Good gas mileage. That's the only stipulation.


I'd like it not to fall apart (IE Ford Focus), so shoot me your thoughts.

4/5/2006 10:31:13 AM

Ford escorts are pretty durable for being a ford, and for 5-7k for a car, you could get like 4 of them.

4/5/2006 10:44:29 AM

mk3 (93-98) jetta/golf tdi
honda civic/accord
toyota corolla/camry

4/5/2006 10:53:17 AM

spend a lil more and buy my audi.

4/5/2006 11:03:25 AM

http://www.thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=366561

If you don't care too much about the cosmetic parts of the car, that would be a fun one, and it's relatively cheap.

You can also get basically any Volvo 850 for that price range (even my R version was in that range), and they're solid, comfortable cars that will return in the mid 20's mpg.

Or, slow as it is, the BMW 318 in any body shape (i, is, ti, ci) gets nice gas milage and still handles well.

4/5/2006 11:06:36 AM

yeah, 318s are nice...old roommate had a 4-door with a 5-spd, and I thought that was a great car for what it was.

and yeah, it's not fast or anything, but it's totally adequate.

4/5/2006 11:46:49 AM

buy my civic.

4/5/2006 12:52:31 PM

On top of what was already mentioned I'd look at a Saab NG900 turbo.

4/5/2006 12:58:57 PM

buy a beater for a few g's and get a 250cc bike for short commutes. they get like 75mpg+.

4/5/2006 2:09:49 PM

318's and 3 series BMWs in general are great cars

I've been told by a mechanic that the 318i engine is "bullet proof" if the oil is changed and service done at proper intervals.

The only problem is other upkeep items. For example: Out of the blue the power windows and sunroof quit working. To fix it i had to buy a $39 relay and pay a guy $90 to put it in because I could not find it myself. It took a master mechanic who is one of the smartest car guys I know an hour and 15 minutes to find it and get it replaced.

In another words, BMWs are great cars and used ones 10 years old and older can be great values. Just be aware that the cost of upkeep may be of concern. If you do not have extra money to be spending on this or a great credit line, buy a more reliable car such as a Honda or Acura.

4/5/2006 2:12:41 PM

^^^ Good call on the 94-98 900 Turbo... for ~7k he should be able to find a higher milage 9-5 even - both will get nearly 600 miles per tank on the highway and about 400 miles per tank in the city (70L tank)

however neither are statistically that reliable.

in my nearly two years maintaining my GF's NG900 it has been fairly reliable - only needed a thermostat, clutch cable, cabin temp sensor, the reverse lockout clip under the shift boot... minor things considering the ~135k miles

[Edited on April 5, 2006 at 2:34 PM. Reason : asdf]

4/5/2006 2:33:40 PM

My 98 Saab 900 was very reliable. I put over 70k on it myself and only did about $500 dollars in repairs during the time I owned it. Sold it at 105k for around $5000.

Maintenance and insurance were about the same as my roommates Accord of the same year.

4/5/2006 3:38:54 PM