tom p.
Active member
RJ, I'd seek out the newest Toyota Camry you can find for $10k.
Used Car Suggestions <=$10,000
- Thread starter topnotchtouch
- Start date
topnotchtouch
New member
Thanks for all the input guys. No one has mentioned Saturn. I found a nice 1994 Saturn SL1 for my sister some time back and it has been a great car for her and fit her budget. I am leaning towards Saturn again for my daughter. We have been looking at the Saturn Ion. They seem to be readily available and the 2004 model year is just a tad above our budget but, maybe with some negotiating we can get the car within our budget.
Here are a couple of examples listed in Autotrader. Click on the images to go to the Autotrader listing.
Let me know what you all think??
Thanks
Here are a couple of examples listed in Autotrader. Click on the images to go to the Autotrader listing.
Let me know what you all think??
Thanks
martinager said:
Obviously there are exceptions. But for the most part a V6 will last longer. 4 bangers just work too hard. You take care of a 6 or an 8 and it will run a long time. There are just tons of GM cars with the 3800 that are ten years old or more around here. Good cars.
topnotchtouch
New member
Guys let's not turn this into a debate about the merits of various engine configurations. I stated my requirements when I started this thread. I wasn't really looking for input on my requirements but, rather vehicles that meet those requirements.
Thanks
Thanks
The Saturns are great choices in that price range. With regular oil changes I wouldn't doubt you could EASILY get over 100K on the odometer. I would take that over a VW any day! As far as the Pontiac Vibe, my buddy just got rid of his because last winter he ended up sliding right into a curb and really messed up his front end, and he was only doing about 5 miles an hour. The car is too light and doesnt get good traction in the snow. Thats if snow is a concern in your area.
topnotchtouch
New member
qballjr13 said:
Our daughter lives near Syracuse, NY so yes snow is going to be an issue. I think right now we have narrowed it down to the Saturn Ion. I think the only reason we might go with something else is if we cannot find the Saturn. Our daughter's current car is a heap and not really reliable enough to get her to work every day or safe enough to haul around her and our granddaughter in...
topnotchtouch
New member
jaobrien6 said:
Trust me, this would be my first choice but you can't touch a recent Mazda3 for $10,000. I have scoured Autotrader and dealers around my daughter's area and they just can't be had for that price. Unfortunately the budget for this car is NOT flexible, we are lucky to have that much...
topnotchtouch
New member
tom p. said:
I know that Toyota builds some reliable cars but, I don't respect them as a company and would NEVER buy a Toyota of any kind. People like to whine and whine about companies like WalMart yet, Toyota goes under the radar while they treat their "temporary" workforce exactly the same way...
SpoiledMan
New member
rjstaaf said:
Oh man do we ever agree!
topnotchtouch
New member
Bobalude said:
We only have $10,000. We are lucky to have even that.
You can be in charge of the fundraiser to get me the extra funds
martinager
New member
rjstaaf said:We only have $10,000. We are lucky to have even that.
You can be in charge of the fundraiser to get me the extra funds
If its in cash, you might be able to make a deal with a used one. Bringing 10k in cold bills can persuade quite a few.
The Saturn ION has suspension issues. I had an 04 Ion2 and had to have busings and a driveshaft replaced at less than 15k miles. although it was warranty work, I personally wouldnt buy an ION again.
the SL's are ok. My wife has an 02 sunfire sedan, it runs great and handles the road like a midsize car. but it only has 34k on the clock so its barely broken in.
If you do buy a GM, make sure it has traction control.. I love the traction control on her sunfire, and my ION had it also, never a problem in the snow.
the SL's are ok. My wife has an 02 sunfire sedan, it runs great and handles the road like a midsize car. but it only has 34k on the clock so its barely broken in.
If you do buy a GM, make sure it has traction control.. I love the traction control on her sunfire, and my ION had it also, never a problem in the snow.
imported_jaobrien6
New member
rjstaaf said:
Sorry, I guess I should have checked that part out before suggesting it.
The elantra's not bad, but I don't like it nearly as much as the new sonata. I doubt you can get a sonata for anything near 10k, unfortunately.
imported_SHICKS
New member
If I had only 10k to spend on a car and it needed 4 doors and a 4 cyl. My first instinct would be Honda civic or Toyota corolla. I would drive each see which one I liked better, then search out the best one I could find in a private sale. Service records and who the owner was would give a slight edge to the actual car Ipicked.
For domestic, I would go Ford Focus.
Steve
For domestic, I would go Ford Focus.
Steve
imported_jaobrien6
New member
jaobrien6 said:
Nevermind, I didn't realize the sonata that I like was all new in 2006, so an '04 would be the older model (which, according to Edmunds, you can get for $10k, actually, if you go private party).
I'd look for maybe an older Maxima....good cars. My wife has an '01, that is a great car and worth right at $10K on trade-in. Plus, her Maxima feels downright huge when driving it, compared to my G35 (probably the long hoodline on the Max). They are pretty substantial cars, and hers has been in a couple wrecks without her being injured at all. She was injured years ago driving a small compact in an accident, so I'd avoid smaller cars.
I wouldn't limit yourself to 2004+ cars. There are plenty older cars out there (even with low miles) that are more than worthy of consideration.
I wouldn't limit yourself to 2004+ cars. There are plenty older cars out there (even with low miles) that are more than worthy of consideration.
imported_jaobrien6
New member
TigerMike said:
I agree. If you even go back one or two more years, you can get a much nicer car for the same price.
I was able to find my daughter's college car by using a combo of autotrader and checking the classifieds (LA Times). USED "domestic" made car - simply out of the question in my never to be humble opinion i wouldnt spend a dime on a used domestic car - good for 75k miles then they become a money pit (spare us the exceptions they only serve to confirm the rule). Where i have seen countless imports in the 200K mi range still running and in good shape
I was going for a used civic (same budget as yours) but found a 2001 2-dr accord (58k on the odometer) under budget so I snatched it up.
good luck
I was going for a used civic (same budget as yours) but found a 2001 2-dr accord (58k on the odometer) under budget so I snatched it up.
good luck
We bought a 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE after looking at Civics, Cavaliers, Saturns, Corollas, and Mazda Proteges. Civics and Corollas hold their value so well we couldn't find either, the cavaliers had no power and were loud inside, and the saturns had no power but were nice other than that. We almost bought a Mazda (great car), but the dealership wouldn't come off of it. The Sentra we drove had suprising power for a 1.8l and was cheaper than any of the others. We gave right at $10k out the door. The car has all options including aluminum wheels and a rear spoiler, and only had 24k miles. It gets 30mpg around town and 36-38mpg on the highway. No one ever mentions Nissans, but they're great cars.