Under $3k?

[Cory Wolfe]

Since I can't come up with $2k... I'm stranded with only $2600 to buy a vehicle. I'm suspecting my parents would atleast be able to help me out a little bit, so I'd say my limit is $3k. What can I get for a lousy $3k? Give me suggestions. However, I'm still going to continue to be picky. I will only consider cars with 4cyls, manual trannies, and two doors. I might consider a sedan depending on what it is. That means... no floaty Buicks and such. As far as reliability... f@#k it. As long as the car itself runs good, I'll deal with it regardless of it's reputation.

[z28luvr01]

As far as reliability... f@#k it. As long as the car itself runs good, I'll deal with it regardless of it's reputation.

Dude, you've got one of those already.

[Cory Wolfe]

Then what do you suggest?

[Flybrian]

Cavalier

Sunfire

Another Grand Am

Alero

Escort ZX2

Neon

Saturn SC

Civic

Focus hatch

Mirage coupe

Most everything else out there within your criteria will either be too expensive (Celica), have way too many miles for the price (Acura), or be complete crap (anything Korean).

If you're seriously asking for advice, here's mine.

I helped a friend/coworker of mine this past week find a car and he ended up with an automatic '01 Focus sedan with 55k miles for like $5500. But on the same lot, there was a 1997 Cavalier sedan, automatic, with 65k miles, p/l, p/w, p/m, CD for $3995 list. For $3000 cash, you would've definitely left with it. And that, my friend, may not be exactly what you want but its alot better than spending the same amount on a burned-up car the same age with twice the mileage that will eat up even more of your money in repairs.

Just some food for thought. Keep your options a little more open in case a great deal comes by. You may not have as much fun with some geriatric's Achieva, but watching a 150k miles Prelude rust away in your front lawn because something else broke on it is not what I'd call a good time.

[Cory Wolfe]

Fly... I said $3k, not $5k. Aleros, Focuses, Civics, etc are all out. And believe me, I've looked already. There isn't $h! for under $3k... not localled, not on Ebay, not on any other car sales website. That's why I lowered my expectations of reliability. Sunfires and Grand Ams and other cars with crap reliability are now being considered...

[Flybrian]

Question: Are you willing to get a crappy car with the features you desire over a dependable car thay may in fact be a Buick?

[z28luvr01]

Let me ask this: in the GA's current semi-running state, how much do you think you can get for it? Without seeing the car, I'd say 500-1000. Add that to your pile of money, and go from there.

You can't go wrong with any of Fly's suggestions. If you do go with a J-body, stick with a 95 or newer one that has either the 2.2L OHV or the 2.4L Twin Cam. The 02-up Ecotec models are probably out of your price range. Both the 2.2 and 2.4 will run a long time with just routine maintenance. They're not as unreliable as you'd think.

[Cory Wolfe]

Question: Are you willing to get a crappy car with the features you desire over a dependable car thay may in fact be a Buick?

Absolutely. 4cyl, 5spd coupes only.

Edited June 9, 2006 by blackviper8891

[Cory Wolfe]

Let me ask this: in the GA's current semi-running state, how much do you think you can get for it? Without seeing the car, I'd say 500-1000. Add that to your pile of money, and go from there.

Have you read my latest post about it? The engine is toast, as of today. I couldn't get $500 out of it when it did run. Now it doesn't...

[z28luvr01]

I think the point Fly is trying to make is: right now, you NEED a dependable car more than anything right now. What do you think will happen if you buy a car with 150K miles, get a job, then have something major go wrong shortly after you get the job? Do you think your boss will care that you can't come to work because your car is dead? Not in the least, they'll just hire another guy to do your work. The time will come for you to have a car that you WANT, but right now it's better to get something that satisfies your NEEDs. We're not just -ing you, we're speaking from experience.

[z28luvr01]

Have you read my latest post about it? The engine is toast, as of today. I couldn't get $500 out of it when it did run. Now it doesn't...

No, I didn't. I'm sorry.

[Cory Wolfe]

I think the point Fly is trying to make is: right now, you NEED a dependable car more than anything right now. What do you think will happen if you buy a car with  150K miles, get a job, then have something major go wrong shortly after you get the job? Do you think your boss will care that you can't come to work because your car is dead? Not in the least, they'll just hire another guy to do your work. The time will come for you to have a car that you WANT, but right now it's better to get something that satisfies your NEEDs. We're not just -ing you, we're speaking from experience.

I never said I'd consider a car with 150k miles.

[Flybrian]

Another question - why do you need a car so badly? For kicks or for something like a job?

I ask because, like I said before, if its just that you want a car and don't really need a car, then I'd hold out for awhile. Get something worth a damn. But if you really do need a car, I would honestly not be so picky. You literally cannot afford to be. I was fortunate enough where I could be a bit more discerning with my choice because I had a good amount of down payment dough and the option to finance. Even then, my limit was $10,000 total and, man, there wasn't a whole lot I liked. My point is, the less you have, the less you can get.

[Cory Wolfe]

Oh... one more thing... what's so wrong about wanting a compact with a 4cyl and 5spd? Most guys my age would rather have something sportier. I've been thinking realistically for some time, now... I'm just saying big, cushy, non fuel efficient Buicks are out regardless of how reliable they may be. 4cyl, 5spd coupes only. My number one need is fuel efficientcy...

[Cory Wolfe]

I both NEED and WANT a car. And again, I NEED and WANT fuel efficientcy OVER reliability. Period. I'm just being picky in that I want a coupe over a sedan. Wow... I'm a picky SOB, huh?

[z28luvr01]

I never said I'd consider a car with 150k miles.

Whatever...100K, 125K, does it really matter. The majority of cars you posted had six-digit mileage on them. I was hoping you'd understand my example instead of nitpicking one detail to disprove my point.

Forget it, I'm outta here.

*walks hurriedly, shuts door*

[Flybrian]

Oh... one more thing... what's so wrong about wanting a compact with a 4cyl and 5spd? Most guys my age would rather have something sportier. I've been thinking realistically for some time, now... I'm just saying big, cushy, non fuel efficient Buicks are out regardless of how reliable they may be. 4cyl, 5spd coupes only. My number one need is fuel efficientcy...

Read my post above this one. With $3000 and no financing option, its not about what you desire, its about what's there. Again, what's more 'expensive,' a Buick that gets 22mpg or a Honda that gets 30mpg but blew another alternator and needs new plugs?

I'm not trying to sell you on a specific car. I'd just hate to see you turn down something that would serve your needs and fit your budget because it doesn't have all those desireable qualites. My opinion comes from the fact that I can get a crapload of cheap, barely-used senior-owned cars that may not be the hottest rods on the block, but are damn sure not going to break down alot or be that expensive to maintain.

Long-term idea - buy something decent but not totally appealing, get a nice job, save money, trade in your unappealing-but-running rig on a car you really desire.

And frankly speaking, if I were in your situation and were in dire need of a car, I'd take the first Cutlass Ciera and call it a day. I saw four for sale here today. Its nuts.

[Cory Wolfe]

Those were just examples... and then I was only considering vehicles with less that 100k. Read, just don't click on links not knowing the half of it. I'd still prefer a car with under 100k. It's finding one for under $3k thats nearly impossible.

[Cory Wolfe]

Fly... you live in the land of a million seniors... it's differen't in the land of a million rednecks.

[Cory Wolfe]

And speaking a what I desire... I desire a BMW 325iS. I desire a Pontiac Fiero GT. I desire a Nissan 300ZX. I want those, but I need something with a 4cyl. That is the number one need. Reliability comes second. Again, it's not like I going to get a piece of $h! car with 150k miles. This isn't a game of extremes. I'm not going to go for one thing, but completely ignore the other like you're trying to suggest.

[Flybrian]

Check it, broski...

AutoTrader Search

2000 Chevrolet Metro - $2495

Don't laugh. I'm serious. These things suck on wheels for coolness, but they get spectacular mileage and are pretty reliable.

[Chris_Doane]

Beggars can't be choosers.

[Cory Wolfe]

Okay... you got me. I'm too picky for that...

[pow]

How about my Volvo 240? It's an automatic, but hey, you can select first and second manually.

[Camino LS6]

When it comes to the car market, bottom-feeding is an art form. An unpopular car with low-mileage and in good condition is what I hunt when I just need wheels. I usually end up with an Olds owned by someone over 65. Clean, reliable and anonymous (which has its own advantages). You will learn, young grasshopper, you will learn. Having a car you don't give a crap about can be sooo liberating.

[04monteintimidator]

find a beretta... they're mostly cheap... pretty reliable... and have 4cyls and 5 spd.s... and oh man they're coupes too!!! its probably yur best bet if your goin to continue to be extremely picky...

[pow]

How about my Volvo 240? It's an automatic, but hey, you can select first and second manually.

Forgot to mention... it's RWD, and when it rains outside, powerslides are a twitch of a toe away.

[Cory Wolfe]

Beggars can't be choosers.

Well, I'm pretty sure I'm not a beggar... Yep, I got my own money... time for me to be choosey.

When it comes to the car market, bottom-feeding is an art form. An unpopular car with low-mileage and in good condition is what I hunt when I just need wheels. I usually end up with an Olds owned by someone over 65. Clean, reliable and anonymous (which has its own advantages). You will learn, young grasshopper, you will learn. Having a car you don't give a crap about can be sooo liberating.

No me gusta beating on cars. It goes against my beliefs.

find a beretta... they're mostly cheap... pretty reliable... and have 4cyls and 5 spd.s... and oh man they're coupes too!!! its probably yur best bet if your goin to continue to be extremely picky...

Berettas have Quad4s... I dont think so. Ugh... and I'm not picky! I have aquired tastes.

[Cory Wolfe]

Anyways... went car shopping tonight. What did I find? Two VW Jettas, a Mazda Millenia, a few Neons, a Sunfire, and a few other random vehicles in my price range. Seriously considering them.

[Flybrian]

A Jetta for $2800? I don't really have to say much, do I?

[Cory Wolfe]

Oh yes... I knew you'd love that one.

[Flybrian]

I'm serious. Ditto with the Millenia. Now, unlike the VWs, the Millenia was a good car when new, but for that price, man that's gotta have some miles on it.

[04monteintimidator]

if you were in chat... you wouldve heard about the loaded millenia with leeeeaaaattttthhhheeeeerrrr seats... and power sun roof... and a supercharged v6... for 1500 bucks... with 160k miles...

[Cory Wolfe]

Haha... the Jettas were there for you to whine about. I'm not a Jetta guy.

Now the Millenia... it's just so cheap that I think I could care less...

[ocnblu]

Hmmm... a late 80's, early 90's Jetta isn't a bad car. It seems VWs love high mileage, and they were honest VWs then, not pseudo luxury cars.

[Drew Dowdell]

find a beretta... they're mostly cheap... pretty reliable... and have 4cyls and 5 spd.s... and oh man they're coupes too!!! its probably yur best bet if your goin to continue to be extremely picky...

I think him having to drive one of those would serve him right for being so picky...

[Drew Dowdell]

Haha... the Jettas were there for you to whine about. I'm not a Jetta guy.

Sure you are.... you're gay.

[speedingpenguin]

When I first opened the thread my first thought was "third gen camaro or firebird", but yeah, if you're biggest concern is fuel efficiency and reliability and stuff, cancle that thought (Though seriously, if you could find a V6/5 speed Camaro for 1500 bucks, assuming its in good mechanical shape, you'd have a sporty car with a 5 speed thats fairly good on gas, for less than what you have to spend....)

What about an S10 or Ford Ranger pickup? those can be had with the 4 cyl (right?) and 5 speed for fairly cheap.....

[Ravenfreak13]

CLICK ME!

Edited June 10, 2006 by Ravenfreak13

[Sixty8panther]

Absolutely. 4cyl, 5spd coupes only.

So much for that, a Mazda Millercyclenia is neither.

Seriously BV, your wants and needs are miles appart.

OCNBLU has a point, a Mk.II or Mk. III VW Golf or

Jetta would be pretty much perfect considering what

you're looking for in a car. I'm not a big fan of VW but

old school Rabbits & Golfs are cool even in my book.

Here's a few things for cheap $$$ in Penn.

5-speed, RWD coupe & sporty styling

FWD sedan but it's a 5-speed

this sounds like something you'd buy

SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST!!! low milage & it's your kind of car

Now if it was me... I'd buy this bitchin' Low Milage Beauty!

Edited June 10, 2006 by Sixty8panther

[daves87rs]

I still have to say...

95-00 Cavalier or sunfire....

95-99 Neon....

Neon are great if you can find one with the head gasket issue (or fixed one)

They can be had for cheap (100-2500 bucks) is kick ass on gas...

Even when my wife's was on it's last legs (95), needed 2 quarts of oil every 2 weeks, I could still get 350-415 miles on a tank with mixed driving...

They make great beaters.

though old-they J -bodies are quite soild cars...

Actually, I spotted a 2000 Z24 Vert (Cavalier) with 85k for 2995...

Now, That would be a good vert for ya....

[daves87rs]

Let me ask this: in the GA's current semi-running state, how much do you think you can get for it? Without seeing the car, I'd say 500-1000. Add that to your pile of money, and go from there.

You can't go wrong with any of Fly's suggestions. If you do go with a J-body, stick with a 95 or newer one that has either the 2.2L OHV or the 2.4L Twin Cam. The 02-up Ecotec models are probably out of your price range. Both the 2.2 and 2.4 will run a long time with just routine maintenance. They're not as unreliable as you'd think.

Agreed.

Though you can find some early Eco's (02) for the low to high 3000's..usually around 75-95k miles...

[Cory Wolfe]

Remind me to not ask for suggestions anymore... You guys are killing me!

[ocnblu]

At Ocean City for the annual Spring Cruise, I saw a two door Echo in black primer with misaligned body panels, a fart can exhaust, stock size tires with Pep Boys wheel covers and one of those aluminum, adjustable wings that was about a foot too wide for the car.

Not totally sure it was for sale.

[daves87rs]

At Ocean City for the annual Spring Cruise, I saw a two door Echo in black primer with misaligned body panels, a fart can exhaust, stock size tires with Pep Boys wheel covers and one of those aluminum, adjustable wings that was about a foot too wide for the car.

Not totally sure it was for sale.