[Darkie]

Reliable cars under 10k:

1. Honda Civic
- Honda's are well-known for high reliability
- smaller, but still a nice enough size
- cool factor: Honda's are very popular among teens and young adults
- will last for many miles
- priced very affordably
- excellent handling
- fuel efficiency, mostly in the 30s, some in the 40s
- there are several trim lines, so you can pick one that suits you well (sedan, coupe, hatchback)
- high demand means that resale is usually not a problem
! road noise
! fair acceleration/power for some versions.
! rear seat room
! a few older models may come with a 4speed manual
1. 1988-1991 4cyl 62-105hp. Most are in DX/LX/CRX trim with the 92hp engine. Si model has 105hp. Hatchback 70hp
2. 1992-1995 4cyl 70-125hp. Si/EX 125hp, DX/LX/S 102hp, CX hatchback 70hp, VX hatchback 92hp (extremel efficient)
3. 1996-2000 4cyl 106-127hp. CX/DX/LX 106hp. EX 127hp, HX 115hp coupe.
4. 2001- 4cyl 115-160hp. DX/LX 115hp, EX 127hp, Si 160hp

2. Ford Focus
- reasonable starting price means you can get an almost new one.($12,000 - 16,000 new)
- small and nimble
- several different trims and styles will help you get what you need.
- a new model: has newer safety features and current styling
- fuel economy
- very good overall handling and visibility.
! fair reliability so far for this new model
! power/acceleration, SVT more expensive
1. 1999- 4cyl 110-130hp SVT 170

3. Nissan Maxima
- upscale nissan model means you get many nice features
- power/acceleration excellent - top 10 engine 8 yrs running
- even older models, esp. past generation have very nice styling that is still contemporary
- a medium sized car that will fit a lot in it
- excellent reliability
- very popular among all ages; projects a good image
- among the most comfortable cars I have sat in - front or back.
- This would be my top choice if you can get a good deal on it, but that can be tough, as this car has a very lofty reputation. All model years are very good.
! may need to look back to 95 and earlier for pricing under $10,000
1. 1989-1994 V6 160-190hp
2. 1995-1999 V6 190hp
3. 2000- V6 222-255hp

4. Acura Integra/RSX
- an upscale civic
- extremely reliable
- low depreciation rate
- will go many miles(have been known to go 200,000 - 250,000 mi)
- sporty coupe/hatchback or sedan available (RS/LS/GS-R/Type R)
- costs more than civic, but is still usually reasonbly priced for added features
- very popular among high school and college age people
- high demand is great for resale
- powerful and great handling, with still good fuel economy
! road noise
! rear seat room
1. 1988-1989 4cyl 118hp
2. 1990-1993 4cyl 140hp/GS-R coupe 170hp
3. 1994-2001 4cyl 140hp/GS-R coupe 170hp/Type R 195hp
4. 2002- 4cyl 160-200hp


5. Nissan Altima
- Altima is smaller than Maxima, hence more affordable, and still a little bit larger than Civic/Integra.
- excellent handling
- very good reliability
- a practical choice for any kind of driving
- widely available
- comfortable
- performs very well in almost all areas, though not exceptionally. A good starting car.
! So-so interior in second generation, some mundane aspects.
1. 1993-1997 4cyl 150hp
2. 1998-2001 4cyl 155hp
3. 2002- 4cyl 175hp, V6 240hp (huge increase in size)

6. Honda Accord
- available in three trim levels(DX,LX, and EX) to suit your liking
- mostly reasonably priced(!higher trims can be pricey, esp. V6)
- moderately sized, good rear seat space
- good handling
- low depreciation rate
- many on market, so availability is good
- past models look good
- excellent all-around car
- great reliability and has held up well in appearance
! designed to appeal more towards adults, in general
! if you need a V6, go with the Maxima. The accord's just isn't that powerful and is overpriced. Acceleration is fair overall in newer model yrs.
1. 1988-1989 4cyl 98-120hp
2. 1990-1993 4cyl 125-140hp
3. 1994-1997 4cyl 130-145hp
4. 1998-2002 4cyl 150hp : V6 200hp
* New model expected for fall of 2003 for both sedan and coupe.

7. Toyota Camry
- a nice all-around, medium sized car, rear seat very usable with plenty of space.
- top seller for the last several years
- good craftsmanship
- top-notch reliability 1996 and later, still good reliability in earlier models, but some problems are more frequent so have the mechanic do a careful check.
- a few trim levels
- low depreciation rate
- nice but without frills interior ambiance
! mundane (appearance and tons of them on streets)
! functions very comparatively to most others on list, but popularity means it is often more pricey.
1. 1988-1991 4cyl 115hp, V6 153hp
2. 1992-1996 4cyl 125hp, V6 188hp
3. 1997-2001 4cyl 133hp, V6 194hp
4. 2002- 4cyl 157hp, V6 192hp

8. Nissan Sentra
- very affordable vehicle, but you mostly get good stuff for what you pay.
- small, but not too small to feel vulnerable
- excellent gas mileage
- good build quality
- great reliability
! lacks personality, very mundane
! fair engine power
! somewhat cramped rear.
! not a whole lot of cargo space
! Absolutely avoid all automatics 88-90, as they are only 3 speed transmission, which is unnecessarily horrendous. Many also have only 4speed manual which is not optimal.
1. 1988-1990 4cyl 90hp (I do not recommend these model yrs)
2. 1991-1994 4cyl 110hp-140hp. I do not recommend "E" trim sedan with 3speed automatic trans, all the rest have fine transmissions.
3. 1995-1999 4cyl 115hp
4. 2000- 4cyl 126-175hp. Most will have 126hp or 145. Sentra SE-R and Spec V have higher outputs.

9. Chevrolet Camaro
- very sporty model, hence very cool
- nice features, esp. higher trim lines
- very powerful/great acceleration
- good ride and handling
- available in several trim lines and styles
- shouldn't be a problem to find one
* Reliability generally sound
! comfort
! may depreciate more heavily than other choices
! fuel economy
1. 1988-1993 I-4 140hp, V8 230hp
2. 1994-1997 V6 160hp, V8 275-305hp
3. 1998- V6 200hp, V8 305-345hp

10. Volkswagen Jetta
- medium size
- does most things very well
- cool company and cool car
- fuel economy
- handling
- low depreciation
! Reliability fair for some model years
! try hard to get a newer one (96 or sooner). Volkswagen has been making leaps and bounds in its product in recent years.
1. 1988-1992 I-4 52-134hp: all automatics only 3speed
2. 1996-1998 I-4 115hp, fuel efficient TDI I-4 90hp,V6 172hp
3. 1999- I-4 115-180hp, TDI I-4 90hp, V6 201hp

Other Good Choices
- Chevrolet/Geo Prizm:an economy car that was built in a joint venture between GM and Toyota. Has excellent reliability reputation and functions well, but is an economy car.
- Chevrolet Malibu: redesign several yrs back yielded an all-around competent performer that is a family sedan.
- Ford Escort: Economy car that preceded the focus.
- Mazda Protege: Another economy car that has a good reputation, but does not excel in any one area.
- Nissan Sentra: nissan's lowest model in the states. It is a compact.
- Toyota Corolla: below a Camry. Little emphasis on style, but has held-up well.
- Toyota Celica:a sporty model that well-liked, but a little pricier.