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Hello all! I am new to this forum, so it make take some getting used to. =)
I have to purchase a car within the next month and I am trying to follow Dave Ramsey's steps and make sure I save up and pay cash for a car, but I also need a car that will last me for a minimum of 4 years. What kind of reliable car would you all recommend for a full time college student that is within $5,000 - $6,000 range?
Here in CA used Civics command such a premium, they aren't worth it. Better to buy them new, if at all.
We have a 2003 Hyundai, and although they are not quite as well-made as Civic and Toyota, I'm very impressed by the level of finish and quality of the car. We opted for the 100K bumper-to-bumper warranty and it is even transferrable to a new owner, although we always keep our cars until they hit at least 120K miles.
We have bought several cars used, and although it cost more to get them from a dealer, have had much better luck with them than buying privately.
Consumer Reports always puts out an annual special issue on buying used cars. I strongly suggest you pick it up. It gives you an idea of what the 5 yr reliability stats are on every model available, which is invaluable knowledge.
Because of the high gas prices, used compacts/subcompacts are commanding premium prices, while intermediate cars are going begging. You can get a used Ford Taurus for a song; and the last few years of true Taurus production (the new Taurus is actually the Ford 500 model, which didn't sell so they brought back the "old" name) the car was above-average in reliability. Ours lasted 122K before we gave it away, and it never took anything but basic maintenance and cheap radial tires. Took regular gas and got 24-28mpg, plus parts are relatively cheap on them. The trunk is huge, and the weight-load limit on the car actually surpasses many small pickups. Like any good-sized car, be sure it has ABS brakes - I consider them essential for safety even on compact cars.
Remember that only 30% of the cost of running a car is on gas. The remainder is on insurance, maintenance and repairs. Don't skimp on basic maintenance; the car will thank you for it by remaining a reliable transport, which is what owning a car is really all about.
We sold a 2000 Ford F-150 truck with 100K even for 5 grand. We'd had since new and NEVER had any issues, because we believe in routine maintenance. If you can find any car in your price range (a great allowance you have for a used car to) then ask the seller if they have maintenance records you'll do well. If you don't know much about cars take someone with you who can look under the hood.
And yes watch out for the cars who's manuals suggest it needs premium gas. We had one of those to and are glad we traded it in long before the rise in gas. COULD use cheaper gas in it but would have voided the warrenty we had with the dealer and also would soon cause engine problems.
Good advice Tir! I have never had one of those cars that require the premium gas but a friend just bought one! lol..I got a prius and she got a gas hog.
We have a '96 Hyundai Elantra wagon that we bought used 7 years ago. (We sold it to my parents for a couple years when we didn't need a car then bought it back 2 years ago.) It has well over 200 000 km on it now and has run well since we first bought it. It's parts are reasonable when they do need replacing. I would definitely buy another Hyundai.
