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[fart]

silver 05' Legacy GT Limited

hot.

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).

the srt4 drivetrain is remarkably solid. yes, it's not the most comfortable thing in the world, and the amenities probably won't hold up too well over the years, but if you want to go fast for not too much and you plan to ditch it anyways in a few years, it's a pretty sweet deal.

i've heard the chassis reinforcement (for rigidity) does make it a bit safer than a base neon. but then again, there's always not getting hit!

that said, when i think "el cheapo" i think < 1000$. but then again, i'm not the paragon of thrifty spending i once was.

 

[Wellington]

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...

I am realistically looking to spend about $12K-$15K for a used car, $15K-$20K if it were to be used. I am looking to put down $8K-$9K when I go into the dealer. The purpose of the car will be to get me to work everyday, and for fun on the weekends. Realistically, the upper, and my mean shooting for the stars limit on on mileage would be 10K a year. On the weekends it will be 3+ people at all times including myself, usually 4. My sense of vanity aside, I want a car that will not be a huge moneysink, something reliable I guess... and I am willing to swallow my ego and go with something that isn't completely cool. After much thought and discussion I am thinking of a recent Altima or Maxima. I found an '03 Maxima for $13K. Now it'll be a matter of convincing my father of a used car and checking the car out to make sure nothing is wrong with it. I am still wide open to suggestions.

Also, I had mentioned this above.

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

 

[Tarazet]

I am realistically looking to spend about $12K-$15K for a used car, $15K-$20K if it were to be used. I am looking to put down $8K-$9K when I go into the dealer. The purpose of the car will be to get me to work everyday, and for fun on the weekends. Realistically, the upper, and my mean shooting for the stars limit on on mileage would be 10K a year. On the weekends it will be 3+ people at all times including myself, usually 4. My sense of vanity aside, I want a car that will not be a huge moneysink, something reliable I guess... and I am willing to swallow my ego and go with something that isn't completely cool. After much thought and discussion I am thinking of a recent Altima or Maxima. I found an '03 Maxima for $13K. Now it'll be a matter of convincing my father of a used car and checking the car out to make sure nothing is wrong with it. I am still wide open to suggestions.

What strikes your fancy so far?

 

[Wellington]

I like the Accord coupe's, but brand new it's a bit pricey. The used Altimas/Maximas are great. I was also taking a look at Camrys/Corollas but that will take a bit more research on my end. I haven't looked too hard at Fords/Chevys, but it looks like I shouldn't even waste my time. Basically, a mid-range sedan/coupe would be great. If anyone has experience with any of the above mentioned cars please feel free to comment.

And again, I am too tall for the tC.

 

[Tarazet]

I like the Accord coupe's, but brand new it's a bit pricey. The used Altimas/Maximas are great. I was also taking a look at Camrys/Corollas but that will take a bit more research on my end. I haven't looked too hard at Fords/Chevys, but it looks like I shouldn't even waste my time. Basically, a mid-range sedan/coupe would be great. If anyone has experience with any of the above mentioned cars please feel free to comment.

And again, I am too tall for the tC.

Alpha had a Maxima, and IIRC he mentioned it was the #2 most stolen car in NYC. Also, the '02+ Altima's headlights are common targets for thieves. They're fine cars, but I can't recommend them as Bronx cars. It may actually be better to get something unusual like a Subaru or Mazda. An '02 Mazda Protege would be a very satisfying purchase, I think...

 

[fart]

used is probably a good idea. the nissan sedans are roomy, reliable, etc. a good buy if you can find one. i'm not sure about theft rates.

proteges are good used buys. they depreciate more quickly than a honda or toyota will, tend to be a little tauter and more fun to drive, and should fit your friends. not a ton of power loaded with people, but in a stick that shouldn't be too much of an issue.

if you're buying an older (early 90s) honda, avoid the autos. honda auto transmissions, especially of that generation are pretty notoriously finicky. toyota autos tend to be a bit sturdier, but the car as a whole may put you to sleep (dangerous?). late model hondas/toyotas are pretty bulletproof if well taken care of. look for obvious signs of abuse (modifications, young owner, etc.).

subarus are awesome but the pre-00 DOHC H4s have massive headgasket problems. 01+ or so are fine iirc. a legacy/outback/forester of that era will fit all your crap, easily, and will be a boon when it starts snowing.

if you're willing to search for a while, a used WRX might be attainable. it will fit you, your friends, and your crap (the wagon has a little more space in the back, if you need it), goes like stink, and should be pretty reliable assuming you don't drive it like a teenager. the trick is finding one that's had mostly highway miles (preferrably out of boost), been well taken care of, and NOT driven by a teenager or permateen. if you see any modifications, walk away.

 

[SickBoy]

My father-in-law has an Altima. It's not a bad car and has been very reliable, but I can't say I find it paritcularly inspiring... and I don't think it's cabin size is that great, especially for four people, but that might be because it's an older model and because I'm driving a very roomy but boaty American car today.