Used car recommendations

[burnin_vernon]

I'm looking at getting a car for my girlfriend for commuting. Assuming decent care has been taken, is it possible to get something reliable for around $5000 (or cheaper)?
Not really picky about anything but reliability and decent mileage.

[Regular_John]

I still want to believe it's possible to get a reasonable used commuter car for under $5k.

But the last two we had were over 10 years/200km, both lasted us about 2 more years after we bought them. Given the repair bills & upkeep involved it seemed like any money we 'saved' up front was gone pretty quick during that time.

I'm sure other CP members have had better experiences, their not worth the time/effort/money involved.

[Hugh Jahrmes]

I'll sell you a 2003 Tahoe for 4 grand or a 2006 cobalt that needs a rebuilt front end for 1900! You can practically have BOTH for 5 grand!

[Dion]

Check with Pylon and see if he has any on his lot.

[ExiledFlamesFan]

Stay away from Hyundai

[llwhiteoutll]

I've got a 2009 Aveo with 55k on the clock on Kijiji right now. Have it listed for $7500, but should be able to move on the price.

[wretched34]

If you're looking to get into something for under $5K, that's gonna run, and not rack up bills, I've found the mass produced Cavalier/Cobalt to be a good choice.
I had one as a teen, bought for $2500 privately, I put over 120,000km's on it, with only regular maintenance, and was still able to sell it for $1000 when I was done with it.
Now, my brother has had an 04 Cavalier for 4 years, I found it at Crowfoot Dodge, it was certified, he paid $3750 for it, and it's been the same for him, as mine was for me. Standard maintenance, no other issues, and he's put over 100,000km's on it. Pretty sure it's getting close to 300,000km now.
The key is keeping up with standard maintenance with an older car, but the maintenance on a cavalier/cobalt is as cheap is it gets. Worst case scenario and it needs a little work, parts are still easy to come by, and cheaper than most.
If you can find one certified by a dealer, it is a good buy.

[calgarygeologist]

I would go with a 2000 to 2005 Impala (3800 engine). You should be able to get a 10 year old Honda Accord or Toyota Camry or Corolla for under $5000.

[burnin_vernon]

Originally Posted by Dion

Check with Pylon and see if he has any on his lot.

Thanks, but I live in Vancouver.

When I was a teen it was so easy; just don't buy domestic. Now I don't know what's what anymore. I never would have thought a Cavalier, Cobalt, or Impala were considered reliable cars.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by burnin_vernon

Thanks, but I live in Vancouver.

When I was a teen it was so easy; just don't buy domestic. Now I don't know what's what anymore. I never would have thought a Cavalier, Cobalt, or Impala were considered reliable cars.

Cobalt would be a vehicle that I would stay away from. The 8th gen (2000 to 2005) Impalas were very solid and reliable vehicles with the 3800 engines. The 3100 engine had more problems. The 2006+ Impalas became really cheap vehicles and lost a lot of style.

[Table 5]

The bast bang for buck used cars are midsize American grandpa cars. They are usually very reliable and cheap to fix (no fancy turbos/tech and usually based on older reliable platforms), comfortable, and are often well taken care off (because grandpa!). They are about as unsexy as it gets...and that's why you can usually get a fantastic deal.

Used Japanese cars are unreasonably expensive. Everyone and their dog wants a Honda. But nobody ever thinks of a Oldsmobile Intrigue or Buick Allure.

[4X4]

Table 5 has a great idea. If you can handle driving something that's not as cool, those old people mobiles are great value. We found my mom a Buick Century a few years ago with 100k on it for $1,000, and it just keeps going and going. I change the oil once a year (she doesn't drive much), and other than that, all I've had to do is change the battery.

Unless she wins the lottery, I bet she'll drive that thing until her license gets taken away, and it'll still be a decent used car for someone.

[calgarygeologist]

I agree with Table5 and 4x4 regarding the GM W body vehicles which is why I was quick to recommend an Impala. There are tens of thousands of Impalas, Regals, Intrigues, Monte Carlos and Grand Prixs to pick from in various conditions. A good one will last many years. We have a 2000 Impala 3800 and it has gone 250,000+ km with little to no problems. It has only required brakes,tires, plugs, batteries, oil/filters and I think an alternator. Everything else is original.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

A white Corolla from about 2004. Should be in your price zone. Sure, it's not as "sexy" as a Cobalt or any other coupe but it's like the Maytag of cars.

[DoubleF]

My best guess? Ask a mechanic. Figure out which cars mechanics love for ease of repairs (lower repair bills due to PITA dismantling of a car) and fewer big repairs (ie: Transmissions or electrics crapping out). Consider buying a car the mechanic rarely works on?

I could suggest a smart car for that price range, but I really have no idea whether that's a reasonable reply.

[gladaki]

I bought nissan altima with remote starter for 2200$ in 2011. Now selling it for 1200$..but it need a cv joints and windshield replacement work which will cost close to 800$..other than that its a great car for commute..I am still using it on every day commute., but need to replace cvaxle because its making noise of clicking when on sharp turns

I can probably get the work done and sell close to 1900$ but too lazy fr it. If you can find nissan with 150 to 180 km on it ..its a great vehicle..But most of old vehicle need CV axle work..

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/c...ationFlag=true

[puckedoff]

Originally Posted by gladaki

I bought nissan altima with remote starter for 2200$ in 2011. Now selling it for 1200$..but it need a cv joints and windshield replacement work which will cost close to 800$..other than that its a great car for commute..I am still using it on every day commute., but need to replace cvaxle because its making noise of clicking when on sharp turns

I can probably get the work done and sell close to 1900$ but too lazy fr it. If you can find nissan with 150 to 180 km on it ..its a great vehicle..But most of old vehicle need CV axle work..

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/c...ationFlag=true

Just buy the whole axle, easier to change and includes the CV joint.

http://www.autopartsway.ca/PartList..../pagenum1/tabS

Obviously I guessed at the year, but you can youtube the procedure, nothing too complex.

[RyZ]

I have a 2006 Pontiac Pursuit with about 135k on sale for $2500.

It has a dent in the side and has clearly seen kids on the inside but it still runs fine and the tires are almost brand new all weathers.

I just want it gone from in front of my house.

I'll even do $2000 cash to a CP member if anyone is interested.

[gladaki]

checked with autovalue crowfoot they are matching the price...CV axle for 200$ for both sides

[wooohooo]

I have a 98 Nissan Pathfinder with 250000 km or so. It still runs great, don't drive it at all... don't know why I haven't sold it. It's best days are definitely gone, but she still drives and runs straight. I broke the trunk latch so unless you fix it, you have to open the window tailgate thing.

I also replaced the parking brake wire in the summer (fun project), sway bar bushings and replaced all the fluids from tranny, transfer case, oil and spark plugs. I have detailed maintenance receipts from ohhh way back when. It's about an inch think of them. I'd let it go for $700, since I spent over $1500 in maintenance and parts... but it's all the way in Edmonton.

Seriously, if I didn't have a newer pathfinder, I'd still drive it. And it's a stick, which was awesome.