Looking for a good car for under $8k

[KydLynx]

I have $8k +/- a grand.

I would like to buy a car that will last me a long time.
Must be 5spd and come with decent features. (atleast power windows/locks)

So far ive looked at the obvious. Civic, integra, corolla, celica.

Anyother cars out there with motors like a rock and are not too expensive to fix if that rock gets chipped a bit?

THanks!!!

Yours always and forever,
-kl :beer:

 

[Semidevil]

been using civics for a while...I like them

 

[Crusty]

I would think a 98 accord would fit that bill quite nicely.

I drive 5-speed 98 Accord and love it. Nice and peppy for 150hp, and damn reliable. It might be a little over 8k though, not sure really.

 

[MasterAndCommander]

Civic

 

[BrokenVisage]

I'm happy with my 17k 2001 EX.. paid for!

 

[xSkyDrAx]

How you gonna get a Celica for 8k?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: MasterAndCommander
Civic

 

[Caesar]

Originally posted by: KydLynx
I have $8k +/- a grand.

I would like to buy a car that will last me a long time.
Must be 5spd and come with decent features. (atleast power windows/locks)

So far ive looked at the obvious. Civic, integra, corolla, celica.

Anyother cars out there with motors like a rock and are not too expensive to fix if that rock gets chipped a bit?

THanks!!!

Yours always and forever,
-kl :beer:

Civic/Corolla are good choice. With integra remember that the maintenance/fixing is slightly costlier. I used to have Integra and parts were like 120-130% of what you would pay for a civic/Corolla. But yeah feeling of having an Integra as opposed to civic/corolla kindda evens this out. So just keep this in ur mind when buying.

 

[ryzmah]

Mazda protege - fun to drive and will be available for less than similar civics/corollas.

 

[EarthwormJim]

Get a BMW, you can find a nice '96 or newer one for under $8000. You could get a 325i/is or 318i/is easily. BMW engines are built like tanks and they also use a driving chain, so one less thing to really worry about.

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: EarthwormJim
Get a BMW, you can find a nice '96 or newer one for under $8000. You could get a 325i/is or 318i/is easily. BMW engines are built like tanks and they also use a driving chain, so one less thing to really worry about.

I'm sorry but if you're gonna spend 8k on a car, don't get a 96 BMW with 100k miles. You'll regret it.

 

i :heart: my subaru legacy 2.5GT (99, got it for 9k)

 

[Kishan]

Originally posted by: tfinch2

Originally posted by: EarthwormJim
Get a BMW, you can find a nice '96 or newer one for under $8000. You could get a 325i/is or 318i/is easily. BMW engines are built like tanks and they also use a driving chain, so one less thing to really worry about.

I'm sorry but if you're gonna spend 8k on a car, don't get a 96 BMW with 100k miles. You'll regret it.

I'm a person who drives a German car and would NOT recommend a '96 BMW. When that car is over 100k miles, if any part goes wrong, you BETTER have a very good and cheap mechanic to fix it, or the dealer will rape you. If you didn't care too much about pep, I would have recommended a diesel, since that is built like a rock (300k miles).

 

[KydLynx]

thanks for the responses.

i will look into accords to see if there are any around my price.

i searched for some 2000+ proteges and read some reviews. They seem to say the ride quality isnt that good but is equal in most all other aspects of similar models. Good price though for a 00+ car.

A 99 legacy for 9k is a good find.

 

[Lyfer]

For $1k more or so you could be the lucky driver of a brand new Hyundai Elentra with the freedom of americas best warranty!

 

[KydLynx]

i dont think i want a korean car. thanks though

 

[klispic]

Look here

 

[KydLynx]

Originally posted by: klispic
Look here

ive been doing that.


does anyone know of whene i can find crash test results on previous years of cars? 97-02 range. Thanks!

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: Lyfer
For $1k more or so you could be the lucky driver of a brand new Hyundai Elentra with the freedom of americas best warranty!

Elantras will run a bit more than $10k. I, however, did get my '05 Accent GT for around $11k. Base models can be had for just at 10 (msrp, so most likely lower than that).

It actually drives a LOT better than I was expecting. Didn't drive a regular accent, so I'm not sure how much of a difference the "sport-tuned suspension" in the GT makes, but I can't imagine it'd be that much.

If you still really don't want a hyundai or kia, I'd say go for an Accord, Civic, Protege, Corolla, or possibly Camry.

That, or if you're into trucks, try a Nissan Frontier.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: EarthwormJim
Get a BMW, you can find a nice '96 or newer one for under $8000. You could get a 325i/is or 318i/is easily. BMW engines are built like tanks and they also use a driving chain, so one less thing to really worry about.

They're like Porsches though. Bulletproof if you follow maintenance exactly. Your worst nightmare if you skip the smallest thing. Also, the maintenance costs are at least 150% of the cost for a Japanese car, and can hit 300% for certain items.

A BMW is a good car, but it's far from the most economical choice.

ZV

 

[CrackRabbit]

NHTSA website
For all your crash test needs.

 

[KydLynx]

Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
NHTSA website
For all your crash test needs.

thanks! heres a beer :beer:

 

[holden j caufield]

Honda Prelude 5 speeds have some pep and pretty reliable

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: xSkyDrAx
How you gonna get a Celica for 8k?

The current body style goes back to 2000...A GT from that year in decent condition wouldn't be too much of a stretch at $8k...

Oh, and besides the ones you've listed, you could also get decent Proteges within your price range.

 

[Spikesoldier]

added vote for maazda protege, dont get the 1.6L engine, get either the 1.8L in 99-00 and 2.0L in 01-03 and protege5's.