles on it, one that's been abused, or one that's been neglected.

 

[CTrain]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Having a car chicks like is a good thing.

Well, chicks like gay guys too.
And thats not a good thing.

 

[Funyuns101]

Originally posted by: mafia
I'd recommend maybe a Nissan Maxima SE year 2000 or up. Even if its high milage they have been known to last very long and their transmission are decent.. I'd say better than Honda. Thats if speeds your top priority.



Example

Its 1,000 more but If you convince the salesmen it probably can be cheaper. You can find cheaper ones with more miles though.

you can also buy the fancy Infiniti version of the Maxima (the I30).
both are very reliable cars. I had a previous gen I30 (1996-1999) and liked it a lot, but it's near impossible to find it in a manual.

EDIT: would a Honda Prelude not be enough power?

 

[Merithynos]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
miata
It is always the right car for any situation.

Unless you have kids...or need to buy groceries.

Then again, WTF do I know...I lust after a Lotus Elise, perhaps the least practical car ever made.

You and me both...I am trying to figure out how to finagle an Elise into my budget and lifestyle (I have a Z4 now).