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Hey guys,
I know this post is a little old, but I’ve updated my list based on your feedback and feedback from my friends. Here is the updated list:
- Honda Accord
- Acura Integra/RSX
- Nissan Sentra/Altima
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Scion tC
- Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is really starting to get my attention. I love the uniqueness of the car in general. From what I’ve heard, it’s a fun little car, but not too fast to handle. There is also the fact that it is small, making it easier to park and get good gas mileage. A couple of my friends have Minis and both really enjoy the car.
The Honda Civic is taken off the list because I have heard from a friend that the Accord is a better car. Is it true that the Accord gets around ~30MPG on the highway?
Anybody have opinions on the Scion tC?
It’s looking like I’ll have more cash than I thought by February, somewhere between $5k-6k. Are there any other suggestions anyone might have?
Thanks again guys for the help :)!
I’ve been doing some research on repair costs, and found a website called RepairPal.com. Has anyone here heard of this website before? I looked it over and it’s pretty neat. You can find local mechanics that specialize in your auto make, and also look at estimated repair costs for different models. The repair estimates have things from preventive maintenance (oil changes, etc) to part replacements.
Are the estimates on this website actually accurate? Should I trust this site to help me make my decision in February?
From looking at the website, BMW seemed to be the most expensive to maintain out of all my choices. Honda was the lowest cost, but, Volkswagen only cost between $50-100 more than the Honda on most things, and was significantly cheaper than the BMW.
I’ve been doing some research on repair costs, and found a website called RepairPal.com. Has anyone here heard of this website before? I looked it over and it’s pretty neat. You can find local mechanics that specialize in your auto make, and also look at estimated repair costs for different models. The repair estimates have things from preventive maintenance (oil changes, etc) to part replacements.
Are the estimates on this website actually accurate? Should I trust this site to help me make my decision in February?
From looking at the website, BMW seemed to be the most expensive to maintain out of all my choices. Honda was the lowest cost, but, Volkswagen only cost between $50-100 more than the Honda on most things, and was significantly cheaper than the BMW.
Thanks guys for the useful information on repairs. Unfortunately I don’t think I will have the time to do car repairs by myself, especially since I’m not very knowledgeable about car engines etc. I am currently in the process of also finding a good independent mechanic in my area to do repairs at, since getting a car serviced at a dealership is not worth the price.
What are your opinions on Nissans? My neighbor has an older Altima and enjoys the car, and I’ve also heard good things about the Sentra (particularly the SE-R model). How is they’re reliability compared to Honda/Acura?
I’m still not going to rule out Volkswagens, and will still test drive a couple, but I’m starting to lean toward Honda/Acura mostly.
Thanks guys for the useful information on repairs. Unfortunately I don’t think I will have the time to do car repairs by myself, especially since I’m not very knowledgeable about car engines etc. I am currently in the process of also finding a good independent mechanic in my area to do repairs at, since getting a car serviced at a dealership is not worth the price.
What are your opinions on Nissans? My neighbor has an older Altima and enjoys the car, and I’ve also heard good things about the Sentra (particularly the SE-R model). How is they’re reliability compared to Honda/Acura?
I’m still not going to rule out Volkswagens, and will still test drive a couple, but I’m starting to lean toward Honda/Acura mostly.
I did a little research on RSX’s for $5k on craigslist, and I found a good list. However, the majority of them have a little high mileage (ranging from 130k-150k usually). My parents have always told me to never buy any car with over 120k on it, but it is an Acura, would mileage really be a problem? I’ve also seen on almost every other post about it being “highway miles”, which I’m not so sure about since there really isn’t any proof for that.
Also how would a Honda/Acura be in terms of possible repair costs?
I did a little research on RSX’s for $5k on craigslist, and I found a good list. However, the majority of them have a little high mileage (ranging from 130k-150k usually). My parents have always told me to never buy any car with over 120k on it, but it is an Acura, would mileage really be a problem? I’ve also seen on almost every other post about it being “highway miles”, which I’m not so sure about since there really isn’t any proof for that.
Also how would a Honda/Acura be in terms of possible repair costs?
From what I’ve heard about German cars, it seems to be a hit or miss with every vehicle. Some people seem to have no problems at all, and others have many problems.
While I will be very excited about purchasing my first car in February, I will do my best to take my time. It’s not an immediate requirement, since I can still use my parent’s car.
My dad actually owned an Integra a while back, and said it was the best car he’s ever driven. I really do like that car, but again, I’m worried about the availability of it. This is part of the reason why I have such an extensive list of cars I am considering.
How good is the Integra on gas?
Also, has anyone had experience with the Nissans or the Subaru Impreza? I really like the way the 2006 Legacy drives, which is part of the reason why I am considering the Impreza. However, it’s been hard to find one with below 150k on it for $5k.
Lol, car purchases are so complicated :D!
EDIT:
@Hanneman, heh, didn’t see your reply until I posted mine. I have considered the RSX, but after a little research, I thought you can’t get one for $5,000 (same with the TSX I think)?As for the Accord vs Civic, I really think I will be able to decide my preference from test driving them both.
Thanks for the advice about mechanic inspection. One problem though, I may be testing cars in various locations away from where I am familiar, is it OK to just go to any independent mechanic that you find in the area?
From what I’ve heard about German cars, it seems to be a hit or miss with every vehicle. Some people seem to have no problems at all, and others have many problems.
While I will be very excited about purchasing my first car in February, I will do my best to take my time. It’s not an immediate requirement, since I can still use my parent’s car.
My dad actually owned an Integra a while back, and said it was the best car he’s ever driven. I really do like that car, but again, I’m worried about the availability of it. This is part of the reason why I have such an extensive list of cars I am considering.
How good is the Integra on gas?
Also, has anyone had experience with the Nissans or the Subaru Impreza? I really like the way the 2006 Legacy drives, which is part of the reason why I am considering the Impreza. However, it’s been hard to find one with below 150k on it for $5k.
Lol, car purchases are so complicated :D!
EDIT:
@Hanneman, heh, didn’t see your reply until I posted mine. I have considered the RSX, but after a little research, I thought you can’t get one for $5,000 (same with the TSX I think)?As for the Accord vs Civic, I really think I will be able to decide my preference from test driving them both.
Thanks for the advice about mechanic inspection. One problem though, I may be testing cars in various locations away from where I am familiar, is it OK to just go to any independent mechanic that you find in the area?
Thanks guys for the quick responses :)!
Another thing I forgot to mention, I really would prefer to have a car with a standard transmission.
I’ve heard very good things about the Integra, and I love the styling. However, they seem to be pretty hard to find these days. What I mean by that is, one that is all stock, in decent shape, and with good mileage. Most of the ones I find for sale unfortunately are customized with things I don’t like, or have too high mileage :(. So far, for my budget, I have only found two Integras with good mileage and that are all stock. One of them is an automatic though, and I don’t think they’ll be there in February lol.
A friend of mine has a 2003 Honda Accord and has had a very good experience with it. Just curious though, why would the Accord be a better option than the Civic? From what I can tell the Civic gets better MPG and a 5speed is more common. A friend of mine test drove a 98 Civic and was not impressed by the engine performance, however. Is the Accord better?
@Hanneman, that experience with the BMW sounds like similar experiences I’ve heard about German cars. Would Volkswagens or Audis be any better than BMW in terms of reliability?Unfortunately, I have realized that while any advice is greatly appreciated, I can’t really make a final decision until I actually drive the vehicle. Which, sadly, can’t be until February.
But, again, thanks for the help so far :)!
Thanks guys for the quick responses :)!
Another thing I forgot to mention, I really would prefer to have a car with a standard transmission.
I’ve heard very good things about the Integra, and I love the styling. However, they seem to be pretty hard to find these days. What I mean by that is, one that is all stock, in decent shape, and with good mileage. Most of the ones I find for sale unfortunately are customized with things I don’t like, or have too high mileage :(. So far, for my budget, I have only found two Integras with good mileage and that are all stock. One of them is an automatic though, and I don’t think they’ll be there in February lol.
A friend of mine has a 2003 Honda Accord and has had a very good experience with it. Just curious though, why would the Accord be a better option than the Civic? From what I can tell the Civic gets better MPG and a 5speed is more common. A friend of mine test drove a 98 Civic and was not impressed by the engine performance, however. Is the Accord better?
@Hanneman, that experience with the BMW sounds like similar experiences I’ve heard about German cars. Would Volkswagens or Audis be any better than BMW in terms of reliability?Unfortunately, I have realized that while any advice is greatly appreciated, I can’t really make a final decision until I actually drive the vehicle. Which, sadly, can’t be until February.
But, again, thanks for the help so far :)!