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Smart Shopper Used Vehicles Best Values
948 messages, Last post on Aug 11, 2009 at 11:51 AM
You are in the Smart Shopper Forum. Your Hosts are kirstie_h & tidester
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Replying to: plekto (Aug 14, 2008 12:50 pm) |
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Replying to: kmauss (Aug 15, 2008 4:12 am) Yes, they have. The Mazda MPV is a smaller minivan that is known for great handling and sporty good looks. Is easier to park and manuver than the bigger mini's, back seat folds flat for tons of storeage. We've owned ours since '04... it's been great. |
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Some excellent suggestions here - but I suspect that some of these will be so much fun to drive (v-6 RAV, wow) that you might get rid of one of your "primary vehicles" if you went that route. An option not yet mentioned is to get a small trailer for towing when you need to haul. Or roof racks (Yakima, Thule, Malone, Saris). That way you wouldn't be paying insurance on a mostly parked vehicle and absorbing depreciation while it sits. Vehicles that sit unused are also subject to leaks everywhere - commonly, power steering, brakes, A/C, basically any gaskets & seals that are not being lubricated by daily use. Exhausts rot quickly on vehicles that sit. Like people, cars need daily exercise and systems fail when not used regularly. If you do get a third vehicle for just 2 drivers, rotate its use so its driven at least every few days.
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Replying to: morin2 (Aug 15, 2008 5:48 am)
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Replying to: kmauss (Aug 17, 2008 11:18 am) |
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What do you think are the best non-Japanese used cars to buy, whether that be US, European, or Korean? Do you have any specific makes and models to suggest? I have been used car shopping and have been trying to get a used Japanese car like an Accord or Corolla. The only problem is that I've been having a hard time finding a decent one since it seems everybody wants one. So I think I may have to broaden my search to consider other makes. I'm looking for a sedan for around $4000. I just want something reliable that won't break down and that I can put some mileage on. |
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Replying to: lhy (Apr 03, 2009 6:09 pm) Saturn Hyundai Chevy Prizm Grand Marquis/Towncar/Crown Vic
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Replying to: qbrozen (Apr 03, 2009 6:48 pm) A much better car than a new Corolla, to be honest. Better features, leather, more solidly built(way safer in a crash)... It's a shame that GM finally started to get it right and make excellent vehicles again right before it imploded. Guess we better get one while we can. Also consider a used IS300 or GS300. Both are amazing vehicles and can't be killed. Fairly reasonably priced as well. |
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Replying to: lhy (Apr 03, 2009 6:09 pm) You may find that to be true of other makes and models as well. tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper |
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Replying to: lhy (Apr 03, 2009 6:09 pm) How big of a sedan are you looking for? A smaller commuter or a large vehicle? Your examples, the Accord and Corolla, straddle 2 or 3 size categories depending on years. A Ford Focus would probably be the best bet in a compact sedan. There is also the Chevrolet Cobalt (I don't like the feel of it) and the Dodge Neon (which they have been making for so long the bugs have been worked out mostly). If your budget is tight, the Saturn S-series motors seem to offer a great deal of longevity. If you are going up a size category, I would look at the 2001-2007 Ford Taurus (again, they were making these for so long, the bugs are gone). If you get the 24 valve engine, they are actually pretty peppy. The Buick Century (same making it forever clause) and the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 are also in the category. Again the Saturn LS series is a midsize entry. If you want something big, you can go RWD and get a Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car, or go FWD and get a Buick LeSabre, Park Ave, or Chevrolet Impala. Thats about all I can think of off the top of my head at 8 in the morning.
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