GF looking for used car... help with suggestions?

[electricJ]

So my girlfriend is looking for a used car in the range of $8k-10k. Hoping to find something that fits the following qualifications:

• Between a 98 and 01

• Reliable... something to keep for about 5 years

• Stylish... keep in mind it will be driven by a female

• Decent gas milage as she lives about 40 miles away from me

• Must fit within the above price range

I have a few ideas on what she might look at, but am open to some outside suggestions based on the price range.

 

[Fenixgoon]

we got a used 99 VW passat 1.8T for cheap.

 

[Crusty]

No help until you post pics of her.

 

[zainali]

civic.

 

[white]

Originally posted by: MCrusty
No help until you post pics of her.

 

[sniperruff]

you can probably pick up a used VW GTI... made in brazil tho.

if she drives a lot, i'd just get a camry/accord/altima. the maxima fits the bill but it drinks gas and only premium.

 

[Legend]

VW? Isn't their reliability terrible?

I'd go with Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Fits everything except maybe stylish.

 

[beer]

1+ gen old Altima? Fairly good reliability, and Nissans don't hold their resale value as well as Toyota and Honda, which are INSANE (and this is good for you as a used-car buyer)

 

[Caesar]

Honda Prelude
Toyota Celica
Toyota MR2

 

[DainBramaged]

Originally posted by: beer
1+ gen old Altima? Fairly good reliability, and Nissans don't hold their resale value as well as Toyota and Honda, which are INSANE (and this is good for you as a used-car buyer)

Agree.

 

[vi edit]

Previous gen Legacy GT? In black or red they look sharp. Very reliable. Get around 28MPG on the highway.

Other suggestion would be something like an older Toyota Solara or Accord.

EDIT: A nissan maxima will pull around 28MPG as well on the highway. You can get a fairly late model year with low miles for that price range. Maximas tend to drop rather quickly in value working out to your advantage.

 

[rh71]

We just bought a used 97 Civic for $3500 (talked down from $4100)... and we're pretty sure it'll last 5 years (currently 92000 miles). If you want it only for 5 years, why spend $8k-10k for it ? Unless you want something nicer than a boring 'ole Civic. You only mentioned reliable and fuel efficient.

 

[electricJ]

Originally posted by: rh71
We just bought a used 97 Civic for $3500 (talked down from $4100)... and we're pretty sure it'll last 5 years (currently 92000 miles). If you want it only for 5 years, why spend $8k-10k for it ? Unless you want something nicer than a boring 'ole Civic. You only mentioned reliable and fuel efficient.

I meant 5 years as a minimum to keep the car; who knows what might happen. Also, something that wouldn't require significant repairs within that time frame. I don't think she is too keen on Civics of that generation and neither am I... a little too bland.

 

[Kishan]

Celica? You want a sedan? SUV? Coupe?

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: electricJ

Originally posted by: rh71
We just bought a used 97 Civic for $3500 (talked down from $4100)... and we're pretty sure it'll last 5 years (currently 92000 miles). If you want it only for 5 years, why spend $8k-10k for it ? Unless you want something nicer than a boring 'ole Civic. You only mentioned reliable and fuel efficient.

I meant 5 years as a minimum to keep the car; who knows what might happen. Also, something that wouldn't require significant repairs within that time frame. I don't think she is too keen on Civics of that generation and neither am I... a little too bland.

I'd agree, the car wasn't for me.

 

[TriStar]

Buy her a vibrator, tell her to stay home and make you some sammiches!

 

[Kalbi]

Toyota Corolla for sure. That thing lasts forever.

 

[QuitBanningMe]

240sx or Altima

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: electricJ
I don't think she is too keen on Civics of that generation and neither am I... a little too bland.

So get one and have her girl-rice it out.

You're spanning two generations too - 96-00 (6th) and 01-03 (7th) though the latter would be pricey.

Find a 6th gen hatch; very useable and economical.

- M4H

 

[dbk]

As previously stated, Honda Prelude

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: zippo
As previously stated, Honda Prelude

I like them... although hard to find a Prelude that is not too expensive. they have insane resale value.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
we got a used 99 VW passat 1.8T for cheap.

No.. he said he wanted a reliable car..

Look for a good used Accord..

 

[Injury]

Well, depending on where you live, with used cars it isn't about what you want so much as what is available.

Take your qualifications to a used dealer (except what you expect to pay) and ask them if they have anything that meets that.

Check it out, get a carfax, check the kbb value against what they are asking, check some consumer reports on that and go from there.

 

[iversonyin]

A cheap, stylish and reliable....wow...you asking for alot buddy.

and why does it has to be stylish because it driven by a female?

i recommand a used Celica...totally a chick car

 

[sniperruff]

for that money and a chick car, i guess a mitsu eclipse GT and an accord coupe fits the bill.