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Help me choose a used car to buy?

G

greekorican

Mar 12, 2009
209
0
#1
I'm in the market for a used car. I have a pretty good idea of what I want. I'd either decently fast car (I want to be able to lay down some rubber from time to time), FWD would be nice, or an SUV/Truck with 4wd (would be great for winter). I've driven my parents cars, a buick riviera, and a Chevy Silvarado (I LOVE to drive trucks), so I'm kinda leaning towards an american made car. I'd like to have enough space to get all my bass stuff in the trunk, my bass will barely fit in the buick.

Right now I'm looking at Dodge Chargers, Crown Vics (used police interceptor), Nissan Maxima, something like a suburban/escalade, or a ford/chevy pickup with a cap on the bed. You can find Chargers and Crown Vics that are 2 years old, with 80k miles on them at used police car dealerships. I might want to check that out. Anyone ever take this route? What is your opinion?

What are some cars similar to the ones I've listed? I'd like a few more cars to scope out.

Thanks a lot
 
#2
First, fill out your profile, so people can offer advice relevant to your location

You mention you want to do burnouts, but then you say it'd be nice to have FWD. Even if FWD didn't look really stupid, most FWD cars will have an open differential, so you'll only be burning up 1 tire. Not to mention that most FWD cars will get wheel hop during burnouts. Enough of that, and your motor mounts are gone.

If I were you, I'd get a mid 90s Chevy Silverado. Sure, the interior sucks, but they're a stout truck, and if you get one with the 350 V8, it's basically the most manufactured engine of all time, there's all sorts of parts for it.

Take a read

Invalid Link Removed
 
#3
By laying down rubber, I meant going really fast. Burnouts are cool, but I feel like like it can't do any good for your car. Wears down your tires too. And if all of the sudden you gain traction, that could end badly.

I could honestly care less about the interior. As long as the seats and everything are in decent condition, thats fine with me. My dad owns a late 90's/early 2000's truck, I forget which year. I get to drive it once in a while, and man is that truck fast. People think that because its a truck, its gonna be slow, and they try to jump the light and get infront of me. There is nothing more fun than flooring it so they can't jump in front of me, most cars don't stand a chance. I've gotten it up to 60 (this is in Chicago, speed limit is 30 in most places), didn't have the guts to go any faster in the city. I'm sure its a ton of fun on the highway.
 
#4
Laying Down Rubber = Burnout

Burnouts do have a racing application. It heats up the tires to their designed operating temperature, increasing traction.

But that's only for professional race cars. People who burnout on the street are just showing off.
 
#5
TrooperFarva said:
Laying Down Rubber = Burnout

Burnouts do have a racing application. It heats up the tires to their designed operating temperature, increasing traction.

But that's only for professional race cars. People who burnout on the street are just showing off.
Click to expand...

What? Really? I never knew that, I thought it meant to accelerate so fast that you leave rubber on the road. God, I feel dumb...
 
#6
I've been looking around, mostly at trucks. My dad really wants me to have a truck versus a car. I want a crewcab with a shortbed. F150s, Ram 1500s, and Silverado 1500s are all cheaper than F250s, Ram 2500s, and Silverado 2500s, but is there any real difference in them besides towing weight? My dad says that they are the same size, but to me, it seems that f150's, etc are much lower to the ground, and smaller. I love driving his Silverado 2500HD, I don't think it would be the same driving around in a small truck. I like being nice and high, so I can see everything going on in traffic better, and its definitely not as manly driving a little truck. I would take a car over a little truck to be honest. I've also looked at the chevy avalanche and similar models. Any other trucks I should look at?

I'd really love to learn to drive a stick shift, but my dad says I would hate it. I disagree, but one of my concerns is repairs. He says you have to replace the clutch every year, unless you know what youre doing. Sounds extremely exaggerated to me, and I think I would catch on quickly. Now driving a truck with a stick would be a huge pain. That would be extremely difficult to drive, especially at first. Any opinions on manual transmissions? I live in chicago, so it might not be the most practical thing during rush hour, though everyone I've talked to that drives stick loves it.
 
#7
greekorican said:
....its definitely not as manly driving a little truck.
Click to expand...

What?:hmm:

Is this vehicle just to get around or will there be hauling involved or some kind of work thing?
What's your budget?
Who's paying for it?
Who's paying for gas and insurance?

If you're not paying then what are you getting all worked up about? :hyper:

In the end, your dad will decided what he'll spend his money on and you'll drive it. End of discussion.

Good luck.
 
#8
1. Set yourself a budget and follow it.
2. Set your priorities and follow them.
3. Going well-above the speed limit on public roads is either poor judgement on your part or dick-waving. Cut it out.

Mazda B-line trucks are good, as are many of the older Chevy trucks: scrap yards are full of them and they are reliable. I'd try personally to buy my pickup as small as possible to save on gas.

PS: Driving a stick is mainly personal preference (you don't really save on gas). I like it on cars, but stickshift on many trucks is harder to operate. It might also be harder to find non-automatic trucks in the larger motor models (V6 and up).
 
#9
Stumbo said:
What?:hmm:

Is this vehicle just to get around or will there be hauling involved or some kind of work thing?
What's your budget?
Who's paying for it?
Who's paying for gas and insurance?

If you're not paying then what are you getting all worked up about? :hyper:

In the end, your dad will decided what he'll spend his money on and you'll drive it. End of discussion.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

No, I don't really need a truck, I don't need it for work, I will not be hauling anything with it, just driving it to get around. There could definitely be times where it would come in handy, such as moving for people, or picking up stuff from the lumberyard for my dad, but not very often. My dad just wants me to get one. I'm not completely opposed to it, but don't like little trucks. He used to have one, it was slow, and honestly had less passenger space than a car. Not to mention, it was terribly ugly. Pickups are not meant to be little, in my opinion. Like I said, I'd rather have a normal car instead of a little pickup. Gas will be cheaper, parking will be easier, handling will be better, and a car would look much nicer.

This vehicle is being paid for by my mom, but my dad loves to take charge of everything and decide what I want. My mom is letting me choose my car, I just have to keep the budget around 5 grand and keep it practical. She is fine getting a truck, as 4WD is definitely helpful in the winter. I am paying for gas and insurance.

Who's getting worked up? I'm just asking for some advice on choosing a truck, what makes you think I'm whining? More specifically, I'm asking for comparisons between F150s/Ram 1500s/Silverado 1500s and F250s/Ram 2500s/Silverado 2500s.

BillyRay said:
3. Going well-above the speed limit on public roads is either poor judgement on your part or dick-waving. Cut it out.
Click to expand...

Tough crowd in here, haha. Yeah, going 60 in a 30mph zone isn't the brightest idea, but I had a good time. I don't drive like a maniac, but once in a while its fun to floor it when you've got completely clear roads ahead of you. I'm sure the first thing you would do if you got drive a hotrod would be to see how fast it goes, its just our instinct. Or maybe you guys are just getting too old. Haha, jk.
 
#10
If you are in a residential neighborhood and going 60 I think you should get license taken away.

On a country road where there are nothing but fields, just so long I don't have to pay for your hospital bill, do as you wish.

Having said that,
I bought my audi 7 years ago for $2300. I have put 600 in tires and 400 in repairs. $3300 in 7 years is pretty good. I can pull out into traffic and not slow people down because I have a car that can move. Also, when a semi tried to change lanes and I am there, I can hit the gas and make it in front. I like having an agile car so that if something jumps in front of me I can move around it more easily. Also, I like driving stick shifts for control reasons as well.

I suggest a older volvo, or audi. Also, a station wagon will allow you to get an 810 cab, or PA around if you need to.

Thanks,
Jonathan
 
#12
See if you can find a "sport" model mazda CX-7... mines got twin turbos, and it runs like a scalded dog. They are technically a "crossover" SUV, but I can fit my gear in the back with no issues, and its pretty decent on gas mileage. I drove about thirty cars before I decided on it. Fast, sleek, and comfortable... a great car for the buck.
 
#13
I'm not as big of an idiot as you guys are making me seem. Of course I'm not doing 60 in a residential neighborhood. We don't have country roads in chicago, but on a 4 lane street with no traffic, the biggest risk I had was getting pulled over. Not to mention country roads are usually pretty windy, atleast the ones I've driven. Driving 60 on a country road is a good way to drive off the road into a tree, where as I am driving in a straight line. Believe me, I don't want to die in a car wreck, I take precaution when I'm doing something borderline stupid. Other than the once in a while when I floor it, I'm a good driver. I just like testing what my car can do every so often, its fun. Don't tell me you don't do this once in a while, or that you've never done it.

I don't want a fast car just to floor it either. JonathanD makes some good points. Ever try to merge onto the highway in an escort? Its not fun hoping that you get up to speed fast enough before the on ramp ends. Whats wrong with having a car that is fun to drive?

Alot of the stuff you are calling me out on is not completely serious, so just chill out. Leave me alone about laying down rubber, though, lol. I've heard it in that context before. Think about it, you hit the gas too hard, your wheels spin a bit as you accelerate, and you leave rubber on the road. It made sense to me, but now I know what it really means. You learn something new everyday.

Now can we stop hassling me? I just want some help choosing some cars to look at and test drive. I'm gonna look into an audi. I've also been looking at a Nissan Maxima, they are supposed to be a lot of car for what they cost. Anybody have experience with one?
 
#14
Consumer Reports has this on their website for the best used cars:

Small cars
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is reliable, economical, and fun to drive. It grew with the 2001 redesign, and 2003 saw the introduction of the Hybrid model. The 2006 redesign included standard antilock brakes (ABS), curtain air bags, and a better ride. An alternative with more cargo room is the Scion xB, which also has standard electronic stability control.
Other good choices:

* Toyota Echo
* Scion xB
* Toyota Corolla
* Toyota Matrix
* Pontiac Vibe
* Mazda3
* Mazda Protege
* Subaru Impreza


Family cars
Honda Accord

The Accord has been a very reliable used-car choice. The 2003 redesign made it quieter and more agile, and it received standard ABS. Standard ESC arrived on V6 models in 2006 and on all models with the 2008 redesign. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan have very good reliability, tested well, and are very affordable.
Other good choices:

* Toyota Prius
* Ford Fusion
* Mercury Milan
* Toyota Camry (except '08 V6)
* Subaru Outback (6-cyl.)
* Nissan Altima


Upscale cars
Lexus ES

The ES has been very reliable through its many generations. This quiet and comfortable sedan was redesigned in 1997 and 2002 but got a stronger, more fuel-efficient engine in 2004. ESC became standard in 2007. The Acura TL and TSX are sportier alternatives.
Other good choices:

* Lexus IS
* Toyota Avalon
* Acura TSX
* Lincoln MKZ, Zephyr (FWD)
* Infiniti G20
* Acura TL
* Infiniti I30, I35
* Infiniti G35 (sedan)
* Volvo S60
* Buick Lucerne (V8)
* Nissan Maxima


Luxury cars
Infiniti M35

Since 2003 the M has been a reliable model, but the 2006 redesign made it comfortable when cruising the highway and on twisty roads. The V6 is strong, and the interior is well finished. The Lexus LS is a more luxurious choice.
Other good choices

* Lexus LS
* Lexus GS (6-cyl., RWD)
* Acura RL


Sports and sporty cars
Mazda Miata

The slick shifter, nimble handling, and good performance make the affordable and reliable Miata fun to drive. ABS became standard with the 2006 redesign; look for the optional ABS on older models. A practical alternative is the Subaru WRX, which gives great performance along with standard AWD and four doors.
Other good choices

* Lexus SC
* Honda S2000
* Toyota Camry Solara
* Acura RSX
* Toyota Celica
* Scion tC
* BMW Z3, Z4
* Acura Integra
* Porsche Boxster
* BMW M3
* Subaru Impreza WRX/STi
* Ford Mustang (V6)
* Nissan 350Z


Minivans
Toyota Sienna

Toyota's first-generation Sienna is refined, but the third-row accommodations are snug. In 2003 a redesigned Sienna went on sale. It is roomier and more powerful, and it's available with AWD. Reliability has been very good overall. The Honda Odyssey isn't as plush but has better handling.
Another good choice:

* Honda Odyssey


Small SUVs
Toyota RAV4

Introduced in 1996, the RAV4 was the first car-based SUV. It was agile and comfortable but small and underpowered. The 2001 redesign brought more power and a roomier interior. ESC arrived in 2004. For 2006 Toyota added an available third row. Throughout its life the RAV4 has had stellar reliability.
Other good choices:

* Honda CR-V
* Subaru Forester
* Mitsubishi Outlander


Midsized and large SUVs
Honda Pilot

Introduced in 2003, the Pilot is roomier than its MDX sibling and less expensive. It's roomy and refined, delivers good fuel economy, and has flexible seating for eight. Crash-test results are impressive, and reliability has been excellent. The Toyota Highlander is a good choice with an optional third-row seat.
Other good choices:

* Toyota Highlander
* Lexus RX
* Toyota Land Cruiser
* Toyota 4Runner
* Infiniti FX35
* Acura MDX
* Infiniti QX4
* Lexus GX
* Hyundai Santa Fe
* Subaru Tribeca
* Nissan Xterra ('05-08)
* Toyota Sequoia


Pickup trucks
Honda Ridgeline

Honda's pickup rides and handles like a sedan but delivers the utility of a truck. The V6 engine is smooth and responsive, and the cabin is nicely detailed and easy to access. The in-bed, weather-tight, and lockable trunk is a plus. Opt for the Tundra if you need more towing or off-roading capability.
Other good choices:

* Toyota Tacoma ('05-08)
* Toyota Tundra
* Subaru Baja
* Nissan Frontier ('05-08)

Worst of the worst

These have multiple years of much-worse-than-average reliability among 1999 to 2008 models. Listed alphabetically.
Audi A6 Allroad
Audi A8
BMW X5 (V8)
Buick Rendezvous (AWD)
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)
Chevrolet S-10 (4WD)
Chevrolet Uplander
Chevrolet Venture
Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Sebring convertible
Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
GMC Canyon (4WD)
GMC Jimmy
GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD) Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sedona
Land Rover Discovery, LR3
Mazda RX-8
Oldsmobile Bravada
Oldsmobile Silhouette
Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac G6 (V6)
Pontiac Montana, Montana SV6
Porsche Cayenne
Saturn Relay
Volkswagen Cabrio
Volkswagen Jetta (V6)
Volkswagen New Beetle (turbo)
Volkswagen Passat (V6, FWD)
Volkswagen Touareg
Volvo XC90 (6-cyl.)
Posted: February 2009 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: April 2009

IMO, it would be worth the money to subscribe to their website and find out all the details(which year,what problems, value) on the best used cars.

Good luck.
 
#16
Tough crowd in here, haha. Yeah, going 60 in a 30mph zone isn't the brightest idea, but I had a good time. I don't drive like a maniac, but once in a while its fun to floor it when you've got completely clear roads ahead of you. I'm sure the first thing you would do if you got drive a hotrod would be to see how fast it goes, its just our instinct. Or maybe you guys are just getting too old. Haha, jk.
Click to expand...

I'm not as big of an idiot as you guys are making me seem. Of course I'm not doing 60 in a residential neighborhood. We don't have country roads in chicago, but on a 4 lane street with no traffic, the biggest risk I had was getting pulled over. Not to mention country roads are usually pretty windy, atleast the ones I've driven. Driving 60 on a country road is a good way to drive off the road into a tree, where as I am driving in a straight line. Believe me, I don't want to die in a car wreck, I take precaution when I'm doing something borderline stupid. Other than the once in a while when I floor it, I'm a good driver. I just like testing what my car can do every so often, its fun. Don't tell me you don't do this once in a while, or that you've never done it.
Click to expand...

Please, drive safely. Every dude that hits puberty think they are good drivers and they can speed once in a while when the roads are clear. A friend of mine was maimed this way, and he had RACECAR TRAINING. Be careful.

And avoid Dodge, as was said.
 

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