What vehicle for around $3k?

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J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
I could go up to $4k or so, but would like to stay around $3k.

I'm debating between the fwd car and pickup/suv category. RWD cars are out simply because the winters in NY don't make them practical. For trucks I was thinking about a mid nineties Cherokee, Tacoma or S10 Blazer. I'm not sure about what cars to look into. Suzuki and Kia are definitely not being considered. Honda's are out unless I find an exceptional deal simply because I don't want to be associated with the ricer crowd that loves them.

I'd like something that gets at least 20mpg or so, and cruise control would be nice.:)

Thanks!

Edit: I'm implying that I'd get a model with 4wd for the trucks.
EDit2: I would prefer a 6 cylinder engine since I'm tired of my meager i4.
 
V

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Get a FWD mid-size GM car fromt he mid-90's up. try to find one with a 3.8L. Very fast yet reliable and easy to fix and keep up. I am about 150K on my 87 Buick LeSabre. The newwer ones have the updated 3.8L and even a well taken care of 3.1L will do ok.


Lumina, LeSabre, GrandPrix, MonteCarlo, Cutlass Supreme, etc...... All the same so find one with a 3.8L or 3.1L that has been taken care of. The resale on these cars is low after 5 years so you will get a car that is NOT a economy car like a Civic, sentra, etc... so it will have features you will use and be worth your time and money.
 
D

davew0670

Golden Member
Apr 24, 2003
1,132
0
76
buy a honda something. I have a 96 Cherokee and it gets almost 15 mpg. It is all time 4wd and has slightly larger than stock tires so you may be able to get a little better gas milage with a stock cherokee.
 
J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
Originally posted by: tfinch2
every suv you listed is RWD...but you say you don't want RWD....
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Oops, I'll edit that to specify 4wd for the trucks.

 
ScoobMaster

ScoobMaster

Platinum Member
Jan 17, 2001
2,528
10
81
Originally posted by: Jumpem
Originally posted by: ScoobMaster
98-00 Dodge Stratus
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For a few thousand dollars?
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Oops - make that 95-98 then. (I forget that when I price mine it has a gazillion miles :) ) Seriously - there are some bargains out there. I bought a '99 Stratus with the 2.4 4 cyl and power EVERYTHING for $7K almost 3 years ago. It had 65K miles on it (now 98K) but I have had NO problems - runs great!

**EDIT - if you DO look at some 4 bangers in these model years, just make sure the 2.4s have had their head gaskets replaced with the upgraded MLS (multi-layer steel) ones.**
 
TallBill

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
i got my 1995 crown victoria for 2000 with tax title and license. you can find a bunch around 2500-3000 usually. runs like a top still at 110,000 miles. its a v8 too.

edit - i get almost 18-20 mpg too
 
J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
Originally posted by: TallBill
i got my 1995 crown victoria for 2000 with tax title and license. you can find a bunch around 2500-3000 usually. runs like a top still at 110,000 miles. its a v8 too.

edit - i get almost 18-20 mpg too
Click to expand...


They're rwd though. I suppose they might be decent in the winter since they're heavy.
 
F

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
1,202
0
0
How about a Mazda 626 2.0 liter?

I have one (a '97) I drive to work and the occasional road trip and it gets about 28 in city/35 mpg highway. Drives nice, been reliable.

I see them for sale (around here at least) between $3000-5000 or so, depending on miles/condition. Always see at least a few for about $3400.
 
J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
Originally posted by: TallBill
They are extremely fun in the winter actually :p The weight helps.
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Do you have traction issues? I had a rwd 85 Celica GT. Even with snow tires all the way around and a couple hundred pounds in back I still couldn't get anywhere. That car would just spin even on a level surface with just packed snow.
 
J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
Originally posted by: faZZter
How about a Mazda 626 2.0 liter?

I have one (a '97) I drive to work and the occasional road trip and it gets about 28 in city/35 mpg highway. Drives nice, been reliable.

I see them for sale (around here at least) between $3000-5000 or so, depending on miles/condition. Always see at least a few for about $3400.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll look into them.

 
A

ApacheXMD

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,765
0
0
Originally posted by: Skoorb
I'd have no qualms about recommending a mid 90's sentra.
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If you decide on the sentra 91-94, look for the SE-R model. Two-doors, 2.0L engine, 7.5KRPM redline, 27mpg, and fun fun fun for cheap. Mid 15sec in the 1/4 mile stock.

-patchy
 
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