Used Car Suggestions <=$10,000 - Page 3

rjstaaf · 10-01-06, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by qballjr13

The Saturns are great choices in that price range. With regular oil changes I wouldn't doubt you could EASILY get over 100K on the odometer. I would take that over a VW any day! As far as the Pontiac Vibe, my buddy just got rid of his because last winter he ended up sliding right into a curb and really messed up his front end, and he was only doing about 5 miles an hour. The car is too light and doesnt get good traction in the snow. Thats if snow is a concern in your area.

Our daughter lives near Syracuse, NY so yes snow is going to be an issue. I think right now we have narrowed it down to the Saturn Ion. I think the only reason we might go with something else is if we cannot find the Saturn. Our daughter's current car is a heap and not really reliable enough to get her to work every day or safe enough to haul around her and our granddaughter in...

rjstaaf · 10-01-06, 07:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaobrien6

I'll throw another vote out there for a used Mazda3. Very good car for the price.

Trust me, this would be my first choice but you can't touch a recent Mazda3 for $10,000. I have scoured Autotrader and dealers around my daughter's area and they just can't be had for that price. Unfortunately the budget for this car is NOT flexible, we are lucky to have that much...

rjstaaf · 10-01-06, 07:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom p.

RJ, I'd seek out the newest Toyota Camry you can find for $10k.

I know that Toyota builds some reliable cars but, I don't respect them as a company and would NEVER buy a Toyota of any kind. People like to whine and whine about companies like WalMart yet, Toyota goes under the radar while they treat their "temporary" workforce exactly the same way...

SpoiledMan · 10-01-06, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjstaaf

I know that Toyota builds some reliable cars but, I don't respect them as a company and would NEVER buy a Toyota of any kind. People like to whine and whine about companies like WalMart yet, Toyota goes under the radar while they treat their "termporary" workforce exactly the same way...

Oh man do we ever agree!

Bobalude · 10-01-06, 11:20

if weather might cause a traction issue, maybe an AWD car like the Subaru Impreza or an outback?

rjstaaf · 10-01-06, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobalude

if weather might cause a traction issue, maybe an AWD car like the Subaru Impreza or an outback?

We only have $10,000. We are lucky to have even that.

You can be in charge of the fundraiser to get me the extra funds

martinager · 10-01-06, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjstaaf

We only have $10,000. We are lucky to have even that.

You can be in charge of the fundraiser to get me the extra funds

If its in cash, you might be able to make a deal with a used one. Bringing 10k in cold bills can persuade quite a few.

Five Star · 10-01-06, 12:42

The Saturn ION has suspension issues. I had an 04 Ion2 and had to have busings and a driveshaft replaced at less than 15k miles. although it was warranty work, I personally wouldnt buy an ION again.

the SL's are ok. My wife has an 02 sunfire sedan, it runs great and handles the road like a midsize car. but it only has 34k on the clock so its barely broken in.

If you do buy a GM, make sure it has traction control.. I love the traction control on her sunfire, and my ION had it also, never a problem in the snow.

jaobrien6 · 10-01-06, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjstaaf

Trust me, this would be my first choice but you can't touch a recent Mazda3 for $10,000. I have scoured Autotrader and dealers around my daughter's area and they just can't be had for that price. Unfortunately the budget for this car is NOT flexible, we are lucky to have that much...

Sorry, I guess I should have checked that part out before suggesting it.

The elantra's not bad, but I don't like it nearly as much as the new sonata. I doubt you can get a sonata for anything near 10k, unfortunately.

SHICKS · 10-01-06, 01:48

If I had only 10k to spend on a car and it needed 4 doors and a 4 cyl. My first instinct would be Honda civic or Toyota corolla. I would drive each see which one I liked better, then search out the best one I could find in a private sale. Service records and who the owner was would give a slight edge to the actual car Ipicked.

For domestic, I would go Ford Focus.

Steve

jaobrien6 · 10-01-06, 02:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaobrien6

The elantra's not bad, but I don't like it nearly as much as the new sonata. I doubt you can get a sonata for anything near 10k, unfortunately.

Nevermind, I didn't realize the sonata that I like was all new in 2006, so an '04 would be the older model (which, according to Edmunds, you can get for $10k, actually, if you go private party).

TigerMike · 10-02-06, 11:28

I'd look for maybe an older Maxima....good cars. My wife has an '01, that is a great car and worth right at $10K on trade-in. Plus, her Maxima feels downright huge when driving it, compared to my G35 (probably the long hoodline on the Max). They are pretty substantial cars, and hers has been in a couple wrecks without her being injured at all. She was injured years ago driving a small compact in an accident, so I'd avoid smaller cars.

I wouldn't limit yourself to 2004+ cars. There are plenty older cars out there (even with low miles) that are more than worthy of consideration.