$5000-$6500 new car

[Isla 0]

I have a 2000 Mits Galant that i purchased for $5200 back in 2005. I love it.

[William33 110]

As LS pointed out, there are numerous reliable Japanese cars in that range.

I have spent many a day and night under the hood of my previous American cars. Conversely, very little time under the hood of my Japanese age equivalent cars. I only buy Japanese cars now, even though many are made here. It's in the engineering.

Durability is the key to this purchase.

[KarenCee 3]

What is the general opinion of the Mazda cars? We're looking at getting a Mazda Miata (hey, it's a guy car...not to mention that they're fun to drive). We already have a 2005 Kia Spectra EX. So far no problems and I bought it used...only 4K miles on it. Good on gas and lemme tell ya, if it can make it to West (by god) Virginia and Ohio and back to Georgia without falling apart or blowing up, I'd say it's a dam fine car.

[William33 110]

What is the general opinion of the Mazda cars? We're looking at getting a Mazda Miata (hey, it's a guy car...not to mention that they're fun to drive). We already have a 2005 Kia Spectra EX. So far no problems and I bought it used...only 4K miles on it. Good on gas and lemme tell ya, if it can make it to West (by god) Virginia and Ohio and back to Georgia without falling apart or blowing up, I'd say it's a dam fine car.

Miata's are nice, yet really small. I had a 99 model, which served me well until that motorbike cut me off overseas...It is now a 4x4 cube of scrap metal.

From my experience, they are reliable and much fun to drive. Just don't go grocery shopping in it, as you will only get a few bags in the trunk.

[mawilson 2,133]

We're looking at getting a Mazda Miata (hey, it's a guy car...not to mention that they're fun to drive).

I always thought the Miata was a "chick car".

I like Mazda in general.

Just don't go grocery shopping in it, as you will only get a few bags in the trunk.

Which is a good thing if you're a woman.

[Niels Bohr 72]

I vote for Honda Civics. Reliable, efficient, and high MPG rating. Oil change, tire rotation, and timing belt check are pretty much the three things you need to do with them. Had a Civic since 1998. Nine years, and never have any engine problem. Bought another Civic in 2004.

You can probably find an old Civic late 90's model for about 5k.

Edited April 10, 2007 by consolemaster

[William33 110]

We're looking at getting a Mazda Miata (hey, it's a guy car...not to mention that they're fun to drive).

I always thought the Miata was a "chick car".

I like Mazda in general.

I originally thought that too, but it can apparently go either way. I was talked into buying the car and enjoyed it for the 14 months before it was totalled. Although, I cannot stress enough the space limitations. On a long drive, you will regret the purchase. For around town, awesome!!!

[eric&gen 0]

Did you know Mazda is owned by Ford.

[Ephesia 0]

Anything that has the words "Toyota" or "Honda" written on the back of it.

Word.

[homesick_american 1]

I second Honda Civic

We have a 10 year-old Civic that runs very well, but it has a few problems.

1.) It eats light bulbs. It has some sort of electrical fault that means we have to replace light bulbs very frequently. Nobody has been able to figure out what the problem is.

2.) It handles like a bus. It's not very suitable for the tight, awkward corners and non-angled spaces of the UK. For the US it's probably fine.

3.) It has the noisiest brakes ever.

[MrsBruce5 0]

In February, my beloved 11 year old Volvo 850 died. It broke my heart...

I found (on Craig's List) a 2002 Hyundai Elantra-39k miles, garaged, and nearly perfect. I paid $6k for it, and the wonderful thing is that the Hyundai 100k/10 yr warranty transfers to each owner of the car.

The car rocks !

I simply purchased it because it was in my price range, had low miles and was in perfect shape. I have to say, the little car zips around like a charm. The only issue I had was parking it, as I was used to driving a boat and had to re-park it a few times the first few days due to being a zillion feet from the curb.

My sister suggesed Craig's list (I used to work for a dealer and HATE the bullsh*t) and it was a great suggestion.

Rose

Edited April 10, 2007 by MrsBruce5

[Dr_LHA 3]

I second Honda Civic

We have a 10 year-old Civic that runs very well, but it has a few problems.

1.) It eats light bulbs. It has some sort of electrical fault that means we have to replace light bulbs very frequently. Nobody has been able to figure out what the problem is.

2.) It handles like a bus. It's not very suitable for the tight, awkward corners and non-angled spaces of the UK. For the US it's probably fine.

3.) It has the noisiest brakes ever.

UK Civics are different cars to US Civics, just to let you know. Still I find it pretty funny that your Civic handles like a bus, compared to US cars, my Civic is Dr Nimbly McNimble.

[Dr_LHA 3]

Did you know Mazda is owned by Ford.

Ford hold a 33.4% stake in Mazda, not quite the same thing as owning them, but it is a controlling stake.

[ace13 0]

Wow! Thanks guys! Ask and you shall receive. I will let you know what we end up finding!

[homesick_american 1]

I second Honda Civic

We have a 10 year-old Civic that runs very well, but it has a few problems.

1.) It eats light bulbs. It has some sort of electrical fault that means we have to replace light bulbs very frequently. Nobody has been able to figure out what the problem is.

2.) It handles like a bus. It's not very suitable for the tight, awkward corners and non-angled spaces of the UK. For the US it's probably fine.

3.) It has the noisiest brakes ever.

UK Civics are different cars to US Civics, just to let you know. Still I find it pretty funny that your Civic handles like a bus, compared to US cars, my Civic is Dr Nimbly McNimble.

It doesn't look all that different to me, but OK. The Civic is the worst car I've ever had in the handling department, and I've owned Chryslers. I thought THOSE were bad! We may own another Honda, but not another car like the one we have. It's just too fussy, plus the clutch is very tempermental.