What kind of car would you recommend for $2500?

[fuzzybabybunny]

This is for a Chinese friend of mine who moved to the US a year ago for college from China. She doesn't know anything about cars and wants something fuel efficient and economical and reliable to drive. Currently she's looking at a 1998 Ford Escort Wagon.

***
Excellent condition and no problems happened since we bought it. It?s a great economic car (Gas Saver) that fits for students.

Engine: 4-Cyl. 2.0 Liter

Transmission: Automatic

Mileage: 100,748

Color: White

Feature: AM/FM Stereo Radio, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Rear Window Defroster, Rear Window Wiper, Driver Side Air Bag (Sir), Passenger Side Air Bag (Sir), Adjustable Luggage Rack, Split Fold Down Rear Seats, etc.

Fuel Economy EPA Highway (Mpg): 37 And EPA City (Mpg): 30

Bought from a PhD of Miami, most driving is in campus.

We just changed the brake belt for regular maintaining and the two front tires before winter.

Kelley Blue Book?s valuation is $2,815.

Selling at $2,600
***

 

[sniperruff]

the escort is a decent car with lots of space. although things tend to go south around that mileage. i'd pay no more than $2400.

 

[BZeto]

My sister had a 98 escort coupe and it was a really solid car even past 100k. She never had any problems with it even up to the day she traded it in for a bigger car, I'd say she had at least like 130K on it. You may also want to look at the same year Cavaliers with the 2.0L's. My 98 cavalier has been super reliable and gets good mileage. You can easily find either car for around $2500.

 

[jagec]

"brake belt"😕

Do you mean timing belt? Or brake pads?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: jagec
"brake belt"😕

Do you mean timing belt? Or brake pads?

I'm just copying and pasting the description that was given. I have no idea. I would assume the timing belt.

 

[The Stigenator]

the escort has one problem.. that is known, my focus has it. the valve stem can cause issues .. and it will run rough. it requires an head job.

 

[kush23]

get a corolla.... maintenance will be easier

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: kush23
get a corolla.... maintenance will be easier

qft

 

[desy]

You won't get a Corolla for 2500 even close to as new a year as an Escort
Escort is a Protege with NA depreciation
A tercel maybe.
The Escort is fine, sure the Automatic shifts OK

 

[SirPorl]

I just got a zx2 off Craigslist for 2500. 5 Speed manual with not much for options but is a decent running car. Had 82,000 miles on it. Had a craptastic oil filler cap but that was a cheap fix.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: SirPorl
I just got a zx2 off Craigslist for 2500. 5 Speed manual with not much for options but is a decent running car. Had 82,000 miles on it. Had a craptastic oil filler cap but that was a cheap fix.

lol the ZX2 was faster than the same-year Eclipse GT (2000 model year) in 0-60, quarter mile, etc. Snappy little car.

 

[SirPorl]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: SirPorl
I just got a zx2 off Craigslist for 2500. 5 Speed manual with not much for options but is a decent running car. Had 82,000 miles on it. Had a craptastic oil filler cap but that was a cheap fix.

lol the ZX2 was faster than the same-year Eclipse GT (2000 model year) in 0-60, quarter mile, etc. Snappy little car.

It does seem to have a decent amount of power for a small car. The handling can be setup pretty decent so I have read. Kind of miss the power of my maxima but am loving the fuel economy of this. Racecorts are ok in my book!!