Find me a car, OPPO.

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
03/27/2016 at 23:47 • Filed to: None

I’ve got a job so now I have an excuse to get a car. My budget is $3k all in: tax title, fees, repairs, everything.

My requirements for a car, most important stared, are:

Fun

Brisk (0-60 under 9 seconds) with some exceptions (diesel Benz, to name one)

*Reliable

Practical (wagon or hatch preferred)

Cheap

Safe(relatively speaking. Anything older that ‘07 would fail modern safety tests)

*Interesting (so nothing beige unless it’s under $1.75k and reliable)

Automatic (required)

Local (I’m not gonna drive 2+ hours round trip to get a car, required)

Also, I have no wrenching abilities whatsoever, so there’s that too.

So here’s my shortlist:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Doesn’t seem to be a scam but still looks to be a little too cheap.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Has Duratec, so it’s got that going for it. And it’s bargain basement priced.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

See above. Maybe I should get both: one as my DD’er and another for parts (or racecar).

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Almost perfect. Just need them to come down on the price by at least $550 (assuming no repairs necessary).

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Cheap. Reliable. Wagon. Boring. Clean. Ex-fleet. Doesn’t look rusted to crap.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

If it was $2k and mechanically good, I’d be on my way right now. The 3800 V6 is reliable but the rest of the car is a little rough. But 1980's in-car touchscreen though.

If you have any other listings to recommend or reasons why I should knock one of these off the list, PLEASE tell me!

DISCUSSION (43)

jkm7680 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/27/2016 at 23:48

I will smack you if you voluntarily buy a Taurus that isn't a SHO.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > jkm7680
03/27/2016 at 23:49

But cheap reliability tho...

jkm7680 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/27/2016 at 23:51

Get a CVPI then. The Taurii of that nature are shite

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/27/2016 at 23:53

The Acuras transmission will blow, and the BMWs will bankrupt you (this coming from a 17 year old BMW owner). Same with the Saab.

My ex had a Taurus and it’s a great first car. The only issue hers had is the starter motor went out. Otherwise they’re comfortable and really good on gas. Stereo is surprisingly good too.

jkm7680 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/27/2016 at 23:56

Also, if fun is on your list. A Taurus doesn’t belong on it.

Driving a Taurus is about as fun as getting herpes.

not for canada - australian in disguise > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/27/2016 at 23:56

Kinja'd!!!

https://springfieldil.craigslist.org/cto/5507033515…

Fast, because it’s got a supercharged 3800. Relatively safe. Kinda reliable, in the 90s GM sort a way (Will run like crap, but will run like crap forever). Practical, kinda. It’s no wagon, but it gets the job done (suddenly wishing they made a Regal wagon, complete with a blower). Automatic transmission, and it’s quite interesting. Or at least more interesting than a Taurus. And it’s comfy as hell, because it’s a Buick. And it’s a great sleeper.

Need I say more?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/27/2016 at 23:58

Stay away from any automatic Acura of that era

-former TL owner

PS9 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/27/2016 at 23:59

Ferrari Berlinetta Box-

My budget is $3k all in

... -er engine. Use the remaining $1k to find something to put it in.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 00:05

https://springfieldil.craigslist.org/cto/5445417443…

Everything you need in a vehicle. Throw on a cap and call it a day.

Conan > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 00:06

Learn to drive manual if you want a Taurus. Much more bulletproof.

Trunk Impaired 318 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 00:07

If you can’t wrench and you’re on that tight of a budget stay away from the BMWs.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > jkm7680
03/28/2016 at 00:16

I don’t support the Taurus, either. But, I mean, I think it’s the “having” herpes part that sucks, not so much the “getting” it part. Amirite?

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 00:18

Of all the cars on that list, the 2002 Acura is probably the safest bet. And any of the Ford Taurii are the next safest bet.

jkm7680 > jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
03/28/2016 at 00:19

Well I guess it depends

Shift24 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 00:21

https://chambana.craigslist.org/cto/5493234022…

Done. I know it’s a civic but it’s a EX and a Honda Manual so it will last forever. Timing belt has been done and D16 so Vtec yo

Kinja'd!!!

Connqr > jkm7680
03/28/2016 at 00:29

Hey! Don’t you dare bash my bumpy little buddies. They are fun for me because I enjoy scratching things.

Connqr > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
03/28/2016 at 00:33

A “Black and gray Pickup truck” Is a great first car. I heard that Black and Gray makes very reliable vehicles.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
03/28/2016 at 00:39

The Acura transmission is much less likely to blow if an aftermarket transmission cooler is added and the transmission fluid is changed every 30,000 miles with the correct fluid:

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/24-1999…

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
03/28/2016 at 00:40

Oh and regarding the transmissions...

The Acura transmission is much less likely to blow if an aftermarket transmission cooler is added and the transmission fluid is changed every 30,000 miles with the correct fluid:

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/24-1999…

If you get the Acura, you may want to do one transmission fluid change immediately, another one in 15,000 miles and then every 30,000 miles after that.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 00:42

If you’re on that much of a budget: https://springfieldil.craigslist.org/cto/5511165524…

Get something that shouldn’t die. A first car doesn’t need to be sporty, it just needs to be able to handle what a first time driver will throw at it. This or a Camry are perfect first cars.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 01:09

Parts of the Taurus will be reliable, but others will not.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 01:17

I highly don’t recommend a high mileage Taurus. If you could find one with less than 150k miles, it would last you a while, though. The Duratec is an outstanding engine.

Don’t buy the Saab.

Don’t buy those bimmers.

Khalbali > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 01:59

Are you in chambana?

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 02:33

Not the Reatta. Nice car and all, with a bulletproof motor, but I can assure you that all the late 80s electro wizardry is not as fun as it sounds. (My old man and I did a cross country road trip in an ‘88 Reatta a little over a decade ago.) The screen washes out in the sun easily, and the touch screen can be supper finicky and in accurate. If they haven’t already started to fail yet, they will soon: power windows, pop-up headlights, power locks, even that fancy touch screen.

It’s a pretty car, and nice enough when in proper working order. If ot isn’t all in proper working order, then you had better be a collector who’s ready to invest some time and money.

Just my opinion based off my own experience.

gmctavish needs more space > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 02:47

As the son of a Taurus owner of that vintage....do not buy one, they are sad cars. They also aren't necessarily reliable. My dad has had to replace/rebuild everything but the engine. Harnesses, transmission, hatch wiring, door wiring, etc....

Ryanator122 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 04:34

Ah here it is. The “Got a small amount of money, looking for a super fast first car LOOK AT ALL THE BMWs FOR $3K ILL TOTALLY DO THE WORK MYSELF” post.

So here’s what’s gonna happen:

A. Your parents enable your stupidity and you get an E36 well-past its sell-by date and slowly dump every last dollar you have into it, but not before telling most of us we were “all just haters”

B. In a few days/weeks your better judgment will come out and you’ll realize all of these suggestions are unrealistic and get a granny-owned Civic or equally meh b-segment car. Your fist car isn't supposed to be fun.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > jkm7680
03/28/2016 at 09:58

Either too far away or extremely sketchy.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > jkm7680
03/28/2016 at 09:59

If it’s cheap enough, I don’t need fun. All I’ve driven is 2001 Corolla, an 2007 Odyssey, a 1998 Altima, and a 2000 Versa. I don’t know what fun is.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
03/28/2016 at 10:00

I probably won’t have put 15,000 mi on it by the time I sell. But it’s a thought.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Connqr
03/28/2016 at 10:01

Woa I’ve heard the same thing.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
03/28/2016 at 10:01

I don’t want a truck.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious
03/28/2016 at 10:03

Oh I know the screen probably doesn’t work anymore and stuff like, but its still neat. I wouldn’t dare use it unless out of absolute necessity.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Shift24
03/28/2016 at 10:04

No.

What part of safe and automatic did you not understand?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Ryanator122
03/28/2016 at 10:06

Lol. I’m gonna be b. but it’s fun to dream, right?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/28/2016 at 10:07

It wouldn’t be my first car perse, but the first car I actually own.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > gmctavish needs more space
03/28/2016 at 10:08

My great grandfather had 4 of em and they were all great for him, except when mice decided to eat his engine bay.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > PS9
03/28/2016 at 10:09

I doubt you could get an engine with more than 8 cylinders that works for under 2k

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Khalbali
03/28/2016 at 10:09

Springfield

Shift24 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 13:01

Didn’t see the auto part but figured safety wasn’t that big since the 88 Reatta. Big hood doesn’t always mean safe.

Though if you want a sleeper look for the 3.8L SC regal, Grand prix, bonneville, and Impala.

This one isn’t bad

https://lasalle.craigslist.org/cto/5503796053…

Kinja'd!!!

PS9 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 14:28

Kinja'd!!!

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > PS9
03/28/2016 at 15:08

Woa. I’ve found an 2004 Audi A6 for $1200 cuz it needs a timing chain and head gasket. Now I know what to stick in it!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Shift24
03/28/2016 at 15:09

I also said no 2 hour drive.

Ryanator122 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/28/2016 at 15:54

Truth. That EX manual Civic is probably your best bet. And with some careful dollars spent, you can make it reasonably fun in the corners.