Recommend a used car for around $8k?

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skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,808
5,973
146
Looks like it has potential. Send me a PM if you get it and intend to do your own maintenance. I have a '98 for my daily driver with 150K on it.
 

screw3d

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2001
6,906
1
76
Originally posted by: skyking
Looks like it has potential. Send me a PM if you get it and intend to do your own maintenance. I have a '98 for my daily driver with 150K on it.

sure thing!
 

soydios

Platinum Member
Mar 12, 2006
2,708
0
0
Look for a car that's been well maintained.

For example, my 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (which I am very fond of and have no intention of letting go until I must), has the base 4.0L I6, some options, and 112k miles. I can tell you that it has been very well maintained, and has never been in an accident. Its Kelley Blue Book is around $3.5k.
 

CocoGdog

Senior member
May 31, 2000
848
0
0
Sometimes, an older luxury car in the form of Lexus, Infinity, or Acura would be a good bet. There's just something about the quality and construction of the higher end old cars that make it still very in demand.

I have a 93 Lexus ES300 w/ 200K miles that i purchased used that drives as good as my never vehicles.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: screw3d
Originally posted by: screw3d
How's this: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/car/264631147.html

I know it's not much details.. but how does it look? The price seems inline with KBB. If it's good, I just hope it's not taken already.. the way things sell on craigslist

so i just took a look at this car.. i liked it and the car is very clean, handles fine etc.. only thing is that it needs new front tires. i'm gonna have a mechanic check the car and will most probably take it if it's fine.

can someone run a carfax for me?


I would try and get a 96 or newwer car since they are all OBD2 systems by then. Makes it easier to work on if it has problems.
Also make sure the timing belt and water pump have been done. If not get a estimate on that. 2nd check engine for sludge. They were known for it in those years. If you do get it make sure to use a syn. oil to make sure you never have the toyota sludge problem.

 

screw3d

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2001
6,906
1
76
OK too many red flags in carfax for the 94 camry (former rental, possible frame damage, odometer inconsistency..) :( Scrap that and back to the search again

 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: screw3d
OK too many red flags in carfax for the 94 camry (former rental, possible frame damage, odometer inconsistency..) :( Scrap that and back to the search again



Like I, and others, have said look for a GM midsize car with a 3.8L or a taken care of Saturn with a eco-tec motor.


I had a Buick with a 3.8L that cost $2500 and lasted ANOTHER 100k. Even then the engine ran perfect. It was the trans that died after 180k or so. If the car was not so old I would have put a transmission in it and kept driving it.
 

smack Down

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2005
4,507
0
0
Originally posted by: screw3d
OK too many red flags in carfax for the 94 camry (former rental, possible frame damage, odometer inconsistency..) :( Scrap that and back to the search again

It is called a beater for a reason.
 

screw3d

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2001
6,906
1
76
Originally posted by: smack Down
Originally posted by: screw3d
OK too many red flags in carfax for the 94 camry (former rental, possible frame damage, odometer inconsistency..) :( Scrap that and back to the search again

It is called a beater for a reason.

but seriously, that's more than just beat up.. it's f**cked up!
 

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,450
126
Originally posted by: BigJ
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Guys, I'm a 25 year veteran in that business. No, I don't try and sell anything here. I can give advice. But if you bug me too much, I'll refer you to Sally, and she don't take no crap. She'll slap you with her bewbies. She's my sexatary. :D

And your office would be located...? ;)

I'm wondering who this Sally chick is as well, and if LolaWiz approves of her :)