What appliance, under $5K?

In reply to tuna55:

I really prefer very flexibly....

Vigo wrote: Well to be fair a 3.0 camry can do 25mpg combined if you drive it right.

Probably, but just barely during my commute. Fuelly says 23-24 for the 99ish V6 models. To be truly fair, I'd prefer much better mileage than that. I only set it like that to include the cars like the 4cyl Camry or Accord. The 4Cyl is around 27mpg.

PT cruiser = no. I don't like the driving position, I don't like the looks, I don't like the mileage.

Corolla and Sentra are decent choices. Just be aware that the Corolla is the boringest of appliances and there is a certain 2000ish model that is VERY small inside.

What's the book value on the Yaris sedans? Still not depreciating? Those are good little econoboxes and they're decently agile at least. You'll get 40MPG without trying and they have plenty of room inside for such a small car.

GameboyRMH wrote: Corolla and Sentra are decent choices. Just be aware that the Corolla is the boringest of appliances and there is a certain 2000ish model that is VERY small inside. What's the book value on the Yaris sedans? Still not depreciating? Those are good little econoboxes and they're decently agile at least. You'll get 40MPG without trying and they have plenty of room inside for such a small car.

boring = good

Yaris is still too pricey, or else I would get one. And that brings me to the next question: Echo?

Still searching. I've called/checked on a few cars, but in this price range the Crap:Decent car ratio is pretty high (around here anyway).

Corollas are expensive. It looks like using up the full $5K limit only gets me into a 2001 or 2002, and even they they still have 150K miles. I guess the good news is, based on the number I am seeing for sale with 250K on them, they are pretty reliable. I'm hoping a good deal on one will pop up soon.

Checked out a few Saturns because I know them well. Saw one last night horribly misrepresented by the dealer. Listed for $3K with body damage on both front fenders, front bumper, rear bumper and a pretty bad interior with awful tint. Wow.

Sentras are starting to look like a better option than I initially thought. Going to follow up on these this week:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/2592276087.html http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/2636343115.html http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/2639312753.html

Corolla - reliable as gravity, uber cheap to maintain, decent gas mileage, safe, easy to work on, and parts grow on trees.

Of the 3 Nissans that I have owned in the past, I found the purchase prices to be cheaper than the similar Honda/Toyota but the quality to just as good.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/2638315719.html

this looks like it's worth a look.

My Vibe has been reliable as Gravity in the 55K miles i've owned it.

2004 Sentra w/ 70k miles for $3,500 http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/2643091802.html

'01 Civic Sedan w/ 95k miles for $4,200
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/2643042257.html

nocones wrote: My Vibe has been reliable as Gravity in the 55K miles i've owned it.

Thats because its really a corolla

Vibe = Manual. Do not want for my DD.

Hmm, Bethesda one may be worth a look. Usually I don't bother with cars in MD as they are very hard to get to unless I go in the middle of my Saturday/Sunday.

I did see that Civic, but I don't want a Purple car.

Accent?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/2643806454.html

Elantra? From my research mileage isn't as good as one would expect, but if its reliable and I can get into a very clean '04 for under $5K its still quite enticing. This one is a 5 spd, but I'm looking for autos in the same price range. Are the autos reliable?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/ctd/2644015308.html

Protege or and early mazda 6 4cyl should fit the budget.

The obvious choice is two miatas welded together. 4 doors, should do 25 mpg, and can be had in automatic.

When I buy used, I prefer mazda, nissan, and more recently hyundai and ford. They seem to give you the most reliability per dollar. You may also want to find a lightly used cream-puff buick.

What about the ol' 4 door integra? It's less commonly abused in automatic and sedan form. http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/ctd/2635409750.html I know it's a tad pricey for what it is but 4 doors, reliable, and great fuel economy.