Post by: Rylinkus on October 16, 2006, 07:24:00 PM
-Reliability
-Gas Mileage
-Drivable in winter. (No RWD or ragtops)
-No 2 Seaters. (So Ive eliminated Miatas in more than one way now.)
Thoughts. I was thinking
Corollas
Camrys
Civics
Accords
Sentras
Maximas
And anything else that may be a great deal that pops up.
We checked out a Corolla and it just felt small and cheap to me. I think in MY mind a Civic that was 97-98 would be a better option. Particularly if I could convince her she needs a 5 speed as I have a great deal of faith in Hondas 5 speed trannys. Camrys and Maximas seem a little out of price range depending on year/milage. I've yet to find a ATX Sentra locally and she does prefer ATX. (Lame) Got a few accords to look at. Thoughts guys? Newer Grand Am? Mazda 626 if it's new enough?
Post by: thewickedjester on October 16, 2006, 07:31:00 PM
Post by: Tripme on October 16, 2006, 07:59:00 PM
(Im a poor college student now so that makes me happy)
Post by: xboxhackern00b on October 16, 2006, 08:22:00 PM
Post by: leijae on October 17, 2006, 01:39:00 PM
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 18, 2006, 07:30:00 PM
QUOTE(thewickedjester @ Oct 17 2006, 02:38 AM) 
I'm gonna recomend a Saturn, cause the ones around here are decently priced and any that I've had experience with were bulletproof. I dont know about the awd/rwd thing, never occured to me to check. But thats my 2 cents, a Saturn.
Absolutely not. My SL2 certainly has had it's issues with Mechanical problems. I concur with Rylinkus' decision. An older and well maintained 5-speed civic would be her best option. I have seriously considered replacing my SL2 with one. Not to mention the Saturns are gutless vehicles. I'm not saying the civics are sports cars but at least you won't get run over by a semi when you try to pull out on the highway. I have the DOHC 1.9L engine (which is supposed to be the big bad 4-banger as far as Saturns go) and it is unbelievable how weak it is. My Parents' have a 2001 civic with a 1.7L engine (both the Saturn and the Honda have automatic trannys and are 100% stock) and the Honda can run circles around my Saturn and still gets about 5MPG better for gas. Don't get me wrong, the Saturns aren't terrible cars but I find it hard to recommend one over a Honda.
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 19, 2006, 09:49:00 AM
http://www.epinions....nt_266311667332
Don't get me wrong, the car model itself isn't bad, but I do think that with that budget you could do better.
Post by: MarkRobbins on October 19, 2006, 02:03:00 PM
~ Mark @ XBox 360 Guide http://www.xbox-360-guide.com/ A Guide to XBox 360 Games, Consoles, & Accessories
Post by: Damaso on October 24, 2006, 01:53:00 PM
Post by: Chancer on October 24, 2006, 02:11:00 PM
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 26, 2006, 12:29:00 PM
Post by: rms2001 on November 02, 2006, 10:54:00 PM
I personally like Jeep Grand Cherokees. But as they normally fall into the luxury category, that counts them out. How ever, the Wranglers do very very well in the snow, look awesome and you can find one pretty cheap. If you decide to take the Wrangler into consideration, look for a 1997 or newer (also known as the model TJ). Look for one with the 4.0L six cylinder engine, it gets good mileage
My two Grand Cherokees average about 20MPG, one has the 4.0L inline six, and the other has a 4.7L V8. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs in over 4000LBS. And plus, they are safe. You want your girlfriend to be safe right? Get her a Jeep so shell be safe and higher than all thought little ricer burners on the road.
Post by: jesterrace777 on November 02, 2006, 11:29:00 PM
QUOTE(rms2001 @ Nov 3 2006, 07:01 AM)
First off, why are you looking at imports? Why not look at domestic made cars? Im not going to get into what makes the better, b/c that would just take to long. Never the less, find your self a Jeep. Depending on what you want you can get a good deal on any model.
I personally like Jeep Grand Cherokees. But as they normally fall into the luxury category, that counts them out. How ever, the Wranglers do very very well in the snow, look awesome and you can find one pretty cheap. If you decide to take the Wrangler into consideration, look for a 1997 or newer (also known as the model TJ). Look for one with the 4.0L six cylinder engine, it gets good mileage
My two Grand Cherokees average about 20MPG, one has the 4.0L inline six, and the other has a 4.7L V8. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs in over 4000LBS. And plus, they are safe. You want your girlfriend to be safe right? Get her a Jeep so shell be safe and higher than all thought little ricer burners on the road.
Okay, that has got to be the dumbest logic I have ever heard. If you take a look at the full description it says RELIABLE AND GOOD GAS MILEAGE!!!!!!!!! Not to mention she only has $4K or less to spend. 20MPG hardly qualifies as good MPG (it is decent for what the vehicle is but it hardly compares with a 35-40MPG Honda/Acura) and the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee are hardly reliable vehicles. I have known enough people with both versions of the Jeep and their maintenance records to know that they are far from reliable. They spend a hell of alot more time in the shop than your average Honda/Acura. That and the odds of finding either in good condition/well maintained in her price range are slim to none. As for being safe? That's all relative. Both the Cherokee and the Wrangler will do well in the snow but keep in mind that on really slick or icy roads it doesn't matter what you own, it is still gonna break away and it's a hell of alot easier to stop a 2200-2500lb vehicle than a 4000lb vehicle once it is in motion. I get so sick and tired of people who assume that because they have a 4 wheel drive SUV that they are invulnerable. I actually see more people with SUVs skidding off the highway and getting into wrecks than I do regular cars, simply because of the false sense of security they get from driving an SUV. Sorry to flame here but I can't believe that anyone with half a brain would say such things given the criteria that Rylinkus has given here.
Post by: rms2001 on November 03, 2006, 12:55:00 AM
Other do doing typical service, replacing batteries and tires on it only the fuel pump, alternator and CPS have gone out. All of that was after 200K. Not many ricers will make it to 200k, and if they do, they are running on three of their four cylinders and sound like glorified sowing machines.
And in all honestly, 20MPG isnt that bad. Ya so it doesnt get 32MPG, but if you want some thing better than that, get a decent car that will get that, say like a VW Jetta TDI that gets 45+MPG. Having an SUV wont break the bank at the pump. An extra $10 to full up isnt going to breakup you either.
And as for the people thinking just b/c they have an SUV they think they are invincible? Thats like me saying any one who drives a ricer must be a little highschool shit and thinks just b/c he has a NOS sticker in his back window his car is fast. I know how to drive in snow, I know how to handle my Jeep, and Id prefer having four wheels push me though the snow than two.
You seem to know nothing of Jeeps, or demotic cars in general. And it sounds as though you dont know jack about four wheel drive vehicles either. So tell your parents you want a little ricer Toyota when you graduate. When you get a rear car, or become ASE certified come back and talk to me about cars. Until them shut the hell up.
Post by: jesterrace777 on November 03, 2006, 09:40:00 AM
If you bothered to take a look a few lines up you would see EXACTLY what I drive. The fact of the mater is that given the kind of criteria Rylinkus listed, a Jeep would not be a wise investment:$4K budget
Reliable
Good Gas Mileage
No RWD or RagTop
No 2 Seaters
Driveable in Winter
Sorry but you aren't going to find a reliable Jeep for $4K or less (not unless you come across some crazy deal). No Ragtop kinda rules out the Wrangler unless she gets finds one with a hardtop (which usually cost more).
Now see if he had said that she was looking for an off-road vehicle or an SUV then I agree that the Jeep Cherokee would be a good choice, but when you come on here basically saying that imports are worthless (given the criteria he has listed), I really have to question your logic. The fact of the matter is that outside of bad weather driving (lots of snow), the import vehicles mentioned above will easily meet these criteria and I don't care what you say there is no vehicle that is invulnerable if the weather gets bad enough. That being said an import vehicle with good tires and FWD will do a decent job if the driver knows what they are doing. So it's not a question of Jeeps being worthless POS vehicles, it's a question of what vehicle will best meet her criteria.
Post by: yaazz on November 03, 2006, 10:38:00 AM
QUOTE
And in all honestly, 20MPG isnt that bad. Ya so it doesnt get 32MPG, but if you want some thing better than that, get a decent car that will get that, say like a VW Jetta TDI that gets 45+MPG. Having an SUV wont break the bank at the pump. An extra $10 to full up isnt going to breakup you either.
you mean like a civic or a little fwd import car
I have nothing against jeeps but your logic is something else...
Post by: rms2001 on November 03, 2006, 02:10:00 PM
QUOTE(yaazz @ Nov 3 2006, 12:45 PM)
you mean like a civic or a little fwd import car
I have nothing against jeeps but your logic is something else...
No, I mean like a European build car. They will out last any POS ricer. Look better, have better reale, last longer, drive better, and dont sound like weed-eaters on crack with dose annoying exhaust systems. If you want an import, look to Europe, dont give Japan any more money than they al ready have.
Post by: yaazz on November 03, 2006, 05:21:00 PM
And before you get after me as a 4 cyl lover, this is only the second 4 cyl ive had, the rest have been v8's
Post by: jesterrace777 on November 03, 2006, 11:43:00 PM
QUOTE(rms2001 @ Nov 3 2006, 10:17 PM)
All right Jester. I see your point. But I still think Japanese cars are worthless guiltless peaces of shit. Any thing made in Japan falls apart in short amount of them, thus is why its cheap.
No, I mean like a European build car. They will out last any POS ricer. Look better, have better reale, last longer, drive better, and dont sound like weed-eaters on crack with dose annoying exhaust systems. If you want an import, look to Europe, dont give Japan any more money than they al ready have.
I feel the same way about most American vehicles. My Saturn certainly hasn't been a mark of quality. Hell I have already had a minor engine rebuild after less than 120K on the vehicle and my tranny gives me gear slam each time I put it into reverse if I don't wait a couple of seconds. This vehicle was previously owned by an older couple who took pretty good good care of the thing, so these issues are from the factory. As far as the exhaust systems go, it's only the idiots who put on the lame ass mufflers who have that problem. People who leave their japanese imports stock don't have that irritating sound. As for being gutless, heh, my parents stock Honda Civic LX can run circles around my Saturn. I have the most powerful engine for the SL series in my car and it has absolutely no power whatsoever. Pick up a Camry or an Accord with a 3.0 V-6 and then tell me that all imports are gutless. Outside of driving in the snow/off road driving they will outperform a 4.0 Jeep Cherokee in every respect and they will still average about 5MPG better. I had a roomie with a stock Accord 3.0 V-6 Coupe and that sucker could move. As for better resale? Who are you kidding. Honda and Toyota have probably the best resale values of any cars on the market. Then again at $4K resale value is hardly going to be a serious consideration.
Post by: Rylinkus on November 04, 2006, 09:11:00 AM
I love Jeeps. I really do. My friend owned 2 different ones and is quite the expert. They seemed tough enough, and more than capable dragging my truck out of mud. That being said the gas mileage is not up to par with her goals. She's hoping for high 20s at the least. When she goes to visit her parents its a 1000+ mile ride. That hurts at the pump @ 20 mpg. Trust me, I did it with my truck. So a jeep is out of the question for that reason. As I said, I like them. They simply don't fit what she's looking for.
As far as European cars, theyre too damn expensive. As pricey as Toyotas and Hondas are BMWs and Mercedes are worse. So you end up with one thats a bit older and with more mileage. And while the engine may last forever, (Mercedes at least), other things will fail. And they cost a small fortune on Mercedes. My mom owns 2. One has 276k and shows no signs of giving out anytime soon. But something as simple as a window motor for the car costs over 200 bucks. So little things like that can nickel and dime ya pretty bad.
For her needs I think a 4 cylinder import is probably the best bet. 4 cylinders will give her the gas mileage. And theres very few domestic 4 bangers I trust as much as Honda or Toyota. Though since domestics tend to be cheaper there is a part of me that wonders about a newer Focus or something to that effect as you can find one with 60k in that price range with a little looking.
ATM theres a 01 Mazda Protege for 2500. 80k on it. It looks like it may be promising. Hopefully we're gonna go check it out within the next few days.
And a quick FYI. I think a 4 cylinder Import may be best for her. It doesnt mean I hate domestics. I own 2 Chevys myself. Im not biased towards Imports in any way.
Post by: rms2001 on November 04, 2006, 02:17:00 PM
I dont know how much they sell for used, as I dont really may much attention to Chevys unless its a bad ass classic or lifted truck. You mite be able to find an older one fairly cheap. I know the V8 models have a similar MDS like Dodge dose on their HEMIs. The engine changes from an eight cylinder to a four cylinder when cursing.
Just another thought for ya. Good luck.
Post by: Rylinkus on November 04, 2006, 04:51:00 PM
QUOTE(rms2001 @ Nov 4 2006, 10:24 PM)
If you can find one, take a look at a Chevy Impala. I rented one a few weeks ago since I didnt want to take my bouncy Jeep down to Phoenix (plus it was a business write off so it didnt cost me any thing). Not sure of the year, 2006 maybe, but it had a V6 and was front wheel drive. The little computer read out thingy said it was getting 27MPG on the freeway when I kept my foot out of it
I dont know how much they sell for used, as I dont really may much attention to Chevys unless its a bad ass classic or lifted truck. You mite be able to find an older one fairly cheap. I know the V8 models have a similar MDS like Dodge dose on their HEMIs. The engine changes from an eight cylinder to a four cylinder when cursing.
Just another thought for ya. Good luck.
I know what you mean. I rented an Impala to take to Amherst when I only had my car and truck. Truck didnt have enough seats and frankly I couldnt handle several hours in the camaro on the highway. Its too damn loud for a leisurely trip. The Impala was quite nice. I dont know how many years theyve made them, so I have no idea if she could find one cheap.
Looked at the Mazda tonight. More damage then was indicated. And the CEL is on. No idea why. Drove great, solid brakes. If I could rule out that CEL being anything major I think the price on it could come down enough to make it a very nice buy.
Post by: jesterrace777 on November 04, 2006, 05:53:00 PM
QUOTE(Rylinkus @ Nov 4 2006, 05:18 PM)
I'm not about to let this turn into a domestic versus import thread. Please dont make me close a post that I started to get peoples opinions.
I love Jeeps. I really do. My friend owned 2 different ones and is quite the expert. They seemed tough enough, and more than capable dragging my truck out of mud. That being said the gas mileage is not up to par with her goals. She's hoping for high 20s at the least. When she goes to visit her parents its a 1000+ mile ride. That hurts at the pump @ 20 mpg. Trust me, I did it with my truck. So a jeep is out of the question for that reason. As I said, I like them. They simply don't fit what she's looking for.
As far as European cars, theyre too damn expensive. As pricey as Toyotas and Hondas are BMWs and Mercedes are worse. So you end up with one thats a bit older and with more mileage. And while the engine may last forever, (Mercedes at least), other things will fail. And they cost a small fortune on Mercedes. My mom owns 2. One has 276k and shows no signs of giving out anytime soon. But something as simple as a window motor for the car costs over 200 bucks. So little things like that can nickel and dime ya pretty bad.
For her needs I think a 4 cylinder import is probably the best bet. 4 cylinders will give her the gas mileage. And theres very few domestic 4 bangers I trust as much as Honda or Toyota. Though since domestics tend to be cheaper there is a part of me that wonders about a newer Focus or something to that effect as you can find one with 60k in that price range with a little looking.
ATM theres a 01 Mazda Protege for 2500. 80k on it. It looks like it may be promising. Hopefully we're gonna go check it out within the next few days.
And a quick FYI. I think a 4 cylinder Import may be best for her. It doesnt mean I hate domestics. I own 2 Chevys myself. Im not biased towards Imports in any way.
Nothing biased about it man, my appologies for going overboard but that was the point I was trying to get across, that given the criteria that you listed that a 4 cylinder import would be your best bet. That being said the 2000 and newer Ford Focuses seem to be doing quite well but they don't hold their value nearly as long as the imports do (This would actually be an advantage in her case given her budget). My uncle and aunt have the 2003 ZX3 hatchback model (The two door hatchback) and they absolutely love the thing. Unfortunately since 2001 was when they really started becoming a solid car, there isn't really any long term studies on them. I have to say though that if I were buying a domestic 4 banger that the Focus would probably be my first choice. Prior to 2001 the Focus did have a number of issues so I would steer clear of those ones (ie the ZX2 coupe).
Post by: Rylinkus on November 04, 2006, 06:08:00 PM
Post by: Granulated on November 07, 2006, 12:58:00 AM
Saturns, when properly maintained, and NOT automatic, are reliable cars that handle nice from the factory and aren't total dogs. A manual Sx2 with a good driver can break into the 15's bone stock. Plus, you can pick one up SUPER CHEAP as already mentioned, keep checking the oil, don't spin the tires, and it will run forever.
My Saturn runs 14.5's around 100, but I've got a lil more done to mine...
Post by: jesterrace777 on November 07, 2006, 03:55:00 PM
Post by: Rylinkus on November 07, 2006, 08:40:00 PM
Post by: rms2001 on November 07, 2006, 09:48:00 PM