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Hello

I need some real help here.

I am in need of a car by the end of the month, and need help in deciding what to get.  I would like to spend around (or under) 10,000.  I would like a newer car (no older than 2001) and with as few kms as possible.

I have been doing research, and I figure my budget rules out any imports (hondas, toyotas, ect)which are ridiculously expensive for used vehicles.  This more or less leaves domestics.

Any suggestions? I have been looking around, but its seems like i keep coming across horror stories for which ever model fits into my budget and criteria.  So, what else should I look at? whats good bang for buck?

i appreciate any help and advice

-brad  

What do you need beyond a low price? There are many possibilities.

If you want something fun to drive, I'd look for a 2005 or 2006 Ford Focus ST. Just want a roomy car to serve as basic transportation? A similarly new Ford Taurus provides a lot of car for a low price. For practicality, there's a wagon. Among practical choices, I also like the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx.

I wouldn't put too much weight on horror stories unless there's also survey data suggesting high repair rates. The Internet can make problems seem much more common than they actually are.

To get a sense of how much reliability truly varies, check out my site's reliability survey results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results  

hey thanks for the tips, and the link.

Reliability is my biggest concern. I want something that will last a few years, and not need constant repairs.  So if anyone else has some suggestions, opinions, or personal stories, i would appreciate it.  As of right now I am considering a few models.  Please feel free to comment on any of the choices.

1999-2002 honda civic (seems to be the best choice, although fairly expensive)
2002-2003 malibu (a little put off by the problems with brakes and head gasket)
2002 sentra (once again, seems to have a number of issues, although it is rated high in the Lemon-aid reviews)


If anyone else has a suggestion for me to look at, please let me know!
thanks
-brad  

A couple questions:  

What are your priorities?  Speed, style, size, economy?  

Also, you mention that you want a car 'with as few kms as possible," which leads me to belive that you're not looking in the US.   Are you looking in Canada, the UK?  If so, what do you consider "domestics?"  

Let's assume that you're looking the US, since Canada's availability will be similar.  

I'm surprised that you're having no luck finding Hondas and Toyotas in your price range.   A quick search on Autotrader.com reveals that, in the chicago area, for example, there are plenty of 2001-2003 Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas, and Mazda proteges for under $10K.  Most have between 50-90K miles, and most are mid-range models with decent equipment like power windows and CD player.  Now, they may be "ridiculously expensive" compared to newer domestices with either fewer miles or better equipment, but I think it's worth it.  

The "horror stories" you hear, while often exaggerated, are certainly a sign of a general lack of quality and reliability from cars like the Ford Focus, Chevy cavalier and cobalt, and Dodge Neon, to name a few.  

And if reliability isn't the only consideration, also note that Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas of the early 2000s handle well, and made better than domestic counterparts.  

One more thing.  I owned a 2000 Mazda Protege for a long time, and it was a fantastic car.  I handled great, accelerated well, and was completely trouble-free for 100K miles.  Since they dont' hold their value as well as Corollas and Civics, you'll be able to find similar 2002-2003 models for well under 10K.  Mind wasn't a fluke either.  My friend still has his 2002 with 125K miles, and it's still on its original clutch, and has had absolutely zero problems-not one unexpected trip to the mechanic.  He relies on his car for his job too--being stranded just once would cost him thousands and his professional reputation.  He still drives it, and I road-tripped with him in it just last week accross the state.  I drove, and it felt shockingly solid, like a car with a quarter of its age and use.  

I agree that Hondas and Toyotas are overpriced and think more people should look at the domestic makes too. But H and T are not the only foreign makes and most of their competitors have cars that are near equal in quality. In your price range you could actually get a brand new Hyundai Elantra or Kia Spectra and they are pretty good cars. Or if you want larger nicer, then the Sonata and Optima are really nice, very reliable and well inside your budget. You could easily get a 2004 for around $8000,  with power windows, auto, CD, and lots of other options.
And Mitsubishi, Nissan and Mazda are almost H and T clones too.