Need cheap & economic car

[PolishPaul]

Yet another question about buying a used car. Here's what i'm looking for:
I need a car that has good fuel economy (diesel = good), cheap to maintain - like cheap tires, parts, and general maintenance, and not too expensive. I realize this a very generic question but here are some more details:

I've owned a used Dodge Dynasty, new ford Probe, new ford Escort ZX2, and finally a new Volkswagen Jetta 2003. The jetta was my dream car, solid, drove great, quiet cabin at high speeds - just an awesome solid car. The fords were junk, the Dodge was good. I've also driven many Ford Crown Victorias and they are awesome (not so awesome on fuel though).

So i need a car to serve me for like 1-2 years. I need a good cheap used car - what kind of recommendations would you have? Any advice for buying used? Should i go dealer or classified ads? Take it to the mechanic before buying etc?

I'm in the process of googling this info but if you could point me in the right direction or give me advice based on previous experience i'd be greatful.

p.s. I'm also looking for a good investment - meaning i want to get the most out of my money (that's why i don't wanna buy used now).

Oh i should add: I'm thinking price range - a) $3000 b) 5000

also: this would be a car just for driving to work about 10-25 miles max.

[Airjer_]

Give a look at the later model Saturn SL-2. Very reliable, easy to maintain, easy on the wallet, Good handling, comfortable, and pretty good fuel economy. They fit into your price range no problem.

[PolishPaul]

err... i have not heard good things about that car or other saturns.. thanks.

[Airjer_]

I can see the bad reviews on the other Saturns but the SL-2?

[akboss]

#1 - Toyota Corolla. #2 - Mazda Protege. #3 - Honda Civic. The only North American brand I would suggest is a Buick with the 3800 Series II V6, so LeSabre or Regal 2001+. My folks had a 1997 Chrysler Concorde that was a great car for them, but I know any year other than 1997 the car had its share of problems, and gas mileage in the city was not the best.

If you liked the Jetta, what about a TDI golf or Jetta between 1999-2002?

[PolishPaul]

I'd love a jetta but they aren't so cheap.

I'm eyeballing hondas/toyotas as they have a great price. I'm also looking at a crown vic cruiser but its not so hot on gas.. but man.. what a car.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by akboss

#1 - Toyota Corolla. #2 - Mazda Protege. #3 - Honda Civic. The only North American brand I would suggest is a Buick with the 3800 Series II V6, so LeSabre or Regal 2001+. My folks had a 1997 Chrysler Concorde that was a great car for them, but I know any year other than 1997 the car had its share of problems, and gas mileage in the city was not the best.

If you liked the Jetta, what about a TDI golf or Jetta between 1999-2002?

I agree with your Toyota, Mazda, Honda as valid buys, but we a talking 3 to 5K range here, do you really think in this price range the label matters ?

The post called for a vehicle to outlast an investment for up to 2 years, and in this price range all that matters is condition not label.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

I agree with your Toyota, Mazda, Honda as valid buys, but we a talking 3 to 5K range here, do you really think in this price range the label matters ?

The post called for a vehicle to outlast an investment for up to 2 years, and in this price range all that matters is condition not label.

I agree. Pick a size and body style that matches your needs, then look at all the high volume brands. IMO you can't go wrong with any good condition late model popular car like Toyota, Honda, Nissan or most Fords and GM products.

The key here is to buy the best-condition one you can afford, regardless of brand.

However, at that price range, stay away form the luxury brands, Audi, Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes etc. Those cars down at this price range are old and worn-out and usually have much more expensive-than-average parts and repair costs.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by PolishPaul

I'd love a jetta but they aren't so cheap.

I'm eyeballing hondas/toyotas as they have a great price. I'm also looking at a crown vic cruiser but its not so hot on gas.. but man.. what a car.

Honda's are typically a little more fun to drive than Toyota's, unless you considered the Celica. Just get a service history on the timing belt and make sure that has been changed!

What was it you liked about the Crown Vic cruiser?

[PolishPaul]

Brand is not that important to me but i do care a little bit.

The key here is to buy the best-condition one you can afford, regardless of brand.

Thanks - good advice.

The crown vic - welp, my family has owned a lot of them over the years (parents) and its a tank - very tough car, safe in accidents, lots of room.. basically a limo. If it was more economic on gas it would be one of the better cars out there. They've never had any major problems with the crown vics (normal wear and tear). I see a gorgeous cruiser for an amazing price

[akboss]

Originally Posted by PolishPaul

Brand is not that important to me but i do care a little bit.

Thanks - good advice.

The crown vic - welp, my family has owned a lot of them over the years (parents) and its a tank - very tough car, safe in accidents, lots of room.. basically a limo. If it was more economic on gas it would be one of the better cars out there. They've never had any major problems with the crown vics (normal wear and tear). I see a gorgeous cruiser for an amazing price

You're right on the tank part - they are basically pickup trucks underneath, which makes them (as you said) very durable vehicles. Unfortunately, all the things that make them very sturdy cars also make them very heavy, which contributes to the poor fuel economy. But would it be so bad if you drive it with a light foot? I mean, it will never be as good as a Jetta or small 4-cylinder car, but if you see one in great condition and you only need it for a few years, maybe it is worth it. After 2-3 years, you can sell it and get something more efficient.

If you're open to ex-police, you might be able to find a recent Chev Impala as well, and those get significantly better mileage than the Interceptors.

[PolishPaul]

One of the crown vics i used to drive had a digital HUD with instant fuel economy and average fuel economy. I used to think that driving slower speeds (light foot) was more economic - WRONG! With that HUD i learned that HIGH SPEEDS are fuel economic. And it makes perfect sense when i think about it - high speed = more distance covered, thus more M per G, and at a high gear, the RPM's are nominal thus the engine doesn't suck a lot of fuel.

However, "light footing" (as i'm sure you mean it) is simply driving economically, which is not accelerating hard and driving so you're not breaking all the time. And the actual "light foot" touch when accelerating (once moving) is very economical. Starting from a complete stop however, light-footing is NOT economic, above normal pressure on the gas pedal is best. I just thought i'd share what i learned with that HUD.

hehe, i guess a speeding ticket every 5 years = all the fuel economy i saved driving fast