Good First Car, 7000 dollar or less budget

[wetcat007]

Good First Car, 7000 dollar or less budget Prefreably a car with 60k or less miles but a bit more would be ok. I was looking at thr Pontiac Sunfire, but from my other post, it sounds like that's not a good way to go, another car that I really like looks wise, is the Dodge Avenger anyone here have any experience with one of those? I'm generally looking for a coupe non hatchback and something decent sport looking. Suggestions needed!

-Mark

 

[NutBucket]

240
Eclipse

 

[Shockwave]

BMW 3 series. Used of course.

 

[wetcat007]

The Eclipse is too expensive for my taste especially considering the engine it has, they run at like 9 grand for a 99 with 60k on it.

 

[BornStar]

I've heard bad things about Avengers but I haven't really looked into them too much. Just stay away from VW and you should be fine.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: BornStar18
I've heard bad things about Avengers but I haven't really looked into them too much. Just stay away from VW and you should be fine.

That's because they have too much mitsu influence

 

[StageLeft]

I would cut out this domestic kick you're on and go with the newest civic/corolla you can find.

 

[jpeyton]

Late 90's Eclipse GS-T

 

[wetcat007]

I can't afford honda's. What bad things have u heard about avengers? i think they got a mitsubishi engine in them or something.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: wetcat007
I can't afford honda's. What bad things have u heard about avengers? i think they got a mitsubishi engine in them or something.

Don't be fooled. Japanese doesn't mean better

 

[MrBond]

A coupe is a good idea, something with a tiny backseat. When you're a kid driving, the last thing you need is 3 other people in the car.

You should be able to swing an civic coupe for that much. My friend paid a little more than that for a 98 about two years ago.

 

[wetcat007]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: wetcat007
I can't afford honda's. What bad things have u heard about avengers? i think they got a mitsubishi engine in them or something.

Don't be fooled. Japanese doesn't mean better

Well you people are recomending honda's so highly

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: wetcat007

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: wetcat007
I can't afford honda's. What bad things have u heard about avengers? i think they got a mitsubishi engine in them or something.

Don't be fooled. Japanese doesn't mean better

Well you people are recomending honda's so highly

Now you're generalizing

 

[kermalou]

look in hot deals about the buy one get one free kia

 

[HokieESM]

Personal opinion: find a 1996-2000 Civic coupe (the Si is probably out of your price range, so it'll probably be an EX if you want the power conveniences). Decent drive, very good reliability, good gas mileage (my '96 with 114K miles still gets 31/38 or so), and (at least in my opinion), they look a lot better than the current Civics. Only problem that I can cite is that they are VERY common.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

newest civic/corolla

 

[BatmanNate]

Get a pickup. They're cheap, don't look as bad when they're all dented up, and you can haul stuff. Bench seats can be a blessing.

 

[nick1985]

geo metro

 

[ElFenix]

why must this same question be asked every week?

 

[Vette73]

The make and model does very little after 3 years, give or take, for reliability.

I have seen toyotas that were pretty much gone at 50K and I have seen Pontiacs, which by all the fanboys here say are crap, with over 300K and going strong.


The good thing about a sunfire is they don't hold their vaule very well so you can get a good one for dirt cheap. They were only for 9K-13K new so one as old as you are talking about SHOULD be less then 5K if not more.

When looking at used cars, look at ITS history, not the name as much. Now car lines will have THEIR little problems like some toyotas have timing belt/chain problems, hondas bad Dist's, the sunfire is known for weak heater cores, VW/Audi know for just catch fire for no good reason etc.....

 

[Howard]

Used Corolla.

 

[IshmaelLeaver]

Mid-90s Camry.

 

[BornStar]

Originally posted by: IshmaelLeaver
Mid-90s Camry.

While mid-90s Camrys are nice cars, they aren't exactly sporty in performance or looks.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: BatmanNate
Get a pickup. They're cheap, don't look as bad when they're all dented up, and you can haul stuff. Bench seats can be a blessing.

they have cheap insurance too

 

[Lvis]

I agree with Marlin.


Many American cars are great values. I've had great luck buying American, you just have to pick the right one.