[z28dreams]

The cars you listed above are all very solid choices.

The hondas will certainly have the best resale value, but I'm not really a big fan of them.

I mean... civics are realiable, but do you really want to drive a little go-kart of a car with something like 120hp?

Remember, part of the equation of owning a car is how long you are going to keep it. A civic might have good resale value, but if you get sick of it and sell it after 2-3 years, it's not that great of a deal. (when you're buying cars you have to deal with depreciation, tax, titling, etc)

I'd say go a step above the economy cars, and find something that you'll be willing to drive into the ground.

The maxima is an excellent choice, as the engine will run forever, and you probably won't get sick of the car too fast. I'd try for a 2002, the first year they offered the 3.5 instead of the 3.0 engine, and it has a cooler body style than 2004+. Should be able to get one for around 12-13k I think.