16 replies to this topic

[Chicago23]

Ok I will be the first to admit I am not a car guy. I wish I knew more about cars but I just never got into it really. Anyway I just graduated college and I am moving out of the city into the suburbs so I will need to get a car. Before I was using public trans and walking in Chicago. I have up to $5k to spend. I would rather have a car than a SUV. Just searching craiglist I have found some Nissan Maxima, Infiniti I30, I35, Honda Accord, and thats about it. Just started my search. Anyone have advice as to what is most reliable and good car for this price? I am guessing I will have to look at a mid to late 90's or very early 2,000's in year models. Any help is appreciated guys, thanks a lot

[Flightoficarus]

So you're basically just looking for a simple point A to point B machine then? Are you interested more in things like features and power? or just something basic and fuel efficient?

Maxima's supposedly have engine issues, according to multiple people on here (who are regulars) that have helped me out.

Accord is good. Also consider Toyota Camry/Corolla, or a Ford Focus. Those would be my main picks for a simple, dependable daily driving machine for >$5K

P.S: If you go Accord, try to avoid the automatic tranny if it's a 98-02 model.

[bfeeney]

Stick with Japanese cars. A Focus isn't bad but I would get a Honda first.

[dr. joint]

Take the Accord. Or check the Accord for that matter.

But be sure to pay attention to the maintenance handbook or service book of the car (if this is still available.)

[d28]

With my experience I suggest either honda, nissan, or toyota. These cars seem to last longer with out major repairs. Make sure that you are very careful with shopping on craigs list. Be aware of what you are buying and make sure there are not any hidden issues with the car. If you find a car that is a potential buy, your best bet is to get the car professionally inspected.

Edited by Chris V., 21 November 2011 - 03:08 PM.

[Chris V.]

Chicago23, on Jul 19 2010, 11:56 AM, said:

Ok I will be the first to admit I am not a car guy. I wish I knew more about cars but I just never got into it really.

Ok, with this said, you're going to be at the mercy of mechanics no matter what car you buy, and ANY car under $5k can end up breaking and needing expensive repairs. The newer the car at this price point, the more expensive the repairs could be. Even if it's a Honda or Toyota. There's a reason specialist mechanics shops for those brands can survive and make money, and it's not on oil changes.

Since any car could break (and if you're a non-car person, it's more likely as you won't have much in the way of mechanical sympathy to be able to nurse a car that's kind of broken, or really tel when something's about to go bad, vs reacting to it already being broken), I'd look for cars that cost less to fix and repair.

You can get "nice cars" for $5k, but they could be costly down the road. Cars that are cheap and cost little to fix, however, tend to not be all that nice to be in for a lot of people. I did a quick search for you in the Chicago area, using $4k as a cap (so you have a $1000 buffer in your budget for things that could happen soon):

http://chicago.craig...1888806646.html

http://chicago.craig...1888799830.html

http://chicago.craig...1888794517.html

http://chicago.craig...1888790968.html

http://chicago.craig...1888804437.html

http://chicago.craig...1888780819.html

http://chicago.craig...1888776943.html

http://chicago.craig...1888767856.html

http://chicago.craig...1888766821.html

http://chicago.craig...1888763094.html

http://chicago.craig...1888749122.html

[Tekken]

bfeeney, on Jul 22 2010, 12:19 PM, said:

Stick with Japanese cars. A Focus isn't bad but I would get a Honda first.

It's just what I've always think. I used to have Corolla and I loved it, didn't have any problems with it. Now I sold Toyota and my friend keeps telling me that I should switch to some other brand, like Focus. Actually, I found the auction, but the car has been hit before and I'm not sure if I should buy the car that has had the accident, no matter if it's repaired or not...:/ It's 2009 Ford Focus SE, gas, 13,067 mileage, $ 10.250. In the picture it looks fine, but still I have some doubts...You may wish to take a look at the pic and tell me what you think...

Edited by Tekken, 02 September 2010 - 04:17 AM.

[2007DBR9]

Go for the Accord. There will be a list online somewhere of things to check, but to be perfectly honest they are very reliable cars and I have never heard of one going wrong.

[aimmobile]

You will have a limited choices if your budget for a car is below $5K.


edit to remove link in signature...

Edited by Chris V., 21 November 2011 - 03:08 PM.

[Elite_Deforce]

aimmobile, on Sep 14 2010, 05:34 AM, said:

You will have a limited choices if your budget for a car is below $5K.

Not really.

[Neilkevin]

In my experience Honda or Toyota are the best options. You can easily find these from a good used car dealer. They are reliable and doesn't cost much in maintenance. But be cautious while buying a used car and do consult a good mechanic.

Edited by Chris V., 21 November 2011 - 03:09 PM.
edit to remove link...

[Elite_Deforce]

Neilkevin, on Nov 26 2010, 03:49 AM, said:

In my experience Honda or Toyota are the best options. You can easily find these from a good used car dealer. They are reliable and doesn't cost much in maintenance. But be cautious while buying a used car and do consult a good mechanic.

So I take it your experience was just with Honda and Toyota?

[carbuyhelp]

I would suggest a Honda Civic. It is one of the most reliable cars based on ratings that is within your budget. Just make sure you have a mechanic inspect it before buying.


edit to remove link in signature...

Edited by Chris V., 21 November 2011 - 03:09 PM.

[jayfordroland]

Just go online, I am sure that there many used cars that you can find..

[blueyourk]

Any old BMW car will do the work


edit to remove link in signature...

Edited by Chris V., 21 November 2011 - 03:06 PM.