Best "low end" car?

[thomsbrain]

car and driver recommends the Mazda Protoge, so I'd check it out, but I'd also check out the Corolla and Civic. The Protoge's i've been in feel solid but the seats suck ass. The Civic may be technically slower but it will be light years more fun to drive than a Corolla.

 

[fyleow]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
The Civic may be technically slower but it will be light years more fun to drive than a Corolla.

 

[Aftermath]

mean, I would take a 1990 Grand Marquis over a 2004 Escort in a second. And I would pocket the 10000 I would save.

No, you wouldn't.
Torque converter and transmission problems out the exhaust pipe does NOT equal savings.


If you really want low end low end, but new, look as far down as Kia. I think their base model low end cars start at under $10,000.
In my experience, resale values on Hondas are amazing. You'll be hard pressed to find a newer Honda anything in good shape with low mileage for less than a couple grand away from a brand new car.

I was really looking into getting a newer Accord some months back, but I couldn't find one anywhere for less than 13 or 14 grand that was newer than a 98, and with less than 50,000 miles. For just a few thousand more, I could've purchased a brand new Accord with a few less un-necessary features. For about the same I could get a brand new almost fully loaded Corolla S. (Which is exactly what I did.)

 

[TommyVercetti]

Honda Civic.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Something used?

If new, a j-body would work. With the discounts and promos GM's throwing around, expect several grand off MSRP. Even more from a last-year's model.

- M4H

Yep some have gotton Sunfires or Cav's NEW for less then 10K

 

[kage69]

Without a doubt, a Honda Civic. If you feel like spending more, a Toyote Corolla. In this category, I'd stay away from domestic models.

 

[RU482]

these type of car threads are just rediculous, considering that people are sounding in from all over the nation/world with their own OPINION of what is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's all bullshit

 

[m2kewl]

Originally posted by: kage69
Without a doubt, a Honda Civic. If you feel like spending more, a Toyote Corolla. In this category, I'd stay away from domestic models.

what he said.

 

[m2kewl]

Originally posted by: redly1
these type of car threads are just rediculous, considering that people are sounding in from all over the nation/world with their own OPINION of what is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's all bullshit

gee, that sounds like every damn thread in ATOT

just post your opinion and increase your postcount

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
car and driver recommends the Mazda Protoge, so I'd check it out, but I'd also check out the Corolla and Civic. The Protoge's i've been in feel solid but the seats suck ass. The Civic may be technically slower but it will be light years more fun to drive than a Corolla.

I've abusively driven both cars, both late models, and there's no huge difference between the two.

I mean seriously, "light years"? Come on. These cars are about the same weight, same size, same drivetrain layout, etc.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Something used?

If new, a j-body would work. With the discounts and promos GM's throwing around, expect several grand off MSRP. Even more from a last-year's model.

- M4H

Yep some have gotton Sunfires or Cav's NEW for less then 10K

With all the rebates and tie-ins, it's not hard at all. When I get mine in, I'll post the story of How I got a Cav in my driveway for under CDN$10K .

- M4H

 

[Eli]

Suzuki has some really cheap cars, I have no idea on reliability though.

They have nice warrantys.......

 

[TheAudit]

A friend of mine just bought a new Corolla. That's a great little car, has good power and an awesome interior. Yeah, I don't like the way it looks but it should be super reliable.

I'd recommend that or a Civic. You can get something like a Kia for a lot less but you will be socked with a lot of repair bills, those are pieces of crap. Hyundai has come a long way though, you could check out the Elantra.

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: LAUST
Civic is $13,000 brand new

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
You could find a 2003 Mazda Protege on clearance for around $13,000

The Protege is probably the best deal if you're set on a Japanese import. You can pick up a loaded ES with a moonroof, 6-disc CD changer, ABS, and side airbags for around $14k + tax/title. They're trying to get them off lots before the Mazda3 replaces it in about a month.

 

[CraigRT]

I'd get a Corolla if i was looking for cheap durability.

too bad the car looks like ass.

 

[StageLeft]

89 crx and put a turbo on it!! YEAH!

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Mazda 3

 

[AbsolutDealage]

Mazda 3.

 

[Budmantom]

Sentra

 

[kt]

Why not just get a 2-3 years old Honda Accord? It will not only get you from point A to point B, it will save you money and more!

 

[bernse]

Base Impreza if you can wing it... but it might be pushing your budget.

Std air, cruise, power windows, etc and AWD.

**Edited spelling**

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: kt
Why not just get a 2-3 years old Honda Accord? It will not only get you from point A to point B, it will save you money and more!

I bought a 2000 Accord SE (Special Edition) a few months back. We got a smokin' deal, but they hold their value something fantastic. Still not really an "inexpensive" car by any stretch... although nice if you can afford one.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: kt
Why not just get a 2-3 years old Honda Accord? It will not only get you from point A to point B, it will save you money and more!

Good advice but beware Accord's really retain their resale value. Also consider Mazda and Nissan.