Hello all,
I am looking to purchase a car that is 5k or under as my first car. I am eager to work on it and being able to drive. What would be some recommendations as a good starter car. Unfortunately I can’t fit in a Miata. Also, something reasonably safe and decent in the snow would be a huge plus. I appreciate all the help!
At that price, I wouldn’t look for a particular make or model. Just be patient for something good to come up local on Craig’s list. Find a low mileage car that had been well maintained and keep a few hundred dollars in reserve for inspection.
An old Corolla or Civic would fit the bill (Camry or Accord if you want something a bit bigger), if you can find a decent one at that price point. Be sure to avoid specific years and models that have problems and have any potential purchases checked by a good mechanic.
Adding info on the topic that may help OP:
With current prices that would probably be late-90s early-2000s.
In this range, the CIVICs to avoid are 2001-2002 (and some 2003) models because of terrible transmissions.
And as far as the Corolla, the worst model is considered to be the 2002 because of issues with the ZZ engines consuming huge amounts of oil.
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So the most mechanically sound models are all from the 90s but as far as safety - they're terrible. (Especially with modern 2-ton teslas and pickup trucks being everywhere) The kind of impact that you'd walk away from on a 2015, is pretty much a death sentence in a '98...
https://youtu.be/_ttkVRwOtVE
Used prices are currently insane
In some places, 8 year old Civics are going for almost 70% of their original price.
With current used prices - there's no such car.
As far as cars that used to be cheaper than competition while not being too bad,
I'd try finding a low millage 2nd gen manual Focus equipped with a DuraTech HE engine.
Don't overpay for it, it's honestly mediocre at best - but I'm not even sure that would fit into your budget.
You can try finding really old Toyotas, but I really don't recommend old cars as first cars...
