Car for $4000-7000 range

[forthewinwin]

Im a student. Aside from the Honda Civic (since I already know), what should I be considering? Japanese or German only.

Gas mileage isn't too much of a concern, unless it's something upwards of 10L/100km (the last vehicle i drove ate 13.9/100 according to Aircare and the gas money for that thing was painful). Obviously lower = good, but I'm willing to give up some for a nicer, funner car.

Nothing over 200k kms. I don't want to spend any more than $500-600/month for the total ownership of the car.

I'd be willing to learn how to drive Standard and like the idea. Space isn't too much of a concern- I'd just be driving to school and work by myself or one more person at best.

Maintenance budget no more than $2000/year approx., and obviously a reliable car would be nice. I'm willing to learn how to change things myself if necessary but I don't have any dedicated tools.

[IndusVally]

Manual RSX.

[dakdar]

the only good cars are german ?
you should probably just stick to the bus

[forthewinwin]

the only good cars are german ?
you should probably just stick to the bus

No, I said Japanese as well. personal preference


Manual RSX.

Like that car. Would you recommend it over the Celica for that small price difference (since 2.0L engine vs 1.8)? Think I should expand my budget a little more for the type-s? I have a friend who has the rsx and it's nice and reliable to drive, dont know much about the type-s apart from a stronger engine.

[IndusVally]

No, I said Japanese as well. personal preference



Like that car. Would you recommend it over the Celica for that small price difference (since 2.0L engine vs 1.8)? Think I should expand my budget a little more for the type-s? I have a friend who has the rsx and it's nice and reliable to drive, dont know much about the type-s apart from a stronger engine.

Type S has all the features of the RSX premium, and adds 200hp (from the same displacement as the base), 6spd mt, stiffer suspension and a lame Bose stereo.

If you're trying to keep costs down, go with the base, its quick enough; torque comes on sooner, takes regular plus cheaper insurance.

I had one for 4 years - very fun to drive. I beated on it like it was a fat, redheaded kid stealing from my candy shop - many redlines per day, and using its awesome handling every chance I could. Despite all those years of abuse, car was super reliable, didn't miss a beat.

[mintchoco]

While you're still young and a student, get a 2-door...echo the recommendation for a manual RSX! That said, insurance might be a bit higher than a sedan, but hey, it's a fun car!

[jasonkwan86]

I wouldn't go for the RSX, your insurance rates are going to be pretty high. Your better off with a Celica (my first car). You could probably find a low mileage one for around your pricerange but I doubt maintenance on it will be any more than a few hundred a year. Get yourself a GTS if you would like, but I found the GT sufficient. Mine was bright yellow too :P

[forthewinwin]

I wouldn't go for the RSX, your insurance rates are going to be pretty high. Your better off with a Celica (my first car). You could probably find a low mileage one for around your pricerange but I doubt maintenance on it will be any more than a few hundred a year. Get yourself a GTS if you would like, but I found the GT sufficient. Mine was bright yellow too :P

I'm in Vancouver. The insurance may differ, but usually not too much here. I'm OK with paying an extra ~$50/month. But, I'll check the rate before I make a decision.

Also, I guess the answer may be obvious but I'll ask anyways: should stay away from BMW? Thing is this is my first used car purchase (family has always bought new) and I'm inexperienced with the formality/process associated with purchasing an used vehicle, especially having little mechanical experience myself. A friend of mine's father is a BMW specialist and he could sell me one for a good deal and look over it to make sure it's good (i.e. it would be a more pleasant transaction), and I could go to him instead of the Stealership if I need any parts/maintenance. But I keep hearing mixed stories about their reliability and upkeep costs, especially with the cooling systems on some models.


While you're still young and a student, get a 2-door...echo the recommendation for a manual RSX! That said, insurance might be a bit higher than a sedan, but hey, it's a fun car!

I'd prefer a 2 door. I don't like the look of 4-doors and I will be rarely driving anyone with me anyways.

[Voltex]

+1 on RSX suggestion. With a 7k budget I'm not sure what BMW you could get that doesn't fall apart.

[rileywai]

1980 toyota camry

[dima14riga]

honda done pretty good. But my first car was chev cavalier which is now chev cobalt -good on insurance, ok on gas and cheap to maintenance. I had that thing over 300,000 bfr it got written off in an accident.
If u go for something like older Model CRV cheap insurance especially in the city bc ppl don't race the much and considered a safe car. on 2000 crv i get about 11L/100km city/hwy mix with middle grade gas

[sickcars]

If you want to save on fuel & want a good car check out a VW Golf or jetta Diesel

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/pv/Used/Volkswagen/all/tdi%20diesel/?prx=100&cty=Toronto&prv=Ontario&r=40&loc=Toronto%2c+ON&cat1=2&cat2=7%2c11%2c10%2c9&pRng=1%2c8000&st=1

Remember kms on a diesel are not the same as a gas car, meaning a diesel with 200,000km can go MUCH longer around 500,000km range. However on a gas car around 200,000km its getting close to the end of its life usually. Of course with any car make sure you get it inspected by a good mechanic before you buy. Also take a look on kijiji for more cars.

[poedua]

Im a student. Aside from the Honda Civic (since I already know), what should I be considering? Japanese or German only.

Gas mileage isn't too much of a concern, unless it's something upwards of 10L/100km (the last vehicle i drove ate 13.9/100 according to Aircare and the gas money for that thing was painful). Obviously lower = good, but I'm willing to give up some for a nicer, funner car.

Nothing over 200k kms. I don't want to spend any more than $500-600/month for the total ownership of the car.

I'd be willing to learn how to drive Standard and like the idea. Space isn't too much of a concern- I'd just be driving to school and work by myself or one more person at best.

Maintenance budget no more than $2000/year approx., and obviously a reliable car would be nice. I'm willing to learn how to change things myself if necessary but I don't have any dedicated tools.

A Mazda 3 hatch ( if you can find one that cheap ...i.e within your budget )....very reliable, good cargo space, 4 doors, and decent on gas with the 2.3L engine....but most important, with a standard, it's ' peppy ' & ' fun ' car to drive.

Or a 2007 3 door Ford Focus with a standard isn't bad either.....

http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/09/14/17/00/2007_ford_focus_s_hatchback-pic-26754.jpeg

[garyhudson]

+1 on RSX suggestion. With a 7k budget I'm not sure what BMW you could get that doesn't fall apart.

+1

7K cant get you a decent BMW. Also, BMWs arent exactly cheap cars to buy/run. If anything breaks down (which they will, considering its a 7000 car), it is gonna cost you more for parts than those for a cheaper car, say, a beige corolla.

Since you are in BC and ICBC does the coverage, i'd go for the rsx as well. Nice handling, looks good, coupe, everything a student wants for a car. Or, if you dont mind hatch backs, I'd go for a 2003-2007/2008-2009 Ford Focus, reliable, cheap to run, good handling. Cheap to insure too


Now, my bus is here. Good luck on your purchase (*sobs)

[forthewinwin]

I found a local RSX I like. 190k kms, 5-speed, 2002. $5900. Now if maybe I'm lucky I can bargain this guy to not make me pay tax...

Problem is if I buy it *now* I'll be approx $1800 short... that is assuming the insurance company lets me do the monthly payment option (ICBC has one I believe at least). If I wait until end of August I'll have about 2000 more in my pocket. Thought I was going to get more, but got a call from work and apparently I won't be having as much work as I originally intended... :(

I don't know of a bank that's going to lend me that money, being a student already with a loan from school and all and a puny part-time income (although technically speaking I will be able to pay it off by the end of September).

Wonder what I should do... suck it up and get a cheap older Civic? Thing is, doesn't feel right since if I just wait 2 more months getting the RSX would definately be possible, but at the same time I need a way to get to class and if I resold the Civic right after, I'd be taking a loss.

[poedua]

I found a local RSX I like. 190k kms, 5-speed, 2002. $5900. Now if maybe I'm lucky I can bargain this guy to not make me pay tax...

Problem is if I buy it *now* I'll be approx $1800 short... that is assuming the insurance company lets me do the monthly payment option (ICBC has one I believe at least). If I wait until end of August I'll have about 2000 more in my pocket. Thought I was going to get more, but got a call from work and apparently I won't be having as much work as I originally intended... :(

I don't know of a bank that's going to lend me that money, being a student already with a loan from school and all and a puny part-time income (although technically speaking I will be able to pay it off by the end of September).

Wonder what I should do... suck it up and get a cheap older Civic? Thing is, doesn't feel right since if I just wait 2 more months getting the RSX would definately be possible, but at the same time I need a way to get to class and if I resold the Civic right after, I'd be taking a loss.

Yes...get the Civic for the reasons you stated..." a student already with a loan from school and all and a puny part-time income ".

And if you are going to spend $6,000 on a car, you probably could get a newer 2005 Honda Civic si with about 100,000km for the same price vs an older & higher km RSX.

[forthewinwin]

you probably could get a newer 2005 Honda Civic si with about 100,000km for the same price vs an older & higher km RSX.

Nah I wish... For $6000 (what a ~02 RSX with around 200k km or a bit less costs) I'd get perhaps a '03 Civic with maybe 140k km if I'm really lucky- more like 160k... Not too much of a difference :lol: Older Civic SI say from 1998 with around the same mileage would be about $4000. Civics tend to hold their value

[Voltex]

If you're going to go for a Civic, please stay away from the 2001-2005 Civics (except for the hatchbacks) cause this is the worst generation of Civics ever IMO.

[IndusVally]

Nah I wish... For $6000 (what a ~02 RSX with around 200k km or a bit less costs) I'd get perhaps a '03 Civic with maybe 140k km if I'm really lucky- more like 160k... Not too much of a difference :lol: Older Civic SI say from 1998 with around the same mileage would be about $4000. Civics tend to hold their value

Also, Civic has a timing belt, RSX has a chain.

The RSX is better in every respect (interior, acceleration, handling, looks etc...) to the 1.7L Civic SIs.

[poedua]

No way ever can you find a clean 2005 Si for $6,000, come on bro! (sis.)

And OP first check insurance and get a quote...if you are a student insurance on an Si might be 2500 a year easily, or much more.

If its your first car dont get a really nice Si or RSX, just get a 4dr A-B transportation car - cheaper now and cheaper on insurance. If you have cut-back hours and are a student you will appreciate the extra money in savings. Then get a nicer car later.

I know you want a nice car and were looking at a BMW and Acura, but seriously get a Focus or some other regular car to just drive around in...

I found one listed for $6,500 on Kijiji....in fact, that's where I got the example from.

[kingrukus]

Get one of these:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_29aJPxL-fSk/TAMQB2W3F8I/AAAAAAAAAVU/pIPLO9EVqFM/s1600/1998_corolla_beige.jpg

They are sporty, luxurious, good on gas, and are a status symbol

[RastaManMax]

Get one of these:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_29aJPxL-fSk/TAMQB2W3F8I/AAAAAAAAAVU/pIPLO9EVqFM/s1600/1998_corolla_beige.jpg

They are sporty, luxurious, good on gas, and are a status symbol

People will do outrageous things to avoid driving near you as well if you do get one of those.

[forthewinwin]

People will do outrageous things to avoid driving near you as well if you do get one of those.

What's the joke behind those? I just noticed that the beige ones are the most common corolla for some reason

RSX and Civic price difference seems quite small here. Everyone wants a Civic here so they don't get much cheap :S the cheapest ones with less than 200k km are usually around 4000 and up, even for lower trims. Anything less and they disappear before I can get to them or it has signicant dents/damage