Recommend me some cheap but reliable used cars-Edit: might buy Scion XA on 2nd page

[SAWYER]

I am not worried about any kind of performance, this is strictly for basic transportation. I used to have an 01 ZX3, had it a couple years,it was ok for me

 

[Arkaign]

That's why I don't recommend the SPI/Zetec : 'reliable' transportation.

They sold gob-tons of Foci of that era. Do you ever wonder why you don't see tons of them on the road like the Civics/Corollas of that timeframe? Because the SPI's are prone to dying between 100-125k miles, and the Zetecs a little better but not a ton.

It's more problematic when thinking about buying one with ~100k on it, because you can't be totally sure unless the records are really good if the timing belt was done properly. With the Duratec models, it's a timing chain, and very seldom do they require maintenance for the life of the motor.

Fuel economy is slightly up on the Duratec as well, along with easier maintenance.

This sort of says it all about the SPIs : http://www.dragtimes.com/video-viewer.php?v=Xp4uksQdQpA&feature

Zetec is somewhere in the middle. But honestly there's no reason to consider it when the Duratec is more reliable, and slightly up in both power and fuel economy, with a timing chain to boot.

 

[kitatech]

Look for an 05/06 Camry I4/5speed stick....add 17" wheels and you'll have a nice stable ride, some fun, good mpg (25/35) and the simple reliability you've asked for...and while it's rare, it's also cheap...I got my 05 LE for all these reasons...

 

[toronado97]

Honestly if you want something inexpensive and reliable, go buy an ex police cruiser Crown Vic and call it a day. They're a dime a dozen, they have been very well maintained, and they're comfortable as hell to drive. It's far from glamorous, but you're asking about basic transportation on a budget and there you go.

 

[SAWYER]

Im going to look at the 06 Scion XA in an hour, not having a timing belt and the mpg is a big plus for me

 

[Vdubchaos]

Reliable starts with Service History by owner LONG LONG LONG before the actual car (make/model).

Make sure whatever car you choose has ALL the service records and has been maintained proper.

Interior is usually a good indicator of how much the owner cares for their cari......

 

[SAWYER]

Their ad claims oil change every 3 months but I will take some pics and see it in person soon. Here is what the ad says exactly

"I have a 06 Scion xA for sale, look nice and run great. 132k miles, new front brakes about 1k miles, tires in good condition, oil change every 3 months, clean inside and outside, non smoking, has alloy wheel.
This car doesn't have any mechanical issue, it works great. I have clean title on hand.
It gets 28 mpg in city and 32 mpg on highway.
I have to sell it because we just bought a bigger car. "

 

[SAWYER]

I just went and drove it, seems pretty solid. The only issue was a noise coming from the back when braking. I feel more comfortable about buying seeing the owner was an Asian couple, I would guess they have taken good car of it. he said he was selling because a friend of his is moving back to his home country and let him buy his 09 Camry for a good price.

http://imgur.com/a/mEZSn

 

[desy]

If you are worried about the sound just ask to take to an independent mechanic and get a opinion for a few $
Should be a fine car for your purposes I just nvr think of Scion as you don't see many around here
Oil changes are overdone however if he did w that frequency sounds like it should be well maintained in all regards

 

[kitatech]

I just went and drove it, seems pretty solid. The only issue was a noise coming from the back when braking. I feel more comfortable about buying seeing the owner was an Asian couple, I would guess they have taken good car of it. he said he was selling because a friend of his is moving back to his home country and let him buy his 09 Camry for a good price.

http://imgur.com/a/mEZSn

Good looking car.....good judgement on your part regarding maintenance....go for it....

 

[NutBucket]

I would speculate that the rear brakes probably need some attention. Probably not expensive to fix.