Need Car, Opinions Wanted, $6-$8k

[doogieduff]

Just totalled my 2000 Alero. Was their fault. Will get about $6000 from their insurance company. Have no problem paying up to $8000 for my next car. Not sure what to get. My Alero treated me well, although I'm pretty convinced the majority of them are lemons. I need good gas mileage (I got an impressive 29mpg average on my Alero), although I won't buy a "tiny" car after the severity of my acccident. My Alero saved me completely. I t-boned an SUV at 40mph and the SUV rolled. I left without a scratch. I'm struggling to find a car where I won't have to go back in year (2000 or newer) that's of similar size to the Alero and in my price range. Does anyone have any good ideas? I'm no car expert, but I lean toward Japanese or foreign and don't care too much for American. I've been mainly considering Honda or Toyota. Any help much appreciated!

[doogieduff]

The other thing I'd be interested in getting your take on is if you think an earlier model (say a '96-'99) of a different car would be as good or better than the 2000 Alero. (safety, gas mileage, features, etc.)

[PlayStation3]

you kind of need to be a little bit more pacfic about like do you want a coupe 4 door etc. suv truck

[stamar]

Well ok you pmed me asking for an opinion.

First off I dont recomend spending that much. However if you want to I cant stop you.
do you have transportation to find a new car from a private seller?
Do you have weeks to find a new car, like you have a rental in the meantime?


I mean you want just the models to look for? I like the nissan sentra, mazda protege, mitsubishi mirage, +suzuki swift, geo metro lsi sedan I suppose those are on the small side but better mpg+. Those are often undervalued on the used market.
Everyone wants the honda civic most of those are essentially the same thing.