Need a new (used) car

[jrdnsrnss]

So i'm looking to pick up a new car soon and need something economical and reliable. Looking at the typical Accord, Civic, Altima, Sentra, Corolla, Maxima, Camry, etc. Should i lean towards one more than the other? I've owned nothing but American cars, coming from a V8 Mustang GT so something that gets good MPG is pretty high in my book. Gonna be commuting to school four times a week, roughly 40 miles a day. Looking to spend $7k, i can go higher but i really don't want to. Can owners of any of the above cars comment on reliability and if there's anything that typically goes wrong with them at a certain mileage. Years i'm looking at are roughly anywhere from 99-06. 06 Sentra's are in my price range but an 02 Accord is probably the highest year i can go in my price range. Any recommendations? Thanks.  

 

[odog24]

for 7k u might be able to get an older is 300

but civics are crazy reliable.

120 k and only thing replaced was the timing belt water pump and starter

 

[jrdnsrnss]

^I've seen a few IS300's but they've got some mileage on them. 150k+ on the ones that i've seen. I'm really into the last generation Prelude. Same thing with them though, a lot of miles on them.

 

[airthompson]

Wow shocked, no BMW?

From the list you got I'd lean towards a Civic, Altima, & Accord. I have friends with those cars mad reliable. 7k is more then enough for a 2003& up. Goodluck OP.

 

[mases apprentice]

id go with a mazda 3 or a mazda 6. its alot more fun then a civic or an accord. Very reliable also. you can def find them in the 7k range. its newer and also have xenon lights/cruise control/ power windows and locks/ keyless entry.

 

[k town trash]

get 7th gen accord.

 

[itsgettinhot]

Toyota Solara 

 

[tupacsback]

cop a honda accord..... you can find a ogod one for that much loot.


or cop a caddy deville.

 

[jonwin]

I had an Accord for 5+ years and never gave me any major problems. Gas mileage was solid too. 

 

[al audi]

OP is300s get crappy mpg and also need premium. Mazda 3 and 6s come with xenons?

 

[4wrestling]

Get a Civic and be done with it.

 

[hizzle]

With $7K I would try to get the best condition Civic or Corolla. I wouldn't really suggest an Accord because even though you could find one slightly under $7K, it'd be significantly older and have more miles than the Civic or Corolla. In 2005 I bought a 2001 Corolla for $5K with 89K miles. I took it to around 140K miles with no major problems until 2010 when I bought a new car. I gave it to my cousin and it's still going strong with no major problems.

 

[smellyginger]

if your lookin at sentra's, the se-r is the way to go

6speed>

 

[oh you mad]

If you just want to get to point a to point b and never have to worry about it breaking down on you and gets great gas mileage get a corolla.

Hondas have ****** issues over time, nissans overheat, toyotas are ugly af but they're tanks.

 

[norcalhussla]

id prob get a s14, e30 or LS400 or something. i cant mess with fwd.

 

[heatking]

get a g35. if u look hard u can find one for 7k

 

[runningfishy]

Originally Posted by jrdnsrnss

So i'm looking to pick up a new car soon and need something economical and reliable. Looking at the typical Accord, Civic, Altima, Sentra, Corolla, Maxima, Camry, etc. Should i lean towards one more than the other? I've owned nothing but American cars, coming from a V8 Mustang GT so something that gets good MPG is pretty high in my book. Gonna be commuting to school four times a week, roughly 40 miles a day. Looking to spend $7k, i can go higher but i really don't want to. Can owners of any of the above cars comment on reliability and if there's anything that typically goes wrong with them at a certain mileage. Years i'm looking at are roughly anywhere from 99-06. 06 Sentra's are in my price range but an 02 Accord is probably the highest year i can go in my price range. Any recommendations? Thanks.  

Could you be more specific in terms of the year and model?

Civics & Corollas are in the same class, as Camrys & Accords

You get the idea.  But if you wanted to look for a used car, you might run into a lot of maintenance work.  Have you considered a cheap 'new' car?  Like the Hyundai Brand, Honda Fit, or something.  It makes sense.  You wouldn't want to break down in the middle of the road.  I would attest for the Accord. 
  

 

[jrdnsrnss]

Originally Posted by Oh YoU MaD

If you just want to get to point a to point b and never have to worry about it breaking down on you and gets great gas mileage get a corolla.

Hondas have ****** issues over time, nissans overheat, toyotas are ugly af but they're tanks.

That's basically what i've came up with, read about Honda's autos being pretty weak so if i go Honda i might just get a stick as i've heard their manuals are fine. I find Toyotas ugly as hell, especially the year range i'm looking at but they are reliable. I've heard mixed reviews about Nissans, some people say their indestructible while i read problems of peoples transmissions going south before 100k.

 

[al audi]

toyota is def more reliable than nissan and honda.

 

[runningfishy]

Originally Posted by jrdnsrnss

Originally Posted by Oh YoU MaD

If you just want to get to point a to point b and never have to worry about it breaking down on you and gets great gas mileage get a corolla.

Hondas have ****** issues over time, nissans overheat, toyotas are ugly af but they're tanks.

That's basically what i've came up with, read about Honda's autos being pretty weak so if i go Honda i might just get a stick as i've heard their manuals are fine. I find Toyotas ugly as hell, especially the year range i'm looking at but they are reliable. I've heard mixed reviews about Nissans, some people say their indestructible while i read problems of peoples transmissions going south before 100k.

People drive stick for a reason.  They drive them to 'beat' them.  CIVIC + STICK = you're asking for it.

Come on man.

If you're particular, then just what you find AESTHETICALLY PLEASING.. You're going to school man. 
  

 

[frostythepoptart]

i got an even lower budget... can someone recommend something in the 3k range. i see a lot of obviously fake listing online. this is just a starter to get around in as i start my new job and can afford some better things.

 

[tupacsback]

^ find a car thats been maintained real well.

You can find a real clean low mile cadillac devile from 94-98 for that much.


or just cop a mid 90s civic......

 

[therealtate]

Bimmer or bust

 

[ham city]

When I drive my lil brothers 2002 Civic it feels like I'm driving a matchbox car. Newly paved streets feels like I'm driving over potholes.

If you ask me, the extra 2K for an Accord or Camry is well worth it.