Flybrian

California sucks, LA sucks, and Orange County sucks. *runs away*

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.

But why? Because it has fake aluminum trim, a fake wood trim piece, a boring international/symmetrical stack, and absolutely piss-poor switchgear placement?

Interior seems mediocre. Goofy handbrake (on a luxury car??), boring shifter, and console-mounted window switches.

Anyone need more time? Speak up now!

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

You know, if I had unlimited resources, I'd "buy" those Firehawks from you for $50k apiece, but garage and register them in PA and let you keep the keys *nudge*nudge*

10,001...

CR's ratings are far from consistant. I can point out numerous examples where they predict a 100% brand-new car will be just as reliable as its predecessor only because it shares the same nameplate and then turn around with another 100% new vehicle and say its "too early to tell," then slaps it with a mediocre rating based on the vehicle it replaces, though they have nothing in common. In addition, CR - for all its claims of scientific valuation - puts way too much emphasis on subjective fields, like seat comfort. One test I recall often for unfairness is a fullsize sedan comparison between a marginally-equipped Grand Marquis LS, LeSabre Custom, Bonneville SE, and old Avalon XLS. Avalon won (of course), but mainly because of standard equipment and ride quality. CR doesn't bother to take into account a comperably-equipped LeSabre Limited with Gran Touring or Bonneville SLE with sport package not only solve the ride and handling issues, but cost the same as an Avalon XLS. CR also knocked the Buick and Pontiac for trunk hinges, yet did not for the Avalon. How many people subscribe to CR? Of those, how many people return the evaluation cards? Of those, how many are accurate? What is your opinion of road noise? What is your opinion of material texture? And furthermore, the sample pool is very limited. For example, how many Infiniti Q45s were sold in the past xx years? How many are owned by CR subscribers? How many are owned by CR subscribers who returned those surveys? The real number is likely unscientifically low.

Actually, I bet Element sales would be pretty low if Honda still offered Civic and Accord wagons. Many Elements I see are piloted by old people who really just want a wagon. In that segment, it competes more with 4cyl Chrysler Voyagers than anything else. As for being the 'next big thing', time will tell but I don't see it being that big of a segment. The PT and HHr sell on their looks and pricing more than anything. The Mazda5 sells to Hertz. I've to date seen two retail Mazda5s; the rest had barcodes.

This is the biggest "no s**tter" of the decade. I guess he realized that 2007 was six months away and its time to start the recantations.

BTW, Eastern's downfall was not the sole fault of 'the unions.' Also blame general mismanagement, increased competition from budget airlines, overspending, the recession of the 1980s, and regulatory changes.

CR's ratings are also crap because they sample from their own reader pool.

You have to open the front doors to access the rear doors. This is short of brillance to me.

A 4cyl 2.4l DI Ecotec should be in the mix because alot of people indeed bought 4-banger L100/200s. Give it the 3Ps (power windows/locks/mirrors) and a few other features, base it for $17k, and watch the Accord suck it long and suck it hard.

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.

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.

As long as the kitchen has food, its a fantastic kitchen. A kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a two-tier electric range, and a fridge with a TV in it isn't worth a damn without food.

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.

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?

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.

Everything except the polymer panels is still there. Visit a Saturn dealership, you'll see.

Everything except the polymer panels is still there. Visit a Saturn dealership, you'll see.

Last time I checked, the M[ar]KV was this... If they use MKV for any vehicle at all, it'll prove the Lincoln brand has officially no meaning.

Its even better than it was in the beginning by the looks of things, so...?