Looking for a sub-$2000 reliable hatchback gas sipper

[SpatiallyAware]

At $2000 you are better off looking for a "good car" than picking out a certain make/model and specifically looking for that.

 

[sdifox]

Rust is a big factor when you are talking subtropical island. Japanese cars don't rust as well as Americans, generally speaking.

 

[Don Karnage]

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3022202064.html

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

How about these cars? I need AC. Must have AC. Hatchbacks are hard to find so I'm removing that requirement. Upped my price to $2500, but if I can find one for $1000 or less that drives I'm getting it. I have to worry about selling it again when I move off the island in half a year or so.

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3045693288.html - 1995 Subaru Legacy Sedan - $950 - leaking oil?

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3046738787.html - 2001 Subaru Outback AWD - $2500 - looks reliable

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3047223933.html - '02 Suzuki Esteem 1.8 GLX 30MPG Dependable commuter/family wagon - $2500 - looks reliable

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3038103004.html - 2000 Subaru L 4 dr hatch a/c - $1850 - looks reliable

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3046168129.html - 2002 DOHC ZX3 FORD FOCUS - $1750 - grammar issues aside, $20 for a TPS isn't bad

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3039933201.html - 2002 Suzuki Aerio low miles but needs work - $1200 - have no idea what bearings he's referring to

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3046106030.html - 2001 Chevy Cavalier in Great shape - $1800 - reads like it runs well

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/2993346706.html - GREAT RELIABLE CAR 1999 Alero - $800 - charging the AC isn't hard or expensive, is it?

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3040584225.html - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier for Cheap - $1200 - like the fact that it just runs with no issues out of the box

 

[thedarkwolf]

On the Suzuki I'd assume he is talking about the wheel bearing.

The focus looks like a good deal but I'm always leery when the problem is a $20 fix yet they haven't fixed it. It isn't like it is something hard to get to either. If I were going to buy that car I'd buy a TPS and install it before handing over the money.

On the subarus you need to watch out for the 2.5l cars. They tend to have headgasket issues and that isn't a cheap fix. I wouldn't buy one unless they headgaskets have already been changed. The 2.2l cars don't seem to have that problem.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

On the Suzuki I'd assume he is talking about the wheel bearing.

The focus looks like a good deal but I'm always leery when the problem is a $20 fix yet they haven't fixed it. It isn't like it is something hard to get to either. If I were going to buy that car I'd buy a TPS and install it before handing over the money.

On the subarus you need to watch out for the 2.5l cars. They tend to have headgasket issues and that isn't a cheap fix. I wouldn't buy one unless they headgaskets have already been changed. The 2.2l cars don't seem to have that problem.

Thanks! I'm really interested with the Focus as well. Is the TPS critical? It seems like it still drives, right? Why does he say "TPS is going bad $20 at napa car still run fine but always gotta run a/c unless buy new TPS." He needs to run the AC or else the car doesn't run? Or something?