Sub $10,000 Car Suggestions

"Matthew Keyser" (teisco15) 09/14/2015 at 21:44 • Filed to: None

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Okay so let’s say you’ve recently turned 18 years old, you have a car you’re very extremely happy with and love to pieces, but know it isn’t quite dependable enough, nor is it very suitable for the drives back and forth to college and so on. Let’s say you have $10,000 as your absolute maximum budget, and the car has to fit a certain criteria:

Dependable enough to comfortably drive hundreds of miles between school and home.

Decently fun to drive.

Doesn’t have to be fast, but fast never hurts.

Preferably can fit 4 people with enough room in the trunk for bags and such.

Interesting. I know I’m not going to get a Ferrari given the budget, but I’m a car guy, and driving around in a rental spec Toyota Camry doesn’t even whisper “intrested in cars.”

Any suggestions on cars that meet some or all of the criteria? All suggestions are welcome.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:48

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1st generation Vibe GT/Matrix XRS(Preferably the first couple of model years). Toyota reliability, room for 4, hatch for space, and an engine that loves to rev.

CB > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:49

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Saab 9-3 because you’re a dirty hipster woman/man/bookshelf.

Matthew Keyser > CB 09/14/2015 at 21:50

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I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:50

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2001-2008 Subaru with the H6 engine.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:53

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You’ll be hard pressed to check all those boxes and fall under $10k. I’m expecting many suggestions of depreciated second-hand luxury sedans, but then you’re pushing the boundary of “dependable.”

IS300?

dogisbadob > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:54

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The Mazda 5 is awesome. Same aftermarket support as the 3 (in fact, they have the EXACT same suspension), and you can get a manual transmission!

Another good choice is the 03-06 Matrix XRS/Vibe GT with the 2ZZ and 6-speed.

There was a relatively rare 06-07 Accord V6 manual sedan. There are plenty of coupes with the V6 manual, but very rare on the sedan and only for two years. Many of the ones you will find will be Jalopnik Brown tho :)

The TSX is also a good choice. You can’t forget about the Scion xA and xB, if you can get by without a sunroof.

If you’re lucky, you can find a good 99-02 G20.

Another great option is the Elantra Touring, I think it was offered 07-12.

There’s also the Saturn Astra with that panoramic sunroof. Should be easy to find low miles in your price range.

jjhats > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:54

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Mazda 3 hatch or protege5

Baeromez > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:56

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Something like this.

Funktheduck > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:56

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Manual Corolla

Matthew Keyser > dogisbadob 09/14/2015 at 21:57

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We had a Mazda 5 for several years. My only complaint with the car is that the seats are hard and get very uncomfortable on longer trips. A manual Mazda 5 could be really freaking cool.

After seeing RCR do the TSX today I’ve also considered those.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Cherry_man1 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:57

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Fox Body Hatchback?

Amoore100 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 21:57

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Not sure if this fits the dependable or fun to drive part, but it’s definitely somewhat fast, big, and interesting, as well as under $10K...

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/ctd/519578…

Matthew Keyser > Baeromez 09/14/2015 at 21:58

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Very good suggestion, I however forgot to add that I live in northern Indiana, therefore something that can cope with the snow is a must.

Matthew Keyser > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/14/2015 at 21:59

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I know trying to check them all is unreasonable, but I'd like to fill as many as I can. I'm just feeling out what kind of suggestions I'll get cause I know I have to do something in the coming year.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:01

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Acura TL Type S with a manual

Matthew Keyser > Cherry_man1 09/14/2015 at 22:01

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Forgot to add that I live in northern Indiana, so winters in a FoxBody would be pretty rough. Other wise ticks most of the boxes. My other car is a Merkur XR4Ti, pretty similar haha.

Matthew Keyser > Amoore100 09/14/2015 at 22:03

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Very reasonable suggestion

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:04

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I should probably never chime in on these things. My college beater cost 1700 and the only comfort was the emotional comfort knowing it would make it to and from school everyday without fail (my total commute was 150 miles). The one I drive now, years later here, cost even less and is not what I would call comfortable. I wish you luck.

OPPOsaurus WRX > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 09/14/2015 at 22:04

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those are soooooo incredibly slow. My buddy has a Outback LLBean and it was slower than my Sport Trac

Amoore100 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:07

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Thanks ;) You know me and my Volvos. If it were possible, I would say V8 swap a V70 of the same era, because wagon life is best life! Also, where in the states are you? That would narrow down some suggestions...

Firewrx234 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:10

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Well, Dodge Charger/Magnums with the Hemi should fit the price range (2006-2008) and be pretty reliable and cheap to maintain, huge trunk and passenger compartment. Also good enough in weather that they are/were used as police cruisers. Just beware of suspension clunks in the front, not a bad thing but definitely annoying if it hasn’t been corrected. They also tend to be a great bang for the buck in the respect of horsepower and torque.

Here’s mine:

smobgirl > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:10

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My ex had a 10-year-old-ish G35X, which was pretty fast, great in snow, comfy and roomy, and pretty dependable. I think they have a list of things to check out just like most cars but it wasn’t something I'd be afraid to drive a few hundred miles.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > OPPOsaurus WRX 09/14/2015 at 22:10

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Really? My new H4 has plenty of power. I was recommending an H6 so that he could avoid the well known head gasket problem on the older H4’s.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Funktheduck 09/14/2015 at 22:11

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Or 90s V6 Camry Coupe!

Matthew Keyser > Amoore100 09/14/2015 at 22:11

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Northern Indiana. Something that can cope well with snow is a must.

Matthew Keyser > Firewrx234 09/14/2015 at 22:13

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As much as I am not a Mopar guy, it's hard to deny the stellar value that these things are. Great car!

CB > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 09/14/2015 at 22:13

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Good luck finding a cheap one that hasn’t been driven to hell and back.

Amoore100 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:14

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Well then this is right near your area as well! and Volvos tend not to rust too badly (because Sweden) and AWD should help as well (FWD bias is even better for snow, I think...)

OPPOsaurus WRX > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:16

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i gutta recommend the WRX.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

i’ve fit myself, wife and two car seats with enough crap for a week in NH. This past winters I drove with snow tires for the first time and cannot believe how well it works. AWD doesn’t help stopping and beaing able ot go fast because of it is only going to make stopping that more difficult. But damn it is amazing.

A V70R would be in your price range too but will be expesive to keep running. x-type jag’s come with AWD and could be in that price range. i’d perfer this:

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Funktheduck > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/14/2015 at 22:16

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Not sure how well that holds 4 people but in high school my home room/chemistry teacher drove a manual Camry. Dunno if it was a v6 though

Master Cylinder > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:16

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1997-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC. Easy to find within your budget, with money to spare to deal with any maintenance issues (read: convert the air suspension to coil springs). Good power, GREAT on the freeway, plenty of luggage space although the rear seat is somewhat cramped. 26-30mpg highway and pretty reliable in my experience.

A limited-slip differential was an option, and traction control and ABS are standard, I believe. I had one for a few years in Michigan, and with a set of Blizzaks it was great in the snow.

Handling is quite good considering its size and heft. 4 wheel independent short-long arm suspension keeps it grounded to the ground rather well, even if it doesn’t appreciate quick transitions.

Can’t get it with a stick, but the 4R70W isn’t a terrible auto and with a couple of drill bits and an afternoon you can easily modify the valve body for nice firm shifts.

Find a decent one for ~$5K, spend ~$2K on repairs and suspension rebuild, and enjoy the drive.

PowderHound > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:17

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5 speed legacy wagon with the 2.5

OPPOsaurus WRX > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 09/14/2015 at 22:18

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what was just as amazing is how much quicker my wifes Escape is over both of the other vehicles.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > CB 09/14/2015 at 22:19

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I can vouch for this actually hahahaha! I have an Acura CL (coupe version of the TL before the pictured generation). Bought it 4 years ago with ~140,000 miles and it now has ~185,000 miles. The suspension is absolutely horrible right now. I’m not decided on whether it would even be worth it to revamp all the bushings and get coilovers for it or just hold off until I can get a new car.

Cherry_man1 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:22

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Audi TT? http://southbend.craigslist.org/cto/5218568406…

Matthew Keyser > Cherry_man1 09/14/2015 at 22:23

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I’ve actually looked at this one before!

Matthew Keyser > Amoore100 09/14/2015 at 22:26

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It is. RWD is certainly the most difficult to contend with in snow/ice. Awesome suggestions, I'll definitely keep Volvos in mind!

dogisbadob > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:28

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Oh cool, I didn;’ know you had a 5. How was the reliability on it?

Cherry_man1 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:29

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Pretty much the same thing as a fox body but more expense parts

El Rivinado > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:46

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I don’t know how “fun to drive” they are, but a Cadillac Fleetwood or any other B-Body could serve you well.

Most produce over 200 horsepower easy, most can be had for cheap in relatively nice shape, they are SUPREMELY comfortable, they’re easy to fix, and they can seat four people and a shitload of stuff just fine. The only downside would be filling these beasts up and you might find one that's been butchered into a Lowrider or has got Dubz on it if that's the only one for sale. But other than those two, you'll get a good car deal.

Baeromez > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:48

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Man up. Drive around with the T-tops off and slide every corner.

Amoore100 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 22:49

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Well, the Swedes used RWD Volvos for decades in snow and ice, so either they’re very well designed or Swedes are excellent winter drives...I suspect it’s some of both...

Matthew Keyser > Amoore100 09/14/2015 at 22:53

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Swedes are just crazy haha. They also likely haven’t had the luxury of owning a 4WD Chevy Blazer to drive exclusively for their first 2 winters behind the wheel.

Matthew Keyser > Baeromez 09/14/2015 at 22:56

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I’m 18. I know myself and would like to make it to 19. Haha

Amoore100 > Matthew Keyser 09/14/2015 at 23:02

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Well I’ve never driven in snow, so make me even behind that :)

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Matthew Keyser 09/15/2015 at 00:55

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http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/521999…

Dunnik > Matthew Keyser 09/15/2015 at 01:03

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Somewhat biased opinion, but...

3rd generation Acura TL or TL-S.