Wanting an SUV that gets good MPG makes it more difficult. It will be a challenge to find anything decent for $5k in a RAV4, CRV, Escape, etc. You can get a decent SUV for $5k, but it's more along the lines of a 4Runner that might get 20 MPG on the highway. If she wants to stay in that price range she would be much better off settling for a car.

The unpopular reality is that the small cute-utes (even 4 cyls) rarely see 25 mpg. More like 22 freeway, and upper-teens around town.

Compare that to a 4 cyl Camry that will honestly get 30+ mpg freeway and low/mid 20s around town.

People like what they like, and they're going to buy what they want, then figure out a way to justify it to themselves

It is bitter pilll to swallow when one only has 5K to spend on reliable transportation. Not only is initial buy in low, the chances of continued maintenance by new owner is also likely to be low. With that in mind, reliability/durability would be my biggest concern for OP's friend. So....

-I wouldn't consider a car with an engine that had an interference design. So no Subes, Integras, Hondas, Nissans, etc. Probably a few exceptions with those makes......

-While a Corolla/Camry would be ideal and hard to find in good condition, a 92-97 Toyota might be found. As they were decontented after 98 or so, I believe they are a good choice though rare in the condition you seek.

-Consider ye olde pushrod design. A Buick/Olds sedan with the good engine (3.4L?) will see many more miles than one might think. These are often in good shape and have not been abused and would meet her fund level.

Ok, you guys made it to 24. How about she puts the $5k down and gets a loan for <5k which would be <$100 a month. With $10k (or less) she could get a nice car with low miles that would last years.

I understand the desire to stay out of debt, but the desire to get something reliable also seems important here.

Ruling out an interference engine rules out some of the best options, I can't say that really makes good sense. An old GM sedan will run poorly for a long time, but they're still steaming piles of crap. My father in law had never bought an import until he bought two Pontiacs for two of his daughters, now he won't buy domestics. They may run forever, but everything else will fall apart.

You can get a reliable car for $5k. It may not be a dream car, but it can be reliable. It wasn't long ago that I had a $3k car budget and made it work.

You can buy $1,500 cars that are reliable, or $15,000 cars that will cost thousands to keep on the road

But which is more likely?

Unless you're REALLY good at inspecting and uncovering potential issues, the cheap cars offered on the market are *usually* junk.

I'm currently selling a 2000 Ford Escort (yeah, yeah) that we did a new cylinder head (unfortunately VERY common, stupid Ford engineering) with Ford parts (head gasket, head bolts, timing belt, tensioner, plug wires), plus new battery, all four new tires, new rear struts, and all fluids/filters. Everything works. No issues. The work would have retailed at $3,800.

We're selling it for $2,250 (KBB Private Party 'Very Good' is $2100). It should be dead reliable for a long time to come, with no expenses on the horizon.

A young single mom came out and looked at it. She left a deposit, something I typically don't do but she had a good reason/story. She came back the next day in her new car to retreive her deposit. It was the same car, but a year newer with about 20K fewer miles that she happily paid $250 more for. Tires were half gone, check engine light was on (seller told her it's been on for more than a year and never affected the way it drove) and the engine was ticking. Looked clean otherwise.

That's the way the WalMart shoppers (and sellers) in the sub-$5000 market are. 99% of them. It's tough shopping in that range. You'll want to smack your head against the wall. Repeatedly.

I know, I've been there. Assuming you know what you're looking for though, there are good cars to be had.

[QUOTE=onewhippedpuppy;7149430]Ruling out an interference engine rules out some of the best options, I can't say that really makes good sense. An old GM sedan will run poorly for a long time, but they're still steaming piles of crap. My father in law had never bought an import until he bought two Pontiacs for two of his daughters, now he won't buy domestics. They may run forever, but everything else will fall apart.QUOTE]


Maybe in the 90s this was true. Now almost every car made regardless of make will go 150K miles with no major problems. Many GM cars from the early 2000s are soldiering on around here. Your right about the little glitches. With 5K one can't be choosy unless you luck into something.

GM stuff does alright if you stay away from entry level cars/engines. Big difference between a Suburban and a Geo.

I've got a long history of buying cheap cars, and they've served me well. I went through several years where my purchases were always below $1000. And most of them were reliable for a time, but they would always eventually need starters, batteries, alternator, water pumps, etc..., and that's top be expected when you get a cheap car. It was never a problem for me because I always did my own work. For someone who needs a beige car, that's probably going to get screwed when they take it to a shop for repairs, I would prefer something a bit nicer that's less likely to break down due to age or won't start that for several years.

Well, after arriving here (central Illinois) yesterday afternoon, we just spent the better part of the day looking around at the various local dealers and with a couple individual sellers. We looked at everything from a clean one owner 500, to a ratty CR-V that was advertised a "super clean". I think she's com to conclusion that raising the budget to 10k might be worthwhile and that a sedan might be a better option than a sport cute. Driving back to Michigan now and hope to find some options for her by the beginning of the week.
Thanks again for all the comments. Kaisen, how can I get a hold of you? (Not sure who to search for on LinkedIn/Facebook).

Any TOYOTA would fit the bill. Good reliable cars.

I just wish they were more desirable. :rolleyes:

What about a BMW E30?

Paid $4k for mine in almost perfect condition, but spent $1k replacing all the rubber parts:,tires, brake and fuel lines, radiator, water pump, hoses, etc. to make it perfect.

I've nice ones in the mid $2k range recently.

I recently purchased a one owner Buick LeSabre for under $5k. The car is immaculate and only had 92,000 miles and all record from day one. The car had all the recommended service and them some done at the dealer. Came with new brakes, tires, and free car washes for life. :)
I admit I was not looking for a Buick at the time, but it serves its purpose. It was much better than I could get for the same money in a Honda, etc.
If you look hard enough there are plenty of quality cars around for under $5k.

Here is a starting point. Refine for distance, model, etc...

Find Your Car: Used Listings Near Albuquerque, NM 87111 - AutoTrader.com

How about a 2008 Toyota Yaris that gets 36 mpg?

Cars for Sale: 2008 Toyota Yaris 2-Door Hatchback in Panama City Beach, FL 32407: Hatchback Details - 332961237 - AutoTrader.com

With Suzuki packing it in you should be able to pick up a four door tracker that meets all requirements. Don't get caught up in the no dealer network....who cares the aftermarket will be servicing these needs much longer than she will probably keep the thing anyway.

I try to buy cars that are minorly broken also.....it's the only way to get a decent car for decent money. I can change a head gasket or fix a bumper/fender, but I understand you not wanting to be her mechanic.

Finding a perfect, reliable Japenese car that doesn't have a ton of miles on it with an automatic tranmission for $5000 will be tough.

We have had good luck with the Saturn S series cars. My wife had an SW2 (DOHC station wagon) that we ran up to 217,000 miles and sold in good shape, and my daughter currently has an S2 with a ton of options that is truly a nice car. These cars can be had from older people who take care of them with low miles, and everything else you listed except being from Japan for $5000.

Just remember that if the cylinder bore is smaller than the tailpipe, it's rice!

Awesome! I am going to reuse this one.

Just email me through Pelican's email function. It works well.