small car needed... the search begins

[SS Junk]

It will be challenging to find a used Civic that hasn't been clapped out or isn't retarded expensive. The N/A Cobalts are fine. There was some TSB on a purge solenoid reprogram, but other than that they are good econo boxes.

[2011GT]

Any modern 4 banger car will last forever. Cavalier would be a good choice also. Resale on those sucks which is is in favor.

[UserX]

1. honda
2. toyota
3. nissan

I wouldn't buy anything else.

[jakesford]

I never had an issue with my mazda3 outside of normal maint.

[TexasVortex]

I'm partial to Civic's for my DD. On my third one, first two went well over 230K before they were totalled with normal maintenance. The 05 car you mention with just 37K on the clock is going to be rediculously priced. 01 to 05 cars are reasonable with around 100K miles and plenty more to go.

[JC316]

We're hoping to stay around the $6k price point... but may ahve to go higher to get something nicer to start with.

Thanks for all the comments so far... keep 'em coming.

mardyn

Wow, 6 grand for a first car. Damn, my parents paid $500 for an old beat up 88 Silverado with 300K on the clock and said "Get it road worthy and it's yours".

[crapstang]

How can this even be a topic? Festivas take the win for sure

[kingjason]

Not sure what a used Versa is going for but my wife has an 08 and not one major problem with it. Only two things were a sun visor not staying put and the rear hatch catch broke, but they fixed that under warranty.

[UserX]

I had a Versa for a couple years and really liked it. It was a hatch with a 6 speed. LOTS of interior room and good MPG. Also had bluetooth and intelligent keys, which is rare for an economy car.

[Slowhand]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?lastBeginningStartYear=1981&num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=75&address=75019&marketZipError=false&make=&start_year=1981&end_year=2012&min_price=&max_price=6200&seller_type=b&transmission=Automatic&engine=4+Cylinder&drive=&doors=Four+Door&fuel=&max_mileage=100000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=&systime=&isFlashPlugin=true&sownerid=103994&dma=DALLAS-FT_WORTH_DN&rdm=1323644506784

Corollas, Altimas, Accords, all that fit your above description.

[mardyn]

Thanks for the link... see a few possibilities in there.

mardyn

[DON SVO]

1990 Ford Festiva.

[momo]

i wont buy a honda thanks to johnny tran and the likness.
corollas are good.

[Kenny_Stang]

Another vote for the Toyota Corrolla. There are other cars that are "funner" to drive but not any that are as reliable.

[Texican]

Yes focus = shit
70k ain't shit and you are just lucky

02 Focus 5 speed for a dd, 186k miles, 32-34 mpg highway and no problems. Well... the radio volume knob doesn't work too well when it's cold out.