Advice on what used car to look for needed!

[nuQ]

my girlfriend will soon be looking for a used car under 10k and she wants a four door. she just totaled her 97 altima and wouldn't be oppossed to getting another one, but any else have any suggestions for other 4 doors under 10 grand???? she also be starting a new job with an hour commute so gas mileage is a concern. thanks guys!

[elwesso]

so gas mileage is a concern. thanks guys!

Well that takes out my suggestion.....

Under 10k you can get a nice maxima..... Altima will get stellar mileage.....

[elwesso]

Also, what about a G20?

[Rex]

Yeah, find a G20 with a 5 speed, the SR20DE motor in that is nice and peppy. Also, the altima or a slightly older Maxima, but an Alltima or Sentra will get you the better mileage.

[krazy skwerel]

2001 Sentra SE. Best SR20DE we got over here and a much newer car.

[jdmfreak]

I vote for the 01 Sentras as well.

[574-240sx]

I would look into the G20, current sentra, current altima 4cly body style, 95-99 and 2000-2001 maxima, and Scion Xb because scions are cool and don't cost much and its new for under 16K with 0 miles.

[Jesda]

99ish Altima, newer Mazda Protege.

[Bubba1]

I'm assuming she wants something similar to what she's driving now. small-medium basic reliable 4 cyl, 4-door sedan with an automatic transmission?

There are plenty of choices out there, but before you chase more upscale marques like infinity, Lexus or acura, you will get more bang for the money by looking at the base marques like Honda/Toyota/Nissan. I'm not suggesting the upscale margues are bad cars, they're great. But if gas mileage and lower price is more important than image, she should look at the lowerbrands.

In that price range the market is full of choices:Best bets are:Honda AccordHonda CivicToyota CamryToyota CorrollaNissan Altima (previous generation)Nissan Sentra

I personally prefer Nissans, but if you read consumer reports, Nissans are usually recommended but they fall a small notch below the offerings from Toyota and HondaThere are plenty of other choices, but the above ones are probably your top tier.

Here are some more choices but a notch down from Honda/Toyota.

Mazda 626Sube 2.5rs or Legacy (AWD yes, but you pay a penalty for gas mileage and they are homely) Mitsu Galant (not a big fan of their styling)Veedub Jetta/Passat: actually really nice cars,and could be top tier until you factor in how dang expensive they are to repair when the warranty expires.BMW Mini Cooper - Fun small vehicle, but like the Veedub, expect expensive repairs when they break.Maxima: Nice car, fast and comfortable, reliable but it's bigger and has a thirstier V-6 which means lower gas mileage and more expensive to maintain than a 4 cyl.

Avoid:

Anything Chrylser/GM/Ford The market will be flooded with cheap Cavaliers, Foci/Taurus/Malibu's/Mustangs, Neons They're just not made as well as the Japanese offerings and not reliable. I'm sure there will be the occasional American brand owner that swears they're wonderful, but I'd recommend leasing an american or European car, but I'd buy Japanese.

Hyundai (new ones are better now, but I'd avoid used ones, as they're built very cheaplyKia/Suzuki - passBMW 3: same as veedubs: wonderful cars until you have to fix them

Good luck

[Mr1der]

THEY'RE WONDERFUL! GET A MALIBU WOOO CHEVY!

/gay

I'd pretty much have to agree with Bubba's choices...

you could always talk her into a Q

[nuQ]

Ha Ha Mr1der, if i could talk her into a Q i would, although, i don't know if she is ready to spend hours on NICO doing searches to find the reason her idle isn't steady or spending $30 to fill up then get 15 mpg!!!! there's only so many of us out there!! LOL seriously, thanks everyone for all the advice, esp. bubba for that very detailed list. she would definitly like to stick to another nissan (one of the reasons i keep her around, oh yeah, she also likes to wear wild thongs!!! ), so another altima is tops on the list. i will also have her check out the sentra, maxima, and maybe a corolla or sub 2.5. might just come down to where she can get the best deal, although, if she sticks with another nissan, she'll never be stranded as long as there's a NICO! thanks again guys!!!