New Car: Cheap, Good Looking, Reliable.

[flip888]

Yeah, I just sold the eclipse for about $4,000 (which is -/+ $500 my money limit), im not too much into fast cars anymore right now and plus DSM reliability sucks so i decided that im going to get another car. I like the japanese styling, reliability and mpg, but a lot of the cars in my price range are kinda small. I have a 97 honda accord that i like a lot. It gets good mialige and is realy reliable, but it looks like crap and its not good for long trips, which are the main things i need right now.

So basicaly, what i would like is a car with good reliability, good mpg, good looks, comfortability, and thats about it.

[ghetto7o2azn]

when you say that a lot of cars in your price range are small, does that mean you want a larger car like a 4 door?

[flatlander757]

Maybe a Ford Focus or Nissan Sentra/Maxima?

[Zachp911]

Nissan Altima/Maxima

[kman10587]

A mid-sized Japanese car that is good for long trips and around $4,000? Shop around for a '90-'94 Nissan Maxima or a V6-powered '92-'96 Toyota Camry.

[3kgt222]

hmm...94-99 celica? umm....94-01 integra? ahh....del sol or mr2 n/a and miata if your ok with 2seater. oh yea the 92-96 prelude sohc and the 240sx....just my opinion

[SuperHighOutput]

I'd check into an older ES300.

[flip888]

Ive checked into a lot of these cars and the nissan maxima and toyota camry are very appealing, as is the es300 and 4 door integra. Also the 5.0 mustang since it has a performance side to it (even though i wont mod it or race it).

As far as comfort and spaciousness goes, which one would be on top?

Oh, and yes, i would prefer a 4-door over a 2-door.

[SuperHighOutput]

If comfort is what you're after forget a foxbody Mustang, love 'em but they are not the best riding vehicles. The Maxima is probably the largest, but the ES300 and Camry are at least comperable in size. I'd guess the Lexus would be the most comfortable of those, although the Maxima and Camry are fine as well.

[flatlander757]

Though I love them, I don't think a fox body Mustang is what you need. I think they get pretty bad gas mileage even in stock form.

Since good mileage is of importance to you, take a look and compare the mileage of a Mustang and any of the other cars suggested...

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

But, if high powered RWD cars are starting to interest you, maybe a 1993-2002 Z28 might be a wiser option than the fox Mustang It has more power and gets slightly better fuel economy too. More luggage space as well I believe.

In reality I think the Camry or Altima/Maxima would be your smartest choice. Mustangs and Camaros will hammer you in insurance rates.

[BlackGT2000]

I agree with flatlander, the foxbody is awesome if you want something cheap and easy to run fast 1/4 mile times. However comfort and gas mileage are going to be inferior. I have heard lots of people complain about the insurance on such cars as a camaro or mustang but honestly mine hardly changed from the taurus a year or so ago and the mustang GT.

[Muscletang]

Originally Posted by flatlander757

But, if high powered RWD cars are starting to interest you, maybe a 1993-2002 Z28 might be a wiser option than the fox Mustang

[flatlander757]

I love 5.0 Mustangs, but he said he wont mod it. Stock for stock the LT1 is the smarter choice. An LT1 in a 5.0 body would be so nice

[Muscletang]

Originally Posted by flatlander757

An LT1 in a 5.0 body would be so nice

That would offend the car gods deeply. Don't do it.

[flip888]

Well im sad to say my price limit has been cut down to about $1400 so my only real option is to improve my accord as far as comfort and everything goes. I guess ill have to deal with the small interior (although i (and everyone els) HATE riding in back with no leg room). Thakns for your opinions though, when i save up enough/sell my accord, i will definently take your advice about which car to buy.