Beige hunt

"Decay buys too many beaters" (decay) 03/08/2016 at 13:01 • Filed to: None

0

60

Oppo, I could use a little bit of help. My girlfriend is shopping for a car and has asked me to help in her search. She has the following requirements in order of importance...

Price: <$5k

Age: Newer than MY2000 (I’ve tried to convince her that there are some GREAT reliable cars from the mid-late 90's but she won’t hear it)

Fuel Efficiency: >30mpg

Reliable: (this is my requirement as I don’t want to spend every weekend fixing it like I did with her old Kia)

Automatic

Storage space

I’m a little out of my depth here, I know absolutely nothing about base model post 2000 commuters so I told her the standard “buy Japanese, avoid pre 2008 American, avoid turbocharged VWs and Saabs, you should really consider a 90's Lexus” but aside from the Civic vs Camry vs Corolla choice is there anything else I should be looking at?

kackel > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:06

0

Good luck. Everyone in the world wants that car, either for themselves or their kids. It’s either going to need mechanical work or the body is going to be banged up. I stock the stuff at the dealer I work for, but it’s all junk most of the time.

Jcarr > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:07

1

My gut would say no. Honda/Toyota are probably your best best in that realm.

Shmevans > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:07

2

You really can’t go wrong with a 2005 or newer Mazda3 . The ‘04s had rust issues but they made some changes after the first year and were much better so avoid those ones. Interior and exterior styling-wise, I’m not sure you can get something better that meets all of her needs. Hatch for extra utility.

For Sweden > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:07

0

In which geographic area will you buy this car?

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:08

1

A Civic, Carolla, Camry, or 90s Lexus would be a good choice.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:08

1

In all honesty for what she want’s in a car a civic,camry,corolla really are the ideal candidates. I would spring for the camry tho for a bit more passenger space.

dogisbadob > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:09

2

Echo, Matrix/Vibe, xA, first-gen xB, Yaris

Decay buys too many beaters > For Sweden 03/08/2016 at 13:10

0

Pacific Northwest, no snow or salt to worry about

Decay buys too many beaters > Shmevans 03/08/2016 at 13:11

0

I’ve looked, but they seem to hold their value really well, even better than Hondas

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:11

1

Define storage space? Is a Corolla/Sentra/Civic sufficient or would she prefer something larger like a Camry/Altima/Accord?

Assuming she is planning to purchase from a private seller the ones you mentioned are likely to be the most commonly available. I wouldn’t expect many GM products from that era to be any condition that she would consider acceptable.

Decay buys too many beaters > dogisbadob 03/08/2016 at 13:12

1

Thanks, I’ll add those to my list

Decay buys too many beaters > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 03/08/2016 at 13:13

0

Basically the civic is on the low end of acceptable storage space but will be sufficient.

Hoccy > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:16

2

Mitsubishi Galant G8 - 90's tech in a car produced well into the 00's, in a car that arguably still looks good. Might be on the limit on the MPG, but should be reliable. A second gen Infiniti G20 could also be something to look at, with touring car pedigree and everything.

Stapleface > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:16

0

How about the predecessor to the 3, the Protégé 5?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:17

2

1st gen 4 cylinder fusion

NinetyQ > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:17

3

Anything with the supercharged 3.8L V6 is bound to be reliable, but you’ll take a little hit on fuel economy and be forced to run premium. The un-supercharged 3.8L V6 cars are almost just as reliable, but the transmissions tend to suck. That said, the transmissions still manage to limp along longer than many cars live at all.

Supercharged options:
Buick Regal GS
Buick Park Avenue Ultra
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
Pontiac Bonneville SSEi
‘04-’05 Impala SS/Monte Carlo SS

The reason I sometimes recommend those is that you can find some of them very cheap and they’re still pretty reliable even in high mileage form. My friend had $2,000 for a car two years ago and we found him a Regal GS for $1800 in okay condition, and he still has it.

If you must have fuel economy, maybe a Mazda or something? I don’t know, I’m kind of out of my depth at that price range and for those requirements too. I tend to care so little that I just can’t get interested enough to do the proper research, lol.

For Sweden > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:18

1

The 30 MPG will be the toughest target, but these will get you close:

2003 Mazda Protege - $5000 (Elk plains)

2007 Saturn VUE4D Hybrid - $4700 (Tacoma)

Funktheduck > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:19

1

I can vouch for my 04 Corolla. It lasted me 250k miles (about half that was me, first half was my gf. It was her first car) before I traded it in. 03-04 had an issue with the computer thinking the cat was failing when it wasn’t. Can, in theory, be fixed with a computer update but usually by this age/miles the cat needs replaced as well.

Super simple to work on and nearly everything can be fixed with a basic tool kit. Parts are super cheap too.

The trunk is massive for a car that size.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:21

0

I grabbed a random PNW zip code and dumped into KBB to get an idea of how different prices are there from here. Apparently the 2008 Corolla, like the one the Mrs. drives as it refuses to die, should be in your price range assuming it has 100k miles on it.

The usual game of model year vs. mileage for the pricepoint may drive you crazy but if she doesn’t really have brand loyalty you can probably go with whatever works.

Shmevans > Stapleface 03/08/2016 at 13:22

2

You can only get half a Protege 5 for $5k because the other half has rusted away. They are nearly impossible to find without needed body work. Although I don’t know where you are looking. I’m from Toronto so living in California would make this an entirely different story. Also, isn’t it goos if it holds its value? Means it’s a good car, typically. And if you can’t find one under $5k that is in good shape, you aren’t looking hard enough. They are everywhere up here for that kind of money (in $CAD).

Will with a W8 races an E30 > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:22

3

2nd gen Rav4 is fantastic. Used to have a 2001 with a manual and FWD. Indestructible, even under the huge abuse I put it through, everything is very well laid out, and its surprisingly fun. Not at all glamorous, but I miss just how competent it was for everything I tried to do with it. Great trunk space, decent handling, adequate power, slides before it rolls on most pavement, comfortable for long trips, good mileage (~28mpg driving like a dick, 35 on highway trips), reliable, cheap parts, holds value.....

I used it to haul engines, slide around in the snow, commute 60 miles per day, go on road trips, go on road trips in snow, haul people, sleep in, and just about everything else. Only ever had to replace sway bar end links ($20 and 20 minutes) and change oil.

Will with a W8 races an E30 > Will with a W8 races an E30 03/08/2016 at 13:24

0

Oh, and the back seats come out with two lever pulls, and are light enough for just about anybody to remove and replace. Leave them in the garage for truck mode and to discourage people from asking you for a ride, install in 3o seconds when you need to carry 5 people and their stuff.

BeaterGT > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:25

0

Saturn.

Decay buys too many beaters > Stapleface 03/08/2016 at 13:25

0

Haven’t looked, I will

Sweet Trav > dogisbadob 03/08/2016 at 13:27

2

Pontiac Vibe- Rebadged Matrix that depreciated more because its a dead brand.

Chariotoflove > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:39

1

I suspect that Mazdas will be a bit cheaper, all other things being equal, than an equivalent Toyota or Honda. If you can find one at the right price, think about a Mazda5. It ticks all your boxes and has more storage than anyone has a right to expect in a car that size.

facw > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:40

2

HammerheadFistpunch > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:53

1

http://jalopnik.com/just-buy-the-d…

Wobbles the Mind > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 13:56

2

Look into a Suzuki. The SX4 sedan and crossovers are very low mileage and far newer than anything else in the category. Otherwise, she needs to either just get a Corolla or Civic, or adjust what she’s looking for.

Put a lift and all terrains on it and she’ll show it off to everyone!

Decay buys too many beaters > Chariotoflove 03/08/2016 at 13:56

1

I’ll add it to the list, but from what I’ve seen the Mazdas seem to hold value really well in my area for some reason.

Decay buys too many beaters > BeaterGT 03/08/2016 at 13:57

1

She specifically dislikes the way they look.

Decay buys too many beaters > Will with a W8 races an E30 03/08/2016 at 13:58

0

right on, I’ll add it to the list!

Decay buys too many beaters > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 03/08/2016 at 13:59

0

For some reason everyone in my area seems to think their car is worth like 10% more than “excellent” KBB value. When I call them on it and ask “what have you done to your car that justifies an increase over the highest KBB value” they just talk about how nice the car is and I hang up.

BeaterGT > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 14:01

1

Cobalt?

HammerheadFistpunch > Will with a W8 races an E30 03/08/2016 at 14:01

0

The 2nd gen fixed a lot of the flaws of the 1st gen, but took some of the charm with it. Still good cars though.

Decay buys too many beaters > NinetyQ 03/08/2016 at 14:03

1

I’ll add some of those, but I think she specifically called out Pontiac as one of the brands whose styling she disliked. I’m doing some research, but one can only read so many consumer reviews about how much “fun” it is to drive a chevy aveo before needing to detox with some burnouts in the abandoned parking lot near my house.

Decay buys too many beaters > Hoccy 03/08/2016 at 14:04

0

Sweet, I’ll add them to my list as well.

Decay buys too many beaters > Wobbles the Mind 03/08/2016 at 14:05

1

Oh man, I’d actually love to add an SX4 to the stable.

Will with a W8 races an E30 > Wobbles the Mind 03/08/2016 at 14:06

1

Forgot about how funky those things are. Ultimate winter beater.

Decay buys too many beaters > BeaterGT 03/08/2016 at 14:06

0

We’ve seen a few in our price range, but they seem to go quickly. I assume this is an endorsement?

NinetyQ > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 14:18

4

Whatever you do, DO NOT GET AN AVEO.

Chariotoflove > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 14:22

1

Because in some areas, people recognize their value. Personally, I think the combo of less than $5K and reliable is going to be tough to find, and she will have to look hard. Good luck to your GF!

Decay buys too many beaters > Chariotoflove 03/08/2016 at 14:27

0

I’m kinda on the fence about just telling her to buy a cheap commuter new or CPO and financing. While I’m fine taking risks on the reliability of my own transportation, I’ll never hear the end of it if her car breaks down.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 14:47

2

High Mileage Priuses should fit those requirements. I second your statement about 90's Lexuses, that would definitely be the best, reliable car under 5k in my opinion. A nice LS, ES or GS sounds great for 5k.

Chariotoflove > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 14:55

0

Yep. Same here. You never want to take chances with someone you care about, and it would be the worst if they ran into some trouble. You’d feel responsible.

BeaterGT > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 14:56

0

I think it’s the market you’re looking for. Anything that looks clean and running well will go quickly as it will become a good first car for someone or a reliable commuter for someone else.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > NinetyQ 03/08/2016 at 15:26

1

I don’t think there’s ever been better buying advice than this.

BraappBraapp > Chariotoflove 03/08/2016 at 16:19

0

And you’d have to fix it.

torque > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 16:26

2

Holy shit no one recommended the Honda Fit? Damn good 4 door small hatch (efficient, cheap, reliable, fuel efficient)

actually Mr. Money Mustache has a great list he compiled that matches up pretty well with your list of requirements... (yes the Fit is on that list)

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/03/19/top…

Decay buys too many beaters > torque 03/08/2016 at 16:36

2

I am including fit under “civic” :)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 17:41

2

I know you suggested ‘buy Japanese’, but, as an owner of one, and as a member of a family that currently exclusively owns only them....have you considered a 2006-2010-gen Hyundai Accent or Kia Rio?

I am assuming her Kia was one of the first-gen Rios, or perhaps an older Sephia...if so, they were terrible (friend of mine’s wife had a first-gen Sephia). From 2006-up though, Hyundai-Kia REALLY stepped up their “quality” game. My mother, brother and I all have 2009-2010 Accents with very few problems whatsoever, they’re cheap, reliable and, if she doesn’t mind 2-doors, the Accent hatchback from that era can hold a surprising amount of stuff. The Accent sedan isn’t too bad on space either.

I regularly get a 34mpg average US with my manual trans. 2009 Accent hatch and my brother regularly gets a 31mpg average with his 2009 Accent sedan with an auto.

If you care about “ratings” and studies, Kelly Blue Book rates them at 8.2/10 overall based on owner comments, for example. The Kia Rio from the same period is the EXACT same car underneath with different fascia, so expect the same reliability/quality if looking at those. The Rio also came in a 4-door hatchback, something the Accent of the period DIDN’T have, so there’s that if she would prefer 4 to 2 doors.

You probably won’t want to go this route, considering her experience with HER Rio, but just offering my personal experience if you wanted to give them a second chance! :)

TheJMan92 > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 17:45

1

I’d second the reliability part, I’ve had 3 of the 1st gen 3800 (92, 93, & 95 Buick LeSabre) and I’ve never had a major problem with one. They all made it over 200K and one made it to 320K before it was unsafe to drive, drivetrain went into another car and lived on. My family as a whole has had at least 6 of these and only one had a transmission issue that we fixed ourselves for around $400 (rebuild and shift kit). I routinely saw 28-32 mpg on my commute, which is mostly highway.

Those mentioned above are the second gen 3800 and do tend to have an issue with the intake burning through and leaking coolant into the combustion chamber. This is around $350 in parts to fix yourself if it hasn’t already been done. Lastly, they can definitely be had cheap, my last one sold for $650 with 220K on it.

Decay buys too many beaters > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 03/08/2016 at 17:52

0

Right on, I’ll keep an open mind.

For the record her car was an early 95 Sportage. My main hangup was the terrible decisions they made early on. For instance the Sportage was released in the US in December of 94 with a Mazda SOHC 2L, KIA decided that in April ‘95 they were doing away with the SOHC and going to a DOHC layout, this made troubleshooting and finding parts damn near impossible as there wasn’t any support whatsoever for the single cam versions.

TheJMan92 > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 17:53

1

Once again, I’m here to second anothers’ opinion. The Mazda 3 is an excellent daily driver and can be had on the cheap. I bought one for my fiance but it quickly became my car because it really is fun to drive (and she lost her job at the time so didn’t need it).

I got mine for 3k with 116k miles and plenty of rust, but mine is an 04 so that’s to be expected. The only issues I’ve had are ones I caused myself, it’s been dead reliable otherwise. Replacement parts are cheap, working on it is easy, and you can certainly get 30+ mpg if you’re nice to it. My commute is mostly highway, but I tend to get a bit aggressive on the twisty roads close to home, so my FE is usually 27-30. It’s also had another affect I didn’t see coming, my fiance has actually started to take an interest in cars because of it. She never really cared about her previous vehicles but the 3 just has that extra fun factor.

It looks like you’ve got some that are in your price range in your area, take a test drive if you can and have fun!

Decay buys too many beaters > TheJMan92 03/08/2016 at 17:57

1

Getting her interested in cars and driving would certainly be a bit of a bonus.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Decay buys too many beaters 03/08/2016 at 18:07

0

Ah, yes....but yeah, that’s a very early Kia, so their quality really wasn’t there at all then. My friends’ wife’s Sephia was a late 90's model (97 or 98), and it was always giving them trouble or something else was failing in spectacular fashion...

Sucks for your parts hunts on that Sportage... :/

79 horsepower monster > NinetyQ 03/08/2016 at 18:28

0

Uhhh as a l67 owner, I can tell you that they are not reliable. Rust issues aside, you can expect a variety of cooling issues, a bad rear main seal, a transmission replacement anywhere after 70k, a bad fuel pump resistor (depending on the year) , worn ignition switch, frozen window motors, and several other things that I’m sure I’m forgetting. Many of the issues aren’t particularly expensive to fix, but they will leave you stranded and can add up. And let’s not forget about the potential for 10+ years of people driving hard on regular fuel.

79 horsepower monster > NinetyQ 03/08/2016 at 18:29

0

I should add that the supercharged can get very good mileage crushing at 60-70. I saw 34mpg on a 200 mile trip at 70mph in my 2000 grand prix.

Chariotoflove > BraappBraapp 03/08/2016 at 18:51

0

Yes, I’d feel obligated to fix it.

boxrocket > Decay buys too many beaters 03/09/2016 at 00:37

1

Suzuki SX4 hatchback. Available with AWD if that’s important.

Mazda3 hatchback.

Mazda Protégé5

Ford Focus ZX5 and ZTW

Kia Spectra5.

Hyundai Elantra GT

Mazda6 I (2.3 I4) 5-door. I think the wagon was V6 only.

Volvo C30/S40/V50 (though the ones that are sub-$5K you may not want)

Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid/Mazda Tribute Hybrid.

Prius..

Scion xA, xB (first generation), xD.