Car buying help?

"pab0601" (pab0601) 01/09/2014 at 21:39 • Filed to: None

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Ok oppo, I need some help. My sister just totaled her car, an e46 325i. Because of how cheap insurance companies are, we are likely to only get somewhere between 5500 and 7000 for it. Are there any cars in particular that you suggest? My only restrictions are no donks, stanced, or project cars. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Patrick

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:40

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I'm not sure I could really help, but I'm curious to here what preferences, requirements and what kinda budget you have?

KB Garage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/09/2014 at 21:43

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This would help us. If it's only the insurance payout money, then that limits our choices.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:43

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2006-2008 Toyota Camry?

pab0601 > KB Garage 01/09/2014 at 21:46

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Definitely something that would be a dd. Preferably something with low part costs. Like I said, I'm pretty open when it comes to taking suggestions.

pab0601 > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:47

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Budget wise, we're talking like 5 grand+ insurance money so like 10-12 grand

scoob > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:47

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I think he mostly means 2 door VS sedan VS wagon, auto VS manual, etc.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:48

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Saab 9-3 Aero Sportcombi?? Eh? Eh??? It's a bit high and parts are expensive but if I sell it for enough then I can buy a 2009 9-3 Turbo X (aka my dream car....)

http://www.cars.com/go/search/deta…

KB Garage > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:49

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Is mpg an issue?

pab0601 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB 01/09/2014 at 21:49

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Haha, you and I both know that everyone with a Saab has a Saab story. I would love to, but as far as reliability, it's a bit of a gamble.

TheKingOfBirds > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:51

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I guess this is out then:

http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/on…

pab0601 > KB Garage 01/09/2014 at 21:52

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No not really. It doesnt need to be 30+ but I'd rather it not be single digits.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:52

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Well....the only problem I have had was a hose that bust, but it was an easy fix and no damage was done....

pab0601 > TheKingOfBirds 01/09/2014 at 21:53

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I didn't even know you could buy something like that. That really cool.

midengineer > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:53

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IF you looked hard enough, I bet you might be able to find a clean, relatively low mileage Celica All Trac (st185) in that price range. Never driven one but a solid engine and decent part availability you could probably always find whatever replacement parts you're looking for.

pab0601 > midengineer 01/09/2014 at 21:56

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I like the suggestion and have been combing craigslist but all the ones I can find have been slammed or have like 200k miles on them.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:57

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The Mazda 3 is a very good car. It's fun to drive, handles very well, and with the hatchback is very practical.

There should be plenty of those without too many miles within your budget.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 21:59

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Yeah. I do mean do you have a preference in body type, number of doors, auto or manual and that kinda stuff.

TheKingOfBirds > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 22:03

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Yeah I was pretty surprised to see it too. There are a couple of auto-consultants here on Oppo, one of them wrote this story: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/your-gearhead-…

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

pab0601 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/09/2014 at 22:03

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Ohhhh ok sorry my mistake. I don't really have too many preferences. I have a 4runner so not an SUV. Auto or manual isn't a problem. If it's manual I'll take it and she'll take mine. If its auto, it will probably go to her unless it's something I really want to drive.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 22:04

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This:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
No, im not kidding.
yes, I found one
yes it's reliable
yes, you could probably knock a few grand off the price
Alternatively:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
A buddy of mine has one from the same year that's blue on cream. From what I've heard, it's a big improvement over the 325i

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 22:11

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Hmm... the first thing that comes to my mind is a Focus(not sure if good or bad thing); first or second gen should be around that price range. You could find a used one with a manual or auto tranny too. Don't know much about them(I'm about to get a 2014 Titanium Focus)

What do you think?

1st Gen('98-05)

2nd Gen ('05-11)

Here's two examples from each gen. I've got a friend with a blue 2nd gen and I drives it like a madman.

pab0601 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/09/2014 at 22:20

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I've always liked how the second gen looks. I know its ford and I shouldn't expect much, but do you know anything about the interior quality?

KB Garage > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 22:25

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350Z / G35 / S2000 (all unmolested)

Or if you want beige-ish, my asst. mgr got a brand new sentra for his wife (with a cvt, ugh, but it's your sister, so meh) for $13K. No issues for a couple years now. I have no idea what the new ones run.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 22:30

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Eh.... Not much that I can remember from the one time I was in his car. It had leather seats and it felt comfy enough for me to sit in the back for an hour trip. I thought it was OK; but like you said, given the age and I guess depending on how well it was maintained it really depends on the one you find. I do find it to be nice, clean and easy to use overall.

Here's an '08

pab0601 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 01/09/2014 at 22:38

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I like the minimalist dashboard and dials, but you're completely right about used cars depending on the first owner's care. I got my toyota around 165K and just hit 180k and knock on wood, nothing has ever broken.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 22:51

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I got my Astra at 38k and have driven it to 43k until my tranny broke two weeks ago. It was essentially maintained like a "garage queen", looked like a showroom car when I got it inside and out and I'm blaming the cold weather for the broken tranny.

I'm trading it in as soon as it gets fixed and getting a '14 Focus Titanium Hatch with a 5spd manual.

I'd also check online to see the used inventories of any dealers close to you as well.

syaieya > pab0601 01/09/2014 at 22:52

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I'll agree with whoever said Mazda 3, unless she absolutely has to have a luxury car. If that's the case then you'd be pretty safe sticking with the BMW or maybe even Lexus. I would not look at the rival Mercedes benz though.

Unless she's looking for something different.

pab0601 > KB Garage 01/09/2014 at 22:52

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found a 71 240z in good mechanical condition, the paint is bad but I work in spray booth so that's not a problem. Good move or bad move? This would definitely be one just for me

KB Garage > pab0601 01/10/2014 at 07:31

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If you're okay with the wrench time, then sure. I mean that's what, a forty year old car. To think you're not going to have issues would be foolish. As long as you have a backup, which I assume would be your 4runner that your sister would drive, then sure. But I wouldn't count on hitting that key every morning and expecting everything to always go smoothly. I suppose it depends on how much work the seller and pervious owners have put in. Just my two cents