Amelia Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 I need help. I must get a new/used car and I havent the foggiest about cars. I am now driving a 1979 olds cutlass supreme that has over 240,000 miles on it and is going to need a ring job pretty soon. I love the weight of this car. I feel secure on the pavement and not like Im going to fly off if I drive the speed limit. So I guess you could say I wouldnt want something lightweight. Or tiny. I think a midsize car would be the best. I do ALOT of driving in my work so good mpg's would be a must. I really dont care about style or color or assessories. Well I would like to have AC and a radio. So please list your suggestions so I can get started on my research. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 I am so stingy and tight I just keep rebuilding the motors and driving them. My cars don't even have air bags. I have a 1988 minivan and a 1990 Jeep. Lucky cars don't rust out where I live. In Minnesota neither of my cars would still be in once piece at that age. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted February 25, 2005 Author Share Posted February 25, 2005 Well Im not in minn and I dont have a rust problem. Actually my car, the body, is in fantastic condition and the engine really runs well. Its the ring job coming on. I dont want to sink that much money into this car. If I did that, then I would also have to get the ac fixed, the washer pump fixed(I have to spray with windex every so often but the wipers still wipe), the radio and speakers fixed (only the back speakers work) and the drivers seatback is begining to sag just a tad. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted February 25, 2005 Author Share Posted February 25, 2005 Oh and I dont know how much it would cost to have a rebuilt engine put in but I think a young high school kid would have more fun tinkering with this car for say $200? Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 Toyota Camry 4 cyl dependable 34 MPG and nice size..under $20K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted February 25, 2005 Author Share Posted February 25, 2005 Oh oh oh another thing. I can only drive an automatic. I totally kill sticks. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 We've found that the Honda Civic is a slightly less expensive Toyota Camry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 Yeah I have a Honda Civic 4 door..38 mpg.. I test drove a Camry recently..nice and soft and quiet for this over the hill guy..and that trunk is nice and large Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pockey Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 In some states, if you buy a hybrid, you get to ride in the carpool lane even if you're by yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted February 25, 2005 Author Share Posted February 25, 2005 Uh, Sid....I cannot even in my dreams, afford a hybrid. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 Ah, but there are also certain tax credits when you buy a hybrid. This might help the $$ situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pockey Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 Quote: Uh, Sid....I cannot even in my dreams, afford a hybrid. Amelia, my bad, you didn't say anything when people were mentioning Camry's and Civics, so I thought I'd offer that tidbit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted February 25, 2005 Author Share Posted February 25, 2005 Most likely I will buy used. Even with financing I couldnt afford a monthy payment. I need to buy a car outright. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted February 25, 2005 Author Share Posted February 25, 2005 Ooo Oooo, look at this one. Cool or what? http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp...mp;aff=national Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pockey Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 These links may help in your search: http://www.carfax.com/ http://www.kbb.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 Um. Lightning aside, the Cavalier I used to drive was my favorite car ever! Could be 'cuz it was my first one ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil D Posted February 26, 2005 Share Posted February 26, 2005 Amelia, Comfort or practicality? Which do you want in a car? Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.  George Bernard Shaw  Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted February 26, 2005 Author Share Posted February 26, 2005 Both. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mittelgr124.gif" alt="" /> Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted February 26, 2005 Share Posted February 26, 2005 Part of it is the environmentalist in me and the other is just that I am kind of a tight wad, but I favor gasoline effcent cars or even deisels. (You can run those on used cooking oil <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />) However if you live in an area with snow you may want 4wd. I have 4wd on my Jeep because I live near Mexico (land of no storm sewers). I do believe that Subaru has gas efficent 4wd. Another thing to take into consideration is the cost of repairs. If you are going to buy used you will most likely have repairs in your future. My mechanic and I are on a first name basis. I think I will be invited to his children's weddings and graduations. If you have a mechanic friend he may help you check out a used car. He can test the compression, look at the air filter and if you try the car out for a couple of days first, he can change the oil. Often times those selling used cars put in an oil additive to quiet knocking and other symtoms. By changing the oil a mechanic can tell if that is the case. Also ask your mechanic if that type of car is expensive to fix and if they break down a lot. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWhetmore Posted February 26, 2005 Share Posted February 26, 2005 I drive an '87 Mercury Lynx with 430,000 miles. It's on its second engine, a rebuilt engine. Actually, I followed the advice of some knowledgeable friends and had a couple of engines put in from wrecked cars. Although those engines hadn't been damaged in the crash, they didn't last more than a few months. Thus, I don't count them. Installed rebuilt engines cost anywhere from $1500 to $3000 for Mercury Lynx/Ford Escorts. I had a backyard mechanic put in the engine for $1800. My kids are driving a '97 Ford Escort whose engine I had replaced for $3000. If the body and chassis of your car is in great shape it may be worth doing. Down the way you'll be looking at replacing tie rods and other steering and suspension parts, as well as wheel bearings, which could cost you another $800...in four or five more years. You just have to balance out whether you can afford the unknown problems of an upgrade to a newer model used car. When you put in a rebuilt engine, you get a nice guarantee and a good feeling that you'll have at least 100,000 or more miles out of that engine. You don't know how many miles you'll get out of a used engine. By the way, investing in changing the fluid in your automatic transmission on a yearly basis can mean that your transmission outlasts your car... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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