• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Grrrr - Have to buy a car. $10k - 15k, what do you recommend?

I

IndyJaws

Golden Member
I just got some bad news from the repair shop. Our '95 Lumina (hey, Mrs. IndyJaws bought it before she met me 😉 ) is in need of some major repairs 🙁 . I really don't want to sink the money into a car that already has 150k miles, so we need to get a 2nd car (actually 3rd - my stepson has a Honda Accord that seems to be running fine). We just bought a 2001 Intrepid in September, so the timing basically sucks.

Anyway, what recommendations do people have for a car in the $10-15,000 price range? Used is fine. I've been considering a used Explorer. We have 3 kids and would like more room for hauling stuff around. A minivan is not an option (the Mrs. and I both hate them). What do you, loyal readers, recommend?
 
Oldsmobile has some incredible deals on NEW cars. A guy I know walked out of a dealer with a loaded intrepid for 16,000 that listed for 25,000!

Look at a 2 year old Crown Vic or year old Taurus with factory warranty remaining.
 


<< Oldsmobile has some incredible deals on NEW cars. A guy I know walked out of a dealer with a loaded intrepid for 16,000 that listed for 25,000!

Look at a 2 year old Crown Vic or year old Taurus with factory warranty remaining. >>




intreped is not an oldsmobile, perhaps you were thinking of a different model?
 
A used Explorer/Mountaineer is not a bad idea, actually. They are so plentiful that you would probably be able to find one quite cheaply.

Tominator has a good point with Oldsmobile (although the Intrepid is a Dodge model... 😕 ). With the death of the brand, you could probably find a used Bravada pretty cheaply.
Nissan is a depreciation champ also so you might look at a used Pathfinder.

If you go the wagon route, maybe check out a used Passat.
 
Definitely go with a Jeep Cherokee they are sweeet! Or you could go the other direction totally and get a motorcycle with a sidecar. It wouldn't really help your situation but it would be cool to have.
 


<< you could go the other direction totally and get a motorcycle with a sidecar. It wouldn't really help your situation but it would be cool to have. >>


ROFLMAO... Worst. Advice. Ever. 😛
 
I'd recommend checking out the Hyundai Elantra GT. They are sporty 5 door hatchbacks with GREAT standard features and a killer warranty. You could probably get a loaded 2001 that's still under warranty for about $13,000.
 
Meant to say Intrigue....😱

The only options it did not have was the power moon roof. Leather interior and a very good reputation for reliability.
 


<< I'd recommend checking out the Hyundai Elantra GT. They are sporty 5 door hatchbacks with GREAT standard features and a killer warranty. You could probably get a loaded 2001 that's still under warranty for about $13,000. >>



Not here you can't...Dealer would go as low as 15.5 but that was it..even walked on it and he did not try to stop me. The GT's are really popular..leather is standard, a huge trunk, decent engine, sunroof, and 100k mile warranty is still not too shabby in an under 16k car.
 


<< Definitely go with a Jeep Cherokee they are sweeet.. >>



I can't believe people are recommending Jeep Cherokee's. They are problem ridden pieces of junk!
 
How about a slightly used Jeep gran cherokee...those are sweet

Only if you want to keep the local mechanic in business. They have an extremely bad reputation for breaking down frequently and expensively.
 


<< How about a slightly used Jeep gran cherokee...those are sweet Only if you want to keep the local mechanic in business. They have an extremely bad reputation for breaking down frequently and expensively. >>



Yeah, I had heard the same thing. Hadn't really considered them. Everyone I've known w/ an Explorer has had very good luck with them.
 


<<

<< How about a slightly used Jeep gran cherokee...those are sweet Only if you want to keep the local mechanic in business. They have an extremely bad reputation for breaking down frequently and expensively. >>



Yeah, I had heard the same thing. Hadn't really considered them. Everyone I've known w/ an Explorer has had very good luck with them. >>



other than their tires exploding and killing hundreds. I guess thats a good reputation 😉
 


<<

<<

<< How about a slightly used Jeep gran cherokee...those are sweet Only if you want to keep the local mechanic in business. They have an extremely bad reputation for breaking down frequently and expensively. >>

Yeah, I had heard the same thing. Hadn't really considered them. Everyone I've known w/ an Explorer has had very good luck with them. >>

other than their tires exploding and killing hundreds. I guess thats a good reputation 😉 >>



Ok, you got me there! 😉 🙂
 


<<

<< How about a slightly used Jeep grand cherokee...those are sweet Only if you want to keep the local mechanic in business. They have an extremely bad reputation for breaking down frequently and expensively. >>



Yeah, I had heard the same thing. Hadn't really considered them. Everyone I've known w/ an Explorer has had very good luck with them. >>



Think it really depends on which engine you get and what year...the newer ones tend to have gotten most of the bugs worked out and I think the 8 cylinder engine was supposedly alot better than the 6
 


<<

<<

<< How about a slightly used Jeep gran cherokee...those are sweet Only if you want to keep the local mechanic in business. They have an extremely bad reputation for breaking down frequently and expensively. >>



Yeah, I had heard the same thing. Hadn't really considered them. Everyone I've known w/ an Explorer has had very good luck with them. >>



other than their tires exploding and killing hundreds. I guess thats a good reputation 😉 >>



Ford explorers don't kill people...cheap tires on the trucks kill people😉
 
What about a station wagon? My mom has a 1991 Volvo station wagon, and it is crazy what you can fit in it. We were able to fit enough luggage for a week long trip and our 2 80lbs labradors. Volvos are VERY VERY realiable. My mom has had the car 10 years and the most that she has had to do is get the AC replaced and the seats recomvered, and they are some of the safest cars you can buy. They will last for ever also. My mom's car has 100,000 miles on it, and my friends Volvo has 250,000 miles on it and he takes it mudding and it hasnt broken down yet. I dont like the way that they new ones look but i like the way the older ones look ( i think like sub 95 cars ). BTW they also get much better gas milage than any SUV. My mom's car gets like 25mpg in the city. BTW i am just a kid but the 2 things that i know the most about are cars and computers so its not like i am making this up.
 
Stevens brings up a good suggestion, take a look around at some used wagons... mebbe something like a used Toyota Camry wagon, Honda Accord wagon, possibly a Ford Taurus wagon since those Explorers are massive gas-guzzlers. I'd lean toward the Camry wagon since it would be a bit bigger than the Accord wagon and be more reliable than the Taurus. Plus, there may be a "Honda tax" in your area... :disgust:
 
its think wagons fall into the same category as minivans (ugly POS 😉 ). We've had explorer for 2 years now (both 2000 and 2001 model), and it worksvery well. Its gets only about 17mpg, so its not that good. How about a Kia Optima? Those actually look purty and are fairly cheap
 
If Stevens hadn't said it, I would have.

You should check out '95-'96 Volvo 850 series station wagons. Those things will definately last
 


<< I can't believe people are recommending Jeep Cherokee's. They are problem ridden pieces of junk! >>



Exactly.


How about a used Nissan Maxima? You can get 2000 for around 15k. I also like the Mazda Protege, a good sized small car that is really super nice and a steal when bought used.
 
Toyota Camry, or Avalon if it's old enough.

Camry's are more solid and stable, good handling, and have better overall reliability than any other.
Plus they look good and are comfy.
 


<< If Stevens hadn't said it, I would have.

You should check out '95-'96 Volvo 850 series station wagons. Those things will definately last >>



And when something does break (and I guarantee something will), it will cost a buttload. The mechanic that I frequent, tells me that Volvo 850s are pretty expensive to maintain if soemthing does break. Other than that, a good car and definitely something I would buy over a sport utility. I love wagons!

But, the Ford Explorer is what I'd consider the most if I were in your shoes🙂
 
hyundai is sweet inexspensive cars but sweet deals

neighbors son has one and sumtin was wrong with the transmission so he took it in and the dealer said they would have it done by the next day.

he asked how they could be sure

they said they just take out the tranny and put a new one in and send the old one to be checked out at the main place!!!!!

now that is cool

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top