So who can recommend a RELIABLE shitbox for under $1000? EDITED with word file

Ultima

Platinum Member
Oct 16, 1999
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My parents decided to move to the suburbs and in one week we'll be there, and the ironic thing is that living over there getting to work over here will take wayyyy to long (3 hours one way) by public transit (and actually there won't be a return route because that late at night the buses won't be running) so I'll need a car to get there, but I don't have a car and need that work to get one.

I might find something down where we're moving, but worst-case I'll have MAYBE $1000 (Canadian) so make that $600 US to spend on a shitbox so I can at least get around. I don't really care as long as its not totally fugly (thinking of a coupe or sedan) and its *reliable* and *easy to fix* (at least, things that do-it-yourselfers can do :)).

Does anyone have any recommendations? Next week is my last week of work here, my parents have already moved to the house. I'll be camping here with no internet no phone no cable :) After next week I'll have to move too cause that's when the lease on the apartment expires and unless I get another job that's all the money I'll have so I'll probably start going car-shopping then :)

edit: I realize I'm not gonna get my dream car for such a low price, but I just want the best for my money. Mostly reliability, not expensive to fix, definately standard tranny :), and not too hard on gas (no V8's).

edit: Anyone who wants to see a list of potential candidates that I've gleaned off of online auto sites and wants to comment, take a look here (Rar (self-extracting)) or here (Rar)
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
I've got one word for you: 'Rolla! Here are some specs:

4 Cylinder, 1.6 Liter, 74 Horsepower Engine
Defroster, Rear
Radio, AM/FM Stereo
Transmission, Manual
AC
 

SillyMan

Senior member
Jan 25, 2001
295
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try a volkswagon if you get an older one you can work on it to keep it running till you get money for something better
 

Ultima

Platinum Member
Oct 16, 1999
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Originally posted by: Booster
And what do you think about bikes, motocycles?


Sorry, no. I'll be using it in the winter as well, as well as to carry stuff around like school books since I'll probably take it to college instead of getting up at 5am to take the bus. Gas would be about half the price as a transit pass for a 25mpg highway car. (I think).
 

Chaotic42

Lifer
Jun 15, 2001
34,372
1,553
126
Ford Festiva. Ugly, slow, but reliable. People have good luck with them, and I like mine.
 

Ultima

Platinum Member
Oct 16, 1999
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(referring to the word doc I linked to in my first post) I don't get how the heck that golf looks so damn good for 350000 km (which is almost 220000 miles!)
 

BatmanNate

Lifer
Jul 12, 2000
12,444
2
81
I have a beautifully running 1982 Toyota Celica GT 5-speed Liftback for sale in the Seattle area. Asking $500, runs great, 236k miles. Can't kill a Toyota.
 
Jan 9, 2002
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Originally posted by: BatmanNate
I have a beautifully running 1982 Toyota Celica GT 5-speed Liftback for sale in the Seattle area. Asking $500, runs great, 236k miles. Can't kill a Toyota.

Sounds like a winner to me! :Q
 

Kerouactivist

Diamond Member
Jul 12, 2001
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I would definitely think about going the motorcycle route, because for the money that your going to spend you can get a fairly reliable motorcycle....
Also I'm not sure about canada but, in the US motorcycle insurance is much cheaper than car insurance so you'll save in the long run too.
 

Ultima

Platinum Member
Oct 16, 1999
2,893
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Originally posted by: bthorny
I would definitely think about going the motorcycle route, because for the money that your going to spend you can get a fairly reliable motorcycle....
Also I'm not sure about canada but, in the US motorcycle insurance is much cheaper than car insurance so you'll save in the long run too.

motorcycle insurance is CHEAPER??? heh.. that seems weird to me. I'd only be covering for liability anyway. The thing is that you can't really ride a motorcycle here in the winter, its not very practical. Then there's the hassle of getting a motorcycle license. No, a motorcycle would be fun as a second vehicle but I need something practical.
 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
9,773
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Don't get an older VW. You will be thouroughly overwhelmed if you don't know what you're doing. I'd recommend a Toyota, Subaru, or an Accord.

Here's a hint: if it has a crazy amount of miles, like around 200,000, but is otherwise in good shape and running well, it could be a very good buy, because a car doesn't get to 200,000 miles being neglected, but resale value is low with that many miles. Many expensive repairs have probably been done along the way that haven't come up yet on a car with fewer miles, for example the alternator, water pump, ball joints, and tie-rod ends.
 

Lvis

Golden Member
Oct 10, 1999
1,747
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buying a car that cheap, you want one that's easy to fix, and parts that aren't too much money.


Better to go american, escort, shadow, cavalier, etc. A model they built a bunch of, that any mechanic is familar with, and that junk yards have a lot of.

good luck
 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
9,773
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71
My 94 Saturn SL2 was cheap, and I've found that parts are generally inexpensive, unlike parts for a Honda.

The car had 200,000 miles on it and I bought it for $250, but it had a few problems and I knew it. Once everything is tuned up, I think it could easily last me 50,000 miles.

A well maintained Saturn could be a good deal too.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.
 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
9,773
0
71
Wow, that 480K file sure is a short list. The only one I remotely like is the Tercel with low KMs. I think you had better buy your local paper on Sunday, or whichever day is the biggest classified day for your paper, and start making those calls.
 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
9,773
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71
Dude, you're having one small electrical problem, probably the brake light switch by the pedal. Get it fixed!
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,025
121
106
Any dodge/chrysler/plymouth 2.2L/2.5L might want to stay away from the turbo models though

You should be able to pick up a pretty decent late 80s to early 90s one if you look for $1000. The cars are cheap, pretty reliable, parts are cheap, and they are real easy to work on. I just bought an 89 caravan turbo for $800us and after spending about $200 on little crap its running pretty good.

chargers
omnis
shadows
k-cars
lebarons
minivans
spirits
lancers
daytonas
and probably about 10 more I am forgeting