Find me a car, part deux 

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11) 03/28/2016 at 23:33 • Filed to: None

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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.

Zoidberg bait

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

Fun or comfy

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

*Reliable

Practical (wagon or hatch preferred)

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

*Interesting (so nothing beige unless it’s under $2k 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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The newest car I can afford is the venerable CVPI. Almost 160k on the clock and no pictures of the interior are little concerning. Also no push bar, but it does have a spotlight!

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Rebuilt mechanicals and clean looking from the only picture. But there’s only one picture.

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Again, pretty new and again high mileage. And those riyumzzz...are awful. But it’s safe and decently fun (yes I know, doesn’t match the exterior but, TBH, I don’t care).

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Probably the best of the bunch, but I doubt it’ll still be there by this weekend, the soonest time I’ll be able to go car shopping. But here’s to hoping.

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Thanks to For Canada for finding this for me! This one is pretty great too, with low mileage and clean. It’s also the supercharged 3800, so it’s a pretty good sleeper too. I like me a fast couch. But it’s at the top of the budget, so I’d have to negotiate and hope nothing big breaks.

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

Steve in Manhattan > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/28/2016 at 23:38

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Jetta wagon (maybe diesel) of some sort?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/28/2016 at 23:41

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Yes! The Camry coupe!

Your boy, BJR > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/28/2016 at 23:41

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Reatta.

E92M3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/28/2016 at 23:42

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Well this is just depressing. I would pick the Acura. Even if it’s high mileage it looks like they took care of it.

d15b > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/28/2016 at 23:42

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With a manual!

dogisbadob > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 00:05

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Here are some good options:

00-04 Volvo V40

Protege5

Matrix/Vibe

Echo

xA

01-06 Elantra GT

96-98 TL (DO NOT get the newer TL’s—their transmissions SUCK)

96-04 RL

P11 G20

95-98 Odyssey or 96-99 Oasis

Mazda 5

Any 4-cylinder Honda or Toyota

Aerio SX (awesome digital dash)

I can definitely you what NOT to buy! DO NOT buy any transverse V6 or V8 engine. DO NOT buy a Camry V6, Maxima, Accord V6, most FWD cars/minivans/crossovers with more than four cylinders!!!!!!!! Also, DO NOT buy a VW or Audi!!!

DO NOT buy a Taurass. DO NOT buy that 2002 Acura. DO NOT buy that Reatta. The Saab is OK if it’s the 4-cylinder and not the V6. DO NOT buy the Regal. I love the 3rd gen Camry, but DO NOT buy one with a V6! They are impossible to work on, and for someone with no mechanical skill, they will cost a FORTUNE for maintenance!

OK, here are some I found in your area:

Acura RL

Another RL, has a few issues, but they’re not mechanical issues

A relatively low-mileage Echo

A nice G20

The Malibu Classic would work good for you. It has the Ecotec

A 4-cylinder Acura CL

A Civic coupe

Slant6 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 00:13

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When do you need it by? I’d just wait until the perfect car shows up.

dogisbadob > E92M3 03/29/2016 at 00:17

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The 98-05 Honda V6 automatics are the worst!

E92M3 > dogisbadob 03/29/2016 at 00:25

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This is true, hopefully this one has been replaced already. Or maybe that’s WHY it’s so cheap? I didn’t see the mileage, and it’s usually a bad sign when the seller omits it.

Slant6 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 00:26

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What’s 2 hours to you? You’re going to be in this car a lot longer than that, why not put time into getting a good one? I’d definitely travel for a car if it’s nice and a good price. 100% worth it.

Bytemite > dogisbadob 03/29/2016 at 00:31

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Why no V6 FWD cars?

I mean, I can think of a few reasons why they’re crap but what are your reasons?

dogisbadob > Bytemite 03/29/2016 at 00:39

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A few FWD V6 cars have a longitudinal engine, and are thus OK to buy. The first-gen TL and RL, second-gen Legend, and Chrysler LH cars come to mind.

Byut most of them are transverse V6 engines, which are impossible to work on. If you’re not doing the work yourself, service is hideously expensive.

For example, here is the 1MZ used in the Camry V6/ES300/Avalon and many others. Scary!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Slant6 03/29/2016 at 00:44

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That’s what I did!

[add dot3 to master slave cylinder]

It’s not leaking, it’s just... shy.

Slant6 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/29/2016 at 00:46

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You’re a success story!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Slant6 03/29/2016 at 00:51

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“You, too, can be a man pushing 30, who recently purchased a 31 year old commuter! Read Dr. Zoidberg’s astounding secrets from his latest self-help book."

Slant6 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/29/2016 at 00:58

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10/10 would read.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 01:15

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I have an Acura CL like the first link you posted. If you need, I can answer questions you have on it.

Basically, what you need to know is it’s a nicer Accord from that generation. Some parts are carried over and the handling is pretty decent. Also, make sure the transmission is in good shape. They have the same transmissions as V6 Accords of that generation. Those transmissions have a reputation.

Here are some pics of mine:

TheHondaBro > Slant6 03/29/2016 at 01:40

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pls, I have a signed copy!

Bytemite > dogisbadob 03/29/2016 at 02:17

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But if its a Toyota, you won’t have to worry...right?!

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > dogisbadob 03/29/2016 at 07:42

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looks fine to me.

*MR2 owner and previously had an SVX and a 300ZX. (I draw the line at V12 Jags though)

jkm7680 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 08:04

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CVPI. V8 fun, safe, reliable, cheap insurance, easy to repair, extremely reliable and a MASSIVE trunk.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Bytemite 03/29/2016 at 08:31

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V6 Toyotas = sludge.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 08:34

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I vote CVPI under the confines of your list. Just not THAT CVPI. That car looks like ass.

You can find a decent 08 in a color and clean for less than $3k, especially if you’re willing to go to auction yourself. Don’t buy from a dealer.

Edit to add: 04s are also okay, as well as ‘10 and ‘11 (though may be out of your price range). I’d rather have an ‘04 than a ‘08 unless you really want a tach. 05-07 are okay, just some annoying problems.

Or any year Grand Marquis.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Slant6 03/29/2016 at 09:23

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That’s not my decision to make. Its my parent’s choice.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Steve in Manhattan 03/29/2016 at 09:24

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Super rare and my uncle had one it was terribly unreliable

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Your boy, BJR 03/29/2016 at 09:25

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I agree.

Slant6 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 09:42

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I guess it’s their money (or yours, doesn’t really matter in this case).

Well. Keep working at them. You’re limiting yourself by looking only local. Don’t temt yourself with the far away fruit!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Slant6 03/29/2016 at 09:47

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It’s my money, except it’s in my parents account. It’s kinda messy actually.

dogisbadob > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 03/29/2016 at 10:01

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Yeah, but at least with the V12 Jag it’s easy to swap in an LS, since it already has a GM automatic transmission ;)

dogisbadob > Bytemite 03/29/2016 at 10:03

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Yeah they’re good cars, but when something goes wrong on these, it’s time-consuming (if you do it yourself) or expensive (if you don’t)

dogisbadob > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 03/29/2016 at 10:03

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only the 97-01 1MZ has the sludge issue; the oil passages were too small in those years.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > dogisbadob 03/29/2016 at 10:08

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That's true; though those are the years that OP probably will be looking at for a $3k budget.

Slant6 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 10:36

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Well it’s your money. I guess you’d be taking their car and one of them to get a far away car. But it seriously could be worth it.

I also still have a custodial bank account and I’m 19. It’s good and bad in that I have no idea how much is in it (I have a rough idea, but I have to ask my mom to check for me). I guess it’s also good/bad that I can’t take out money without my mom knowing. I would totally buy a motorcycle if I had full access ( I’d probably die immediately), and my mom doesn’t want me to get one.

dogisbadob > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 03/29/2016 at 11:13

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The 4-cylinders are MUCH better. Also within budget.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Slant6 03/29/2016 at 11:32

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I have my own account, but they haven’t put most of the money in my account.

TTercel > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/29/2016 at 15:31

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First generation Toyota Solara.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > TTercel 03/29/2016 at 17:39

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Can’t believe I didn’t think of that.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > dogisbadob 03/29/2016 at 19:00

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sure, if you want to take the fun out of it

TTercel > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/30/2016 at 09:10

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They are cheap too because nobody thinks of them

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > TTercel 03/30/2016 at 10:00

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Just checked, none in my area. *sigh*

TTercel > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/30/2016 at 15:07

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Set up email alerts so you get updated anytime one gets posted