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Needing a new car

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saratoga172

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Looks like my my Buick might be kicking the can. Its been to Hell and back since I've gotten it and served well as my first "beater" car. I think now its time to unload the car before it has any real major problems.

I'm looking around the $4000-5000 price range. $5000 is pushing it right now though. Due to my age and insurance rates taking a loan on the car isn't really an option unless I want to eat raman for breakfast/lunch/dinner.

Anyways, what would the recommendations be in the $4000 price range? I'm not going to limit myself to any particular makes or models at the moment. While I'd prefer a car for gas mileage, I'm not against looking at an SUV or truck either.

So, what say you?
 
2005+ Ford Focus.
Dirt Cheap, fairly reliable, and depreciated like a rock already.
A newer Buick or Pontiac might work as well.
 
Saturn S series good on gas and very cheap.

Focus. Stay away from the from first 2 year models. I think the fuel pump was updated after the 2nd year.

Nissan Sentra. Decent on gas and not a big fan of ricers so price can be good.
 
saratoga172 said:
Anyways, what would the recommendations be in the $4000 price range? I'm not going to limit myself to any particular makes or models at the moment. While I'd prefer a car for gas mileage, I'm not against looking at an SUV or truck either.
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That right there is the best way to find a good deal on a used car. If you're not set on a particular kind of car you'll have a better chance to find a good deal on a reliable car. The more kinds of cars you're willing to look at, the more likely you'll find something good.

That being said, both the Focus and the Saturn mentioned earlier are reliable cars that will do well with gas. There are plenty of Toyotas and Hondas that also would probably fit your needs if you can find one that is priced reasonably. Often Toyota and Honda's resale value is much higher than cars that will provide comparable cost of ownership just because of the name on the care. If you can find a good deal on one, great. Otherwise just move on to another car.
 
You can find a mid-late 90s Jeep Grand Cherokee with every option for about $4k. I still miss my '97. Very solid vehicles.

You could also go for another Buick. Insurance is always dirt cheap on them. check out '00-03 Regals. They're on the same platform as the Grand Prix and drive really nice.
 
Found a '96 thunderbird with 125k. It's got the v8 in it and has some minor body knicks. Asking price is $1500. I'm going to look at it in a couple hours.
 
saratoga172 said:
Found a '96 thunderbird with 125k. It's got the v8 in it and has some minor body knicks. Asking price is $1500. I'm going to look at it in a couple hours.
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Not a ford 4.6L expert but I remember some of the early 4.6's using oil and having other issues. So keep a eye out for that and maybe someone that knows the 4.6 better can chime in if you really like it.

But it will not be great on gas which i thought was a major point for you?
 
If your priorities are cheap, reliable transport the focus or sentra are good ideas. WHen you start getting into older vehicles that have less of them around, especially now, then when it's time for repairs you'll be paying more. Also, it will be old. It goes without saying that a 2005 focus is likely to tolerate the next 50k miles with less issues than a 97 cherokee.
 
Gas mileage wasn't a major thing for me, just a preference I was trying to stick to if possible. I'm getting about 20-21 on my Buick now so it's not like there is much room to go down.

I'm going to end up going with the Thunderbird. Engine is sound and strong, and the tranny seems to be in good condition. A/C works great and the car drove wonderfully. A little more pep than my supercharged Riv too.

Problems with the Riv: A/C went out about a month ago. Supercharger went back in Feb. Needs a new windshield before winter because of the hailstorm we got here. Put a major crack in the passenger side. Both side mirrors need to be replaced due to hail damage. Hail damage all over the body. Muffler is starting to come loose (makes noise at low rpm's until warmed up). Radiator shit itself today and decided to spring a nice leak. So I'll probably just look to scrap the car or something.

On the up and up the engine and tranny are in great condition. Lol.

I can look for a more permanent car at a later date, but the Thunderbird should give me some decent miles. I'll dd the bike so the car will only get <100 miles a week most likely...maybe a touch more. Inclement weather predominantly.

Now the T-bird. Gobs of power in the midrange. Nice little bump compared to the Riv. And its the engine, not a supercharger providing the power. Fabric seats instead of leather in the Riv. Leather sucks in the heat with no A/C. I'm digging the interior of the T-Bird. It's in very good condition for a car with 125k. Very comfortable too. Steering is a touch tighter as well. The Riv feels like a boat on the road. Very floaty. Also going from front wheel drive to rear wheel. A few less options as well.

The car has been repainted at some point. And I need to get the wiper switch replaced. I'll most likely have a tranny fluid flush done within a couple thousand miles as well. And two new tires in that time also. Other than that its pretty well good to go. I pick it up Monday and Tuesday I'll take it in to get the wiper switch fixed.

Pics to come in a few days.

Anyone have a good forum for those T-Birds or the engine in the car?
 
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