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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Looking for a economical car for under $9k? help
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05/15/2007 11:13:31 PM · #1
My car is toast, so i need a new one. I'm looking for something great on gas, comfortable, and good for long drives. I REALLY want a fast car but fast = more gas, and with the current state of gas prices its not practical :( I was considering a honda civic SI. Given the same budget, what would you most likely buy?

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 23:17:52.
05/15/2007 11:20:38 PM · #2
Originally posted by kawana:

My car is toast, so i need a new one. I'm looking for something great on gas, comfortable, and good for long drives. I REALLY want a fast car but fast = more gas, and with the current state of gas prices its not practical :( I was considering either a honda civic SI, or i've also seen a few honda civic hybrids in my price range too. Given the same budget, what would you most likely buy?


The SI will get worse mileage than other civics.

When I buy a car, I usually look for a car that has the features I want that's about 2 years old and has under 20k miles on it.

A regular Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla would be a good choice
05/15/2007 11:23:14 PM · #3
Hmm ok ill look into that
05/15/2007 11:28:35 PM · #4
Originally posted by kawana:

Hmm ok ill look into that


Hybrids = NO lol.

If you cant afford a new car you cant afford a used hybrid.
The batterys have to be replaced evry 3 to 4 years. While i have heard something aboutt the MANUFACTURING cost of the prius battery being 1500 bucks not sure what the dealer and customer prices are.

This will give u an idea though. The dealer cost for a ford escape hybrid battery is over 5,000 dollars and the straight list is around 7,100 dollars.

It may vary but lets say you could get the Prius battery at manufacturer cost. Can you afford 1500 dollars every 3 years just for the battery plus all other maintenance? There is a real reason why 5 year old hybrids go cheap lol.
05/15/2007 11:30:48 PM · #5
I have an 2001 altima and it has been a great car for us for over 5 years. we have spent less than 1,500 in total mantainence. I also have a 91 300zx which you can get for under 9,000 and goes very fast. i get in the mid 20s on gas oh and did i mention that it hauls ass:) either way I always recommend Nissan or Honda.

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 23:43:56.
05/15/2007 11:31:48 PM · #6
Originally posted by Elvis_L:

I have an 2001 ultima and it has been a great car for us for over 5 years. we have spent less than 1,500 in total mantainence. I also have a 91 300zx which you can get for under 9,000 and goes very fast. i get in the mid 20s on gas oh and did i mention that it hauls ass:) either way I always recommend Nissan or Honda.


On that note 91 300zx's can be expensive to maintain once it goes under.

[X] Show Signature..... (notes an 89 camaro v8 gets 25 mpg highway 02 gets 28)

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 23:32:53.
05/15/2007 11:36:59 PM · #7
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:



On that note 91 300zx's can be expensive to maintain once it goes under.


for 9,000 you can get one that is very well maintained and mine has 133,000 and runs great. anyway not trying to sell you on a z just that you can get a nice fast car with decent gas mileage. you can get a buick grand national for about that much and those things are beasts. not sure of thier mileage though.

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 23:37:47.
05/15/2007 11:39:18 PM · #8
Ive seen 300zx's with 225,000 miles on them and never had its heads off. I can also show you a yard full of ones with 60,000 miles on them and their donor cars.

In reality this is all cars. BTW stay away from focus's, doubt u can get an 06 fusion at ur price but theyre are no recalls and the tsb's are ver minor. Focus's are alright but the majority of my warranty inventory is focus parts the other mass majority is deisel turbos and injectors lol.

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 23:39:24.
05/15/2007 11:41:53 PM · #9
Originally posted by Elvis_L:

I have an 2001 ultima and it has been a great car for us for over 5 years. we have spent less than 1,500 in total mantainence. I also have a 91 300zx which you can get for under 9,000 and goes very fast. i get in the mid 20s on gas oh and did i mention that it hauls ass:) either way I always recommend Nissan or Honda.


The Altima is a good car, but after owning one for a few years, and knowing what I do now...I probably would have purchased the Accord.
05/15/2007 11:51:17 PM · #10
Subaru. Extremely reliable, good gas mileage.
Toyota is also good.

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 23:55:27.
05/15/2007 11:53:41 PM · #11
Shawn,
In a nutshell, Toyota Corolla or Camry.
Period.

Low maintenance, probably the most reliable cars on the road, economical, high resale value and are both 250,000 mile+ vehicles with proper maintenance. Depending on year, the 4 cylinder Camry and Corollas may have a camshaft timing belt that requires changing at about the 90-100,000 mile point, but should it ever break, the engine will not sustain damage. Acura, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi will.
Nissan Altimas are good for a while, but start showing electrical issues and oil leaks by the time they hit 80-100,000 miles.
Stay clear of the the Korean cars, as well as the German cars, as they will eat your wallet. Fords are ok for a while, but soon spend quite a bit of time in the shop. Chryslers are to be avoided in the lower budget ranges like Neons, and Chevy for the most part are pretty decent like the Cavalier.

You won't go wrong with a Camry (4 or 6 cyl) or the Corolla, with the Camry being a bit better on long drives.
05/15/2007 11:57:03 PM · #12
Originally posted by Brad:

Shawn,
In a nutshell, Toyota Corolla or Camry.
Period.

Low maintenance, probably the most reliable cars on the road, economical, high resale value and are both 250,000 mile+ vehicles with proper maintenance. Depending on year, the 4 cylinder Camry and Corollas may have a camshaft timing belt that requires changing at about the 90-100,000 mile point, but should it ever break, the engine will not sustain damage. Acura, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi will.
Nissan Altimas are good for a while, but start showing electrical issues and oil leaks by the time they hit 80-100,000 miles.
Stay clear of the the Korean cars, as well as the German cars, as they will eat your wallet. Fords are ok for a while, but soon spend quite a bit of time in the shop. Chryslers are to be avoided in the lower budget ranges like Neons, and Chevy for the most part are pretty decent like the Cavalier.

You won't go wrong with a Camry (4 or 6 cyl) or the Corolla, with the Camry being a bit better on long drives.


I'd trust Brad, but I just don't like Toyotas.
05/15/2007 11:59:42 PM · #13
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Originally posted by kawana:

Hmm ok ill look into that


Hybrids = NO lol.

If you cant afford a new car you cant afford a used hybrid.
The batterys have to be replaced evry 3 to 4 years. While i have heard something aboutt the MANUFACTURING cost of the prius battery being 1500 bucks not sure what the dealer and customer prices are.

This will give u an idea though. The dealer cost for a ford escape hybrid battery is over 5,000 dollars and the straight list is around 7,100 dollars.

It may vary but lets say you could get the Prius battery at manufacturer cost. Can you afford 1500 dollars every 3 years just for the battery plus all other maintenance? There is a real reason why 5 year old hybrids go cheap lol.


i know, i edited my post already and took it out. The one i saw was a misprint in price.
05/16/2007 12:05:33 AM · #14
These are all good suggestions but in addition to the good mpg i am also looking for a car that looks nice. I havn't looked at the ones brad suggested and i will, but i like the looks of the civics if thats any indication to what i like. If you have any more to suggest please do, im keeping my options open. Dont bother suggesting cars that are fast, im looking for good MPG and reliable. I have heard good things about hondas which is why im thinking of getting one. My friends honda lasted till 500,000km/s until he retired it.
05/16/2007 12:24:52 AM · #15
Originally posted by kawana:

These are all good suggestions but in addition to the good mpg i am also looking for a car that looks nice. I havn't looked at the ones brad suggested and i will, but i like the looks of the civics if thats any indication to what i like. If you have any more to suggest please do, im keeping my options open. Dont bother suggesting cars that are fast, im looking for good MPG and reliable. I have heard good things about hondas which is why im thinking of getting one. My friends honda lasted till 500,000km/s until he retired it.


Every Honda I've owned (5 of them so far: 4 civics, 1 Accord) has gone 200,000+ miles with little maintenance beyond the standard services. While the timing belt can break and cause damage, as long as you take care of it, it shouldn't be a problem.

I'd still say civic or corolla.

Message edited by author 2007-05-16 00:25:35.
05/16/2007 03:08:52 AM · #16
Ever see the Toyota Matrix? It's a Corolla on a small cross-over body. Sporty, roomy, efficient. The Toyota name plate on one of these will add some extra $$, but if you like the style, go find a Pontiac Vibe

it is 100% Toyota with only differences in trim, wheels, seats, dash, radio, etc. The rolling chassis is made by United Motor Works and they are identical, but in Pontiac flavor, are a bit cheaper.
05/16/2007 01:21:00 PM · #17
Originally posted by Brad:

Ever see the Toyota Matrix? It's a Corolla on a small cross-over body. Sporty, roomy, efficient. The Toyota name plate on one of these will add some extra $$, but if you like the style, go find a Pontiac Vibe

it is 100% Toyota with only differences in trim, wheels, seats, dash, radio, etc. The rolling chassis is made by United Motor Works and they are identical, but in Pontiac flavor, are a bit cheaper.

From what ive seen those are a little too far out of my price range. Remember this is $9000 canadian (roughly $8200 usd)
05/16/2007 01:31:41 PM · #18
Originally posted by kawana:

Originally posted by Brad:

Ever see the Toyota Matrix? It's a Corolla on a small cross-over body. Sporty, roomy, efficient. The Toyota name plate on one of these will add some extra $$, but if you like the style, go find a Pontiac Vibe

it is 100% Toyota with only differences in trim, wheels, seats, dash, radio, etc. The rolling chassis is made by United Motor Works and they are identical, but in Pontiac flavor, are a bit cheaper.

From what ive seen those are a little too far out of my price range. Remember this is $9000 canadian (roughly $8200 usd)

My aunt just got a brand new Chevy Aveo for like $15 grand, i know thats out of your price range but she has it leased and its only $250 a month, so its not that bad
05/16/2007 01:36:13 PM · #19
I have a 2 door Civic HX … the mileage ranking is 44 highway, 35 city … I've had it for 10 years.
If you can find a used one with cruise control, I'd recommend that one.
Edit to say: This car comes from the factory with power windows and mirrors as well as alloy wheels … I would have had them add cruise control if I could do it over again. I also like tinted windows and since you're young you might be into that too ;P … good luck. I look forward to seeing how you procede.

Message edited by author 2007-05-16 13:43:45.
05/16/2007 01:39:33 PM · #20
The hubby has a Matrix, it picks up speed well, the only complaint he has is that the wheels spin a little too much on the wet corners in the endless rain we have.

We used to own a Toyota Camry, it lasted fairly well until the costs of repairs didn't justify the age and mileage it had done.

I have a Subaru, it hasn't given me any problems yet, touch wood!

Nissan Altima can be a very good reliable car.

Just watch what model Honda Accord or Civic you get, I believe the Honda Accord is the most stolen car, for parts.
05/16/2007 01:40:52 PM · #21
Originally posted by Brad:

Ever see the Toyota Matrix? It's a Corolla on a small cross-over body. Sporty, roomy, efficient. The Toyota name plate on one of these will add some extra $$, but if you like the style, go find a Pontiac Vibe

it is 100% Toyota with only differences in trim, wheels, seats, dash, radio, etc. The rolling chassis is made by United Motor Works and they are identical, but in Pontiac flavor, are a bit cheaper.


Last i heard the Matrix/Vibe which of course are built side by side in california. Is a literal descendant of the non american market Corolla Wagon.

I did however see a rebadged vibe same outer body stampings at an auto show the "Toyota Voltz". The V fits real nice in place of the pontiac logo. I assume if it ever got sold here it would be also made on the same line. I guess they figured between the Matrix and its Scion equivalent it was too crouded to have a 3rd lol.
05/16/2007 01:47:33 PM · #22
Originally posted by metatate:

I have a 2 door Civic HX … the mileage ranking is 44 highway, 35 city … I've had it for 10 years.
If you can find a used one with cruise control, I'd recommend that one.
Edit to say: This car comes from the factory with power windows and mirrors as well as alloy wheels … I would have had them add cruise control if I could do it over again. I also like tinted windows and since you're young you might be into that too ;P … good luck. I look forward to seeing how you procede.


Ya i heard bout those HX's but im not big on the look of them, ill most likely get a civic though, which kind im not sure yet. DX possibly
05/16/2007 01:54:50 PM · #23
I drive a ten year old Audi A4. At that age they sell for about nine grand (depending on mileage). The Audi is very comfortable, looks great (IMHO), and goes like a scalded cat! The four cylinder A4 is notoriously unreliable, but the six isn't as thirsty as you might think.

Car shopping can be a headache. Good luck.
05/16/2007 02:03:02 PM · #24
I drive an 8 year old Accord. To get one used it would be well under 10K CDN.

I'd check out the Honda Fit. It's MRSP is around 15K CDN new. A used one a few years old would probably be well within your budget.
05/16/2007 02:11:23 PM · #25
Find a copy of the April edition of Consumer Reports. They have a list in there of the best (and worst) used cars at certain price levels.
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