Best Daily Driver For $7000?

"Zohaibman72" (zohaibman72) 01/30/2015 at 21:01 • Filed to: Car Buying, New Car

0

64

pictured: car that you can't find for $7000 or less but was a really good .png that I found on my hard drive

Well I got in a car accident !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and there is a high chance my car will be written off (hopefully). It may also get repaired. Out of boredom and curisoity I want to know what cars you guys would suggest I get with the write-off amount.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

- Budget is $7000

- I'm 18 so cheapest insurance possible (no hybrids or turbos. NA cars)

- Good gas mileage

- Preferably Japanese. I can do American as long as it's something nice (I don't really like any domestic cars in the price range [G5, Cobalt, 2nd gen US Focus, Caliber, Fusion, Malibu, 200, Avenger])

I know it is bad to assume what isn't for sure, but I have nothing better to do and would like to see what you guys would get/suggest

Xazzaphonic (previously known as Vicarious-Chair) > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:07

1

Miata isn't always the answer. And when it isn't, it is still Mazda.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Much cheaper than 7 grand. And it's a forever-car.

Zohaibman72 > Xazzaphonic (previously known as Vicarious-Chair) 01/30/2015 at 21:11

0

Wouldn't a Mazda 3 be better?

I'm mixed about the Mazda Protege 5. I like the front, hate the rear. It's also a bit older than what I want, but I could look into it. Atleast it's easy to get parts for.

Nibby > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:17

0

miata, duh

dogisbadob > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:24

1

Oh WOW you're lucky!!!

You can get a REALLY good car for $7000! Shit, you can get a good car for $3000!

I have lots of suggestions:

Matrix XRS/Vibe GT/Corolla XRS

Infiniti G20

of course, the obvious choices Accord, Camry, Corolla, Civic, etc

Volvo V40 (yes, it's a turbo, but insurance shouldn't be too bad because Volvos are very safe)

01+ Elantra GT or maybe the Elantra Touring if they're in budget

Mazda 5

Kia Rondo

Scion XA, XB

Maybe you can find a TSX in your price range

Toyota also has the Echo and Yaris

You might be able to get a Fit for 7k

95-98 Odyssey/Oasis

dogisbadob > Xazzaphonic (previously known as Vicarious-Chair) 01/30/2015 at 21:25

0

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

What the FUCK did they do with the fog lights? The aftermarket shit they put in is fucking gaudy as hell, nowhere NEAR as awesome as the original huge WRX-ish fogs.

jkm7680 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:27

2

Not a Miata.

Desu-San-Desu > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:29

0

C'mon man, help us narrow it down a little. How many seats do you want? How many doors? Manual or auto? How will you be using it? Length of commute? Environment? Climate? FWD, AWD, OR RWD? Coupe, sedan, hatchback, wagon, roadster, convertible, etc?

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:32

1

My 94' Accord is my commuter, not many issues at all. I had to replace the master cyl. but other that than its been bulletproof.

Zohaibman72 > dogisbadob 01/30/2015 at 21:44

1

oh my god
XB
I forgot.

I want a first gen XB. I want it white. I want it NOW.

I don't want Matrix/Vibe/Corolla XRS because I've driven them and well... meh

I'm not a Van guy so the Rondo, Odyessy etc. are out. But, I like the Mazda 5. I probably wouldn't get one though.

I'd probably lower the Mazda 5 or XB, not like stancebr0 level but lower it and add little things, it'd be awesome. Boosted sound system, it would be the coolest ride ever.

Zohaibman72 > dogisbadob 01/30/2015 at 21:46

1

on top of my reply (it's not letting me edit)

i know I'm awful. My taste would probably get me beat up if this wasn't on a website.

Zohaibman72 > Desu-San-Desu 01/30/2015 at 21:47

0

4 Doors, Auto, I drive to school, but the poor way I wrote this implies i will have another car, but this will be my ONLY car. The Camry was my only car before it got rekt.

I live in Toronto area, so snow. I'd prefer FWD or AWD.

I prefer wagons or hatchbacks.

Zohaibman72 > jkm7680 01/30/2015 at 21:48

0

that's for sure.

Suprisingly, my Dad's BMW z4 was cheaper on insurance than my hybrid camry

a BMW Z4.

jkm7680 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:50

0

Yooooooooo how? Why are hybrids so much...

dogisbadob > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:50

1

The 5 has the exact same suspension as the 3. For example, the shocks/struts are interchangeable. I think Koni and Bilstein even use the same part numbers for both. Plus room for 6 or 7 so you'll be popular :)

Zohaibman72 > jkm7680 01/30/2015 at 21:51

0

Alot of people told me that it is WAY cheaper to get parts for a gas engine-only car.

a Z4 doesn't have to worry about a $10,000 battery going out at 200,000+ kms like the Prius and Camry do.

jkm7680 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:53

0

Fuck, that's an expensive ass battery. I have no clue why they use those damned things as Taxis.

Zohaibman72 > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 01/30/2015 at 21:53

0

Hondas are bulletproof.

I want to try for something 2005 and newer. I probably will never get the luxuries I got in the Camry in my price range ever again though, bluetooth, steering wheel controls, dual climate etc.

Desu-San-Desu > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:54

1

Obvious choice is obvious.

Zohaibman72 > jkm7680 01/30/2015 at 21:55

0

something something gas savings make it up for itself.

I mean if you don't count problems, a Prius pays itself off in 10 years.

I'm going to be completely honest. Hybrid Camry is not amazing on gas, people think it never runs out. It's the same as my mom's VTEC 2006 Civic.

The Hybrid Camry weighs more than a base model old Chrysler 300. All that weight being pushed by a tuned prius engine isn't exactly economical.

Zohaibman72 > Desu-San-Desu 01/30/2015 at 21:56

0

If I can find one that hasn't been molested.

Also I don't know about the insurance on that, and gas isn't amazing. But I could excuse the gas thing for having a Subaru.

jkm7680 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:57

1

Another reason why the Panther always wins, Huehuehue.

Desu-San-Desu > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 21:59

0

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/drh/cto/486014…

Xazzaphonic (previously known as Vicarious-Chair) > dogisbadob 01/30/2015 at 22:00

1

I like them with fogs, I thought they turned people off though. So I figured to show this to the guy without them

Zohaibman72 > Desu-San-Desu 01/30/2015 at 22:00

0

225000 is a alot of KMs. I was trying to go for less than 162,000 kms, which is what the camry had. Also no interior shots = no buy for me :(

Desu-San-Desu > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:01

0

There's also this one if you don't mind going a little older.

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/484752…

44444444444 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:02

1

Volvo XC70 2006-2007. AWD, turbo'd, wagon fun. Gets 25-27 highway.

mazda616 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:02

1

First-gen Mazda3 hatch. 100%. Had mine for five years and I still love it. Holds a crap-ton of stuff, super fun to drive, looks decent, decent gas mileage, reliable. And they can be found for $7,000-ish quite often.

thefinalmonster > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:02

1

Previous gen Ford Escape?

Zohaibman72 > Desu-San-Desu 01/30/2015 at 22:06

0

http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Impre…

Fully Loaded, 2 years newer, same colour combo, less KMs.

I know outbacks have cheaper insurance than the other trims, which is very nice.

In the end though, this is all theoretical. I won't find out until next week if I can even get anything. This is def. an option

Zohaibman72 > 44444444444 01/30/2015 at 22:08

0

http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Volvo/XC70/S…

only one in price range

I feel like something is up with it because it's the only one.

Zohaibman72 > thefinalmonster 01/30/2015 at 22:09

0

Don't like the escape :/ . This is a good recommendation if I could stand them though. It fits the bill, but personally I don't like them at all.

Zohaibman72 > mazda616 01/30/2015 at 22:10

0

It's one of my serious contenders. I'm just sick of Mazda because my whole family is becoming a mazda family :/

Except they miss the best Mazda, Miata.

mazda616 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:11

0

A Mazda family is a good family. We are a Mazda family too. Wifey has a 2013 CX-5 and I've had my 2008 3 since August 2009.

Desu-San-Desu > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:13

1

Yeah, the Outback Sport is the way to go if you want a rugged Impreza over a sporty one. The lower body panels are cheaper to replace and the extra ride height helps in the snow. Go for it.

Zohaibman72 > mazda616 01/30/2015 at 22:20

0

Grandpa has '09 CX-9 (which i'm not allowed to drive), Grandma has '12 Mazda 3.

Uncle wants Mazda 6, Aunt is buying CX 5 in March. Mom is maybe buying a Mazda too.

I used to live with all of them, now it's only me, my mom and stepdad. Civic and (wrecked) Camry.

thefinalmonster > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:21

0

OK I have one more attempt with an offroad capable vehicle

bob and john > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:21

0

7K,
toronto area
decent DD

id avoid older jap as their rust proofing wasnt the greatest. however I wouldnt take them off the list,.

nissan maxima is a GREAT option. as are the lexus LS400s. the Ls's last FOREVER. plus usually bought the the granny crod so insurance = cheap

no americana so
that leaves the euros. You could do a older 3 series. or a saab.

Zohaibman72 > bob and john 01/30/2015 at 22:26

0

LS400 is sadly a no-no. As much as I want one (yes the insurance is cheap) the gas, size and overall will be extremely hard to convince my mom to use the write off money for that. I'm only 18 so I'm still dictated by family for a year or so. The Camry isn't fully mine either, It's my grandpas descision for me to buy a new car for myself if it is dead.

I'd take Altima over Maxima, Maxima is put as a Sports Car thats also a Sedan. The Insurance seems to think so too, Altima is much cheaper and more common. It's also a whole class lower so I can probably get more options for the price. I hear they have tranny problems though.

I wouldn't rule out American, but It's just, until; the new Cruze and Focus, I've never liked American compact cars. And until the new Fusion, no mid-size cars.

3 Series is too much, Saabs are good, my Stepdad's brother is a Saab enthusiast so it would be good to get one.

Volvos are also options. I'm also looking at non-gti MKV Golfs (Rabbit)

44444444444 > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:26

0

Craigslist? Or maybe XCs just aren't as common in Canada as they are in New England USA. Also try looking for an 05+ S60 if you don't want a wagon.

bob and john > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:29

1

right, volvos.

I would highly HIGHLY recommend a 2001 S/V40

Just take a look at what our old one went through

the 60's very pretty quick in their own right too. the 80;s had trans issues. bad.

Zohaibman72 > 44444444444 01/30/2015 at 22:30

0

I actually looked at craigslist before you posted that. There is one with 255,000KMs on it, which is a no-no, I don't want more than the 160,000kms my Camry had.

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/482386…

[silver one] This one isn't bad though. For the extra money I could get some HIDs and maybe a deck if there is no AUX cord.

Zohaibman72 > bob and john 01/30/2015 at 22:33

0

That's actually amazing. It makes me want a volvo more.

It must suck losing a childhood car like that :/ My Dad's 2001 Caravan is dieing of rust, and my mom's '06 Civic (which I learned to drive in, in 2013) is going away for a *shivers* CUV. Both where bought brand new in 2000 and 2005 respectively.

bob and john > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:37

1

funny...the volvo was bought used too.

dam, I fucking miss that car...and it remains in my mind, one of the best looking sedans out there.

eg:

Dam, this is making me want to buy one again...

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 22:44

1

03 Miata

Bought mine for $6700 with 56,xxx miles on it. Its my DD when there isnt salt on the roads here in Michigan. 26-28 mpg ( and i beat on it a bit) it has about 80,xxx miles on it now and no issues. Plenty of practicality and the best part is that it is a blast to drive everyday

Zohaibman72 > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/30/2015 at 23:04

0

I wish, but it snows. Alot. I live in Toronto. NYC and Buffalo get more snow than Toronto (IKR?) but I need something year round.

Also Insurance on those is high, and I (should've mentioned) I need four seats and four doors. I have people with me too often, I hate being the passenger when I go out with freinds.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 23:09

1

My insurance if pretty cheap actually. I park it in the winter and drive my $400 beater car.

If you need four doors tho then id recommend an RX8. Handles like a Miata and has space in rear for friends.

wafflesnfalafel > Zohaibman72 01/30/2015 at 23:57

0

Have you driven a Mazda 3 with the stick? You should - I know you might not want one since the rest of the family has Mazdas but the little 3 5dr hatch is super usable, reliable and is an f'n blast to drive. Lots of aftermarket for it too so you can personalize.

Zohaibman72 > wafflesnfalafel 01/30/2015 at 23:59

0

I don't know how to drive stick, it's the reason i've been avoiding it. I know I can learn but because the money is really in family's hands, I'm going to have to get an auto.

But I am looking for 5 door mazda 3s.

ly2v8-Brian > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 00:19

0

Your age would have a lot to do with it.

Zohaibman72 > ly2v8-Brian 01/31/2015 at 00:28

0

If we went by how a stereotypical teenager drives, I think the german sports convertible would be much more expensive than a 5 star safety rating family sedan.

ly2v8-Brian > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 00:30

0

were you registered on the Z?

Xazzaphonic (previously known as Vicarious-Chair) > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 01:35

0

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/search/cta?que…

C'mon man. These cars are fantastic.

44444444444 > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 07:23

0

Volvo HIDs are useless, obnoxiously expensive, and there are no aftermarket ones available. As for an aux cord you have to get a GROM iPod adapter. Oh yeah, and don't buy any pre 2004 ones.

I'm honestly surprised how hard it is to find one... Takes me 15 seconds to find 100 where I am.

CPT Speedbump > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 12:46

0

Toyota pick up- because unkillable

Zohaibman72 > ly2v8-Brian 01/31/2015 at 12:54

0

My dad sold it by the time I got a quote for it. I got a quote out of curiosity.

Zohaibman72 > 44444444444 01/31/2015 at 12:57

0

Cars in Canada are significantly more expensive than the US. There are no Volvos built in Canada so they are expensive, and the people who own them keep them forever. The weather also makes older cars rare, so I won't find many in the price range.

44444444444 > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 12:59

0

No Volvos are built in the US either...

Zohaibman72 > 44444444444 01/31/2015 at 13:03

0

oh I assumed one of the SUVs where like Mercedes or BMW.

I don't see many of them on the road though.

44444444444 > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 13:06

1

Nope, all imported from Sweden. Good luck on the car hunt!

ly2v8-Brian > Zohaibman72 01/31/2015 at 18:13

0

quite interesting

Captain of the Enterprise > Zohaibman72 02/05/2015 at 12:21

0

If your worried about fuel economy, you could buy a cheaper car and use the savings to offset the gas prices and get something less efficient.

Zohaibman72 > Captain of the Enterprise 02/05/2015 at 12:22

0

2 cars at 18 is no in my.opinion

Also i live in a complex, one parking space per unit. Me and my mom have our own cars, and my stepdad is getting a Chevy SS. We already have too many cars for our space :(

Captain of the Enterprise > Zohaibman72 02/05/2015 at 12:27

1

My bad, I used poor phrasing. I meant you buy a car for $5000 instead of $7000 and use the $2000 you save to offset the fuel economy.

Example: You but a truck instead of an economy car. It gets 15mpg but its ok because your using some of the saved money to offset it.

Zohaibman72 > Captain of the Enterprise 02/05/2015 at 12:31

0

That is an option. I also plan to buy something with good fuel econ and use the money to get upgrades to make it better. i.e. new intake or lighter seats or something