YACT - What used car would you buy for DC commute

[darqice]

Boring I know, but...

I just got a new job and I've got maybe up to $8k in cash available to pickup a comfortable, reliable, reasonably priced used mid-sized sedan for a 40 minute DC commute. I've been sharing a car for the last 2 years (which is one of the reasons I have the cash available to spend!)

Looking for the best bang for the buck in this category and price range. $4- $8k. I'm trying to be frugal and financially responsible. I don't really feel the need to throw away money by financing a more expensive or new car.

I'm thinking 96-02 Toyota Camry, Honday Accord, Nissan Maxima, etc. Leaning toward a slightly older well-cared for single owner car with more features, vs a newer car with less creature comforts.

Make sense? Other models to consider?

TY!

 

[jammur21]

1998,99 Maximas are nice, has some big improvements over the 1996 & 97 which is the same style (but I can't remember what exactly).

 

[Ornery]

Grand Marquis is only stinkin' mid-size IMO. At least try it, you might like it!

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Grand Marquis is only stinkin' mid-size IMO. At least try it, you might like it!

I'd think that he'd want something that gets better gas mileage for a daily 40 minute commute. My vote is for a 4 Cyl Accord.

 

[darqice]

Older Acura/Lexux/Infinty or newer Honda/Toyota/Nissan?

 

[Slacker]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: Ornery
Grand Marquis is only stinkin' mid-size IMO. At least try it, you might like it!

I'd think that he'd want something that gets better gas mileage for a daily 40 minute commute. My vote is for a 4 Cyl Accord.

40 minutes in "rush hour" is only a mile or so around here

 

[RossMAN]

Late 90's Maxima or Camry

You might be able to get a 98 Camry LE, that's what I would go for.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: Ornery
Grand Marquis is only stinkin' mid-size IMO. At least try it, you might like it!

I'd think that he'd want something that gets better gas mileage for a daily 40 minute commute. My vote is for a 4 Cyl Accord.

they get 25 highway, which is decent. also, repair costs are very low and you can probably get one with a lot less miles on it for that money compared to other cars.

 

[randomlinh]

94-96 camry 4 bangers are great. Very reliable engine, so long as it has been taken care of (this is the hard part to determine). whatever you chose, have fun.. DC area commute sucks

 

[sniperruff]

get a 4-banger and skip the maxima. i love the max, but it's thirsty and drinks premium. consider the accord, camry and altima. don't rule out galant's and maybe impala's.

 

[darqice]

How about a loaded 02 hyundai elantra /sonata in the same price range.. ?? (used of course)

 

[DaWhim]

a subie wagon. good grocery getter

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: darqice
How about a loaded 02 hyundai elantra in the same price range.. ?? (used of course)

the elantra is decent. but it's considered to be some sort of compact. a better car than the sentra IMO

 

[jonessoda]

Get something that gets good city mileage. Because commuting to DC, while it's mostly highway, if it's during 6-10 AM and 4-9 PM, is stop-and-go bumper to bumper the entire way.

 

[darqice]

hmm

 

[Kilgor]

What ever you get make sure it has good AC an Automatic Trans and a good stereo nice seats are a good idea too.

 

[daveymark]

Originally posted by: darqice
hmm

agreed

 

[m2kewl]

get a 4-cyl, you don't need anything else for DC commute

dc sucks worse then nyc commutes, better yet save the $$$ and take metro

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: darqice
hmm

why don't you spend a day browsing some used car lots and see what you like?

 

[MikePanic]

95-99 volkswagen jetta - the standard 4cyl 2.0 will prob do you just fine... search on vwvortex.com and im sure you can find one

if the motor dies (which rarely happens) you can buy a replacement for like $600, seriously

if you want leather, just search on vwvortex and you'll find someone selling leather

if you want to be really economical, try to find a TDI version (diesel)

 

[BigJ]

You're in College Park? Just take the Metro to DC.

 

[darqice]

Job is in Tyson's corner so no metro access. And I now live north of Gaithersburg.

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: darqice
Job is in Tyson's corner so no metro access. And I now live north of Gaithersburg.

Tyson's corner has a metro stop I think. If not just drive to the nearest one. Only a sadist voluntarily chooses to drive in DC rush hour

Guess it's not finished yet

 

[darqice]

Found a single-owner (older) '99 Acura TL with 110k for $7900. Sounds like a steal to me... Comments/concerns?

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: darqice
Job is in Tyson's corner so no metro access. And I now live north of Gaithersburg.

oh god i wish you luck w/ your commute. I live in gburg and commute to CP on a daily basis and don't quite enjoy it.. but I look at the VA side of 495 and thank god I don't have to go in that direction...