Foo - Need new (to me) car - reliable w/ good mileage

Ok, so currently I drive an F150 w/ a V8. Gas mileage is horrible and for two reasons, I want to get another car. Reason 1) gas is too expensive and 2) fossil fuels are limited. Yeah, yeah.. I know, why drive a truck if i'm concerned about fossil fuels. i have my reasons but they aren't good enough to continue commuting in it. Bike riding is out of the question since I usually leave at dark, coming and going, and the country roads i use are crowded and narrow.

That being said, I'm looking for a used reliable vehicle in the 5 - 6 K$ range. I'm like 6'5" so Honda's are out of the question. I like the Taurus and Focus and fit in both but they are American. We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap. So... what do you recommend?

dv

Camry might be a good choice!

An entry-level motorcycle? It would be well within your price range, would get excellent gas mileage, and has headlights.

Ok, so currently I drive an F150 w/ a V8. Gas mileage is horrible and for two reasons, I want to get another car. Reason 1) gas is too expensive and 2) fossil fuels are limited. Yeah, yeah.. I know, why drive a truck if i'm concerned about fossil fuels. i have my reasons but they aren't good enough to continue commuting in it. Bike riding is out of the question since I usually leave at dark, coming and going, and the country roads i use are crowded and narrow.

That being said, I'm looking for a used reliable vehicle in the 5 - 6 K$ range. I'm like 6'5" so Honda's are out of the question. I like the Taurus and Focus and fit in both but they are American. We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap. So... what do you recommend?

dv
Umm okay.
Here's the level of reliability (car wise)
Ford - hmm 80,000 miles - sees the inside of garage at least once or twice and is losing gas mileage
Chevy - hmmm 120,00 miles - sees the inside of the garage at least once for major overhaul but maintaings gas mileage
Toyota Tacoma - 150,000 miles (3 car accidents late, teaching 4 kids how to drive a stick - never seen the inside of a car garage - was totaled and sold for 3k)
Toyota Celica - 210,000 miles (hauled family of 7 across America - never seen the inside of a car garage - is not in the hands of some college girl)

Your mileage may vary (pun/no pun intended) ;)

If you want reliability without the cost I would go Toyota. You just cannot go wrong. They still to this day build cars that last forever. Theirs cars and pickups built 30+ years ago were built to be driven in 2007 and they still are being driven in 2007.

Honda is supposed to have the same sort of reliability as Toyota - I can't say from experience - All my honda experience are their Small Motors division. Honda's are supposed to have higher maintenance and repair costs. (The latter assumes that it ever has to see the inside of a mechanics shop).

Ok, so currently I drive an F150 w/ a V8. Gas mileage is horrible and for two reasons, I want to get another car. Reason 1) gas is too expensive and 2) fossil fuels are limited. Yeah, yeah.. I know, why drive a truck if i'm concerned about fossil fuels. i have my reasons but they aren't good enough to continue commuting in it. Bike riding is out of the question since I usually leave at dark, coming and going, and the country roads i use are crowded and narrow.

That being said, I'm looking for a used reliable vehicle in the 5 - 6 K$ range. I'm like 6'5" so Honda's are out of the question. I like the Taurus and Focus and fit in both but they are American. We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap. So... what do you recommend?

dv
You should be able to get a decent corolla, camry or perhaps even Avalon. in that price range. Might have to bump up 1k if you want the Avalon. Or bump the salesman down 1k ;)

Oh, and don't discount the Tacoma. It's an awesome pickup with 20mpg~ (last i looked). Might be a viable option since you are coming from a pickup. I assume of cours that you haul stuff in/with the pickup every once in awhile :p

If your present truck is paid-off, you'll come out ahead by continuing to drive it, despite lousy fuel economy. If you are going to get rid of the truck and get the new vehicle without taking out a loan, that might be viable, though if you have to spend more than a grand net it's still probably a bad move (do the math on gas savings vs. new car expenditure, to be sure).

That being said, I've been wowed by claims to Corolla fuel economy lately. Dunno if it's the hybrid, but they say 41mpg.

Other than that, look for an Accord or Camry, maybe late 90s - 2000 in good condition in your price range. Those cars will last forever if cared for.

If your present truck is paid-off, you'll come out ahead by continuing to drive it, despite lousy fuel economy. If you are going to get rid of the truck and get the new vehicle without taking out a loan, that might be viable, though if you have to spend more than a grand net it's still probably a bad move (do the math on gas savings vs. new car expenditure, to be sure).

That being said, I've been wowed by claims to Corolla fuel economy lately. Dunno if it's the hybrid, but they say 41mpg.

Other than that, look for an Accord or Camry, maybe late 90s - 2000 in good condition in your price range. Those cars will last forever if cared for.
Used is probably gonna be in the 30-35~ range (which is still probably pretty awesome). I believe the 41 is a pretty recent acquisition.

Let's do some math. You are going to spend ~$6000 on an additional car to save money? Assuming gasoline is $3 per gallon, you could buy 2000 gallons of gasoline instead. Presuming your truck gets 15 miles per gallon overall, you could drive your truck 30,000 miles on that $6000 of gasoline.

You'd have to drive your additional car for a long time before you came out even... especially once you have to pay extra for insurance, maintenance, etc. And it's not better for the environment to have more cars, it would only make sense if you got rid of the truck.

If by a long time sestivers, you mean a year or two, then sure.
To the OP, I say go grab a new Honda Nighthawk/Rebel, 250cc version. You'll get a nice warranty from a relatively reliable manufacturer, something that gets ~75mpg, and you'll be in it for less than $6k. Otoh, you could just go look for an older, low mileage compact that's on the cheap side, ~$1k. Test drive it to make sure you fit, and repair it when needed.

I had a Toyota Supra that went 245,000 miles and never had to be repaired. Just regular service like oil, water, brake-pads and timing-belt every 3-4 years. Only needed new alternator and brake-rotors which I did myself. It still had the original water-pump and clutch!

Honda has similar reliability, however repairs and parts costs more than Toyota.

Camry.....Nuff said! Go out of your way to get the 5-Speed.With proper care you may never buy another car.

Very Happy Carolla owner for the last 16 years!! 178,600 miles,less than $4000 total cost in that time,(including $1600 purchace price) not including gas and Ins. You just cant beat $250 a year!

Let's do some math. You are going to spend ~$6000 on an additional car to save money? Assuming gasoline is $3 per gallon, you could buy 2000 gallons of gasoline instead. Presuming your truck gets 15 miles per gallon overall, you could drive your truck 30,000 miles on that $6000 of gasoline.

You'd have to drive your additional car for a long time before you came out even... especially once you have to pay extra for insurance, maintenance, etc. And it's not better for the environment to have more cars, it would only make sense if you got rid of the truck.

Unless he drives his truck 30,000 miles per year...

+1 for the motorcycle. The 250 ninja is my primary transportation. I'm going to get a second one later this week and sell the 636 because it's not as fun on the streets.

60+mpg. The "new" one has an aftermarket exhaust. Never had an aftermarket pipe, so we will see how I like that.

Yes, in actuality it is quite amusing the way people quibble over gas pricess.
People are quite willing to take on a 20k debt and an extra 100+ amonth in insurance to save 50-120 bucks a month in gas.

It's amusing until it happens to somebody you know and then it's just sickening.

Yeah, my insurance will be about $100 a year. :p

Ok, so currently I drive an F150 w/ a V8. Gas mileage is horrible and for two reasons, I want to get another car. Reason 1) gas is too expensive and 2) fossil fuels are limited. Yeah, yeah.. I know, why drive a truck if i'm concerned about fossil fuels. i have my reasons but they aren't good enough to continue commuting in it. Bike riding is out of the question since I usually leave at dark, coming and going, and the country roads i use are crowded and narrow.

That being said, I'm looking for a used reliable vehicle in the 5 - 6 K$ range. I'm like 6'5" so Honda's are out of the question. I like the Taurus and Focus and fit in both but they are American. We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap. So... what do you recommend?

dv

DV, my brother has a Toyota Matrix hatchback. This car is great! I borrow it whenever I need something that resembles a pickup. (OK, I can't haul sheetrock :o ) I think he gets 30 city and 35 highway. Also, it has lots of headroom and a very upright seating position.

Cheers :beer:

DV, my brother has a Toyota Matrix hatchback. This car is great! I borrow it whenever I need something that resembles a pickup. (OK, I can't haul sheetrock :o ) I think he gets 30 city and 35 highway. Also, it has lots of headroom and a very upright seating position.

Cheers :beer:
new Matrix or old?. i thought the matrix was based off of the corolloa or is it just that much heavier ?

Let's do some math. You are going to spend ~$6000 on an additional car to save money? Assuming gasoline is $3 per gallon, you could buy 2000 gallons of gasoline instead. Presuming your truck gets 15 miles per gallon overall, you could drive your truck 30,000 miles on that $6000 of gasoline.

You'd have to drive your additional car for a long time before you came out even... especially once you have to pay extra for insurance, maintenance, etc. And it's not better for the environment to have more cars, it would only make sense if you got rid of the truck.

Maybe he's interested in saving gas, not saving money. There's a difference you know. Do you think your grandkids are going to give a rat's ass about the money you saved 50 years from now?

new Matrix or old?. i thought the matrix was based off of the corolloa or is it just that much heavier ?

It's a 2004. I think the car has its own platform. The roof is about five inches taller than a Corolla.

Maybe he's interested in saving gas, not saving money. There's a difference you know. Do you think your grandkids are going to give a rat's ass about the money you saved 50 years from now?
They will probably care that you used up their oil reserve a hell of alot faster and got the world using renewable clean power sources sooner :D
:p

It's a 2004. I think the car has its own platform. The roof is about five inches taller than a Corolla.
Hmm i could have sworn the Matrix was based off of the Corolla. Maybe i'm just thinking of the Honda Fit.

corolla ftw!

or a honda civic sedan

I like the Taurus and Focus and fit in both but they are American. We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap. So... what do you recommend?

Isn't a Focus around the same size as a Civic? Or an Accord even?

We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap.

American automobile reliabilty has vastly improved in the past few years. It really is a shame that people have written these companies off. I drive a 2000 Ford Ranger that is as bare bones as it gets and have had no problems with it in the year and a half I've owned it, and I get about 24 mpg. People assuming that US made vehicles are crap are doing these companies in just as much as their (the Detroit Three) stupid business decisions are. I've included an article about the last J.D. Powers & Assoc. Dependibility Study as evidence of the improvement of US automobiles.

By the way, I work as an automotive technician for an independent garage. The three other mechanics I work with drive Fords too. One is on his 3rd Taurus wagon in 16 years, bought all of them used.

- Kyle

P.S. Uh, as far as the Taurus goes...stay away from the 3.8L engine...it's a POS:rolleyes: . The 3.0L is a sweetheart though:D .
http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4022547

Most Dependable Vehicles

The dependability of non-luxury vehicles has improved to almost reach the levels of luxury-brand vehicles, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
The Vehicle Dependability Study measures problem symptoms experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles (2003 models). The vehicles are scored based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).

The gap between luxury and non-luxury brand was cut in half to just 15 PP100 for 2003 models. J.D. Power attributes this to quality improvements with non-luxury brands—primarily in the ride/handling/braking and engine/transmission categories.

This shift was underscored by the top-ranked brands. Toyota's Lexus division was the top-ranked brand in this study for the 12th year in a row, and Cadillac ranked fourth. The other three brands in the top five were non-luxury brands—Mercury and Buick in second and third respectively, and Toyota in the fifth position.

"The industry continues to make improvements in long-term vehicle quality, and not just among luxury makes that benefit from smaller production volumes on the assembly line," said Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power and Associates. "Many high-volume, mass-marketed brands have acquired a foundation of quality products from which to challenge the normally strong performances of the luxury brands. What this means for consumers is that they don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality used vehicle, and vehicles with high long-term dependability ratings retain more of their original value than brands with lower dependability ratings. This pays off for the consumer when it's time to trade in their vehicle."

In addition to topping the brand list, Lexus vehicles topped four of the 16 segments: GS as top Midsize Premium Car; LS 430 as Large Premium Car; SC 430 as Premium Sporty Car; and GX 470 as Midsize Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV). Toyota also topped four segments, with Honda placing three vehicles as segment leaders.

Vehicles from General Motors topped four segments, and vehicles from Ford Motor Company were at the top of two segments.

And it's not better for the environment to have more carsMaybe he's interested in saving gas, not saving money. There's a difference you know. Do you think your grandkids are going to give a rat's ass about the money you saved 50 years from now?

It seems like you missed this part of my statement.

Vehicles from General Motors topped four segments, and vehicles from Ford Motor Company were at the top of two segments.

Sadly that is so biased that i's not even funny. A car that will generally see a shop at least once within its first 5 years and a car that will see a shop 3 times within 7 years and drastically lose gas mileage cannot compete with a car that never sees the inside of a car shop lasts 3 times as long and never loses gas mileage.

Anybody that attempts to state that there is reliability in cars that see a shop 3-20 times in their lifetime compared to cars that never see a shop in their lifetime.

I like the Taurus and Focus and fit in both but they are American. We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap.

We all know? I seem to remeber just reading that Ford edged out quite a few foreign makes in a quality study.

I'd say get more than six grand together before you decide to trade your current ride for an unknown car. At the $5k pricepoint the chances of getting a dog are pretty good, why take the chance? Plus, you're a little late to the "fuel economy" party. The value of your F150 has dropped pretty good over the last 18 months, and the prices of what you're looking for have risen. Selling low and buying high to save a few pennies on gas doesn't really make much sense.

Camry might be a good choice!
Yes it is. My dad had one and loved it, and lets say he isn't a small person. He is 6'2" tall and not skinny:rolleyes:

Sadly that is so biased that i's not even funny. A car that will generally see a shop at least once within its first 5 years and a car that will see a shop 3 times within 7 years and drastically lose gas mileage cannot compete with a car that never sees the inside of a car shop lasts 3 times as long and never loses gas mileage.

I think I'll stick with the results from JD Powers instead of your made up facts.

Subaru - they get @ 27 mpg, are safe & reliable (my 2000 Outback has 265,000 miles & it's just fine). I recently sold a 95 Impreza toa friend's son for $500 - it had 268,000 miles, was a bit banged up, but really only needed a new gas tank - a job which costs @ $700.

I just heard last week that Hyundai now has the most reliable cars.

I just heard last week that Hyundai now has the most reliable cars.

Was just coming in here to suggest a Hyundai. My wife just bought a 2006 Elantra with 14k mi on it for around $10k. You could likely find a 3-4 year old Elantra or Sonata 4-cylinder in your price range.

]We all know that American vehicle reliability is crap.

Before you make gross statements like that, better do your homework first. Take a look at the latest JD Power and Associates reserach findings. For domestic cars in terms of quality, Ford is rated number 1 followed by Toyota and Honda. Wordwide, Porsche is first, followed by Lexis and Lincoln,

I just heard last week that Hyundai now has the most reliable cars.

Nope, Hyundai dropped a whole lot. They are finding out the same as Toyaot and Honda that big jumps in production volume really strains the quality

Nope, Hyundai dropped a whole lot. They are finding out the same as Toyaot and Honda that big jumps in production volume really strains the quality

Not sure where you are getting your info but the MSM reported this last week...

Hyundai Grabs Lead in Auto Quality Study (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070604/vehicle_quality.html?.v=1)

Monday June 4, 6:41 pm ET
By David N. Goodman, Associated Press Writer
Korea's Hyundai Leads in 5 Categories in the Annual Vehicle Quality Study


DETROIT (AP) -- When it comes to car quality, think Korean. Hyundai Motor Co. leads in five categories in the annual vehicle quality study released Monday by Strategic Vision Inc., a San Diego-based market research company and consultant to automakers.
ADVERTISEMENT


Hyundai's rise in the rankings is only the latest sign of the improved overall quality and declining number of defects in today's cars and trucks, said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor.

"They're coming together to a point where the differences are almost meaningless," Cole said.

I wonder how much Ford had to pay JD Power to get that published.

Before you make gross statements like that, better do your homework first. Take a look at the latest JD Power and Associates reserach findings. For domestic cars in terms of quality, Ford is rated number 1 followed by Toyota and Honda. Wordwide, Porsche is first, followed by Lexis and Lincoln,
Hahahah. Real World use says the exact opposite. Ford is at the bottom of the barrel of the "big" car names. And toyota is at the top

I wonder how much Ford had to pay JD Power to get that published.
No ****ing ****.

My Honda Accord has actually quite a bit of leg room, and the new ones have much taller ceilings than the older ones. You might be surprised.

But my recommendation would be a good used VW TDI. You'll get 50mpg, drive a car with more torque, and use the less expensive fuel. Check out the Jetta or the Golf

I just heard last week that Hyundai now has the most reliable cars.
Unfortunately - and those who drive a car will probably understand this. A car doesn't become reliable overnight. So In one year Hyundi went from being the worst car on the market second only to Kia to being the most reliable car. Okay, newsflash Your car should never ever see the inside of a mechanic's garage for 5 years.
Secondly a car should really honestly only be deemed "notably reliably" if a car runs for a Decade without seeing the inside of a mechanic's garage. When this manufacturer has numerous cars that have been running for 2-3 decades with 200,000+ miles on them then this car has set a standard.

You set that record over a period of 3 decades not one year. So I think what they meant to say was, That Hyundi finally built a car that didn't have to see the inside of a mechanic's garage within 1-2 year of purchasing it. Thats all that you extrapolate from that.

Reliability is measured by time. A car's lifespan "should" be 1-3 decades

Texasguy- well said!
Honda and Toyota have proven reliability. You can look online, it's very common to see people getting 300,000 miles out of their vehicles. My parents used to have a 1985 Toyota Corolla, we eventually ditched it at 250k miles because of the body. The engine and other internals were still in fine condition.
But if I was looking for another petroleum car, I would get a VW TDI.

i can't honestly understand why anyone would chose any other car manufacturer over toyota/honda.

they make cars in every class that are way better than any other manufaturer's- cheaper to buy, cheaper on gas, cheaper to maintain, better quality.

oh wait, americans are dumb.

they only exception that i see is if you wanted a huge truck, like a f-350 diesel or a huge suv, like a chevy suburban or tahoe. i think american manufacturers still have the edge on bigass suvs and trucks. but those are useless anyways.

You have obviously not had the joy of experiencing a mid-90s M series. I want one now!

i can't honestly understand why anyone would chose any other car manufacturer over toyota/honda.If you don't care much about cars, and just want a bland bit of reliable, cheap, practical automobile to get you from point A to point B, sure.

Now, if you like cars, like driving, or want something fun and/or good-looking, maybe at the expense of some gas milage, practicality, or even reliability, it's a different story.

Different strokes for different folks.

Different strokes for different folks.
Mazda, BMW, Lotus, Infiniti, Porsche, Ferrari, Bugatti...

I like those strokes. ;)

If you don't care much about cars, and just want a bland bit of reliable, cheap, practical automobile to get you from point A to point B, sure.

Now, if you like cars, like driving, or want something fun and/or good-looking, maybe at the expense of some gas milage, practicality, or even reliability, it's a different story.

Different strokes for different folks.
yep- i beleive i did make an error im my previous post. i should also have said that if you wanted a sports or fast car, toyota/honda is probably not the best choice.

but probably 90% of people would be happy and best served with a "bland, reliable, cheap, practical" car.. sounds like my perfect car.

desire for useless/impractical things, eg. (15mpg suburbans for droppin the kiddies off at skool) is what got us in the predicament in the first place.
and if people actually looked at things objectively, other than mindlessly buying stupid cars for stupid uses (eg. back to suburbans again)..we wouldn't be in the shape we're in. but again, americans are dumb and will do any thing that the tv tells to do or tells them that they "need".

another thing, fast/sports cars irk me a lot less than suvs and huge trucks do, even though they may be equally useless in actual use.
eg, for some reason i don't think it's as bad if a guy drives a porche to work over say a tahoe. but i'm dumb.

but probably 90% of people would be happy and best served with a "bland, reliable, cheap, practical" car..Sure. I agree, of course.

It would be great if more people disregarded advertising and "what's trendy," and bought what was right for them. I think most families would find that SUVs are unnecessary, and many of those who need trucks probably don't need a large truck. That said, I'd prefer people to make this realization on their own, as opposed to via legislation or somesuch. If they weigh the options, and decide that they want to buy what some would consider the stupidest, most impractical vehicle they can find, more power to them.

Okay, newsflash Your car should never ever see the inside of a mechanic's garage for 5 years. Secondly a car should really honestly only be deemed "notably reliably" if a car runs for a Decade without seeing the inside of a mechanic's garage...Reliability is measured by time. A car's lifespan "should" be 1-3 decades

Are you joking? 10 years "without seeing the inside of a mechanic's garage"? I am assuming you are ignoring routine maintenance, but still. No car company has this kind of record. Period. Here in the Northeast we are pretty tough on our cars, maybe you all go easy on them down in Texas:rolleyes: .

As far as Hyundai, they didn't turn reliable overnight. Over the past 20 years though, they have been improving (There once was a time people thought Hondas were junk too). The J.D. Powers Survey is conducted on cars two years old, so they have a track record. And only people who have bought the cars new are questioned about the reliability of them.

Finally, measure dependability in decades? A car should last "1-3 decades"? 20 years is a rather large range. Is this also without "seeing the inside of a mechanic's garage"? If not, what is your definition of "lifespan"? Is major work allowed? If it is, all the Detriot automakers (even the defunct ones) are masters of reliability. I know plenty of guys with cars from the 60s, 70s, and, well, less from the 80s...they aren't as collectable yet. A more realistic goal for today's cars, in terms of lifespan is 8-15 years. It's a sad fact, but in the society we live people tend to want to get a new car when they percieve theirs as old. Therefore car makers make cars that are for the most part disposable.

- Kyle

P.S. I apologize the the original poster. The nature of this thread has gotten slightly off course.

Hahahah. Real World use says the exact opposite. Ford is at the bottom of the barrel of the "big" car names. And toyota is at the top
Real world is JD Powers surveying users about problems they have with their cars. Can't get any more real than that!