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Calling all Used Car specialists.
- Thread starter Kenbuntu
- Start date
Ooh...the crown vic is a nice idea there. Even the ex-cops, they may have been ran hard a few times, but they are generally maintained very well. Kids may not like the vinyl seat in the back, tho. Most departments order them that way, cloth front seats/vinyl back seat.
Along that line, Chevy Luminas are great family cars as well. Comfy, fairly powerful, pretty good MPGs. Same with the Impalas, those chevy V6s are trustworthy little motors. Don't go for it's competitor, the Ford Taurus. Greatly inferior in all respects.
Have you looked at Kia? Also Hyundai, as those two Korean brands are just as trusty as the MIJ vehicles, but generally lower-priced.
Another thing, the diesel VWs are almost indestructible, and get amazing MPGs as well.
Just a few more from me.
Peace,
Greg
Along that line, Chevy Luminas are great family cars as well. Comfy, fairly powerful, pretty good MPGs. Same with the Impalas, those chevy V6s are trustworthy little motors. Don't go for it's competitor, the Ford Taurus. Greatly inferior in all respects.
Have you looked at Kia? Also Hyundai, as those two Korean brands are just as trusty as the MIJ vehicles, but generally lower-priced.
Another thing, the diesel VWs are almost indestructible, and get amazing MPGs as well.
Just a few more from me.
Peace,
Greg
Looks nice. A little above the price range you stated, but looks in good shape. Take cash and be ready to walk out, you won't get to the door.
Peace,
Greg
I had a Lumina that was a fantastic car and would buy another in a minute.
The Impala's are ok, although they like to break rear springs, eat brakes (sadly they're 4 wheel disc) and the 3400 V6 found in most Impala's have a nasty habit of nuking head and intake gaskets.
Don't overlook a Taurus. I've seen alot of them in my time, and they're decent cars. This coming from a Chevy guy.
I'm still not convinced of Hyundai and Kia's longevity. Initially they seem ok, but I'm not seeing them hold up terribly well in the long run. Remember too that Hyundai is an acronym for Hope You Understand Nothing's Driveable And Inexpensive.
Whatever you do, Kenneth, make sure you buy the right size car. Unlike oversized t-shirts, cars cannot be shrunk under ANY circumstances.
Yeahhhhhhh, im just going ignore that cheapshot.... 
What do you guys think of these? I think they're the best deals i've seen.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I dont know if the links will work for you guys but I'll just summarize the dirt on these guys:
2001 Volvo S40 - 115K KMs - $7340
2002 Saab 9-5 - 110K Kms - $7850
Then a couple CL Finds: Yes we are looking into vans now, and the budget went up to 8000, to leave room for haggling.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/1134003309.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/cto/1153226987.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/1154410915.html
The third CL find is an '03 Camry. The guy originally posted this badboy up for 7800 but then reduced to 5300. The reason: IIRC it had 236 KM's. We really like this one as its a camry, a toyota, cheap, and the youngest we've seen at that price. However, we're not sure if the Camry will be dead shortly after its maiden voyage in our family.
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think of these? I think they're the best deals i've seen.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I dont know if the links will work for you guys but I'll just summarize the dirt on these guys:
2001 Volvo S40 - 115K KMs - $7340
2002 Saab 9-5 - 110K Kms - $7850
Then a couple CL Finds: Yes we are looking into vans now, and the budget went up to 8000, to leave room for haggling.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/1134003309.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/cto/1153226987.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/1154410915.html
The third CL find is an '03 Camry. The guy originally posted this badboy up for 7800 but then reduced to 5300. The reason: IIRC it had 236 KM's. We really like this one as its a camry, a toyota, cheap, and the youngest we've seen at that price. However, we're not sure if the Camry will be dead shortly after its maiden voyage in our family.
What do you guys think?
Yeahhhhhhh, im just going ignore that cheapshot....
What do you guys think of these? I think they're the best deals i've seen.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I dont know if the links will work for you guys but I'll just summarize the dirt on these guys:
2001 Volvo S40 - 115K KMs - $7340
2002 Saab 9-5 - 110K Kms - $7850
Then a couple CL Finds: Yes we are looking into vans now, and the budget went up to 8000, to leave room for haggling.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/1134003309.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/cto/1153226987.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/1154410915.html
The third CL find is an '03 Camry. The guy originally posted this badboy up for 7800 but then reduced to 5300. The reason: IIRC it had 236 KM's. We really like this one as its a camry, a toyota, cheap, and the youngest we've seen at that price. However, we're not sure if the Camry will be dead shortly after its maiden voyage in our family.
What do you guys think?
235,000 km really isn't that much. If you maintain it well, you should easily be able to put another 100,000 km on it without blinking.
lowsound
If you have five people to transport and you want to be able to carry luggage on occasion, you need a larger vehicle than any you named. I'd look either at a mini-van or a medium size SUV. But - since I think driving a min-van shreds your Man Card immediately (even my wife will NOT drive one), I'd get the medium size SUV.
If you can find a low mileage 2000-2001 Jeep Cherokee or Chevy Blazer you'll do just fine, get 20 MPG+ on the highway, and have a dependable vehicle.
Sorry, but there's no virtue in driving a passenger car when you need a larger vehicle. Buy the right vehicle and feed it the gas it needs.
If you can find a low mileage 2000-2001 Jeep Cherokee or Chevy Blazer you'll do just fine, get 20 MPG+ on the highway, and have a dependable vehicle.
Sorry, but there's no virtue in driving a passenger car when you need a larger vehicle. Buy the right vehicle and feed it the gas it needs.
Dude. You're looking at Saab's, Volvo's, and Mercedes. These are all very expensive for parts and maintenance. I would get something japanese.
Yeah true.
Alright guys, its time to stop slacking. I've got this weekend to choose this car. That's the only time ill be free.
8000 Max price. Reliable, great on gas. and spacious. I REALLY like that '92 s class benz, but 'tis true, the parts are expensive.
Start shooting the japanese at me.
EDIT: if you want to help:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/cto/
Link Removed
Search there and paste link ici.
Alright guys, its time to stop slacking. I've got this weekend to choose this car. That's the only time ill be free.
8000 Max price. Reliable, great on gas. and spacious. I REALLY like that '92 s class benz, but 'tis true, the parts are expensive.
Start shooting the japanese at me.
EDIT: if you want to help:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/cto/
Link Removed
Search there and paste link ici.
Just wondering.....but would you have paid a fee for someone to find your next car for you? Say, $300?
-Mike
-Mike
No, because i dont have 300. And i doubt someone will find a car 25-50% less than what i'd find. My dad's funding this car for the family. Hes just lost his job, and found one with the same company (RBC 
) with crappy hours so hes a bit stressed and tired. With out proof of said excellent deal, i dont think we'd pay a guy to find a car for us.
) with crappy hours so hes a bit stressed and tired. With out proof of said excellent deal, i dont think we'd pay a guy to find a car for us.
A decent size sedan can probably do what you want - but having driven German cars a lot, I'd agree that Japanese cars are less expensive. The Benz and Audi are MOST expensive, with BMW somewhat less. Honda, Nissan and Toyota are all dependable and similar in repair cost.
Whatever car you find, have an independent mechanic check it before buying! THAT is money well spent.
Whatever car you find, have an independent mechanic check it before buying! THAT is money well spent.
So I looked up used car values in my hood to see what you could get yourself for $8,000 in a Japanese model. It looks like you're going SUV, eh?
I know two people who own Honda Pilots, and they love them. It would be a struggle to get a Pilot for $8K, but maybe you'll find a starving salesman or private party.
The Honda Passports are solid as well. They aren't made anymore, and been around a while, so parts should be cheap.
I also know a few people who have Honda Odyssey's, which seem to be very reliable. I can't remember any of them having any issues since they purchased them.
-Mike
I know two people who own Honda Pilots, and they love them. It would be a struggle to get a Pilot for $8K, but maybe you'll find a starving salesman or private party.
The Honda Passports are solid as well. They aren't made anymore, and been around a while, so parts should be cheap.
I also know a few people who have Honda Odyssey's, which seem to be very reliable. I can't remember any of them having any issues since they purchased them.
-Mike
OK. Kenbuntu. Stop right where you are.
First, I can tell you're an intelligent guy, since not only do you play bass, but you're also a Linux user (I'm a distro junkie - I've got Debian Lenny and 64 Studio on my home set-ups, and Puppy on my laptop). DON'T get a truck. You'll always have to deal with tarps falling off in the rain while you're driving down the highway. For $6000, you can get a good Subaru wagon, either a legacy, or for better gas mileage, an Impreza. Both will cover your gear completely, and as a bonus, you'll have all wheel drive, so you'll get to drive in the snow, while all your bandmates are spinning their wheels! I've been getting to gigs in them for years, including several shows in the Sierra Nevada's during snow storms! With the extra $1000, you can buy some more gear to haul in the car!!!
Subaru are the best gig-mobiles. Trust me.
First, I can tell you're an intelligent guy, since not only do you play bass, but you're also a Linux user (I'm a distro junkie - I've got Debian Lenny and 64 Studio on my home set-ups, and Puppy on my laptop). DON'T get a truck. You'll always have to deal with tarps falling off in the rain while you're driving down the highway. For $6000, you can get a good Subaru wagon, either a legacy, or for better gas mileage, an Impreza. Both will cover your gear completely, and as a bonus, you'll have all wheel drive, so you'll get to drive in the snow, while all your bandmates are spinning their wheels! I've been getting to gigs in them for years, including several shows in the Sierra Nevada's during snow storms! With the extra $1000, you can buy some more gear to haul in the car!!!
Subaru are the best gig-mobiles. Trust me.
The most reliable are Hondas and Toyotas.
Here's some that are on a few "best" used car lists.
$6-$8k
Acura CL ’01-02; Integra ’01; RL ’99-00; RSX ’02; TL '01
Buick Century '04
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (V6, 4WD) ’00-01; Silverado 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’00-01; Silverado 2500 (2WD) ’00; Tracker '03
Ford Crown Victoria ’02-03; Escape (4-cyl.) ’04; Escape (V6, FWD) ’02; F-150 (V6, 2WD) ’02-04; F-150 (V6, 4WD) ’02-03; F-150 (V8, 4WD) ’01; F-250 (2WD) ’01; F-250 (turbodiesel, 2WD) ’00-01; Focus hatchback ’05; Mustang (V6) '00, ’02-03; Mustang (V8) ’99-01; Ranger (2WD) ’01; Taurus '04
GMC Sierra 1500 (V6, 4WD) ’00-01; Sierra 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’00-01; Sierra 2500 (2WD) '00
Honda Accord ’01-02; Civic ’02-03; CR-V ’00; Element ’03; Prelude '99-00
Hyundai Santa Fe (V6) ’02; Sonata (V6) ’03-04; Sonata ’05; XG350 '04
Infiniti I30 ’99-01; I35 ’02; QX4 '99
Kia Optima ’06; Spectra '06
Lexus ES '99-00
Lincoln Continental ’02; Town Car '00
Mazda B-Series (2WD) ’03-04; MX-5 Miata ’99; Protege ’03; Tribute (4-cyl.) ’04; Tribute (V6, FWD) '02
Mercury Grand Marquis ’02-03; Sable '04
Mitsubishi Galant ’03-04; Lancer ’03; Outlander '03
Nissan Frontier ’00; Maxima '99, ’02; Xterra '01-02
Subaru Impreza '03
Toyota 4Runner ’99; Avalon ’00-02; Camry ’00-01; Camry Solara ’01-02; Celica ’00-01; Corolla ’03; Echo ’04-05; Matrix ’03; Prius ’01; RAV4 ’00; Sienna ’01; Tacoma ’99-00; Tundra '00-01
$8-$$10k
Acura CL ’03; MDX ’01; RL ’02; RSX ’03; TL '02-03
Buick Century '05
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’02; Silverado 2500 (2WD) '01-02
Ford Crown Victoria ’04; Escape (4-cyl.) ’05; Escape (V6, AWD) ’04; Escape (V6) ’03; F-150 (V6, 2WD) ’05; F-150 (V8) ’02-03; F-250 (turbodiesel, 2WD) ’02; Focus ’06; Mustang (V8) ’02; Ranger (2WD) ’03-04; Taurus '05-06
GMC Sierra 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’02; Sierra 2500 (2WD) '01-02
Honda Accord ’03; Civic ’04; Civic Hybrid ’03; CR-V ’01-02; Element ’04; Odyssey ’02; Pilot ’03; Prelude '01
Hyundai Accent ’07; Elantra ’06; Santa Fe (V6) ’03; Sonata (4-cyl.) ’06; Tucson ’05; XG350 '05
Infiniti I35 ’03; Q45 ’99; QX4 '01-02
Kia Rondo ’07; Spectra '07
Lexus ES ’01-02; GS (6-cyl.) ’99-00; GS (V8) ’99; IS ’01; LS ’99; RX '99-00
Lincoln Town Car '01-02
Mazda B-Series (2WD) ’05; MPV ’05; MX-5 Miata ’00; Tribute (V6, AWD) ’04; Tribute (V6) ’03; 6 sedan (4-cyl.) ’03; 6 sedan '04
Mercury Grand Marquis ’04; Sable '05
Mitsubishi Endeavor ’04; Outlander '04
Nissan Altima ’03; Altima (V6) ’02; Frontier ’01-03; Maxima ’03; Xterra ’03;
Pontiac Vibe '03-04
Scion xA ’04-05; xB '04-05
Subaru Forester ’03; Impreza ’04; Impreza WRX/STi ’03; Legacy '04
Toyota 4Runner ’00; Avalon ’03; Camry ’02-03; Camry Solara ’03-04; Celica ’02-04; Corolla ’04-05; Highlander ’01-02; Matrix ’04; Prius ’02-03; RAV4 ’01-02; Sequoia ’01-02; Sienna ’02-03; Tacoma ’01; Tundra '02-03
Volvo S60 (FWD) '02
Here's some that are on a few "best" used car lists.
$6-$8k
Acura CL ’01-02; Integra ’01; RL ’99-00; RSX ’02; TL '01
Buick Century '04
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (V6, 4WD) ’00-01; Silverado 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’00-01; Silverado 2500 (2WD) ’00; Tracker '03
Ford Crown Victoria ’02-03; Escape (4-cyl.) ’04; Escape (V6, FWD) ’02; F-150 (V6, 2WD) ’02-04; F-150 (V6, 4WD) ’02-03; F-150 (V8, 4WD) ’01; F-250 (2WD) ’01; F-250 (turbodiesel, 2WD) ’00-01; Focus hatchback ’05; Mustang (V6) '00, ’02-03; Mustang (V8) ’99-01; Ranger (2WD) ’01; Taurus '04
GMC Sierra 1500 (V6, 4WD) ’00-01; Sierra 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’00-01; Sierra 2500 (2WD) '00
Honda Accord ’01-02; Civic ’02-03; CR-V ’00; Element ’03; Prelude '99-00
Hyundai Santa Fe (V6) ’02; Sonata (V6) ’03-04; Sonata ’05; XG350 '04
Infiniti I30 ’99-01; I35 ’02; QX4 '99
Kia Optima ’06; Spectra '06
Lexus ES '99-00
Lincoln Continental ’02; Town Car '00
Mazda B-Series (2WD) ’03-04; MX-5 Miata ’99; Protege ’03; Tribute (4-cyl.) ’04; Tribute (V6, FWD) '02
Mercury Grand Marquis ’02-03; Sable '04
Mitsubishi Galant ’03-04; Lancer ’03; Outlander '03
Nissan Frontier ’00; Maxima '99, ’02; Xterra '01-02
Subaru Impreza '03
Toyota 4Runner ’99; Avalon ’00-02; Camry ’00-01; Camry Solara ’01-02; Celica ’00-01; Corolla ’03; Echo ’04-05; Matrix ’03; Prius ’01; RAV4 ’00; Sienna ’01; Tacoma ’99-00; Tundra '00-01
$8-$$10k
Acura CL ’03; MDX ’01; RL ’02; RSX ’03; TL '02-03
Buick Century '05
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’02; Silverado 2500 (2WD) '01-02
Ford Crown Victoria ’04; Escape (4-cyl.) ’05; Escape (V6, AWD) ’04; Escape (V6) ’03; F-150 (V6, 2WD) ’05; F-150 (V8) ’02-03; F-250 (turbodiesel, 2WD) ’02; Focus ’06; Mustang (V8) ’02; Ranger (2WD) ’03-04; Taurus '05-06
GMC Sierra 1500 (V8, 2WD) ’02; Sierra 2500 (2WD) '01-02
Honda Accord ’03; Civic ’04; Civic Hybrid ’03; CR-V ’01-02; Element ’04; Odyssey ’02; Pilot ’03; Prelude '01
Hyundai Accent ’07; Elantra ’06; Santa Fe (V6) ’03; Sonata (4-cyl.) ’06; Tucson ’05; XG350 '05
Infiniti I35 ’03; Q45 ’99; QX4 '01-02
Kia Rondo ’07; Spectra '07
Lexus ES ’01-02; GS (6-cyl.) ’99-00; GS (V8) ’99; IS ’01; LS ’99; RX '99-00
Lincoln Town Car '01-02
Mazda B-Series (2WD) ’05; MPV ’05; MX-5 Miata ’00; Tribute (V6, AWD) ’04; Tribute (V6) ’03; 6 sedan (4-cyl.) ’03; 6 sedan '04
Mercury Grand Marquis ’04; Sable '05
Mitsubishi Endeavor ’04; Outlander '04
Nissan Altima ’03; Altima (V6) ’02; Frontier ’01-03; Maxima ’03; Xterra ’03;
Pontiac Vibe '03-04
Scion xA ’04-05; xB '04-05
Subaru Forester ’03; Impreza ’04; Impreza WRX/STi ’03; Legacy '04
Toyota 4Runner ’00; Avalon ’03; Camry ’02-03; Camry Solara ’03-04; Celica ’02-04; Corolla ’04-05; Highlander ’01-02; Matrix ’04; Prius ’02-03; RAV4 ’01-02; Sequoia ’01-02; Sienna ’02-03; Tacoma ’01; Tundra '02-03
Volvo S60 (FWD) '02
bigfatbass
Inactive
- Jun 30, 2003
- 2,420
- 404
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Karl Hoyt Basses
I just went through this last month, and while I don't need as much space as you ( i only need to carry 4 once in a while), all my research led me to one car if I wanted to avoid imports/expensive parts: Ford Focus, sedan/wagon. I got an 07 Focus sedan with a sun roof and 27k miles for under $9k American, and it seats 4 large men without too much cramming. Very highly rated car, minimal to zero trackable, line-wide issues in the last ten years, 30+mpg (I've now clocked it twice at 33! Woohoo!) and consumer reports regularly has it as the highest rated American compact line. The hatchbacks are not as sturdy, they have lots of plastic widgits to match the vibe and some euro release cars.
If you don't mind the engine warmer plug/smell/outrageous repair costs, get the newest volvo diesel wagon you can afford, and barring excessive rust/accidents, be done buying cars for the next 2 decades.
If you don't mind the engine warmer plug/smell/outrageous repair costs, get the newest volvo diesel wagon you can afford, and barring excessive rust/accidents, be done buying cars for the next 2 decades.
