Help me decide on a used car (>$10k)

[emon87]

I'm looking to get a car in the near future, and I need some suggestions as to what makes/models I should look at. I want something that is decently nice - nothing fancy, but not a piece of crap. I want a manual transmission 4-door sedan. I live in Seattle, and will be buying the car here, then driving it to Chicago for school in September. I'm willing to spend up to $10k on it, but I wouldn't mind spending less than that. Here is a list of the makes/models that I have considered:

Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Suburu Legacy
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Mazda Mazda3

Which of those will be the best value, or what else should I look at? What about brands like Hyundai or Kia? What about Saturn? Lower insurance rates would be nice, as would higher gas mileage for the roadtrip.

I'm definately open to any suggestions. Thanks.

[Sooga]

You need to retake Algebra 1.

[punkass]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm willing to spend up to $10k on it, but I wouldn't mind spending less than that

[/ QUOTE ]

Confusing.

[phil_ivey_fan]

[ QUOTE ]
You need to retake Algebra 1. And then kill yourself because you are really dumb

[/ QUOTE ]

[emon87]

[ QUOTE ]
You need to retake Algebra 1.

[/ QUOTE ]


What did I say that is stupid?


Oh, gotcha. I hit the wrong symbol. Oops.

[edfurlong]

They are being nits.

I have a 2001 civic that has done me well for the last four years or so, its resale value is nuts as well.

[emon87]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm willing to spend up to $10k on it, but I wouldn't mind spending less than that

[/ QUOTE ]

Confusing.

[/ QUOTE ]


My point is I don't have to spend the entire $10k. Many people go into buying something with a budget and don't want to spend less than that because they could get more and stay within their budget.

[IggyWH]

Let's all make fun of a guy for having a typo and using > when he meant <, it's sooooooooo funny!

Anyways, when I read your post, 1 car came to mind right away.

Mazda Protege

Mazda3 is the same type ballpark but you won't find a 3 that cheap. A quick search of autotrader of a seattle zipcode found a Protege :

small link

[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.

[emon87]

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


[/ QUOTE ]


I would be willing to go a step up for a car that won't cost a fortune to repair as it gets older. How are Nissans for repairs?