Please help me pick a $7,500 car

[xeemzor]

I'm a total car noob that just needs to find a daily driver from campus to work. I'm not paying for gas costs while I'm using it for work, but I'd still like it to have fairly good mpg. Also, I'm looking for a more compact car, and heavily prefer a sedan. Should I look to buy the car at a dealer, ebay motors, craigslist? Also, what model car should I be looking for? Here are some models that I have been recommended:

Honda Accord: Reliable, but expensive since they retain value

Nissan Sentra: Cheap entry level car

Nissan Maxima: I'll get an older car, but it's a step up from the Sentra iirc

Toyota Carolla: See Accord

Malibu: Not sure why, I don't much about the Malibu

Civic: Decent American Car?

Even with these suggestion, I'm still shooting in the dark and would appreciate any comments/suggestions.

 

[sniperruff]

you can probably score the 2.5L altima (not a 05 or 06) with that money.

the galant is actually not a bad car.

maybe even an impala or sonata. these are all pretty solid cars but with drawbacks. the impala is known for a smushy ride though.

 

[Dunbar]

I agree with the suggestion for the Altima and Galant, both are good cars that can be had much cheaper than their competitors. The Impala can be had with a V6 for the same price as the 4-cylinder Japanese cars. Also, don't laugh at this one, a late model Chevy Cavalier is not bad for basic transportation. It is quiet on the highway, powerful, gets 30+ MPG and is cheap to fix if it breaks.

 

[Dudewithoutapet]

The Maxima is actually quite good. I think they were fairly reliable and some sport a v6 if you want some power and they did not retain value as well as the Accord or Camry and therefore cost less. There's also Geo Prizms which I believe are Corollas in sheep's clothing. At $7500 you may be able to get a used Acura or Lexus.

I'd say shopping CL is the best way to get a car. Dealerships usually pump up the price and you can't inspect the car on eBay. Just be careful, pull out if something looks fishy, don't carry too much cash with you if you're going to a bad neighborhood or talk to the CL seller to arrange for something (public place, DMV is a great location), and find a trusted mechanic to inspect the car before buying. There's always Blue Book and NADA to check if a price is fair; you can usually find something for less than those prices actually, and/or talk down the price. You can check VINs on that one site, can't recall the name right now (CarFax, I think) to see the history of the car.

 

[MovingTarget]

I'd suggest the local classifieds. I wouldn't go to a stealership for a used vehicle that wasn't under 2-3yrs old.

Those are good choices, but you might also want to consider the cobalt, last gen cavalier, or focus. From what A gather, you want reliability and decent mpg over all else. That is why I would suggest a domestic vehicle - not because the reliability is better or worse, but because you wouldn't pay the premium that comes with a car like the honda that holds its resale better based on alleged reliability. (Cars are only reliable sofar as their owners take care of them. This is especially important considering used vehicles of that price range.) You could technically spend that premium on getting a car that has been better taken care of in relative terms.

btw: Civic != American

As far as the malibu is concerned, they are ok, but not great. You can find some with really low mileage though, which speaks loads. In this class you also may want to consider a Taurus or Impala. Great value for the $$, but not as good of mpg as the cars you listed. If mpg were taken out of the equation, I'd say go with something full-size. The Crown Vic (and derivatives) are the most durable highway cars out there.

 

[xeemzor]

Originally posted by: Dunbar
I agree with the suggestion for the Altima and Galant, both are good cars that can be had much cheaper than their competitors. The Impala can be had with a V6 for the same price as the 4-cylinder Japanese cars. Also, don't laugh at this one, a late model Chevy Cavalier is not bad for basic transportation. It is quiet on the highway, powerful, gets 30+ MPG and is cheap to fix if it breaks.

Something similar to this?

 

[Dunbar]

Originally posted by: xeemzor
Something similar to this?

Yes, you're probably going to be looking at an 02-03 Altima with $7500. I see you're in Chicago where the roads aren't great. The Altima's ride quality is half way between the Camry (soft) and Accord (firm.) As always, take it for a long test drive and have a mechanic look at it.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: Dunbar

Originally posted by: xeemzor
Something similar to this?

Yes, you're probably going to be looking at an 02-03 Altima with $7500. I see you're in Chicago where the roads aren't great. The Altima's ride quality is half way between the Camry (soft) and Accord (firm.) As always, take it for a long test drive and have a mechanic look at it.

actually the 02-06 altima's have an independent suspension that's somewhat adapted from the japanese skyline's so i guess that's a plus. the altima also has 4-wheel disc brakes, a big plus if you ask me. although the 02-04 altima's have very plastic interiors and very light doors.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: MovingTarget

btw: Civic != American

70% at least.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: MovingTarget

btw: Civic != American

70% at least.

but then the altima would be american and a VW golf would be officially mexican.

 

[T2urtle]

i live in chicago. drive a 98 maxima GLE. fully loaded with even leather heated seats and mirrors with bose. My car right now probaly worth 3-4k

it has been solid. all maxima's i think since 91 had v6's. I haven't had to really replace anything. I replaced on my own as preventative maintence. both serp belts, knock sensor and LED interior lighting. well my interior bulbs blew out. Other then that its been great. only bad thing is probaly the worst MPG on your list. I average 21mpg in the city and 24-25 on 100% highway. Car has a huge 18.5 gal tank. If your really in the city. with traffic and all that stuff you will get 17-21 mpg. out in the burbs you can get 20+. the maxima is a nice car for me. I dont have any problems with power. it doesn't have rear fold down seats. It does have a nice soft suspension being a GLE.

the maxima and 98-03 accords are right on par with each other. They hardly break. accords are belt driven VS maxima with chains. might play a role pending on mileage of the accord. it might be due for it and be 1000$ repair in some places.

I also have a 98 200sx SER which is a 2dr sentra with a 2.0L SR20 motor. Its a great car. even with all the mods i have on the car and a turbo. i still can get 30+ mpg on the highway and 25+ in the city. Its small yes. interior feels less compared to the maxima. but i bought the 200sx with the mind set of it being a 2seater pretty much. back seats are more like trunk space for me.


for your needs i either suggest u get a aim for a 98+ accord 4 cylinder. coupe or sedan both are pretty roomy VS other cars listed. OR a 95-98 maxima. I see plenty of maxima's on chicago's craigslist going for 3k-5k. Just have someone who knowns cars look into them and you should get a decent one. pocket the rest of the money for repairs if anything really fails. like i said i've spent about 100$ in parts, i've own the car 3 years now put 50k on the car. still runs great. given that i do all the repairs myself and dont get scammed at shops

 

[fstime]

Used maxima's are great.

 

[xeemzor]

Originally posted by: BouZouki
Used maxima's are great.

And cheap. I found a bunch of decent used maximas for around 4-5.5k. I have been thinking that it might be worth it to just go with a cheaper car like that and save the 2-3k. Is there really a huge benefit from getting a new altima over an older maxima?

 

[fstime]

Originally posted by: xeemzor

Originally posted by: BouZouki
Used maxima's are great.

And cheap. I found a bunch of decent used maximas for around 4-5.5k. I have been thinking that it might be worth it to just go with a cheaper car like that and save the 2-3k. Is there really a huge benefit from getting a new altima over an older maxima?

My cousin bought a 94 maxima from a buddy at work a few years ago for 2 grand.

Hes had it for 4 years now, running strong. That V6 pulls pretty hard too, solid engine. I would take a maxima over a camry any day.

 

[T2urtle]

i went from 96 camry to 98 maxima.. never looked back. love the HP, both cars were solid.

like i said chicago's craigslist is FULL of 3-5k 95-98 maxima's the 00-01 are cheap as well. diffrent body style.

I like both styling. both have the legendary VQ30 engines. the 00-01 has 222hp VS the older 95-99 with 190 or 200 even. The newer 2.5 altima's didn't exactly have a solid engine. those QR25 were the victim of the 2 major recalls not too long ago. they have minor fixes that need to be addressed and once addressed they should be solid. the 2.5 altima's seem bigger then the 95-99 maximas but not as smooth.

look them over. any car that hasn't been maintain will always break down at one point. I now service my car according to the dealership's guidelines. I just do everything myself. I know there are a lot of minor issues that other maxima's owners encounter but they are just minor problems that dont prevent the cars from driving. you can find me on... maxima.org and chicagomaximaclub.com to learn a little more maxima's and if you have any problems theres a lot of local guys around the help out.

I would keep my car for another 5 years or so but i'm looking for something that is a little more faster now.

 

[xeemzor]

Originally posted by: T2urtle
i went from 96 camry to 98 maxima.. never looked back. love the HP, both cars were solid.

like i said chicago's craigslist is FULL of 3-5k 95-98 maxima's the 00-01 are cheap as well. diffrent body style.

I like both styling. both have the legendary VQ30 engines. the 00-01 has 222hp VS the older 95-99 with 190 or 200 even. The newer 2.5 altima's didn't exactly have a solid engine. those QR25 were the victim of the 2 major recalls not too long ago. they have minor fixes that need to be addressed and once addressed they should be solid. the 2.5 altima's seem bigger then the 95-99 maximas but not as smooth.

look them over. any car that hasn't been maintain will always break down at one point. I now service my car according to the dealership's guidelines. I just do everything myself. I know there are a lot of minor issues that other maxima's owners encounter but they are just minor problems that dont prevent the cars from driving. you can find me on... maxima.org and chicagomaximaclub.com to learn a little more maxima's and if you have any problems theres a lot of local guys around the help out.

I would keep my car for another 5 years or so but i'm looking for something that is a little more faster now.

YGPM. If anyone knows someone with a used maxima they are looking to sell in the chicagoland area, please let me know. I would also appreciate it if you could provide documentation of maintenance in the form of reciepts, either from the individual parts you bought or the work you had done at a dealer. If nothing works out, I'll definitely look on craigslist. I just figured that people that post in this forum most likely take better car of their cars on average.

 

[desy]

03 or later Focus

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

I'd take a Altima/Maxima over a Focus.

 

[Arkaign]

Maxima ftw.

Speaking from experience, an Altima w/2.5L is pretty agonizing, unless you get the 5spd version.

 

[senseamp]

Maxima. Of course if you lived somewhere warmer, I would have recommended a Miata

 

[xeemzor]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Maxima. Of course if you lived somewhere warmer, I would have recommended a Miata

Miata's aren't too practice for me. It's columbus/chicago so I can't use the convertible feature that often. The car is too small and has almost no trunk space. A miata also can't see seat more than 2 people really, which is pretty big deal for me. Aside from that, someone I know from HS got arrested for stealing ~10 miatas

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: xeemzor

Originally posted by: senseamp
Maxima. Of course if you lived somewhere warmer, I would have recommended a Miata

Miata's aren't too practice for me. It's columbus/chicago so I can't use the convertible feature that often. The car is too small and has almost no trunk space. A miata also can't see seat more than 2 people really, which is pretty big deal for me. Aside from that, someone I know from HS got arrested for stealing ~10 miatas

Where did he put them? The backseat of his Suburban?

 

[xeemzor]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: xeemzor

Originally posted by: senseamp
Maxima. Of course if you lived somewhere warmer, I would have recommended a Miata

Miata's aren't too practice for me. It's columbus/chicago so I can't use the convertible feature that often. The car is too small and has almost no trunk space. A miata also can't see seat more than 2 people really, which is pretty big deal for me. Aside from that, someone I know from HS got arrested for stealing ~10 miatas

Where did he put them? The backseat of his Suburban?

See the bulk beef thread.

 

[T2urtle]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Maxima. Of course if you lived somewhere warmer, I would have recommended a Miata

even if he lived in texas. the miata isn't anywhere near his likes/needs.

he said he would like a sedan. and you recommend a 2 seater drop top/ hard top.


yea i love miata's as well. and i would get one if i found a nicely had one for 3-4k but thats not the case. plus chicago weather will trash that car if not stored in the winter. Hell he has to pretty much store it cause driving it will be dumb thru snow around here.

 

[xeemzor]

Saw this post on CL and I'm checking it out tomorrow. Does that price seem good or should I bargain down? If I get the car, I'll be sure to post pics