• 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.

recommend a commuter car < $5k

rh71

rh71

No Lifer
wife will need a used $5k OR LESS [non-SUV] car that will seat 4 decently. Primary use is for commuting less than 10mi daily. Reliable please.

We've owned plenty of Accords and Civics, but how are American cars above 80k miles these days?
 
Last edited:
2003 or so Chevy Impala with a 3800.

Older Camry.

Older Accord.

There should be a lot of Impalas around, and the Camry and Accord types all seem to be rumored to last forever. There may be a year of Accord to avoid due to transmission problems, but engine-wise I believe they are solid.
 
Can get a first gen civic hybrid for around that price point. Unfortunately its a tad small for 4 full size Americans 😉
 
NutBucket said:
Can get a first gen civic hybrid for around that price point. Unfortunately its a tad small for 4 full size Americans 😉
Click to expand...

was also thinking of hybrids... has it been determined they are reliable long term? What about the rechargeable cells (?) that need to be replaced?
 
I'm sure Eli will chime in but from what I understand you can get the packs rebuilt for much less than buying a new one.

If they're anything like stupid cordless tool batteries (Honda's packs used to be comprised of D-sized NiMH cells) then most likely only a few cells will fail. Replace those and you'll be good to go.
 
mvbighead said:
There may be a year of Accord to avoid due to transmission problems, but engine-wise I believe they are solid.
Click to expand...

Yeah, 98-02 autos. If you get a manual or stick to earlier years you'll be fine.

Brother has a 96 manual, 210k miles and counting. His friend has a 91, 220k miles and counting.
 
You never specified MPG but rather comfort and reliability (which also implies cheap maintenance).

I would go for a 2003-2005 Crown Victoria. That thing is a boat, it's comfortable and safe, good reliability and cheap to fix. Bad on MPG.
 
Another vote for Impala. I have a 03 with the 3.4L and it has been a great car. It will sit 4 with ease.
 
i've heard that those battery packs on the honda civic hybrid are about 2500 bucks, and they need replaced from 130-150k miles. Look for one that has had it replaced
 
CraigRT said:
Older Maxima.. VQ reliability, huge inside, cheap to buy second hand, decent MPG.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say decent MPG. My wife has a 3.5L V6 Altima (VQ35 engine) and while it's a really great car that has a lot of power, the fuel economy averages in the low 20s.

Not knocking the car or the engine though; it's a great choice if you're okay with low 20s MPG. The older Maximas (1995-2001) with the VQ30 are basically the same.
 
AstroManLuca said:
I wouldn't say decent MPG. My wife has a 3.5L V6 Altima (VQ35 engine) and while it's a really great car that has a lot of power, the fuel economy averages in the low 20s.

Not knocking the car or the engine though; it's a great choice if you're okay with low 20s MPG. The older Maximas (1995-2001) with the VQ30 are basically the same.
Click to expand...

Low 20's isn't decent for a old midsize car?
 
AstroManLuca said:
I wouldn't say decent MPG. My wife has a 3.5L V6 Altima (VQ35 engine) and while it's a really great car that has a lot of power, the fuel economy averages in the low 20s.

Not knocking the car or the engine though; it's a great choice if you're okay with low 20s MPG. The older Maximas (1995-2001) with the VQ30 are basically the same.
Click to expand...

They get decent MPG for what they are. I used to commute in my VQ35/6 speed Maxima and it returned decent MPG on 60mph highway driving. My folks have a '00 automatic and they are very satisfied with the MPG it returns. It's not small car MPG but it's not a gas pig either.
 
I suppose it isn't out of line with typical V6 sedans. I'd still hesitate to describe ~22 mpg overall as "good" mileage, but I guess it is at least decent.
 
2003 + Focus
Vibe = Corolla hatch
Saturn S series
The usual Japanese brands you seem to be familar with
 
taking all these into consideration - trying to avoid more Hondas - not a lot of good ones locally... can you guys tell me what popular ones we can upgrade to if we go to $10k? Just to get an idea if it would make things that much better.

Would you buy an '09 Sonata at 100k mi for $10k? Kinda balking at that, but I think that was the year they topped Honda/Toyota no?
Anything wrong with '05ish Maximas? Would you do '02ish for less?
 
Last edited:
rh71 said:
taking all these into consideration - trying to avoid more Hondas - not a lot of good ones locally... can you guys tell me what popular ones we can upgrade to if we go to $10k? Just to get an idea if it would make things that much better.

Would you buy an '09 Sonata at 100k mi for $10k? Kinda balking at that, but I think that was the year they topped Honda/Toyota no?
Anything wrong with '05ish Maximas? Would you do '02ish for less?
Click to expand...

I would get either of the above year Maximas over the sonata. Even at 100k the platform is cheap and easy to work on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top