Need some Help in Choosing best car =)

I know, I know..another one of these threads :)

I really would love anyone who spent a few minutes to help me out as I know I have a long list here...I just want some options available before I go driving around and looking at these in person!


I can get all of these cars for under 3k in various conditions - some of the classifieds say they 'still run' but have little issues here and there - torn seats, cosmetic stuff, etc.

I want to know which cars are:

1.) The easiest to maintain - Cheapest I should say - Because I don't really know how to do the work myself.

2.) Most reliable cars - Something I don't have to worry about a transmission blowing up on me like my mercury cougar did 6 months after I bought it from a dealer for 4k...grrr

3.) Not something you would ever consider using even if it was free

I plan to keep about $3,000 - $4,000 extra left over for random repairs that might need to be done. But of course I'd rather buy a quality car and maybe use some of that extra money to repair torn seats / get a new paint job ya know..

Basically, which of these cars would you consider a good deal!!

So here's the list - I found a lot that I wouldn't mind driving and they look nice to me so sorry again for the long ass shit list!

1997 eagle talon $2,500
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2802828896.html

Pontiac Firebird 1991 - $2,100
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2803313414.html

1972 Buick Riviera - I'll get a paint job but damn it's kinda sexy looking $2,500
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2791414197.html

2001 Honda Accord Coupe - only $2600??? Should I worry something is wrong with this car?
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2805333675.html

Mercury Capri - Chick car or not, I think it's cute and it's cheap...

1984 Cheverolet Cavalier Convertible - $2,000
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2779730100.html

1980 Triumph Convertible - sweet looking car for only a $1,000 - reliable and easy to fix up?
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2779162325.html

Toyota Celica - $3500
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2792066848.html

An older Acura Integra - $1,800
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2788595693.html

I LOVE the look of this Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible - Is it solid and won't cost a fortune to repair?
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2791492045.html

Nissan Maxima - Only $2,000??? Is that normal?
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2793080479.html

Cheverolet Beretta - Only $1,100...actually looks like it's in decent shape
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2786811875.html

A Buick Riviera - $1,900
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2800312663.html

Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2801769971.html

1988 Buick Reatta - $2,000
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2759073375.html

1989 Chevy Camaro - $900 , ad says it still runs and works..hmm
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2794259539.html

1986 Mustang - $1600 , runs but needs work - but reliable?
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2784709818.html

I'll be honest... I would steer FAR away from any American made cars in your price range. The fact of the matter is that if you want reliability and cheaper fixes, the "big 3 Japanese" of Honda, Toyota and Nissan are going to be cheaper and typically be in better condition in your price range.

That basically removes 90% of your list. Sorry!

Keep us posted on what you end up deciding!

And stay away from the Triumph too.


For reliability, my vote goes with Toyota. Manual transmission.

I will go a few minutes to help you out, the big Q however is have you got half hour to spare how to get valid value for your bucks ?

To be up front I have not looked at any of your links " because " in your price range all that matters is CONDITION that will outlast your investment, not make - model or miles.

Study this link http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html and go test drive any one of your picks, should vehicle pass your expectations then step 2 and 3 will be independent mechanical inspection along with a history report and if still a go, the final step will be negotiations.

Here is another link that may be of interest http://www.usedcartips.org/TENTHOU.html

I know it's putting a lot on your plate all at once and can be confusing, feel free to ask further questions

I'll be honest... I would steer FAR away from any American made cars in your price range. The fact of the matter is that if you want reliability and cheaper fixes, the "big 3 Japanese" of Honda, Toyota and Nissan are going to be cheaper and typically be in better condition in your price range.

That basically removes 90% of your list. Sorry!


I somewhat disagree. These Japanese cars generally hold their resale value better so they will be more expensive that a domestic car, given the same condition. So, in a particular price range, the imports should, on average, be in worse condition.

Ray has it right. Buy the best condition car you can afford regardless of whether its Japanese or American.

An excellent -condition domestic car beat a clapped-out "Japanese" make hands-down.

Stay far away from European makes in this price range. They will be way too expensive to repair and maintain.

Finally, imo, assuming its in great shape, the best thing on the list is the classic Riviera. They are simple, cheap and easy to fix. It is a classic and will never go down in value..... it even may appreciate during the time you own it. But the terrible fuel economy will be a killer!

BTW that Cutlass is NOT a convertible. It simply has a very ugly fake cloth roof. Underneath it is the original steel roof. For really cheap wheels, look at the Cutlass. The owner will have to give that thing away. Chances are you could knock the price down to almost nothing. :)

SPEEDIVA,,, That logo of yours got tebowed " let it out to pasture till the fall " show your logo of choice for the superbowl, it will be a safe confident bet for me to bet the opposite,,,thanks.

And then Tebow got Tebowed and now I only care about the commercials. LOL

And then Tebow got Tebowed and now I only care about the commercials. LOL



If you only care about the commercials then watch for one with a yellow car, it's my understanding the commercial was produced by an amateur and only took 4 hours to produce, but won a contest and is so good that it will be shown to millions while watching Brady at his best.

Ps,,, don't feel bad being a Steeler fan I am a Bills fan,,,lol