Author Topic: Ok, time for a car (Read 1557 times)

Urchin · « **on:** May 29, 2003, 10:37:52 PM »

Yes, on top of everything else, my ****ing transmission decided now would be a good time to die.

So, here's the deal. Very very tight budget, need to get a RELIABLE car (in other words, Ford is right out) that I can run into the ground (because, well... I don't take very good care of my cars

) without it blowing up and leaving me on the side of the road.

Probably looking at a used car (duh), and probably a fairly old one. So, what do all you gearheads recommend?

hawk220 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2003, 10:40:26 PM »

72 chevy nova.. you can't kill them. and if you are lucky, you can find one with an 8-track:p

moose · « **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2003, 10:43:11 PM »

any late 80s early 90s toyota

AKS\/\/ulfe · « **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2003, 10:45:38 PM »

I picked my 1993 Honda Civic DX up in 1998/1999 with ~74K miles on it. Still original clutch & trans, had to buy a new exhaust system about 2 years into owning it- old one rusted out. Removed the stock air intake/filter system and installed an after market cold air intake system, getting about 60 more miles out of it now than I was before. Also had to replace the right CV joint and boot after the boot ripped. Came with a lifetime guarantee, and it fell apart again this past winter (ran into ~8" of snow in that last big storm we had in MD), got it replaced with only the cost of labor.

Aside from the usual upkeep (spark plugs, oil, coolant flushes, etc), I've not had any problems with it except the exhaust and the right CV joint.

It has 158K on it now and still running fine.

If you are looking at older cars, 93 and later in the Civic model are pretty damn reliable. Just get one with low mileage.

Paid ~$6K for it.
-SW

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #4 on:** May 29, 2003, 11:29:55 PM »

Used, cheap, reliable: Saab.

senna · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2003, 11:47:23 PM »

My next car will be probably be an American car. I would like to get a big truck. So I can haul all of my stuff around.

funkedup · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2003, 11:52:44 PM »

4 cyl Toyota or Nissan p/u

LePaul · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2003, 11:54:11 PM »

I'd probably buy another....I had great luck with my Saturn. 8 years and still running, no major issues. I'm sure the motorheads will disagree....but just thought it would be worth mentioning

Nash · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2003, 11:55:26 PM »

I just bought this today (well, the same exact one - I grabbed this pic from google).

Assuming yer in the States, you can get one for very inexpensive - 2 to 3 grand.

SOB · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2003, 12:14:37 AM »

Late 80s/Early 90s Honda Accord.

capt. apathy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2003, 12:17:58 AM »

Quote

I don't take very good care of my cars....without it blowing up and leaving me on the side of the road.

2 mutually exclusive requirements. even the best brand new car will leave you stranded if you don't do the maintenance. my dad used to tell me that ever dime spent on maintenance will save you a buck on repair. and that doesn't even include the money saved on not being dumped on the side of the road, missing work, and paying for a tow.

if you don't want to do the maintenance you might as well by some $200 POS, put temporary tags on it, and drive it until it quits, scrap it and buy another one.

Tarmac · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2003, 12:56:19 AM »

I'll back LePaul on this one. My 91 Saturn (first year they were made) has run without any major problems (power steering pump leaked on the alternator once, killing both. one 300 buck fix in 12 years = good deal). If you're into American and reliable, Saturn is the way to go in my book.

ed: 91K miles, and great gas efficiency too.

beet1e · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2003, 03:22:57 AM »

Some good advice here - Moose and funked beat me to it - Honda/Toyota pretty much indestructible. Worth checking the condition of the camshaft drive belt, although Toyota is very persuasive in recommending replacement when it's due. (Warranty cancellation)

Do not buy a Citroen! My girlie had one, and the hydraulic suspension packed up (leaked all fluid). Problem is that the suspension system fluid is shared with the power steering, so if one goes wrong, you lose both.

I gave her some advice - buy a VW. She did - a new Polo. (This bit's in here to piss Funked off

)

Quote

and if you are lucky, you can find one with an 8-track

ROFL hawk220!

Staga · « **Reply #13 on:** May 30, 2003, 06:49:08 AM »

I'd say Nash made pretty good choice; Volvo 240 was using pretty old but bullet proof technic and it's also very safe.
Cars with 2.0L were pretty slow but 2,3L was pretty nice, specially with Injection and overdrive.

lazs2 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 30, 2003, 09:25:33 AM »

If you want an older car... you will have to buy some stuff for it... starters, alternators, water pumps fuel pumps belts hoses shocks etc. will all be close to the end of their lifecycle..

I know you hate fords but a mustang is dead reliable and the aformentioned parts are cheap and easy to instal or, they are cheap to have installed.
lazs