What Would You Buy - $3,500 Edition

"7:07" (fanbrain001)
09/28/2020 at 07:07 • Filed to: Necessary car shopping without E90M3

You can buy one car in the $3,500 range, maybe a little more if it’s a great buy. The car must be easy to resell , so no weird or super obscure stuff. Can be manuél transmission, and w ould prefer 4 doors. No real preference on which wheels are driven.

Ideas: Civic, Prius, Camry, Maxima, G35, Jeep something, Subaru something IDK

Location: PNW, Portland specifically.

What say you, great hivemind of questionable choices?

#n o picturesbecausekinja

DISCUSSION (47)

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 07:10

R53 Mini Cooper S

nerd_racing > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 07:32

Theres a 77 D150 extended cab short bed v8 manual I’ve been eying up for 4k but I bet he’d take 3500 cash.

avalonian > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 07:40

4runner, 3rd generation. Or IS300 with some miles.

shop-teacher > nerd_racing
09/28/2020 at 07:44

Niiiiiiiiice!

shop-teacher > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 07:44

I'd probably buy a GMT-800 Tahoe.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 08:19

With plenty leftover.

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/portland-nissan-720/7204269931.html

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 08:25

Found a couple nice V-Strom 650s. Super practical bike that reportedly handles great, and can do some light off roading.

Kinja'd!!!

As far as 4 wheels go, man are cars expensive in this area, especially at dealerships. I’ve alway like the look of these Hyundais. I think I’d check it out if I wanted an inexpensive, practical car, but didn’t want a beater https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1800701983406443/

Kinja'd!!!

Altho since rowing has become a major consideration for me. I’d also check out this 4RUNNER https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/425897465057507/

Kinja'd!!!

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 08:29

Might be able to get an A5 Beetle with the 1.8t TSI and like 120k miles for about $3500.

Sovande > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 08:30

2008-2010 Volvo C30.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
09/28/2020 at 08:33

That is amazing. I want it.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > avalonian
09/28/2020 at 08:35

A second gen 4runner was one of the cars I found. I would prefer a 3rd as well but price are so inflated in that area idk if it could be done. At least not without getting a total beater.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/28/2020 at 08:52

Ive spent $700 on far worse before. Unfortunately I'm also 3k miles too far away to justify it.

Jason Spears > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 08:55

I’d give this a look.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/portland-2004-volvo-xc70-financing/7203666505.html

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
09/28/2020 at 08:55

Same.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Jason Spears
09/28/2020 at 08:57

That does seem like a nice deal. Altho early 2000s Volvos scare me a bit.

Tripper > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 09:01

Personally I would be in the nicest Ford Explorer I could find for the least money. Reasons:

-Idiot
-Very familiar with the platform

However, I like this Camry on your local CL.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/portland-94-toyota-camry/7204151699.html

If that car checks out, you have plenty of coin left over for anything that might happen in the future.

Also there is this forester that probably needs a head gasket.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/portland-1999-subaru-forester/7204234438.html

Other cool cars but worse ideas on your local CL include:

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/warren-rare-2001-saab-95-aero-wagon/7204086875.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/beaverton-hotrod-vega/7204077052.html

also..mabes this thing

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/portland-1997-mazda-mpv-lxclean-title/7203930888.html

Maxima Speed > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 09:01

I would buy the nicest XV30 Camry you can get for $3, 500. There are several on craigslist in that price range. Theyre humdrum but man i am still amazed at how little i have to do to these things. Suuuuper low maintenance .

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 09:23

I’m not positive about these S40s for ownership but this car has a manual and a turbo and 4 doors and looks well cared for:

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/portland-2006-volvo-s40-t5/7202416406.html

It’s also been posted for a while so I suspect they’d come down. It’s a Volvo with a manual so it might take a little time to sell but it’s not that obscure I don’t think.

dogisbadob > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 09:48

Matrix/Vibe, Echo, Camry, Fit, xA, xB, xD

notsomethingstructural > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 10:37

Any G35 under $5k is going to be a hunk of shit. They’re on their like fourth or fifth owners now and haven’t been well taken care of. If that’s the route you wanna go, look for one in good cosmetic shape for like $2k-$2500 and leave the rest of your budget to fix stuff. Source: I bought a $2500 G35x expecting to put about $1800 into it and I’m probably over $2500 by now. Just have to get the used factory exhaust hung up and I’m done and should be good for about 30k miles with just oil changes.

7:07 > Jason Spears
09/28/2020 at 10:54

That is an interesting option. I don't know much about them reliability-wise, but turbo 5 sounds cool. I thought the transmission was the weak spot in these era Volvo.

avalonian > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/28/2020 at 11:11

Yeach, I would just come down south for a weekend and drive back. They are more reasonable down here, and you can even find a 4th gen as well.

7:07 > notsomethingstructural
09/28/2020 at 11:13

I’ve looked at them on and off over the years and think the same. I’ve always liked them, but they just don’t age well with the stereotypical G35 driver at the wheel.

7:07 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
09/28/2020 at 11:16

That looks like a really awesome combo. I’m going to go educate myself on why this would or would not be a bad idea

7:07 > shop-teacher
09/28/2020 at 11:18

I had a 2003 Suburban for a bit and got pretty familiar with the platform ( meaning: buying and replacing interior dash parts that crapped out.) I’ll see what’s out there.

Sovande > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/28/2020 at 11:38

After 2004, they should be fine. No more transmission troubles.

Sovande > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 11:38

Pre 2004 P2 Volvos have the transmission trouble. 2004 and on should be good.

Sovande > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 11:41

Fun cars. Easy to make fast. Some aftermarket support so pricing can be high for modifications. Very fun and the 6 speed is not bad at all.

7:07 > dogisbadob
09/28/2020 at 11:45

I forgot about the xB! That might be the winner. The 2nd gen, though, because more power and it's a bit bigger. And the Matrix/Vibe combo is worth a look. I had forgotten about those as well.

7:07 > Tripper
09/28/2020 at 11:46

I find an Explorer with the 4.6 V8 . What do you think of those?

dogisbadob > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 11:46

Toyota makes the best cars :o)

7:07 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
09/28/2020 at 11:47

Lol. It would be a longbed contest with the good Dr. Z

facw > Sovande
09/28/2020 at 11:48

For $3500? The cheapest one on cars.com is $4000, and that has nearly 300k miles on it. Seems like $7000 would be more normal.

Tripper > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 11:54

Haha that is one of the few engine’s I can’t speak to. My first two were V6s, and my second was the 5.0. I never had engine trouble per say, transmissions yes. My latest explorer (5.0 limited) I bought probably 12-13 years ago. 146k on the clock, single owner, used to tow a boat, on transmission #3. It was great! I had it a year or two, when it needed a wheel bearing and a few other odds and ends to pass inspection. I sold it because I needed some cash for an impromptu snowboarding trip, haha.

shop-teacher > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 12:44

That reminds me, I really need to replace the driver’s side window switch in my ‘06 Sierra before it fully craps out.

shop-teacher > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 12:44

That reminds me, I really need to replace the driver’s side window switch in my ‘06 Sierra before it fully craps out.

shop-teacher > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 12:44

That reminds me, I really need to replace the driver’s side window switch in my ‘06 Sierra before it fully craps out.

notsomethingstructural > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 13:25

They’re honestly pretty nice cars, drive extremely well for how comfortable they are, pretty decent multimedia and stereo for the time period, and don’t have a whole ton of nagging issues. But the Nissan build quality is not outstanding especially for a luxury brand and they rust like crazy. Throwing a bunch of owners in the mix doesn’t help anything. I would think there’s still good ones out there, but I would be ready to drop at least $6 k to find the right one, be prepared to turn a wrench, or accept the purchase price is just your first installment.

Sovande > facw
09/28/2020 at 13:26

Those sites seem to list them high. You can find them for less from private sellers on FB and the forums.

7:07 > Sovande
09/28/2020 at 14:10

The ad says it has a new head gasket. Is that something to be concerned about? That usually means it’s overheated, or since it’s turbocharged, maybe high boost or drive pressure (at least that’s how it was back in my diesel days)

Sovande > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 14:29

I didn’t even read the ad, just saw the price... So I didn’t notice that...

I don’t know how common head gasket issues are in these cars? It’s not a common enough problem that I was ever concerned. That said, a PPI would be able to eliminate your fears. I guess I would ask the seller what caused it how long ago it happened. I don’t think I would be concerned about it shitting the bed again of it was done properly.

I like this platform. It’s easy, the car can be made fast pretty easily and it’s nice to look at. Plus the T5 engine is flat out great to listen to and with a bit more fuel, a bit more boost and bit more timing it will make a lot of power. I was at about 315 hp and 375 torques with stock internals and the stock airbox.

Fun cars.

7:07 > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
09/28/2020 at 15:06

2001-2006? Are they reliable and/or cheap to work on?

7:07 > Sovande
09/28/2020 at 15:25

It looks like the writing on the windows are from the auction - if I ask about the car, I’m not sure there will be any owner history. If it came straight from the auction, I might pass.

7:07 > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
09/28/2020 at 15:26

https://portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/d/underwood-2003-mini-cooper-hatchback/7201422024.html

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 16:20

Yes, 01-06. They are fairly reliable but they do have stuff that goes wrong. Watch this:

That channel is very helpful if anyone is planning to work on their Minis themselves.

Lmk if you are seriously looking to buy one, I have a couple of other things to look at when buying a R53.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 16:20

Nice! I would ask for all the receipts for service and such...

Moltenburn > 7:07
09/28/2020 at 16:24

Early 2000s Supercharged buicks. Need some cush for my tush.