Comments on: Ask the Best and Brightest: What 2nd Car for $5K?

By: autoarcheologist

autoarcheologist — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:13:58 +0000

“I donno, if all the Civics you find are that worn out for that price, get a first generation Focus. Just as fun, almost as durable and a bit cheaper.

Hell, I’ve seen decent SVT Foci sell for $5000.”

I’ll second this. When we were in the same boat 2 years ago I was looking for a cheap communter. All the Hondas in my price range ($6k) were seriously high mile, or thrashed.

Foci were not only cheaper, but were more fun to drive. Found a 2001 ZX3 5-spd for $5700, and it’s been fun and reliable for over 2 years now, needing nothing but basic maintenance. The one repair it needed (self inflicted) was cheap thanks to cheap Ford parts.

By: escapenguin

escapenguin — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:20:31 +0000

Just the parts for any Saab are very expensive. In my experience, only specialists will work on them so you can imagine how much that adds up. I owned a 900S for a few years. I loved the car to death, and wish I’d kept it, but I’d never recommend it as a cheap second car. When that old tank did break, however rarely, it was always a big bill.

Yeah, it’s not the most soulful car, but that’s not the point here– get the Civic with the manual. You can’t go wrong as long as it hasn’t been thrashed to death. Nearly anything else will be a money-pit.

… and I can’t believe people are suggesting older Audis, and Bimmers! No offense, but that blows my friggin’ mind!

By: jwolfe

jwolfe — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:42:44 +0000

I’d get a older chevy 454 4×4 dually with a save the planet sticker on the rear glass, and some greatful dead dancing bears around that message

By: paris-dakar

paris-dakar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:10:58 +0000

Late 80’s Porsche 944, but maintenance cost will be an issue.

That’s an understatement.

Buick Roadmaster. Those can be fun, if you’re into that sort of thing.

I would proabaly buy a Roadmaster Wagon for that price if I was looking for a second car and could find an attractive deal on one.

By: davejay

davejay — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:16:23 +0000

Pontiac Vibe or Geo Prizm (depending on what you’re able to find, and whether you want to have anything left of your $5,000 to cover the kinds of repairs all used cars generally need) — all the quality of a Toyota product (both Corollas) without the markup associated with Toyota products.

By: no_slushbox

no_slushbox — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:23:14 +0000

Re: WSN

Only trade-ins that get less than 18 mpg combined qualify for cash for clunkers.

But the new car qualifies as long as it gets 4 mpg better than the trade-in, or at most 22 mpg combined (if the trade-in got 12 combined then the new car would only have to get 16 to qualify).

If anything cash for clunkers is going to reduce discounts on new cars.

Cash for clunkers will probably end up lowering prices for used cars that get more than 18 mpg, since people with old gas guzzlers have more incentive to buy new now.

By: dasko

dasko — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:48:03 +0000

How is it that no one has suggested a final generation Honda Prelude?

Here is a one owner 1997 Prelude SH for 3500 with 146k miles on the clock
http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/1249681295.html

5k will get u a 1998 car with 99k miles
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/cto/1244038690.html

Supercharged Millenias are great cars for the cash. Not to sound like a tool, but Consumer Reports recommends them.

3950 for 88k miles on a 1997 model
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/1245379388.html

4500 for 80k miles on a 1999 model
http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/cto/1238744852.html

4900 for 95k miles on 2000 model
http://www.herbconnollyacura.com/vehicle.aspx?id=3680

If the Millenia is not enough fun, go for a Contour SVT. The 1999 and 2000 cars are better made and the cars to go for.

3500 gets you a 2000 with 106k miles
http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/1250261620.html

Steven Lang recommends the Lexus SC300 with a stick, if they can be found. They seem to plentiful in Boston

5000 for a car with no milage in the ad tho
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/1250775010.html

3300 for a car with 171k miles but no mechanical issues
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/1246066176.html

An Infiniti G20 will be fairly reliable and fairly fun to drive. It is a fair car at a fair price.

5000 for a 2000 with 73k miles is a great deal.
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/ctd/1250675064.html

4200 will get u a car with 147k miles from 1999. The reason it is pricey is it is a G20, the T stands for touring. It gets you a good limited slip dif.
http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/ctd/1248723290.html

The Acura 2.5TL has a gem of a 5 cylinder engine. Inherited from the Vigor it doesnt have the head gasket issues of its smaller siblings.

1800 gets u a car with 150k miles from 1996.
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/cto/1247792713.html

3500 gets u a 1998 car.
http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/1244942345.html

The Acura Vigor was replaced by the TL which got its engine.

A 1993 Vigor with 130k miles is 1300 bucks
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/1245753380.html

Last and very much least we have any car with a Buick supercharged 6. Its reliable, and fast in 1 direction. Not much fun to drive but cheap examples can be had from older owners.

3500 for a 1999 Buick Regal with 93k miles.
http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/1249200503.html

1998 Pontiacs had these engines as enthusiasts pick them up from grandparents. A couple of enthusiast owners are selling theres.

An example with 150k miles is 3000
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/1239266915.html

This one had an engine rebuild and so far only has 40k miles. It costs 3000 as well.
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/1245642893.html

By: Eazy

Eazy — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:32:45 +0000

It might be a stretch, but you could probably find a late ’90s Prelude for under $5k. And of course, there’s also the venerable Tiburon (friend to broke college boys everywhere) – with luck you might be able to swing an ‘03 or so. Lots more potential for previous hoonage in these cars than in a Civic, but at least they’d be harder to lose in a parking lot.

EDIT: seconding the Protege suggestion. Heck, even CR likes the things.

By: Mrb00st

Mrb00st — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:30:18 +0000

You can get Saab 9-5’s with the fantastic 2.3T motor for under $5k if you look, they’re so cheap. But they can be troublesome.

Honestly, I’d say: 94-97 Honda Accord EX sedan, loaded, five speed manual. Would be perfect.

Saab 9000 Aero? That would be killer. I’d get a 9000 Aero with a 5-speed. Best seats in the world.

By: Victell

Victell — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:29:06 +0000

Under $5000? Hey, thats my street. Fun to drive? Thats my house! For that money I’d buy an 89-91 BMW 325is (E30). I’ve had these for years and they’re the only BMW I’d own outside of a warranty.

$5k will get you an excellent 325is, well maintained (possibly by the dealer), garage-kept, low miles, and you may actually get one from the original owner. These cars are good on gas, fun to drive, and hold together very well. As long as the timing belt is replaced per maintenance schedule, 325s will go 300k miles or more. Other parts that eventually go out on all used cars, like water pump, alternator, shocks, etc.. are inexpensive as the E30 was made in huge numbers and there are a lot still on the road.

From my experience and others owners I know, these cars are almost bulletproof. Supposedly this was the last BMW model designed with the old school durability plus engineering method. I think BMW’s following three-series model was the first to use computer aided drafting. Which, ah didnt work out so well once the cars got up in years (e36).

Anyhoo, E30s are great cars. Check locally for a good one, and drive it. Have it checked out if you like it. BMW dealers have a used-car inspection program that costs about $150. Also, there is a big online support network for them.

By: black turbo

black turbo — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:36:52 +0000

I agree with the 9000 comment. To answer your statement about various electrical problems and such, 9000’s were generally owned when new by people that could afford to fix every little thing, and they did. So you are very unlikely to end up with one that still has the electrical gremlins you fear. I would just suggest taking any potential purchase to an independent Saab mechanic.

Also, in my opinion, a worn out Saab will almost always be more a more engaging and enjoyable drive than anything else even remotely near the same price range.

By: zora

zora — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:55:24 +0000

You drive an Acura? If you care to venture to the dark side, look at Chevrolet Cobalt, or Pontiac G5 Pursuit. They have motors with actual power, timing chains, not belts, stainless exhaust, the important things. If you are lucky, you might find one with rollup windows. They don’t wear an import badge, but they have depreciated like yesterday’s produce, and the reliability of their powertrains is at least above average.

If you buy a used Toyota, be prepared for paint issues. (Google Toyota paint problems).

By: seatiger

seatiger — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:51:46 +0000

A second-gen Dodge Stratus with the 2.4L DOHC 4-inline and the 5-speed manual transmission :)

By: tuckerdawg

tuckerdawg — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:59:50 +0000

the civic sounds like a good choice if everything checks out, although an older 5sp Maxima is a nice 2nd as well

By: hoofdpijn

hoofdpijn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:51:30 +0000

Didn’t the Saturn motors have a timing chain as opposed to a belt? That could be a bonus when looking for a high mileage beater.

By: Davekaybsc

Davekaybsc — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:37:23 +0000

Speaking as an Audi owner and fan, avoid Audi at all costs. Audi quality flat out sucked from the mid ’90s right up through around 2003. I have an ‘04 A6, pretty much the only year the C5 A6 was ever reasonably reliable. Audis now are actually pretty good, but something like a ‘99 A4 is a recipe for PAIN. That goes double if it’s a 1.8T.

I would just avoid German in general, Saab as well. Your best bet is that Civic. Some of the older Accords (and Acuras) are known for grenading transmissions, and you never know when that’s going to happen. Watch out for ignition coils on older VQ Nissans. The Rio is a piece of crap.

If you can find a Q45 that doesn’t have a million miles on it, those tend to hold up very well and don’t hold their value like an LS400.

By: ivyinvestor

ivyinvestor — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:19:33 +0000

Mike66C.-

Thanks much for the warning.

Best,
Geoff

By: Mike66Chryslers

Mike66Chryslers — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:54:02 +0000

ivyinvestor: One thing to watch for in Civics of the age you’re looking at are exhaust manifolds cracking between cylinders 2 and 3, close to the oxygen sensor bung. Make sure that you/mechanic look for this on inspection. Expensive to replace because the cat is integrated into the manifold so both must be replaced.

By: Matt51

Matt51 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:43 +0000

I agree with Floorit –

One initial comment – If it’s used, and you buy a vehicle with well under 100K miles, buy Suzuki, to get the 100,000 mi drivetrain warranty.

Otherwise, get the base Kia or Hyundai or Nissan Versa or Sentra. The 1.8 Versa now has 2500 in rebates, so you can get em low cost. You spread your payments out, interest rates are low now, and you get the assurance your car has not been abused. Rebates have been high on Kia Spectra (may have ended), so you get the Spectra for the same price as the Rio. There are some leftover 2008 Hyundai and Kia cars around at great prices.
Used – Suzuki (whatever model). New – Nissan, Hyundai, Kia. If buying a Nissan, get the 4 speed auto or stick, don’t buy a CVT.

By: dhanson865

dhanson865 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:25:04 +0000

http://www.beaterreview.com/?p=32 Plastic Fantastic: 1991-2002 Saturn S-Series

Yep, I like the old SL2 with the dual overhead cam. Its peppy for a beater (compared to other small cars in its class)

You might have to look a bit to find one in good shape but if you do I think it’s worth considering.

By: kid cassady

kid cassady — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:17:47 +0000

Between the Rio and the used Civic, the latter clearly makes more sense. Speaking anectodally, of course, everyone I know who’s purchased a Kia has been burnt, and badly – cheesed off on all sides by poor craftsmanship, ghastly interior quality and niggling engine issues.

But you’ve got a stable and sensible car in the TSX, so maybe something a little more adventurous? Life is short, and you are asking on what is ostensibly a car enthusiast website. :)

By: ivyinvestor

ivyinvestor — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:11:34 +0000

FloorIt-

See, that “other people’s problems” line is was still gets me. That’s why I’ve always held a certain amount of distrust (justified or not, probably oftentimes a bit of both) for the “pre-owned” market.

Do you really think we’d be better served with a Rio? It starts at $11.5k – which is double our budget. It seems relatively unlikely, even to my jaded mind, that a garaged Civic with 47.6k miles would need so many repairs in two years that it’d warrant purchasing the bottom rung of Kia. Also, we’re going to have a full inspection run by a reputable mechanic, including compression test, etc, that would allow us to halt any prospective transaction…

What say you, TTACers?

By: blowfish

blowfish — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:11:20 +0000

Or buy an old Merc Oel burner from pre 86.
Reason it has all iron heads so it will outlast anything.
Cheap to run, will even take mix used vege oel.

If u have 5 g budget, can find one for couple of Gs. Save the rest for incidental fees.
Low maint, built to last. Desigend for long time but not good time.

By: blowfish

blowfish — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:07:29 +0000

Your first concerm is the engine Interference type, if yes u need to ascertain that the belt will last or a new one be installed very soon, bfore u put pedal to metal.
Few yrs ago a heavy duty mech was so arrogant that I dont needed it.
A mth later I was sitting on the side of the road waiting for a Tow truck. It costed me close to 200.
That Honda Civic was a great little car, 5 spd, easy on gas, peppy, likes to rev like Le Mans machine.
I had spend a few bucks on her a new clutch, ball joint. The BJ was not a $20 piece, was 2 bills, since it came riveted to the lower control arm. And is the pull away type, not BJ press against each others, so if it came lose it will ultimately cause the front wheel to come off!

By: FloorIt

FloorIt — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:49:22 +0000

$5K is other peoples problems, if not now then a year or 2 later. Can you afford that?
Even a pos Aveo or Rio for $9K new for it’s 3 year warranty may be better.