Need something safe and cheap to maintain.

Hey,

I'm 18 and I need a car consisting of a few different things. Here's what I need in a car (in order of importance)...

1.Safety
2.Cheap Maintenance (repair)
3.Under $6,000
4.Made any time after 1990
5.Reliability

I don't care as much about all the swanky extras (ie. leather seats, fancy electronic panel, super nice stereo, luxury items, etc)

Anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks,
-Mike

Ford Taurus

I know someone with a 2005 it has about 88,000 miles hasnt had any repairs at all. Still original brakes and everything.

only things replaced are the tires (winter driving wanted good tires)

Very safe GREAT brakes, has air bags, great headlights.

its safe, cheap to repair, can be bought for about $4000-6000, and has never been in the shop.

I like your Q, you have a brain unlike most kids your age whom only think from zero to 100

I like the Suzuki along with the Ford Focus build after 2002.

The post by " godofwarmike " also an excellent choice, but does your lifestyle call for a family car ?

Thanks for the helpful comments guys,

The Taurus that Godofwarmike suggested seems like it might be like a good choice. I looked it up on IIHS and it got perfect ratings in all safety sections. And if its maintenance is price-friendly and reliable to, then that's perfect because that's all I'm mainly looking for right now (not to mention their dirt cheap!).

And to you Ray Paulson, first off I would like to say thanks for stroking my ego lol (yeah, I see alot of posts from 16-18 year olds saying "what's a good, fast, cool car, because I like to drive really fast" and thats all they say lol). Second off you mentioned the Suzuki and the Ford Focus...I can look up the Ford Focus myself but is there a specific model you are talking about with the Suzuki?...or is there only one model that Suzuki makes (I have only ever seen a few Suzuki cars on the road lol)? And is the Taurus really a family car?...I'm not really looking for any specific "type" of car...I just need this car basicly for commuting myself and my brother since we go to college together (On occasion I might need to have a couple other people in the car, but not very often). I would prefer something a little sportier but it's not madatory (a sportier car would probably jack up my insurance a little anyways).

Alright, looking forward to your responses
-Mike

im not sure what kind of preferences you have, but im an imports person and i'd say go Honda.

they last forever and they're not very expensive...
not to mention, they're easy to modify
:D

Hey, Mike, now listen to old grandpa here having sold mobile metal for close to 40 years, here are some answers to your question.

1. The Focus, you got three choices - Wagon - Sedan - Hatchback " the hatch is sporty looking, and will not jack up your insurance "

2. As for you only having seen a few Suzuki cars on the road " I agree " But will you also agree with, if you went to buy a pair of designer jeans, you could buy the same no name cloth and cut for much less ? that's Suzuki..... It's all about marketing..... Honda and Toyota captured the import market with clever strategy, and yes in the 80's and 90's were a much superior product, but domestic has come a long way with quality on today's market for less bucks.


3. As for a specific model, Mfg's come up with different names and cosmetics subject to where your located in the world. The suzuki Swift in my area will last as long as any Honda or Toyota for much less money.

4. As for looking to buy for under $6000. it all comes down to CONDITION, year - make - miles - takes a back seat. The average vehicle from 1 model year old to about 6 depreciate approx $2500. yearly, if you get 3 years driving without any major repairs, you will have secured your investment.

As for you going to college, you know results come with study, the same applies with buying a car to lesson the fear ending up with a lemon, here is a starting page on my website http://www.usedcartips.org/TENTHOU.html from there study - Test Drive - Take to Mechanic - how to negotiate.
When you find a vehicle that triggers your emotions, post a link, and let's see if there are any red flags - good luck

im not sure what kind of preferences you have, but im an imports person and i'd say go Honda.

they last forever and they're not very expensive...
not to mention, they're easy to modify
:D

I agree with Honda being an excellent product, but where does your statement come into play - they're not very expensive ? , compared to what ?

I agree with Honda being an excellent product, but where does your statement come into play - they're not very expensive ? , compared to what ?
im just referring to the fact that you can buy a civic that will run just fine for 3k.
'95 and '97 are probably their best years and theyll run forever.

im just referring to the fact that you can buy a civic that will run just fine for 3k.
'95 and '97 are probably their best years and theyll run forever.

I know what point your trying to get across, yes it's a HONDA , but 12 to 14 years old, and for 3K " ouch thats heavy ",,, a vehicle that old CONDITION becomes the only # 1 factor to outlast your investment ,,, not the label, what are your thoughts about that statement. ?

As for the Honda's best years " sorry sweetie " the 80's were the best, and finally domestic started to kick into gear in the mid 90's to match quality.

Hondas are not cheap to fix,about $400.00 for an alternator if one goes out and most japanese cars have electrical problems which are not cheap to fix.Also theives stole the catalytic converters off them,went for $900.00 for scrap.