2 grand daily driver

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So many factors to consider. Do you have kids? Do you need 4wd? How tall are you? Is gas mileage a priority? Do you want a sporty/noisy ride or a quiety/comfortable ride? etc...
 
I'd look for a used late 90's Dodge Neon, 03-04 Hyundai Accent, Honda Civics, etc... Parts are cheap for both and they are relatively easy to work on.

If you want something bigger, look at the 1997 LHS, Intrepid, Concorde, etc... the 3.5L engine provides decent power and they get low-mid 20's on the highway and 18-20 mpg's in the city. These cars can be purchased very cheap if you look long enough. I wouldn't buy anything from 96 earlier though as they had transmission problems due to inadequate fluid line fittings that would fail, cause the trans to overheat, and require a rebuild.
 
How would he find a Dodge Neon, they've all broken down by now. Toyota Corolla is good, Chevy Cavalier. I use to drive $500 Ford Escorts, but they have a tendancy to eat timing belts. My wife has a 99' Mitsubishi Mirage. It hasn't har a single mechanical problem in 140,000 miles. The downside is, it is seriously down on power. Stear clear of anything that says Honda. Hondas are maintenance nightmares.

Kurt
 
I'd say Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cavalier. Had great luck with my wife's Mirage. I used to do Ford Escorts, but they do have a tendancy to go through timing belts. You could probably get into a Focus for that money. Honda's are maintenance nightmare's, stay away.

Kurt
 
4 cylinder regular cab Ford Ranger.

you should be able to get one in that range. low 20s mpg out of it and mid 20s on the highway. Might even tickle high 20s if you get a stick.

Plus trucks are handy.

Either that, or an Escort wagon with a stick.
 
4 cylinder regular cab Ford Ranger.

you should be able to get one in that range. low 20s mpg out of it and mid 20s on the highway. Might even tickle high 20s if you get a stick.

Plus trucks are handy.

Either that, or an Escort wagon with a stick.


I agree, they are good trucks and generally last a long time. Having that bed space is priceless.
 
To be more durable. However, when I went truck shopping I found the f150s were the same price as the Rangers and the fuel economy difference wqs negligible. If the price is still the same, might as well get the full size. Sorry about the split post. I am riding in the bounciest van ever made. Do not buy a Chevy 3500 van, your dental bills will be through the roof.

Kurt
 
Runs off Cheerios in the morning and sandwiches in the afternoon. On the weekends it runs on beer. It's pretty sweet and is under $2k brand new. Reliability . . . not an issue.

bikes_fargo3_2012.jpg
 
How would he find a Dodge Neon, they've all broken down by now. Toyota Corolla is good, Chevy Cavalier. I use to drive $500 Ford Escorts, but they have a tendancy to eat timing belts. My wife has a 99' Mitsubishi Mirage. It hasn't har a single mechanical problem in 140,000 miles. The downside is, it is seriously down on power. Stear clear of anything that says Honda. Hondas are maintenance nightmares.

Kurt

This! Almost 99 % of everything Chrysler has built in the last 40 or so years is garbage!

I myself drive a 96 Nissan Maxima for my DD and it's a great car. 20+ mpg and a peppy little V6 to boot! Smooth ride on the freeway and there are plenty for sale between 1500 and 3k $.
 
I disagree my bonny wit a 3800 has 240 on the clock and my girl friend has 230 on hers plus I can get 30mpg on the high way and has a lot of power for a sedan and it can pull a Chevy 1500 outa the ditch with ease!