Looking for a cheap reliable vehicle, I don't care about looks, as long as its not rusty. I'm looking for a manual, not automatic.
For Toyotas, I know they put zinc coating on the body, when did they start that, so I can look for a car made after that year? Does honda do the same?
Im not getting a toyota yaris because its not a toyota. There's too many other models to mess around with something that isn't.
I can make aerodynamic and weight reduction adjustments later, so I dont really care about the shape of the car.
I prefer:
1. Reliability.
2. (Close second) Gas mileage.
3. Comfort.
4. Aesthetics (without rust).
5. Tech gadgets, I can put them on aftermarket if I want them.
6. Safety.
I dont care if it accelerates very slowly, as long as it can get up t0 55 mph I really dont care.
That's a lot of parameters - and if you're talking about a 10 to 40 year old car, its more important to get a well-maintained, no accidents vehicle than to get a particular year or model.
Why don't you do some of the web search work at https://www.carcomplaints.com/ and https://repairpal.com/problems
For the 80's and 90's I was talking about the honda crx, those cars were very fuel efficient. Il check out both of those websites, thank you!
View the Toyota Honda Common Problems page in the FAQ page for "I need to buy a Vehicle"
carcomplaints.com is also a good resource.
Here are some of them you should avoid:
2001-2002 Honda Civic: automatic transmission prone to premature failure
2006-2008 Honda Civic: Cracked engine blocks
2009 Toyota Corolla: Excessive oil consumption
1998-2002 Toyota Corolla: Excessive oil consumption
Honestly you would be fine with either a Civic, Corolla, or Fit as long as its a good year. I personally find the 2009-2011 Civic to be the best years, 2003-2008 Corolla, and 2009-2013 Honda Fit, but go around and see which one you can get a good deal on and you like better. Have mechanic check it out before buying!!!
Thank you Il check it out!
I would also avoid manual Toyota Corolla from 2003-2008, yes the automatics were better than the manuals. The Honda CR-X (I Guess Del Sol?) is a small little reliable Civic convertible thingy that is rare in today's world but I wouldn't buy any car from the 90s and before as a daily driver. Stick to Civic/Corolla/FIt is my opinion among your choices. Good luck.
Ah. looking for "basic transportation" ?
I was too. Didn't care what it was, as long as it was not banged up, had intact glass, working A/C and not a snowbelt car.
Well, it took me two months of searching and frequent trips to car complaints to find out that 99.9% of the cars on craigslist were junk.
I didn't care about the age of a vehicle so much as the overall condition. If the previous owner took good care of the outside of the vehicle, chances were, he took care of the whole thing.
Finally found a 1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette van for $1950. Low miles, leather interior, power everything.
So what if its not a Toyota or Honda? I like it. And that's the crux of my story. Buy what you like and take care of it. Remember, everyone has an opinion about everything, listen to all, believe a few.
What are your available options in your area?
