Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Two other thoughts came to mind regarding your vehicle search. What about an Acura Integra or Legend? I know that in an earlier post a Vigor was mentioned, but they were quirky for Honda, but the Integra and Legend are very reliable. You'd be able to find a relatively recent Integra for around $4k, though the Legend went out of production in 1995.
ETA: I wonder if you might find an early 2.5TL in your price range as well. If so, that would not be a bad bet, either.
Both of those you mentioned are good cars, but you better have really good full coverage insurance as they are bound to be stolen. Here in Las Vegas, it is pretty much a guarantee, that is why I did not recommend any Honda's.
I did see one high-mile TL around here, for a good price, but like the Vigor, cost of ownership and insurance for the driver would be an issue. Honda / Acura theft is out of control, similar to how the domestics are stolen just to part out.
That pickup with the 4.3L V-6 might be OK, really. For a kid going to school, which I think is where you are going with this, it can be quite handy, you can put a cap on it and he can haul whatever "stuff" he wants onto and off campus.
Reliability won't be in Toyota's league, but neither will parts costs be either.
it's south of 4K, but after viewing it at 0730 and telling the dude I'd come back at lunch, someone swooped in and is in the process of buying it (on credit, ugh)
if his loan gets turned down, i may go drive it and buy it, cash of course
it's not leaking. that's a huge plus, lol
i am so amazed at how some cars listed in the 5K range literally have no value compared to what was paid for them when new, not too long ago
i am also fascinated by the value placed on certain models, even with 300K+ miles, some trucks and cars still run about 4K
it does not help that the car market (in general) is so out of sync right now
I had looked at that Alero since it was across the street from work. It was rough. We had them as fleet cars but they were gone by 3 years to auction.
The guy selling the Nissan Truck with 200K+ miles has some nerve, it's very rough, and not worth it.
The older Nissan Maxima is gone in a flash.
I keep coming back to this Chevy Silverado (2001) with the 4.3L V6 (LU3, since it's an 01) and 5MT. It's at a dealer's wholesale lot. It's cheap. It's got 160K miles on it. They've cleaned it up well.
But there's this little voice in my head that says "hey dummy, do not buy that Chevy truck."
And I reply "ok, but any used car could go bust and you're stuck with a wrench in your hand so you might as well get something with cheap parts you can fix."
Please listen to that little voice in your head! Buy a Honda or Toyota. They run forever, are very reliable, only require gas and oil changes to stay operational, and won't bleed you dry with repairs. In the world of used cars, and I've owned numerous used cars over the years, these are the most reliable cars you can get.
I set out about four months ago with the idea to buy a 2000 (ish) Ford Ranger PU under 4K.
I didn't want 4WD, and would take a V6 or an I4. I preferred a manual but would take an automatic.
Based on all this looking, there are several models that stand out for a generally good reputation under 4K (depending of course on regional markets). At the end of my search, I thought there was no way I was getting either of my "first choice" small trucks for under 4K. I was pulled in several different directions by OK deals on the "great used value" cars many of you have mentioned and good deals on some models most would consider "risky".
In the end, I found a just-listed Ford Ranger (99) 2WD XLT V6 Auto with about 150 on the ODO for under 4K. It could go on forever with TLC or it could be a nightmare, but the odds are in my favor, considering the "generally good" history of that model from Ford.
I always have to push my favorite...the Caprice Classic. I know you're not a Chevy fan, but the 91-96 Caprice is a beaut. I say get the 1995 Caprice Classic....fully loaded, leather...has more options than my 2007 Civic EX.
I have a 96 CC.
I set out about four months ago with the idea to buy a 2000 (ish) Ford Ranger PU under 4K.
I didn't want 4WD, and would take a V6 or an I4. I preferred a manual but would take an automatic.
Based on all this looking, there are several models that stand out for a generally good reputation under 4K (depending of course on regional markets). At the end of my search, I thought there was no way I was getting either of my "first choice" small trucks for under 4K. I was pulled in several different directions by OK deals on the "great used value" cars many of you have mentioned and good deals on some models most would consider "risky".
In the end, I found a just-listed Ford Ranger (99) 2WD XLT V6 Auto with about 150 on the ODO for under 4K. It could go on forever with TLC or it could be a nightmare, but the odds are in my favor, considering the "generally good" history of that model from Ford.
awsome enjoy your new ride
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
