Ok, so college kid is used-car shopping. We're trying to go private party to keep the costs down and have mostly been looking at Honda (Civics and Accords) and Toyota (Corolla and Camry). 1995-2000, under 120K. Price - as little as possible! $5,000 MAX. $3,500-$4,000 is more realistic. Any suggestions as to other cars that we're overlooking? We don't care about name brand but do care about reliability (which is why we've been looking at H and T). Is Nissan a reliable brand? What about Kia? I saw a 2001 Kia for sale for $3,800 w/66K but when I read the consumer reviews, most rated it as horrible for reliability. I won't let her buy any car that the government has it's paws into. Any suggestions would be welcome.
There's a Subaru for sale by owner parked at the local Fire Department parking lot. I just called the guy for more info. It's a 2002 Outback, AWD, alloy wheels, 127K, clean, interior good condition, exterior minor dings/scratches,AM/FM/CD. He's asking $5,500 - negotiable. The timing belt and water pump have not been changed; trans never flushed, no accidents, clean title (haven't run the VIN yet). I looked up consumer ratings on Edmunds and the overwhelming complaint I saw was blown head gaskets, numerous times in the same car. Problems w/the engine around 120K or so. Reliability rating per Edmunds - it got a green check on everything.
The head gasket thing with late model Subies is true. Probably a good idea to budget for having them replaced if you consider buying that one.
Define 'older'? Are they reliable? Do they break down (not normal maintenance stuff, big expensive fix things)?
From the consumer reviews I read it sounded like it was an on-going problem; e.g.: one car needing the gaskets replaced several times. Hmmmm. . . .
Multiple failures would point to shoddy shop work, to me. You can avoid this by getting an older model with the 2.2L engine.
nothing before 95..or beyond 2000...very reliable..its our second car and what my woman drives ...200,000 miles and still rolling fine with only basic maintenance
Ford makes two kinds of cars, VERY reliable and lemons. Used cars generally are not the lemons because those quit running long before they got old enough to be used cars. Every Ford I ever owned was an amazing car. Reliable as hell and tough as hell too. Owned 2 Escorts and both were great cars.
