Help me buy the lady a new cheap Daily Driver.

[jigen]

Hey guys. The lady has to buy a car. She is definitely not picky, if anything I am the one that's being picky -- even if it's her car.

Anyway, here's what I can work with:

- Looking for something under $4000
- Not too old (1997+ would be nice)
- Has to be 4 doors
- Auto trans (manual ONLY if necessary)

Besides that, she doesn't care. It can be kind of beat up, she doesn't care a bit about a car. I am open for any suggestions.

A couple of cars around my area that I've been interested in:

2000 Ford Taurus SE: V6 100k on it. Looks pretty nice. $2900, I would go for $2500 I guess.

2001 Hyundai Accent: 110k looks to be in good shape. $2100. The lady likes it, but it's a 5-speed (a plus for me )

2001 Daewoo Nubira: Maybe I am crazy but I think this car is real slick looking. I know nothing about them though, are they any good? If they had a GM motor I would be comfortable with the buy. It has 60k and they are asking $3600.

Also I was looking at the 00-01 Neons, but just looking.

As you can see, I am open for whatever. Help me out guys!

 

[ViragoBry]

Stay away from the Daewoo. I co-worker of mine just got rid of a Nubira because parts are next to impossible to find.

Also look for a Chevy Cavalier or Cobalt. The Ecotec is a great engine and transmissions seem to be trouble free in these cars.

 

[OVERKILL]

Get the Taurus. A friend of mine has one (same year), great car.

 

[IndyIan]

I like inline 4's for beaters, way less critical parts than in a V engine. I'd also go with a manual trans if your wife won't burn out the clutch. I'd get a domestic compact too as I think at the $2500 range they are in better condition typically.
I think the 2000-05 neons automatic was pretty solid and you can get one that is in great shape for a song.
Ian

 

[jigen]

There is a 2000 Plymouth Neon with 44k on it for $2995. Sounds good on paper.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Take a look at Crown Victorias, they can be bought for cheap and are a much better option than a Taurus IMO.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Will the lady be driving in inclement weather at all? If so, I'd consider something with AWD, like a Subaru Legacy. Not sure if you can get one in decent shape for $4k though.

 

[crazyoildude]

mercury grand marquis or ford crown vic ... durable long lasting safe and reliable not so bad on gas priced rite when used and chances are the grand marquis was owned by a responsible older driver that takes care of things.. That is what my Mom drives she wanted a nissan but got the Mercury Grand Marquis and Loves it especially when she was rear ended by a toyota Yaras with almost no damage to the Grand marquis under $400.00 The Yaras had to be towed and the air bags worked nice on the Yaras, I feel good that my Mom drives a big safe Luxury nice 2005 Grand Marquis

 

[jigen]

Thanks for the advice guys. So I mentioned the Mercury and Crown Vic and she said no way. She said it's way too much of a Grandma car. So I guess she cares a little how it looks

I would love a big boaty V8, but I guess those two aren't in the question, lol

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: jigen

- Looking for something under $4000



Wait 60 days and get a new Chrysler........

 

[StevieC]

Although I'm a Hyundai fan and believe in their new quality advances, I would get the Taurus because it's more car for the money and it too has a pretty good reputation for durability.

 

[jigen]

I too think the Taurus is a lot of car for the money. Is that 3.0L V6 known to last long with proper maintenance? The auto trans is said to be the AX4N by ford. I might have to research a little more. But I do like the car.

There's a 2000 and 2003 both for sale. Same model and color, just the 2000 has 100k while the '03 has 120k. $1000 more for the 03 though. I think I will stick with the 2000 if I decide to go for the Taurus.

 

[StevieC]

The 3.0L V6 is rock solid, can't kill 'em easy. Transmissions aren't bad, but aren't the greatest. Keep the fluid/filter fresh and clean in the transmission and you should be fine!

Get the cheaper one... Less miles and you will laugh to the bank with the money saved.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
The 3.0L V6 is rock solid, can't kill 'em easy. Transmissions aren't bad, but aren't the greatest. Keep the fluid/filter fresh and clean in the transmission and you should be fine!

^^^

Taurus hands down. If that is the 3.0L, as others have said, they are a great motor. My Parents had a 90 Taurus with the 3.0L and it was great. That is cheap money for that car if it is in sound mechanical condition and isn't all rusted out/dented/etc... The transmission, as^^^ mentioned, is the only issue I know of you may see. The transmission in my parent's Taurus needed to be rebuilt around 75K. I worked at a Ford dealer then in Parts & Service and it was a common issue for the Taurus/Sable. Not sure if it was still an issue in 2000 as I was out of the parts field then?

Heck, for $2900 "I" would buy it. Where is it located so I can beat you to it.

 

[StevieC]

Transmissions got better in later years, but still weren't the greatest but did last more than 75-100K.

 

[jigen]

Thanks guys. I will probably try to take a look early this coming week. Should I shoot for any lower? I was gonna toss them the idea of maybe $2600. I don't want to low ball, but I am used to private sellers when I buy my cars -- so I am not the best at the stealerships.

 

[StevieC]

Low ball away... Cheaper you can get it, the better off you are. Especially with dealerships now that they are hurting a bit. Make it seem like you want to walk away and consider other options!

 

[duaneb9729]

imo, a person should never make an offer.

I like to ask a question, if i like the car and it checks out ok etc, how much were you hoping to get for it?

And i just shut up at that point and wait for the response.

Thats the new spot to start discussing your offer, at that point point out all the flaws in the car and offer a price lower than you would agree to pay, you can always come up in price.

There is no harm in giving a fellow your phone number and saying hey if you change your mind call me.

 

[mrsilv04]

- Looking for something under $4000
- Not too old (1997+ would be nice)
- Has to be 4 doors
- Auto trans (manual ONLY if necessary)



Late last summer, I picked up a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am (2.4 liter 4 cylinder, 4 door, automatic) with 78,000 miles for my niece for $3500.

It is the SE1 package, so it has a power moonroof and a spoiler. Power windows, locks, and doors, CD player, 16" tires and wheels.

She loves it because with the 2.4, it is good on gas.

She's put nearly 12,000 miles on it at this point.

 

[jigen]

It is lower than the blue book, so I will check it out and if all seems good try for $2600.

I need to get her a car, but I can wait around a little if I need to. The site also shows that the car's price was just reduced. So hopefully it checks out good! I'll let everyone know.