looking for a good quality, cheap, FAMILY car!

[bluemax]

The budget is super tight but with my wife having our first child in ~3 months, it's time to get a car.

RELIABLE is the #1 concern, AFFORDABLE is #2. Both are a must.

I am not a racer OR a ricer. I don't care about performance other than being able to drive without having to get out and push it uphill or any time it rains.

Something off lease but not too old would be more than acceptable. I think I'm just about to nix the '97 Dodge Neon we looked at tonight. Had a LOT of negative reports from consumers about it falling apart (many repairs) once it gets over 80,000 kilometers.... not worth $5000US from a dealership.

BUDGET: $5000-7000US ($6000-9000 Canadian) preferred!

Suggestions VERY welcome!!

 

[dionx]

a used Accord or Camry, 1998+ is what i'd recommend

 

[mugs]

Definitely nix the Neon. Not reliable, and not worth that much. I'd recommend Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic myself. Some people here like the Geo/Chevy Prizm. DON'T get a Hyundai or Kia.

Edit: With only one kid, a mid-sized sedan probably isn't necessary. If you want mid-sized though, go with the Accord/Camry. I'd recommend against a coupe whether you get a compact or a mid-sized though... sedan is probably easier with the car seat.

 

[BigSmooth]

I know everyone on this forum always yells "Maxima!" but in this case it's a good fit. I would go for something like a '96... should be around your price range, and it's a great family car. It's extremely reliable and very roomy so the back seat is good for getting car seats/kids in and out. If you REALLY want lots of room you could look at a late 90's Ford Crown Victoria, which are VERY cheap on the used market, reasonably reliable, and gigantic.

Alternatively, a wagon would be even better. A mid-90's Subaru Legacy wagon won't break the bank and also offers all-wheel drive and a high level of utility.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

Heaven bid you ever try to get a coupe and try to fit the kid in the back seat

Have you picked up an autotrader book or went to their site and dug around?
www.canadatrader.com

And also pay the $20 fee and check out the cars' vin on carfax.com

Where's some good places to look for cars in the 'Peg btw?

 

[Cyberian]

Saturn and Chevy Prism are worth a look.

Text

 

[MovingTarget]

If you want something with more interior room, which is important in a family car, or if you take interstate trips, i'd suggest a grand marquis or a crown vic. As far as reliability, lets just say they are truly solid cars...some of the last v8, rwd, full-framed cars available. Easy to fix and maintain. You could get one that would last you a very long time in that price...I know because I got one for 6k and loved it...

 

[thedarkwolf]

Crown Vic or clone
Best deal in the car market per dollar
They are real reliable but rwd and Canada may not go well together.

 

[Kenny]

Used Civic or Corolla

I'd go with the Corolla cuz those things last forever.

 

[Maximin]

a used camry or maxima.

 

[lowtech1]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Crown Vic or clone
Best deal in the car market per dollar
They are real reliable but rwd and Canada may not go well together.

I second the taxi/cop car.

 

[freebee]

You can't go wrong with most of the suggestions people have posted. Civics, camrys, accords, etc. are all fine cars. They have excellent reliability and are solid and dependable. I too, like the crown vics, as parts are readily available and their engine bays are easy to work on. They also tend to do well in crashes due to their weight and ample crush zones.

As with any used car, making sure you are purchasing a well-maintained car is much more important than a few hundred bucks in price. Check out the vehicle's history and get a mechanic to inspect it. Be aware of any upcoming service the vehicle might need (timing belts, water pumps, etc.)

 

[bluemax]

Hope that most of these solid, dependable cars I can actually AFFORD! :Q

Time to change the focus of my car shopping. Thanks for the tips (and keep 'em coming!) they'll help me avoid a lemon.
Too bad for the Neon... the dealership was super nice - real friendly, non-pushy staff.

 

[chin311]

yeah, id def. go with a corolla/civic if you can have a smaller car, otherwise camry/accord/maxima.

and stay away from those older neons, they are terrible.

 

[madthumbs]

Saturn's are unsafe (high fatality per accident). Save >$1k over a corolla and get a Prizm. Not sure if the newer ones are wannabe corolla's also, but the older (Geo's) were awesome bang for the buck! Biggest problem with them would probably be the alternator which gives signs that it's dying (random dashboard lights lighting). It's also easy to replace, but not cheap (~$170).

 

[conjur]

I abhor Saturns. They are the WORST offenders of those damn Daytime Running Lamps. Those bright, beady headlights force me to dim my rearview mirror every time one gets behind me.

Go w/a late 90s Accord/Camry.