What's a good car for under $4,000?

[MeddyDuo]

I think soon I want to get a different car. Right now I have a 97 Saturn SL1 (automatic). I want a manual. So I am probably going to get a 2nd gen (96-00 I think) Saturn SC2.

I just wanted to make sure that this is the car I like most for that amount ($3K-$4K). I don't like older cars and I want a car that's pretty good on gas, so I think the SC2 is my best option but I'd like to hear some other suggestions.

EDIT: Here's a link to the SC2 model info - http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/modelinfo...anced=&model=SC2&color=&ref=srl#vdptop

 

[angminas]

Toyota Paseo is a sportier version of the Tercel. Extremely efficient and reliable. If you want to go even smaller, a Honda CRX. Power and efficiency will depend on the trim. I remember reading that 1988 was the best year for the Si.

Perhaps a Nissan Sentra SE-R or 200SX. I've read some very good reviews of the older SE-R.

If you want something edgier, Toyota MR-2 or Pontiac Fiero might be worth a drive.

Odds are decent that you'll get more for your money with the Saturn than with any of these, but you'll want to be sure that what you get is what you want. Besides, there are very good deals to be had if you invest the time to search for them.

 

[ViviTheMage]

civic awaits you

 

[OS]

geo/chevy prizm since it's really a rebadged corolla with crappier resale.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: angminas
Toyota Paseo is a sportier version of the Tercel. Extremely efficient and reliable.

Good suggestion for a cheap and reliable car. I used to work with someone who owned a Paseo and she was pretty happy with it.

 

[Iilac]

older maxima 95-97. check on maxima.org

 

[doze]

A late 90's Toyota Corolla, Ford Contour/Escort, Mazda Protege, 626, Chevy Malibu, Mitsubishi Galant, Honda Civic can probably all be found for around 4K. Nothing is really special about any of these cars though any will probably be just fine as a daily driver if the previous owner took care of it.

 

[Vonkhan]

Originally posted by: angminas
Toyota Paseo is a sportier version of the Tercel.

:thumbsup: I loved my Toyota Paseo, best cheap car I ever bought - looks great, tons of fun

 

[skulkingghost]

I bought a 99 blue escort zx2 and love it. Very nice good cars. It was only 3400 with 80k miles.

 

[SuperFreaky]

2002 ford taurus

 

[mzkhadir]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
civic awaits you

civics are more expensive.

 

[DaWhim]

subaru

 

[OVerLoRDI]

buying a whole new car because you want a manual? Kind of weird, if it was me I would stick it out until I actually needed a new car then I'd buy one.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: DaWhim
subaru

Look for an old WRX and enjoy