looking for car model recommendations

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Bharat
Posts: 343
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:46 pm
Location: Somewhere between Appalachia and Atlantic

looking for car model recommendations

Post by Bharat »

I am planning to buy my first car and looking for car model recommendations.
  • Used car - Price range $3,500-$5,500
    Used for weekend outdoors activities
    Good trunk space - 4 large backpacks or 6 ft long skis
    4 doors, Fit in 4 people comfortably
    Drive reasonably well on Snow/Icy conditions (north east)
    Heat/AC/Auxiliary audio input
    Low cost of ownership - For both parts & repair
    I am 6'2'', so looking for a car that is comfortable for a tall person
Nice to have:
1. Decent music system
Last edited by Bharat on Fri Mar 21, 2014 11:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
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yatesd
Posts: 1040
Joined: Sun Nov 03, 2013 7:19 am
Location: MD

Re: looking for car model recommendations

Post by yatesd »

At that price look for anything with less than 125,000 miles that is preferably a 4-door sedan or hatchback. Stick with vehicles that were more likely driven by someone older than 30. It will tend to be more reliable and have lower insurance costs.

Thinks boring and unloved...switch out the radio if needed. Not important enough to factor IMHO.

Use this tool to sort by body style and price.

http://www.edmunds.com/used-cars/

Edit: When I say boring and unloved, I just mean in the looks department. It may be fun to drive and even have a nice interior.
Last edited by yatesd on Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
jumpsalty
Posts: 34
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2013 4:26 pm

Re: looking for car model recommendations

Post by jumpsalty »

late 90s early 2000s subaru legacy or outback
Jack FFR1846
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Location: 26 miles, 385 yards west of Copley Square

Re: looking for car model recommendations

Post by Jack FFR1846 »

For the money you're talking, you are going to be looking for something front wheel drive with 4 good snow tires and a roof rack for skis.

Any Subaru in that price range is going to be ready to self destruct, so let's just get that out there.

Honda Accord 4 door, 4 cylinder manual would be a great option. If not, an auto is fine. Get the best snow tires you can find. A roof rack will fit skis and with enough bunji cords, the back packs too. These cars will not be an "enthusiast's car" which is good because it won't have been driven to an inch of its life and then put up to dump. Note: I'm extremely familiar with Subarus, having run several of my own on the racetrack and on the street. The Subaru culture is to modify it unreasonably, develop a problem, meticulously revert the car back to stock, clean it like a creme puff and dump it on a dealer before it explodes.

Do the Honda.
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DrPeppaPig
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 1:38 pm

Re: looking for car model recommendations

Post by DrPeppaPig »

Check out a Pontiac Vibe. Great mileage, decent space, Toyota engine.
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