Good used car recommendations

[Mizzike]

Re: Good used car recommendations

I see. Ultimately I am reluctant about stickshifts because I never learned how to use one. I imagine it's pretty easy to get a hang of though.

Also, any thoughts on Volkswagen Passats?

[One-Way]

Re: Good used car recommendations

I say no to Volkswagen if it's going to be in the 100,000+ range.

As Sip said, anything around that range is a gamble. If I were to look in that range, however, I'd stick with the Japanese. German's in the 100,000+ range are going to get pricey; even a little Volks.

[Crimson Glow]

Re: Good used car recommendations

My '01 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP just turned 132k miles old, and granted I just did some front end stuff (tie rods, CV axles, lower ball joints, etc), the motor and trans haven't given me a lick of a problem yet, and that's with a supercharged 3.8L V6 (L67). Of course, I realize I just screwed myself by saying that. I'm just now about to throw some mods on it to get it well into the 13's. That's how confident I am in the car. The only flaw in the 3800 motors, as with most GM motors, is the intake gasket. That, and I think Dexcool antifreeze is garbage. I keep forgetting to flush out my motor, and put in the regular antifreeze (green stuff).

Anyhow, point is, while Japanese cars ARE more reliable over all, I wouldn't disregard all American cars, either. I've owned nothing but American, and ALL of them have been well over 100k miles. In fact, my first car was an '86 Pontiac 6000 STE which had 164k miles when I BOUGHT it. Being my first car, for 5 years, I beat that thing relentlessly. Took care of all maintenance meticulously, but I was brutal on the accelerator (the tire shop loved me). The thing lasted till about 225k miles on it, when it finally spun a bearing, and that was MY fault. I didn't realize it had developed a small oil leak somewhere till it was too late. Otherwise, the motor and trans still had TONS of life left in them.

Bottom line is, it's all in how it's been taken care of for ANY car. Ask many questions, and get as many receipts as possible. Most people are clueless about cars, and don't understand basic terms. For example, they'll say "yeah, the shop just gave it a major tune-up". What's a major tune-up? For most shops, changing nothing more than spark plugs is a tune-up. There's nothing "major" about it. If you want wires, they'll charge extra for it (usually written in fine print on their ads)! You can pick up basic spark plugs at $1 each from a store, and changing them on a 4-banger is a breeze in most cases. So receipts are your friends. That way, you'll know exactly what work was done, and not just the owner's misguided understanding of what has been done.

[KanadaHye]

Re: Good used car recommendations

Look for a good used Toyota Corolla, they are very reliable.

[Haykakan]

Re: Good used car recommendations

Nissan makes some pretty good motors like in the Sentras. They last a long time and have good power even in the 4 cylinder motor. Pretty cheap to.