I'm broke and I need a cheap reliable car.
Actually, the car above is not necessarily the best option when money is scarce. There are better options to get you from point A to point B on the cheap. Here's the ones I would start looking for:
1997-2001 Buick LeSabre
The Buick LeSabre or Buick Park Avenue can be picked up from some elderly persons garage with less than 100,000 miles. Probably shouldn't pay more than 2 to 5 thousand bucks. You should be able to drive them for another 100,000 miles without major expense.
I would immediately check the plastic intake manifold plenums to make sure they are not cracked and leaking antifreeze. The 3800 series II engine is pretty swift and runs for a long time. When purchasing one I would look for new tires, brakes, and suspension components for an even sweeter deal.
I bought my daughter an Oldsmobile Cutlass when she was attending college. That thing is still scampering about. Realize that the LeSabre, Park Avenue, Pontiac Bonneville, and Oldsmobile Cutlass are all GM with different styling and badges.
They have comfortable seats and a smooth ride. They are great when budgets are strained.
1997-2001 Toyota Camry
The 1997-2001 Toyota Camry should cost about 2 to 3 thousand bucks with 150,000 to 200,000 miles on them. Don't be threatened by the high miles. These boring cars keep running and running with the 2.2-liter engine producing adequate 130 horsepower. The 3-liter six is even better if it has been maintained. At 200,000 miles valve cover gaskets, oxygen sensors, timing belt, brakes and such will need to be examined. I've personally seen one that was not ever garaged with over 300,000 miles on the clock. Find one made in Japan if possible.
The Ford Crown Victoria
Put a rack on the top of the Crown Vic and drivers will slow down every time they see you. There is good reason the police and taxis use these cars. They are reliable. You should be able to find one with less than 100,000 miles for about 2 to 3 thousand bucks. In north country good snow tires and weight in the trunk may be needed. They are rear wheel drive. The Crown Vic is comfortable and powerful. Don't fall asleep behind the wheel.
I've seen these things with over 300,000 miles and the odometer was not functioning. They are relatively cheap and easy to keep running. Because they are bland and unpopular great deals can be had.
2004-2008 Toyota Corolla
The only problem I have with the Corolla is that people want to sell them for 5000 bucks with 200,000 miles on them. They almost always state "It's a Toyota". That may be a good deal if they have recently replaced the brakes with rotors, struts, spark plugs with coils and tires. It also must be meticulously maintained for that price! The clear coat should still sparkle.
Otherwise, nah! Better options are out there. Walk away.
The 1.8-liter engine is peppy moving along such a small car. Without a timing belt all there is to keep this thing moving is fluid changes. In other words, basic maintenance. Avoid the 2.4-liter engine. This car is for someone that thinks a car should go and stop.
What the buyer has going for them is that the Corolla has been sold more than any other car. Parts are plentiful and cheap if ever needed. Also, they go 300,000 miles without much effort, so you don't have to shrink away from high mileage.
Always take cars to a trusted mechanic with a scan tool before handing over the cash.
The Toyota Yaris with the 1.5-liter engine
These little go carts of cars run 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. You can pick one up for 3000 bucks with 200,000 miles and drive them another 100,000 miles or more. With the 1.5-liter engine these things will run forever. You will sell it because of being tired of having the same little car.
This small car is for folks that don't even like to think about cars until the maintenance light comes on to change the oil. We know who we are.
When you are broke, at least your car will be anxiety free.
The Toyota 2004-2007 Toyota Highlander
These crossovers are basically an overbuilt lifted Toyota Camry. You will want to pick up one with the 3.3-liter engine that was previously used in the Lexus ES 330. Avoid the 4 cylinders because of head bolts and oil consumption. The 2005 to 2007 limited models feature lots of safety features not in the earlier models.
I have seen these bland looking SUVs with over 400,000 miles on them still running strong. If they have been well maintained, you have found a gem. They are available with 200,000 miles on them for around 5000 dollars without a recent timing belt change. With the timing belt changed they leap up to over 10,000 bucks. Some people are ridiculous. That's because changing the timing belt cost about 1000 dollars.
However, 6000 bucks should be the new price, not 10! I wouldn't pay more than 5.
What I would do is negotiate a reduced price below 5000 if the timing belt is due. I would offer 4000 after getting the machine checked by a trusted mechanic. Watch for oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, wheel bearings, struts and lower ball joints. If these items still have life, you've found a good one.
Mine has 140,000 miles with everything original except the tires. Everything works and the car is 18 years old. The brakes are still at 6 millimeters. However, this car has never been abused except the staining the cabin mishap last year. Oops.
We plan to drive this SUV 240,000 miles and then pass it down. I doubt we will get that distance since this is our current second car and we put only 3900 miles on it last year. That means the next timing belt replacement will be in six years or 160,000 miles. A car that old starts to present little annoyances.
In my opinion these crossovers were the top of Toyota ingenuity. They are substantial, comfortable, reliable and useful in so many situations. The real 4wd works well. You will feel like you are driving a Lexus. They can tow 3500 pounds.
I owned a hybrid version first that I loved, but as the miles racked up, I grew concerned about the cost of repairs. The parts are unique and expensive. Even though the hybrids can be bought cheaper than the gas only, I would pass on them.
The 2009-2010 Toyota Avalon
I have never personally owned this car. However, I have heard good reports from family and friends. They drive them 200,000 miles and sell them to someone else. They can still be bopping around with 300,000 miles on the clock.
The 3.5-liter 2GR engine was so trusted that Toyota put them in the Highlander, Sienna Van, Lexus RX, Lexus ES, Rav 4 and Camry. The price has dropped down to 5-6 thousand bucks for this 270 hp beast.
With this car the issues to watch for are excessive piston slap, severe oil leaks, and suspension issues. If the car skipped these problems, you have stumbled onto a good one.
Elderly folks love this Toyota that is comfortable as a Buick. They are usually garaged by seniors. There are good deals to be found here. Unfortunately, I've never owned an Avalon because I find Camrys cheaper with great prices. My current Camry was 10,250 bucks with 20,000 miles on it. Today, it only has 50K. Sweet.
So, if I woke up tomorrow with a low bank account, I would trust these cheap cars to help me through. I might fly to a destination after many conversations with the owner and pics of the Carfax report. I would take the car to a mechanic of my choice with a scan tool. I would hand the owner 2-5 thousand bucks cash and drive the thing home. Don't write anything on the title.
Another 100,000 miles would last me 10 years or more. There are other models that I could look into like the Lexus RX 330-350, Lexus ES 330-350, Scion Xa, Scion Xd, the Mazda 3. Some are more expensive, and I don't have much experience with these cars. Body on frame trucks are way too expensive in my opinion for a person who is broke. I'm just too cheap!
I'm tired and need a shower.............................
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