Reliable 4 door sedans for under $4k

[sjt1985]

MIL smashed up her crappy sebring, and for some reason the insurance co gave her nearly $5,000 for it. Now she wants a replacement - I am looking at the usual accords, camrys, civics, focii, etc - what am I missing?

Also, what should I stay away from? Didn't honda have problems with automatics mated to their 4-cylinders?

[Eg2Driver]

Focus no doubt. You can pick up an 05 here for about 2k. Good engine, good transmission, good handling, cheap insurance.

[200HP4dr]

The problem with the Camry is that the 02 and up are still bringing silly money, so that vintage will cost you about $5000 with around 170k + miles.

The accord would be a go-to for this segment. Just make sure its had a timing belt done, but also make sure the transmission has been serviced. I've taken a gamble on a 97 with a hard shifting transmission and after 3 3 quart flushes over teh course of 3k miles with Honda fluid, it came back to life.

What about the 04-07 malibu? Those are great driving cars with decent mileage, they just look funky.

Chris

[Remedy]

[200HP4dr]

Would you buy one of those for under $4k?

[Remedy]

Would you buy one of those for under $4k?

Already did.

[MrRline]

Honestly I can't think of a better car than the 2001-2005 honda civic for this year. Gas mileage was great. Automatics were solid and it was a great all around commuter car. Best thing of all the engine could be had from some places for around 250 and kids love to rip these out for K series swaps making d17's abundant. The only thing to stay away from is the lx dx models as they have a cat/header all built into one that can be expensive if needing replacement. Other than that i'd pick my old civic up in a heart beat if I was looking for something reliable for a daily.

[sjt1985]

The problem with the Camry is that the 02 and up are still bringing silly money, so that vintage will cost you about $5000 with around 170k + miles.

The accord would be a go-to for this segment. Just make sure its had a timing belt done, but also make sure the transmission has been serviced. I've taken a gamble on a 97 with a hard shifting transmission and after 3 3 quart flushes over teh course of 3k miles with Honda fluid, it came back to life.

What about the 04-07 malibu? Those are great driving cars with decent mileage, they just look funky.

Chris

Even camries and accords from the late mileage are asking silly money - with high miles and salvage titles! I forgot malibu, I'm sure she wouldn't mind one. As to the jetta - I need reliable (and cheaply fixed), and the only jettas under 4k are going to be mk3 and mk4s that are beat...

[BRealistic]

05 and up Focus is on Consumer Reports safe used cars list.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2...-000/index.htm

Other good options are Elantra and Sonata since they are reliable and you can get them newer with more standard safety features than other imports for similar prices.

04/05 Mazda3 is the a bit sporty option if a good one can be found for this price (and it is also on the Consumer Reports list fwiw).

If she likes bigger cars- a 2004+ Taurus/Sable is a good option.

[DrewSXR]

Should be able to find one from 4-5k, ridiculously reliable and maintenance free.

Possibly higher miles than you may like, but they are out there.

[Turbio!]

Any GM sedan of the early '00s would do, I should think.

[Remedy]

Even camries and accords from the late mileage are asking silly money - with high miles and salvage titles! I forgot malibu, I'm sure she wouldn't mind one. As to the jetta - I need reliable (and cheaply fixed), and the only jettas under 4k are going to be mk3 and mk4s that are beat...

I'm sorry, I thought I read under $5k.

I did find this as a decent example.

[ChiTownA34DR]

4 cyl basic Pontiac G6. The more base the better. Ecotec motor and pretty simple mechanics. Parts are cheap because it shared so much with the Chevy Malibu.

[71DubBugBug]

Already did.

how and where?

[Vash350z]

Xd elantras are good cars, interior is kinda cheap but solid mehanicals

[dieselraver]

picked up my 1996 corolla base for $1200.00

replaced

$720.00
Valve cover gasket,
pcv distributor, sparks, wires,
new radiator

$310.00
new hankook tires



grand total to about $2300.00 but shes solid as hell.

oh and shes only got 113,000 miles. timing belt was done last year.

[julz88]

2000 - 2001 Camry XLE

[P-Body]

Buy the newest, lowest mile, best condition Civic you can find.

Ignore anything else.

[200HP4dr]

Buy the newest, lowest mile, best condition Civic you can find.

Ignore anything else.

Coming from a Sebring, she will think it is the noisiest, flimsiest car ever. Not the best choice, but not a terrible one.

Chris

[P-Body]

Coming from a Sebring, she will think it is the noisiest, flimsiest car ever. Not the best choice, but not a terrible one.

Chris

In that case, buy the lowest mile best example of a Sebring she can find. I assume she was happy with it.

[200HP4dr]

In that case, buy the lowest mile best example of a Sebring she can find. I assume she was happy with it.