Good Afternoon Scotty and members,
I bought a 2012 used Chevy Equinox for my daughter with is a money pit and now it needs an Engine Control Module which is way back-ordered because of the chip shortage.
I need to find a $5,000 vehicle for my daughter that will last and could be passed to my son. I can hear you say Toyota in my sleep, but with prices these days for used cars, what am I going to find around that price? Any help from anyone is appreciated.
Thank you,
The faux-Scotty makes some good points, but here's a few additional points:
1. Pontiac Vibes of the same range of years are but rebadged Matrixs. You could look for those.
2. As for the 2AZ-FE, especially on the 2007-2009 Camrys: A number of these had campaign replacements of heads and piston rings. IF you can find one where's there's evidence that this has been done (for example, the VIN number could be used to determine, with a call, whether a particular engine had been repaired under the campaign, for that particular vehicle), I would not shy away from a 2AZ-FE.
Parenthetically, I have an unrepaired 2AZ-FE on my 2008 Camry. I've never had a serious oil consumption problem, because the oil has been frequently changed (3-5K) since I've had the vehicle. I have 154K miles on that engine, currently.
So, detailed evidence of a well-maintained 2AZ-FE is another way to sort out the wheat from the chaff. so to speak.
As for the 2002-2006 Camrys, the 04-06 are the better run of the generation, according to YouTuber, thecarcarenut. (He's a Toyota Master Tech). He has a number of generational reviews of Corollas and Camrys, beginning with early 2000s, on his channel.
I know it's discouraging, however finding a good used car for $5K that has a lot of life left in it will not be easy. Every vehicle I'm seeing for around that price has around 200k miles and what looks like a rough past.
There are also a lot of scammers taking full advantage of these high prices, be wary of flooded cars for instance.
You will need to be flexible (regarding the type of vehicle), patient, and may have to spend a bit more.
It's frustrating that most of these older American cars with 4 or 6 cylinders just don't hold up.
I have one suggestion, try to look for vehicles that grandpa or grandma have owned. They should have less miles and wear and tear.
+1 for the granny car. An Oldsmobile or older Ford or something. Even if reliability isn’t great, repairs will be cheap and easy.
Don't forget to read our car buying guide in the Frequently Asked Questions.
Here you go -
Just be sure to have it thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic, before purchase.
All the best!
PS. How much are you getting for the Equinox, as-is?
Thank you very much all.
One last question, do I buy the ECM from Chevy or another parts company that will update it according to the VIN. I have been quoted 1,123.00 for the part (548.00), labor, and diagnostic. I think that's way too high. I will ask the question, is this something I could install by watching a youtube video on or is it best left to a mechanic?