Any exceptional recommendations for a used car for my teenager? I'm looking for a inexpensive (under $8000) 4 cyl automatic. Usually a lot of feedback on these auto threads. Thanks for the help.
Any exceptional recommendations for a used car for my teenager? I'm looking for a inexpensive (under $8000) 4 cyl automatic. Usually a lot of feedback on these auto threads. Thanks for the help.
Toyota Corolla
I would second the corolla cause the new ones don't look that bad and they last FOREVER. So you won't have much repair costs and they get pretty good gas mileage
1953 Nash Rambler with reclining seats worked just fine 'till they banned them from the Whitestone Drive-in on Bruckner Blvd.
...Toyota Corolla. Stripped: no a/c, no radio, no Power/Power. Basic functional transportation.
Cal Worthington wrote:
Any exceptional recommendations for a used car for my teenager? I'm looking for a inexpensive (under $8000) 4 cyl automatic. Usually a lot of feedback on these auto threads. Thanks for the help.
anything old, so the kid will appreicate the vehicle!
If you want something used, go for a Honda or Toyota. They last forever and are very safe.
any old Corolla or Camry. My Camry wagon had 225,000 when I got rid of it. Could have easily got to 250,000. very low maintenance.
One guy in my club buys used Toyota Camry's with no less than 80K miles on them, then runs them into the ground. He's gotten 180K, 190K on the last 2 and is now on his 3rd with something approaching 200K miles on it, maybe 225K, I will be meeting up with the group next month at Boston.
You'd be surprised how sturdy a Camry with even 100K on it can be, and reliable. Toyota makes 'em to last.
I'm on my 3rd Corolla. The only trouble I have are NASCAR-type truck driving jackasses who run into them. Three times, twice for one of them.
The horse's asses say the same thing, too: "I didn't see you." Each time it was clear, sunny, non-storming days.
F*cking S*its. F*ck truck drivers. Now their bimbo girlfriends are showing up, chatting on the cells while cutting off traffic in 'Daddy's F-350'.
Aaaarrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
It's not just illegal aliens driving the price of auto insurance up.
Peace. Out.
Bicycle.
Keeps the kid from getting fat and costs a LOT less.
Forbes did this list a while back.
Chevy Malibu
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Ford Escape
Ford Fusion
Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Honda Element
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Spectra
Mercury Milan
Pontiac Vibe
Subaru Outback
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
Personally, having driven all of these, the Chevy Malibu, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Kia Spectra should be shot and not on this list.
The Sonata has the worst seats on there - completely uncomfortable. The Camry has a terrible transmission that makes you fear for your life. It will literally stall when you need to go and then blast suddenly causing you to almost ram the car in front of you.
The Corolla is probably dependable, but it brings nothing to the game besides that. Options like the Ford Focus are better in my opinion and just as reliable now. And, left off this list is the best small car in existence, the Mazda3. The Escape is a nice little SUV, but there's nothing special there. The 2008s, however, are very well done and worth consideration.
The new Nissan Sentra is also a really good car - although, I'm not sure what the reliability will be on it. Given Nissan's recent history, I would be cautious.
My list:
2008 Ford Escape - stability control standard, very nice interior
Ford Fusion - the best car that any domestic firm produces. Consumer Report's top pick in quality in its class. Better than Camry and Accord in that department.
Ford Focus - not the most refined, but certainly the most fun. Reliability is much better in 2005-2007 models. The price (with rebates) for what you get here is better than anything in its class.
Honda Civic - a very good small car; refinement and quality, but not as fun to drive as a Focus or Mazda3.
Honda Accord - always a good selection in the midsize category, probably the best midsize car without regards to price. (The Fusion is proably a better value).
Honda Element - quirky style, but if you like it, it's a good vehicle.
Mazda3 - the best small car; great driving and features, safe and much more reliable than earlier model years; on par with the best in its class.
Mercury Milan - twin of the Ford Fusion, so everything applies, except its styling is a little more understated and classy. Can be had with AWD for some extra dollars.
Nissan Sentra - a nice new entry intot he small car foray, not sure about reliability.
Pontiac Vibe - the twin of the Matrix, see below.
Subaru Outback - a decent compact/mid-size with optional AWD.
Toyota Matrix - More stylish with better driving dynamics than the Corolla its based off of, the Matrix is reliable and relatively safe. Not as refined as the Civic and not as fun as the Focus or Mazda3, but well-balanced overall.
Top picks:
Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Mazda3
Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe
Let me correct that F*ck Pickup Truck Drivers. Especially the posers who lack testoterone and buy the damned things to overcompensate, or are punks on HGH and "pump iron".
(Apologies to 18-wheel pros who make a living at it.)
Unless you have a construction or landscaping company what do you need a goddam*ed pickup truck for?
A nice old Trans Am, maybe circa 1978-81 or so.
Oh wait, that's what I wanted. Nevermind.
You'll need something big to fit your dog spot in the back.
The FOCUS has had a number of recalls. Beware.
I concur with a used Civic or Corolla or Camry.
Actually, if you can find one, an old Saab or Volvo might work if you live in snowy and mud-prone areas. The 4-wheel-drive can be an asset in bad weather.
Forgot the Scion tC.
I would also recommend it. It's a bit sport (higher insurance) and bit expensive, but a great little coupe.
For used:
1991-2000 Honda Civic
1991-2000 Ford Escort
1992-2002 Honda Accord
1993-2002 Toyota Corolla
any old Toyota pickup
The reason for those oversized vehicles in a lot of cases is oversized people. Can you imagine an American fatty attempting to negotiate and squeeze their folds into a Civic?
Dude! I have this super old Mazda Protege that has almost 300,000 miles on it and it's still going strrrronnnngg. Get one of those. That or a Shelby original with the roll bar.
Point taken. Never thought of it that way, but then again I don't buy my clothes at the BIG MEN's store.
Another advantage of running.
Ford Taurus. Good gas mileage and few repairs on the older models. The newer ones have some problems but they are good cars.