Best eco box beater under 5k?

[ZionsWrath]

hey guise

My friend is looking for a beater car under 9k (absolute maximum budget). IMO they should keep the budget lower and have some money allocated for unexpected repairs, some routine maintenance upon purchase.

But I digress. What is a good used car to look at for under 5k that only purpose is going to work, the grocery store, and taking the kids to school and soccer practice? Coupe or sedan is fine as long as it can fit a shopping trip and a car seat. Also, must be automatic.

Right now I was thinking something like a corolla or accord late 90s.

[joop1987]

Corolla is the best choice. It's cheaper than a Civic and in my opinion, more reliable.

[FrX]

Late 90's or early 2000's Honda. Something with a D or B series motor in it. Basically indestructible. If something does break, it is cheap to replace.

[7thgear]

yep, 90s corolla or base civics are bomb proof (so long as no QP rust)

their engine bays are wide enough to fit an elephant, so working on their teeny weeny engines is a breeze. Interiors are actually roomy and efficient.

If you're lucky, you'll find a model without power-steering, then you'll be king!

[bcj]

Can pick up a dodge caravan in very good shape for 2-3K.
Used prices on vans are very low because they're unfashionable, but does not correspond with utility.
The 3.3 and 3.8 engines use timing chains rather than belts. Keep the oil changed and you're good.
Mileage ran about 26-28 for my 95 Grand CV. Sold it for 2K a couple months ago and it's still running strong.
Owned 18 years and only had to replace the starter about 5 years ago and the alternator just before I sold it.
Both very easy to DIY.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by bcj

Can pick up a dodge caravan......

[STIITS]

Chevrolet Cavalier, good on gas, cheap to fix and transmissions are tough.

[wrxgoose]

old toyotas were hard to kill.

[n2oinferno]

Used second gen Prius with less than 100k miles for about 7 or 8 grand. Hear me out.

The batteries are showing to last much longer than originally expected, many going to 200-300k miles. Extremely simple transmission with a planetary gear that really only ever requires fluid changes. Far fewer drivetrain wear parts than other vehicles - no timing belts/chain, alternator, starter motor.

Worst case scenario is you have to get new batteries. 1600 bucks for refurbs, 500 to install them.

[mfbmike]

older vw tdi's

[boxer 2.5]

ARE YOU GUYS JOKING??? For 5k you can get a decent 03'-05 civic with ~80k miles on it. Step that up to 7k and you can get a same year Accord. 9k and you're staring an Acura TSX in the face. Either you fellas have never bought a used car, or prices are really different up here in New England.

[rice_classic]

1st generation Honda Insight: 60+mpg




But seriously... I want one of these.. don't know why



Edit: Damnit, missed the part about kids..

7K could get you a 2004 CRV
<5k could get you a 1st gen CRV in good condition

[boxer 2.5]

not really the best gas mileage on the 04 crv. the older crv's with the b20b's/b20z's are baller though. 28mpg and with the motor from an ls integra but with more displacement!
(I used to own an Integra =P)

[n2oinferno]

Originally Posted by Marchy

if you can find it, a mazda protoge P5 is a good choice as well.

No it's not, at least not in the NE. A lot of Mazdas, the P5 included, are notorious for rusting. I realize OP wants an auto, but had one with a MT and it was already grinding horribly at 40k. Otherwise, really liked the car.