Used daily driver 4-6k

[devster18]

I'm looking for a used car to replace my very unreliable 2000 beetle. I'm looking for something that's fairly reliable, decent gas mileage, relatively low maintenance costs, goes ok in the snow and not too boring. Decent performance is a plus too because once in awhile I like to wind out the gears or have some fun on country roads. I'd want this car too last me maybe 3-4 years so I can just get through school without having to worry too much.

I have a few cars in mind but I'd like to get other opinions also. So far I've looked at a 2002 nissan maxima, 2000-2002 Subaru forester, 2000ish Subaru legacy and that's about it. I like the maxima out of those 3 but I worry just a little bit about operating costs and maintenance. My budget is 4-6k but I could maybe stretch that a little bit for the right car.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by devster18

I'm looking for a used car to replace my very unreliable 2000 beetle. I'm looking for something that's fairly reliable, decent gas mileage, relatively low maintenance costs, goes ok in the snow and not too boring. Decent performance is a plus too because once in awhile I like to wind out the gears or have some fun on country roads. I'd want this car too last me maybe 3-4 years so I can just get through school without having to worry too much.

I have a few cars in mind but I'd like to get other opinions also. So far I've looked at a 2002 nissan maxima, 2000-2002 Subaru forester, 2000ish Subaru legacy and that's about it. I like the maxima out of those 3 but I worry just a little bit about operating costs and maintenance. My budget is 4-6k but I could maybe stretch that a little bit for the right car.

The Maxima is a great car and a solid choice, have you driven it? It will handle well, but if you are coming from a smaller car and expect it to be 'nimble', it may not be your ride. Unless you have a turbo engine, I think the Subaru's would let you down, and FWD is enough in the snowy weather anyways. If you were willing to sacrifice some space and opt for a 2-door, you might be able to find a 1997+ Honda Prelude, those were fantastic to drive. Also, you might be able to find an Acura CL coupe - they made a 2.3L I4 or the 3.0L V6, both an off-beat choice but a nice ride. Acura also made the Integra, a bit of a screamer but not shy on luxuries either.

Overall the best brands for used affordability and reliability are Nissan and Mazda, and all Mazda had for you in this age/price is the 626 ES (V6) sedan, and the MX-6 Mystere. The MX-6 was actually a good car, especially with the 3.0L V6, but again it's a coupe and I'm not sure if you're open to that or not. Nissan has the Maxima and Sentra SE-R Spec V, but the Maxima offers more car for the buck.

Another off-beat choice might be a Ford SVT Focus - it was a practical hatchback and handled like a GTI, plus made 170-hp without a turbo.

[devster18]

I like the maximas size and the fact that it has a powerful motor and seems pretty luxurious for what it is. The focus and cl are on my list of potential cars now and I'm also considering finding a slightly older civic si and leaving it pretty much stock. I like the maxima a lot but I'm sure the operating costs and maintenance would be quite a bit higher than my other options. Although, I'm sure much cheaper than my 1.8t beetle.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by devster18

I like the maximas size and the fact that it has a powerful motor and seems pretty luxurious for what it is. The focus and cl are on my list of potential cars now and I'm also considering finding a slightly older civic si and leaving it pretty much stock. I like the maxima a lot but I'm sure the operating costs and maintenance would be quite a bit higher than my other options. Although, I'm sure much cheaper than my 1.8t beetle.

The nice thing about the Maxima is 1) It is unlikely to have had a hard-driving previous owner. You can't guarantee this, but if you buy an Integra, WRX or SER Spec-V, one could assume it has had a hard life. 2) Cheaper insurance. 3) V6 is running at lower RPM's than an I4, so theoretically the engine is taking less abuse.

Also look at the older Maximas, 1995-1999, the SE model with the 3L V6 was a great car, and while it has less horsepower than the 2000+ model, it also has a lot less girth, so it handled better and felt quicker than the numbers would indicate. In a 1999 SE with 5-speed, 0-60 comes in about 7.5 without much abuse to the clutch - hammer it down and you'll be getting low 7's.

Keep looking, lots of cars out there. I'm sure ShPuker will be on here in a few minutes to tell you to buy a BMW

[devster18]

What about the late model Buick regal gs 2000+? my friend that's a gm nut suggested this. I understand that they have the supercharged 3.8 and are probably pretty comfy but would they hold up and last awhile wth good maintenance and upkeep? I want something that I don't have to worry about too much.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by devster18

What about the late model Buick regal gs 2000+? my friend that's a gm nut suggested this. I understand that they have the supercharged 3.8 and are probably pretty comfy but would they hold up and last awhile wth good maintenance and upkeep? I want something that I don't have to worry about too much.

Your friend is on the money " excellent choice " the 3.8 engine is something that GM did right, everything else for the start of this decade belong to Ford.

[akboss]

I would agree that the GS is a solid car, but it will not handle like a sports sedan - it is a Buick, and even if it has a mountain of torque, I think you may find the Maxima more entertaining. That being said, the GS would be the cheapest to buy/maintain. I'm not sure what your penchant is for performance, but from my personal experience if you have to make the choice between power or handling, choose the car that handles - you don't need to go fast to have fun, and that ends up saving you A LOT of money!

Another car I thought of on my drive to work today was the rare but great Mazdaspeed Protegé. As the owner of a 2003 hatchback I can say that the car with the base 2.0 and 5-speed combo is lively and fun to drive - slap a turbo on that with more aggressive suspension and tires, and I think it would be just awesome. It does rev high on the highway and feels a bit 'fidgety', so it isn't a boulevard cruiser, but it would make every drive entertaining.

Now that you have a lot of options, start hunting and driving. See what suits you best. Every car, like people, have a character. The trick is to find one that suits your driving style, then find one that's in good shape, and buy it! But remember the trick about a sharp handling car. You're Beetle must have been pretty decent in the bends, although I think this is one of the few VW's that was not very 'aggressive' in its tuning. My wife used to drive a Jetta Trek that used to handle like it was on rails.

[devster18]

I thought I should post an update. I found a 2000 buick lesabre limited for a pretty good price so i'm picking it up on Monday. It has all the options except for a sunroof and its got just under 80,000 miles for $4500.

Its not really a performance car like I orginally wanted but its bigger than the regal and more comfortable. imo, I think it will be a good car for school.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by devster18

I thought I should post an update. I found a 2000 buick lesabre limited for a pretty good price so i'm picking it up on Monday. It has all the options except for a sunroof and its got just under 80,000 miles for $4500.

Its not really a performance car like I orginally wanted but its bigger than the regal and more comfortable. imo, I think it will be a good car for school.

I like your choice of vehicle, along with fair value for your bucks if all the perimeters in the buying process passed,,, good luck