Posted on 04/03/2013 7:28:28 AM PDT by US Navy Vet
...that gets decent gas milage and is reliable. Any Suggestions?
Elantra!
I love my KIA.
How much do you want to spend is the main question.
Almost every honest mechanic I know will say Toyota or Honda.
A couple of people have mentioned the number of cars sold. The car manufacturers are now only stocking replacement parts for most cars for about 8 years...unless they are high volume ones like the civic, camry or corolla. For most of the other cars manufactured, keeping a car after 8 years becomes very expensive.
For any American models you are interested in, ask about a getting a fuel pump or right rear brake line for a 2002 model.
I would second this choice. Bought a new one in 2000 withthe stated intentions of driving it till he doors fall off.381k later they did on drivers. Very few problems. 4 banger Vortec engine is a sweet machine. Plus utility of pickup. Only options i purchase was rear bumper.Load the back with weight and it got around just ss well as full sized 4X4 in snow
Honda Civic
A good used one can be had relatively cheap (5 to 7K)and will STILL be good for years and years.
I have a 2003 with over 250K miles and it still runs like new.
This is the 4th one I owned, because I like them so much
I get about 40 mpg (standard shift and majority thruway driving)
My 2012 Honda Civic was assembled in Greensburg, IN from parts manufactured by over 120 local suppliers. It gets 33.5 mpg all around and 42 on the interstates. The three 2002 Civics in my family all get 30 mpg Plus.
Sorry. Added zero. Posting from phone and interruptions.
That’s a good point: timing chain vs. timing belt models. Timing-belt replacement by a competent mechanic every however many miles the model requires runs close to $1000.00 because the good mechanics want to replace everything under the timing cover all at the same time to avoid problems down the road.
I’d be pretty concerned about buying a used belt model as to how old the belt might be unless the seller had shop paperwork proving the last time it was replaced. Otherwise, I’d probably just get it replaced as soon as I bought the car.
For any American models you are interested in, ask about a getting a fuel pump or right rear brake line for a 2002 model.
the reason the Hondas are for sale is because they last so long you tired of them, mine is almost 10 years old and nothing the matter with it, just get bored with it sometimes, but it is a fabulous car.
I sort of wrote it that way to emphasize the fact it has the Toyota reliability...and I still call Lexuses Toyotas, too. As much as I know, the FRS hasn't hit the cops attention, yet. It also has an amazing amount of attention paid to its mechanical design.
Thread over. Thanks for coming folks!
My 2004 Honda Civic has yet to require the first repair (praise God).
What is it ?
I’d be pretty concerned about buying a used belt model as to how old the belt might be unless the seller had shop paperwork proving the last time it was replaced. Otherwise, I’d probably just get it replaced as soon as I bought the car.
Also, I know that everyone says used cars are a better bargain than new, but we just passed 180k on our 2001 Chrysler 300m that we purchased new for 30K. And other than the $1,000 for a timing belt, water pump, etc. (yep, just like you said), and a $189 refurbished radio to replace ours when it went out after only two years, the car has been a workhorse. And we have not made a payment in a LONG time. The deer that ran into it a little over a year ago damaged its appearance, but on the inside it is still a beautiful leather interior with gorgeous wood trim and working butt warmers.
Oh, but the AC went out last summer and it’s too expensive to fix for such an old car. But tabs are so cheap we’ve just turned it into my “not hot” weather commuter. But it’s coming up on needing another timing belt.
The good news is that I was able to replace the timing belt and water pump on my lebaron convertible a few years ago with no problem. I should be able to do the same here. But I need to complete my 35x40 garage to do it...
don’t you see how the sign looks like the devils’ goat? no thanks, honda for me
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