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[Wellington]

I want a car, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on it. The reason being that I wanted to start investing in real estate so I can move the fuck out of my parents house without having to pay rent to anyone. I was looking at used cars but my father is saying that for the price I was willing to pay for a decent used car it'd be easier to just get a new car on the cheap... Financing will be cheaper (according to him) and I won't have to worry about problems with the thing.

So, with that said, and my sense of vanity in mind, any recommendations? my range would I guess be $15K-$20K, which is still on the highend. I was thinking either an RSX, or a Honda Civic Coupe as my main choices. What I really wanted is:

 

[Tarazet]

I want a car, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on it. The reason being that I wanted to start investing in real estate so I can move the fuck out of my parents house without having to pay rent to anyone. I was looking at used cars but my father is saying that for the price I was willing to pay for a decent used car it'd be easier to just get a new car on the cheap... Financing will be cheaper (according to him) and I won't have to worry about problems with the thing.

So, with that said, and my sense of vanity in mind, any recommendations? my range would I guess be $15K-$20K, which is still on the highend. I was thinking either an RSX, or a Honda Civic Coupe as my main choices. What I really wanted is:

If you don't have money to burn, all of the above will be insurance hogs and will end up costing you more in the long run. Just get a Honda Accord DX from a fleet or Internet salesman, order air conditioning, and you'll be good to go at $15K, 14K if you can drive a stick.

This does depend on whether you live in a high-crime area though, since Hondas are hot targets.

 

[Wellington]

If you don't have money to burn, all of the above will be insurance hogs and will end up costing you more in the long run. Just get a Honda Accord DX from a fleet or Internet salesman, order air conditioning, and you'll be good to go at $15K, 14K if you can drive a stick.

This does depend on whether you live in a high-crime area though, since Hondas are hot targets.

.....I live in the Bronx.

 

[Tarazet]

.....I live in the Bronx.

Then you definitely don't want a Civic coupe, RSX or Mustang either. Maybe a Civic DX sedan with no CD player.

 

[ShadowRed]

If you want really cheap then go with either a Hyundai or a Kia. You could probably get one for under 10,000. They have some insane 100,000 mile 10 year warrenty, so you have to figure they are not that reliable, but again unless you are going to be putting mahor milaeage on it you should be well within the warrenty for a good 3 years, at which point you would probably want to dump it off. On the other hand, you might want to look into leasing as I am currently doing.

 

[Wellington]

If you want really cheap then go with either a Hyundai or a Kia. You could probably get one for under 10,000. They have some insane 100,000 mile 10 year warrenty, so you have to figure they are not that reliable, but again unless you are going to be putting mahor milaeage on it you should be well within the warrenty for a good 3 years, at which point you would probably want to dump it off. On the other hand, you might want to look into leasing as I am currently doing.

What are you leasing and how much are you paying?

 

[Lambtron]

Consumer Reports just came back with their list of the most reliable cars for the 2004 model year. The Hyundai Sonata was the most reliable car, with only 2 out of 100 owners reporting any problems. They're pretty damn cheap ($16k or so new, I saw a used 2004 on eBay with 6000 miles going for around $10k), and they have the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. It's not exactly the most stylish ride, but it's still not horrible looking.

 

[Space Age Playboy]

Saturn ION. They're inexpensive but well built anyway. 12,000 manual or 13,000 automatic bare bones, with more accessories costing extra. And they're definitely not big targets for thieves. A step above the really cheap Korean brands too.

 

[Lambtron]

Saturn ION. They're inexpensive but well built anyway. 12,000 manual or 13,000 automatic bare bones, with more accessories costing extra. And they're definitely not big targets for thieves. A step above the really cheap Korean brands too.

My friend bought an ION and her engine fell out. I'd never really heard of problems with 'em, but yeah, that's not a good thing.

 

[SickBoy]

Is there any reason why it has to be a new car? While it's a pain in the ass, shopping for used will get you on the road for far less money.

 

[ShadowRed]

What are you leasing and how much are you paying?

Nothing yet but I'm about to look into leasing. I'm looking at trying to get a Acura or a high end Accord.

 

[boo7z]

I would seriously consider the Scion tc - starts at $16,500, decked out for $18,000.

 

[teh_pwn]

Consumer Reports just came back with their list of the most reliable cars for the 2004 model year. The Hyundai Sonata was the most reliable car, with only 2 out of 100 owners reporting any problems. They're pretty damn cheap ($16k or so new, I saw a used 2004 on eBay with 6000 miles going for around $10k), and they have the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. It's not exactly the most stylish ride, but it's still not horrible looking.

Most reliable car initially. We've yet to see a Hyundai see the test of time like Hondas and Toyotas do.

Why I question Hyundai so much is because it used to get terrible reliability ratings.

Avoid Kia like the plague if you plan on keeping it for more than four years. They're buy one get one free for a reason.


Personally, I'd get an Honda Accord or Civic. They're as reliable as Toyota's Camry and Corolla but are more powerful.

 

[Tarazet]

If you're looking into leasing, then the question is: how's your credit? If you have a 760+ so you can qualify, then it's a good deal because it lets you pay off the car much more slowly and gives you an "out" that won't require taking a loss. If you don't qualify, then obviously it isn't an option.

The Saturn Ion may be reliable, but the engineering and design work that went into it are absolutely horrendous, and the interior looks godawful.

If you're concerned about looking cool, then Scion is indeed right up your alley...

 

[nitewulf]

not quite sure how the mustang is out of your range? it's the same price range as the RSX, unless you wanna buy a cobra or convertible.
anyway, i'd definitely shoot for either the mustang or the RSX. you should also look into the Mazda 3.

 

[fart]

15-20k is a cheap ass car for you?

*sob*

 

[Wellington]

not quite sure how the mustang is out of your range? it's the same price range as the RSX, unless you wanna buy a cobra or convertible.
anyway, i'd definitely shoot for either the mustang or the RSX. you should also look into the Mazda 3.

I wouldn't want the V6 Mustang, I will check out the Mazda 3.

I would seriously consider the Scion tc - starts at $16,500, decked out for $18,000.

My friend recently bought a Scion tC and I tried it out on a test drive, I am unfortunately too tall for the car.

My credit score is a piddly 729.

 

[aoi tsuki]

15-20k is a cheap ass car for you?

*sob*

No kidding. i was hoping this thread would have some cheap yet reliable used car suggestions. i need to stop pining after a Jetta... too many issues.

 

[AntoneM]

I hope I'm not mistaken, but I've heard that Mercedes are very reliable and I have no doubt you could find a used one with about 30k miles for less than $20,000.

--edit--
the link doesn't work right, anyway it was a Benz from some dealer near me (Phoenix) the car had less than 30k miles and was priced at 18,800.

 

[miyuru]

I don't know why your dad really told you to get a new car if you don't want to spend much, I mean does he have any idea how much the value drops the moment it's driven off the lot?

If I was you, I'd go for a relatively new but used car (i.e. 2002 or something). You'll save a lot of cash this way, and the car is most likely reliable for sure, depending what you buy. Stay cautious, but it's way smarter than going for a new car if you want to save money.

EDIT: Actually how does leasing work exactly? I'm pretty vague on the subject. My bad!

 

[fart]

off the top of my head:

mazda 3
civic coupe
rsx
scion tC <-- this car is a very good deal
impreza 2.5rs
corolla XRS
used focus SVT
srt4 (ACR) <-- i think you will like this car
civic si
late model vw reliability is crap


more?

 

[golem]

Civic Hybrid

 

[Tarazet]

I don't know why your dad really told you to get a new car if you don't want to spend much, I mean does he have any idea how much the value drops the moment it's driven off the lot?

If I was you, I'd go for a relatively new but used car (i.e. 2002 or something). You'll save a lot of cash this way, and the car is most likely reliable for sure, depending what you buy. Stay cautious, but it's way smarter than going for a new car if you want to save money.

EDIT: Actually how does leasing work exactly? I'm pretty vague on the subject. My bad!

Leasing is just financing depreciation. A car costs $20K, and the leasing company decides that it'll be worth $14K in 3 years when it gets traded back to them. So if you put no money down, you pay $166 per month, (6K divided by 36 months), plus tax and interest.

Then at the end of the term, you can either buy the car outright, finance what you still haven't paid on it (turning the lease into a sale), or walk away from it.

 

[xsarien]

My credit score is a piddly 729.

Um, as far as I know, that's pretty good given this country's addiction to plastic.

 

[miyuru]

Leasing is just financing depreciation. A car costs $20K, and the leasing company decides that it'll be worth $14K in 3 years when it gets traded back to them. So if you put no money down, you pay $166 per month, (6K divided by 36 months), plus tax and interest.

Then at the end of the term, you can either buy the car outright, finance what you still haven't paid on it (turning the lease into a sale), or walk away from it.

So going with this example, let's say after 3 years and I've paid the 6k and I want to buy the car, I just have to pay the remaining 14k?

You'd be losing out if you didn't want the car by the end of the 3 years right?

 

[Tarazet]

So going with this example, let's say after 3 years and I've paid the 6k and I want to buy the car, I just have to pay the remaining 14k?

You'd be losing out if you didn't want the car by the end of the 3 years right?

1. Yes.

2. No. If you financed a car for a 6-year term (which you'd have to, if you wanted to even come close to the payment on a lease) and tried to get rid of it after 3 years, you'd probably still wind up paying some money to trade it back in to the dealer. In a lease, you're clear.

But if you wind up buying the car anyway, then it's a wash. There isn't any money taken in or out of the equation this way. It just rearranges what you pay, and when, and gives the dealers a nice 3-year-old car to use to royally rip off used car shoppers. And just like when buying, you can negotiate the price to get a better payment. You could also have them shift the residual value, although that's not quite so easy.

 

[teiresias]

I'd imagine there are mileage limits on how far you can drive the thing in those 3 years right?

One reason I'm not considering a new or used car to replace my nearly 5-year old Focus yet is because I'm still at a point where I'm doing tons of driving, so I'd rather rack up the mileage on this (I'm over 100k anyway which, combined with the Focus's shitty trade-in value anyway makes it pretty much worthless) and get a new vehicle after I'm graduated and settled somewhere.

 

[Tarazet]

I'd imagine there are mileage limits on how far you can drive the thing in those 3 years right?

One reason I'm not considering a new or used car to replace my nearly 5-year old Focus yet is because I'm still at a point where I'm doing tons of driving, so I'd rather rack up the mileage on this (I'm over 100k anyway which, combined with the Focus's shitty trade-in value anyway makes it pretty much worthless) and get a new vehicle after I'm graduated and settled somewhere.

Yeah, if you drive a lot then that's a good reason not to lease. Typically the mileage limit is 12K or 15K per year. You can bump it up to 20K or even higher, but then they drop the residual value down so your payments are higher. Still not a horrible deal but not as good.

One nice detail is that you get gap insurance: if you total your car while it's leased, and you still owe more than the insurance payout, it's covered (say, $14,000 residual + you still owe $5K, and the insurance payout is $16K, you get spotted for $3K).

 

[fart]

isn't it possible to get "upside down" on a lease though? it doesn't seem like you're factoring that in, sonarrat.

 

[AlphaSnake]

You guys suck. CK is like 6'4. He doesn't need a WRX. He doesn't need a Mazda 3. He needs something roomy.

Edit: And as far as the Sonata...sweet moly. Worst sedan of all time? Maybe. Avoid this disaster at all costs.

 

[Flynn]

Our ideas of el cheapo are vastly different:

I was thinking '80s Volvo Wagon (not terribly reliable, but sturdy)
'80s Honda CRX (tiny, long-lived and fuel efficient).

 

[Maxwell House]

Scion TC is the way to go IMO. It is a ton of bang for the buck, good build quality (Toyota), and actually looks good, especially for its price.

Scion TCs are selling like hot cakes too. People know a good thing when they see it.

The TC will be this car generation's Acura Integra. Too bad Acura screwed it up with the RSX line.

 

[AntoneM]

You could get a brand new Mini Cooper and you could almost get a Mini Cooper S for $20,000. these of course are going by Mini's website so possibly you could talk a dealer down a bit. Before you say anything, Dirk Nowitzki has a Mini Cooper and he's 7'0.

 

[AlphaSnake]

Do you people have friends? Do you people know what it's like to have friends?

No, seriously...

 

[yodathesoda]

Most of your ideas of El Cheapo are ridiculous.
Do yourself a favour and pick up a Ford Tempo 93 GL. I got one 2 years ago and sure it's a complete lemon that I've sank almost 2 grand into but chicks really dig it.

 

[Ecrofirt]

Have you considered buying a year old model at a used car place? The biggest price dropoff happens in the first year, so you'd be buying a good car for a good price.

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

I would go used. If not used, I would look for a car with some astronomical gas mileage. Gas is going to be taking a bite out of your ass if the news is to be believed.

 

[Particle Physicist]

my friend is selling his impreza 2.5rs .. it has 34,000 miles and is in pretty good condition. he's in boston if you are interested. not sure how much he is asking for though.

 

[Cooper]

Do you people have friends? Do you people know what it's like to have friends?

Assuming this is referring to your "he needs something roomy" comment, the Mini really is an excellent car for tall people. As mentioned, Dirk Nowitzki fits into them just fine.

Still, the Mini's probably not the right car if cheap is your first priority. A used car seems like it would work better.

 

[DarienA]

Most reliable car initially. We've yet to see a Hyundai see the test of time like Hondas and Toyotas do.

Why I question Hyundai so much is because it used to get terrible reliability ratings.

So? All this means is that they've improved... cars and manufacturers CAN improve you know.. Honda certainly did. Hyundai has made leaps in bounds in quality improvements, stop being prejudice towards the damn label, the Sonata is a well built car.

 

[nitewulf]

i dont know, the mazda3 is very good looking and quite cheap, not "el cheapo" maybe, but you can get a brand new car for under $15,000.

 

[CurlySaysX]

if you want reliability and hasle free motoring there is only one choice really.

<$500 and you only need to service it once every 5 years.

 

[AlphaSnake]

Assuming this is referring to your "he needs something roomy" comment, the Mini really is an excellent car for tall people. As mentioned, Dirk Nowitzki fits into them just fine.

Still, the Mini's probably not the right car if cheap is your first priority. A used car seems like it would work better.

Now let's fit 3-4 more people in the car.

 

[Cooper]

Now let's fit 3-4 more people in the car.

We've had 4 adults in ours, with 2 over six feet on a few occasions. It's amusing to see people's expressions when four passengers climb out. But yeah, if you're going to regularly have back seat passengers, it's not the best choice. And it's right on the edge of his price range anyway, so whatever.

 

[bjork]

Saturn ION. They're inexpensive but well built anyway. 12,000 manual or 13,000 automatic bare bones, with more accessories costing extra. And they're definitely not big targets for thieves. A step above the really cheap Korean brands too.

iawtp

it also survives my tremendously dangerous lack of driving skill (or amazing skill at stunt driving, depending on how you look at it).

 

[fart]

all of the cars mentioned above have plenty of room in the cockpit for tall people.

i didn't mention the mini because he seems to want something more of a dick-mobile. also a wrx will run you like 25k.

the srt4 (acr will run you like 22, non-acr for around 20), is cheap and fucking fast. a pretty good deal if you don't plan to drive it for 10 years.

the tC is based on the toyota aventis (i think that's the name). it's a very solid drivetrain that will probably live longer than you will. for 16k it's a freaking great deal. so is the detuned 2zz-ge in the corolla XRS for around the same (a little less?).

when i drove the tC i thought it was a little boring, and it felt piggy around the bends, but it walks all over the civic EX for value and power, no question.

imo the rsx base isn't a terrific deal. if you want a coupe with leather and a tiptronic for that pricerange it's about all you've got though.

 

[DonasaurusRex]

Arent Scions rebadged toyota cars? If so you may want to check that out, has that marketed for the younger market feel to it, im sure the warranty and reliability is awesome Toyota has a great track record...especially AFTER i had my corolla...bastards. ...Or you could stop being a pussy and find a used 96 chevy impalla SS , put 20 rear and 19 front wheels on that bitch and race around the bronx.

 

[SickBoy]

Wellington, as usual with a "help me" thread, a little more information would help

A few questions that make helping you easier:

1) How much are you willing to spend? Do you have any cash for it right now, or are you going to use payments?
2) What is the purpose of the car? Will it be just you, will it be frequently be you and three (or more) others?
3) How much do you see your car as a fashion accessory? What's most important -- that it rolls on wheels and is powered by gas or diesel, or that it's cool and you look cool riding in it?

In short, what are your priorities? If it's low price, you can get on the road dirt cheap with a Hyundai (and if you're worried about long-term life, you can lease it and forget about it once your term's up). But if they're somewhere else, those sorts of things are important to know.

You might also be able to find a certified pre-owned car through a dealership (these should have some extended warranty -- a year or two at least). I think they're a little pricier than they should be, but on the other hand, you're buying a bit of peace of mind...

 

[Celicar]

I can recommend the tc. I just got one back in January and love it thus far. I get a lot of compliments on it.

 

[R0GX]

15-20k is an "El Cheapo" nowadays :lol When I think of El cheapo I think of more the 9-14K range... anyway, I digress.

For 15-20K I'd say without a doubt the best options have to be Mazda3 and Scion TC. The smartest choice would be to actually buy a 1-3 year old used car, but that has already been stated to death. Don't knock the Hyundai's either. They may not be cool, but I put 85,000 miles on an elantra through college and didnt have to do anything to it besides change the oil and other normal maintenence. Now I drive a silver 05' Legacy GT Limited, but I would recommend the Hyundai's to anyone who needs a cheap reliable car.

SRT-4 I guess in an option if you must have speed, but keep in mind its still a neon. Build quality isn't that great on them, and I doubt its any more reliable or safer than a base neon (which just ranked as one of the worst small cars in crash tests).