Recommended Cars
#1
Recommended Cars
About a month ago I posted re: Head Gasket Problem with Taurus 3.8 Litre -- Naturally it is shot.
We are in O K shape as we have a 2002 Windstar, but would like, and have had 2 cars for over 20 years.
Am now retired and the cash flow is not what it was (joys of retirement) -
Am from Canada, so prices are different than in the U S.
Can anyone suggest a vehicle (used) that would tend to be reliable and cause not too many problems in the $7,000 range?
We are in O K shape as we have a 2002 Windstar, but would like, and have had 2 cars for over 20 years.
Am now retired and the cash flow is not what it was (joys of retirement) -
Am from Canada, so prices are different than in the U S.
Can anyone suggest a vehicle (used) that would tend to be reliable and cause not too many problems in the $7,000 range?
#3
I agree. But, it depends on what you want.
Size of vehicle? Utility? Age? 2 or 4 wheel drive? Station wagon? American or foreign? Stylish or boxlike? Sporty or farty?
etc, etc, etc.
You could get anything from a 1979 Trans Am (yay! ) to a Geo Metro for 7 grand. Depends on what you want.
Size of vehicle? Utility? Age? 2 or 4 wheel drive? Station wagon? American or foreign? Stylish or boxlike? Sporty or farty?
etc, etc, etc.
You could get anything from a 1979 Trans Am (yay! ) to a Geo Metro for 7 grand. Depends on what you want.
#4
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Well, of course I would say mustang gt but...
I picked up a used 54k toyota tacoma for 8900=$200 a month on payments
if you want a cheap beater that will last a million years, can't go wrong with a toyota
I picked up a used 54k toyota tacoma for 8900=$200 a month on payments
if you want a cheap beater that will last a million years, can't go wrong with a toyota
#5
Thanks for the replies - We will try to get by with one car for a while -- We live "very rural" so there is not much of a selection out there.
Had a look at the paper for car ads - new - and wow!!! - cost well above what we paid for our first house -
Honda Civic - base price here is $17,500 plus taxes, freight etc. etc.
Hyundai (sp) are cheaper - for the entry level unit but have never heard how they perform - not too well I imagine.
Maybe I can find a Trans Am in a barn that no one has any need for Joe - and then the wife can be " The little old lady from Pasedena" - don't mention the old lady part to her.
Take care and thanks again.
Had a look at the paper for car ads - new - and wow!!! - cost well above what we paid for our first house -
Honda Civic - base price here is $17,500 plus taxes, freight etc. etc.
Hyundai (sp) are cheaper - for the entry level unit but have never heard how they perform - not too well I imagine.
Maybe I can find a Trans Am in a barn that no one has any need for Joe - and then the wife can be " The little old lady from Pasedena" - don't mention the old lady part to her.
Take care and thanks again.
#7
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My 2 cents
I would get a Toyota maybe a Camary or Corolla they seem to last forever. I am sure there are people that would not agree because they are anti Foreign car for what reason I don't know but that is my two cents.
I have had both and still do I have a Buick and two Toyotas.The Buick a 96 skylark is junk electrical problems,windows leak water you name it.
I have had both and still do I have a Buick and two Toyotas.The Buick a 96 skylark is junk electrical problems,windows leak water you name it.
#8
My .03 :
If you want reliable performance and overall good value, a Corolla or Camry will do. But they are about as stylish as having root canal or driving your dishwasher around .
They get the job done, but styling and performance have a lot left to be desired. However, not everyone is into that.
I have owned numerous small American cars. None are a problem. Knuckles has also owned the same--cars we've salvaged or gotten from relatives or what not.
I can honestly say that my Chevy Cavalier has been pretty decent overall and is easy to fix, along with parts being cheap (something you won't find in a Toyota).
I think while Toyota is a solid car, I believe their quality has slipped a bit, and their styling surely has too. LOL. That's a matter of opinion.
My neighbors (both mechanics) have 1993 to 1997 Corollas and one has a 2001 Corolla Type S. While the Type S is a sporty little number, it's very tinny and cheap compared to the 1993 Corolla his brother has.
If you want reliable performance and overall good value, a Corolla or Camry will do. But they are about as stylish as having root canal or driving your dishwasher around .
They get the job done, but styling and performance have a lot left to be desired. However, not everyone is into that.
I have owned numerous small American cars. None are a problem. Knuckles has also owned the same--cars we've salvaged or gotten from relatives or what not.
I can honestly say that my Chevy Cavalier has been pretty decent overall and is easy to fix, along with parts being cheap (something you won't find in a Toyota).
I think while Toyota is a solid car, I believe their quality has slipped a bit, and their styling surely has too. LOL. That's a matter of opinion.
My neighbors (both mechanics) have 1993 to 1997 Corollas and one has a 2001 Corolla Type S. While the Type S is a sporty little number, it's very tinny and cheap compared to the 1993 Corolla his brother has.
#10
I got a sunfire by accident. It has been reliable and cheap. The only complaint I have is that the oil filter is a pain. You cant go wrong with Toyotas either. Toyota parts can get pretty expensive. As far as getting old goes, my dad is getting up threre and just got a Mustang GT for a "toy" he has it up to about 400HP so far, some people just dont care about that stuff.
#12
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but is it practical
Trans am is a cool car and would be great as a hobby car to keep and wash and wax and show off in. But to me a 48 year old fart I need something practical and GOOD on fuel.
A go to market kind of car.Trans am is really not a family car but it is a great go fast quick car. I guess it is all about what you need the need for speed or the need to get from point A to point B cheaply and reliabley.The newer Camrys and Hondas are pretty nice lots of nice to have things in them like premium sound systems and leather seats. I guess I am just getting old but I still want a 55 Chevy Pickup with a smallblock with a turbo 400 trans.OH yea I will get one before I am 60.That will be my hobby truck.
A go to market kind of car.Trans am is really not a family car but it is a great go fast quick car. I guess it is all about what you need the need for speed or the need to get from point A to point B cheaply and reliabley.The newer Camrys and Hondas are pretty nice lots of nice to have things in them like premium sound systems and leather seats. I guess I am just getting old but I still want a 55 Chevy Pickup with a smallblock with a turbo 400 trans.OH yea I will get one before I am 60.That will be my hobby truck.
#14
My ½ cent... I'd look for a low milage Buick LeSabre, or Park Avenue.. Good dependable cars, nice rides, good features (creature comforts,) and low maintenance..Not sure about in Canada, but around here, they can be found in the 6,000-10,000 range or less if the milage is high..
#15
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trans am not a family car??? last time I checked it could fit four people, and possibly a 5th(kid in the center seat)
The hatch back/trunk should be plenty big enough to fit grocerys.
Just my .02, but nothing bugs me more than a full sized suv or huge family car being driven around with a couple with one kid.
Anyhow, this is what I have told and still tell my wife. My mustangs have 4 seats, the child seat can go in the back. I see no reason to buy any other car, other than for possibly fuel economy.
She is fine with that, and wound up buying the family car herself (still no kids though)
Anyhow, I don't think that styling and performance are one thing to be EVER traded in for reliability and value..as part of getting older is being able to afford that more expensive FASTER car IE bmw m5 (not there yet)
The hatch back/trunk should be plenty big enough to fit grocerys.
Just my .02, but nothing bugs me more than a full sized suv or huge family car being driven around with a couple with one kid.
Anyhow, this is what I have told and still tell my wife. My mustangs have 4 seats, the child seat can go in the back. I see no reason to buy any other car, other than for possibly fuel economy.
She is fine with that, and wound up buying the family car herself (still no kids though)
Anyhow, I don't think that styling and performance are one thing to be EVER traded in for reliability and value..as part of getting older is being able to afford that more expensive FASTER car IE bmw m5 (not there yet)
#16
Good Used Car
I believe Knanuk's original request was for "a vehicle (used) that would tend to be reliable and cause not too many problems in the $7,000 range?" I don't see anything in there about "stylish" One other avenue may be to consult the latest consumers reports edition on new/used cars. They usually have some decent (albiet conservative) recommendations on cars.
#20
Update ---- Yesterday morning I decided to e-mail the owner of the Ford Dealership where we have dealt for approx.10 years, and expressed my displeasure with my Taurus and also that I would not be "thinking Ford" for any future car purchases.
Salesman phoned me, car was towed , at their expense , to the dealership where, if it is the head gasket it will be repaired at no charge to me - salesman was not sure about my having to pay for fluids.
I know that this is not yet fixed and, who knows what story they may have, but it is a start.
Thanks for all your replies -- will let you know how things progress.
Salesman phoned me, car was towed , at their expense , to the dealership where, if it is the head gasket it will be repaired at no charge to me - salesman was not sure about my having to pay for fluids.
I know that this is not yet fixed and, who knows what story they may have, but it is a start.
Thanks for all your replies -- will let you know how things progress.
#22
Finally a Break!!!!
Heard from the Ford Dealership - and they agree that it is the head gasket - they will repair it free - both labour and parts.
They said that Ford is not "helping" them, but are doing it on their own to keep me as a satisfied customer.
Sometimes we get lucky, and this is surely one of them.
Take care all
They said that Ford is not "helping" them, but are doing it on their own to keep me as a satisfied customer.
Sometimes we get lucky, and this is surely one of them.
Take care all
#24
I find it "odd", to say the least that there is no input from Ford -- however I don't really give a darn - at least it is being fixed at no charge - should be able to get a little bit more use of it before it goes again.
Now if I can only win the Lottery !!
Take care
Now if I can only win the Lottery !!
Take care
#25
Chevrolet Cavalier
My 2000 Chevy Cavalier Coupe 2.2L, 3 speed auto is a great basic car and I have 47,000 and some odd miles on it. I have had absolutely no problems out of this car. Plus I average 33 mpg (usa) And it has so much room! I am 6 feet tall and very overweight and the leg room is something else for a basic car. You can get a used car such as this (I'm not selling, I love mine!) for around $6000 - $8000.
#26
Original poster: Good for you. I wouldn't care either. Ford's problem, not yours. Maybe they'll learn their lesson and make a good engine for once. LOL .
I too like my Chevy Cavalier, it's easy to fix, good on fuel, has 27,000 miles, in good shape, "loaded" and best of all it was free .
I too like my Chevy Cavalier, it's easy to fix, good on fuel, has 27,000 miles, in good shape, "loaded" and best of all it was free .