Need advice, insight on car purchase

[seti920]

Hi all.

My car died. I now have a loaner, but I must obtain a replacement within 3 weeks.

I need to buy, not lease. My commute to work is pretty far, and I would exceed any lease travel allowance.

I would like your thoughts on what cars I should try for.

Essentially, I'm looking for a used sedan with an economy of 30 MPG or better. Gas is 'spensive.

I'd like to keep it at or below ~$8K. I already have student loans, etc.

Friends let me try out a '98 civic and an 02 Jetta. Both were really comfortable. For some reason, a used civic in my area (South Coast MA) runs about $9-10K with 60,000 miles on it.

So:

1. What models should I be looking at?

2. Can someone point me to a website with basic stats (weight, economy, horsepower) for past year's cars, instead of just '04/05's?

Thanks.

-Ben

P.S. 22 years old, got out of college this May. This car has to last me at least 2-3 years, quite possibly more.

 

[alzan]

I'll suggest a used Saturn, probably the SL (low-end model). Definitely get a car with manual transmission; you'll save on gas and if you have Jiffy-Lube, et al change your fluids, you'll save there as well.
I have a 2002 SL with manual transmission; straight highway mileage around 40-42 mpg; city/highway combined, 31-33 mpg.

My .02 worth.

alzan

 

[seti920]

Sorry, should have been more specific - 30 mpg highway.

My mom has an '02 SL2...zippy, but it's small inside.

Thanks for the suggestion, I may end up getting into one. The jerk at the saturn dealership kept trying to steer me to $25K SUV's...

 

[alzan]

Well, Saturns aren't known for roominess, tho' I have no problems fitting a bike, 7 pieces of luggage and my wife inside mine. If you want more space, they have wagon models, but you're probably not going to get 30 mpg (25-29 mpg possibly.

Don't let the dealer force you into something you don't want/can't afford. Just smile politely as they show you the high-end models, then say "That's nice, but I'm really more interested in ...."

I've never looked at it, but carsoup.com is supposed to be a good site for new/used cars. Carfax.com is good for checking on the history (repairs, accidents, etc.) of your potential used car. It costs a little for a lookup, but if you've got 2-3 cars in mind, it could keep you from buying one that will end up costing you money and/or time.

Good luck.

alzan

 

[Banana]

Edmund's is a great car buying resource. Check out the forums there too.

 

[vi edit]

'00 Mazda Protege ES

Good room for it's size. Fun to drive. Reliable. Economical. Another option would something like a previous model year Nissan Altima.

Geo Prism is another choice. It's just a rebadged corolla that sells for a couple thousand less.

 

[Aimster]

Corolla, same as the protege. Just rebadged.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

If you're flexible on the four-door thing, try a 92-95 Civic hatch. Should be obtainable for under three grand, the hatchbacks allow for lots of cargo room, fuel mileage is 40+ on highway, and they're easy to maintain. 🙂

- M4H

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: Aimster
Corolla, same as the protege. Just rebadged.

Not true at all!

The Corolla was the same as the Geo/Chevy Prism.


Friends Saturn SL is doing really good and he raves about his 35mpg on the highway.
For $8K and the added expense of used car financing why not pick up:
NEW:
Elantra GLS = $9,995 5spd, AC, PW, PDL, CD (4-dr)
Saturn Ion = $10,995 5spd ,AC (4dr)
Ford Focus = Great deals on '04 models as '05 is a re-design (4dr or HB)
PT Crusier = $11,995 5spd AC (roomy)

All prices are current California - Bay Area prices.