I thought I'd open this up to the collective brain trust.

Straight to the point - A family member needs a car that is safe and reliable. Speed is NOT a concern. Budget $4,000.

Thanks in advance!

Fire away....

 

90's lexus LS400.

 

you know the usuals.

Civic, Accord, Camry, Corolla

 

Maybe an older impreza?

 

Seem like the only logical choices.

 

Agreed. Keep it simple. Though it's worth noting the 6th gen Accord (what you'd get for $4k) doesn't have the most reliable AT, even in the 4 cylinder model. I would get the Camry.

 

Yah...I replaced the trans in my 01 TL and in an 01 Oddy. That's enough for me.

 

i got myself forester but they have some problems with headgaskets the non turbo ones. but if you find one that had it done already then you're good to go.

 

Hadn't thought of that. What year did you get?

 

Add the 2003+ Odyssey and Sienna minivans to the Accord/Civic/Corolla/Camry list.

 

I got an 03 newer body style with high miles for cheap but it needs some work. Parts are dirty cheap for it and it will run forever. Like I said head gaskets are known problem but once done it shouldn't happen again. Timing belt also iirc every 105k
Personally I like the way they look

https://www.flickr.com/gp/46351784@N05/o83238

 

1999 - 2004 Toyota Avalon. We have one in the family. It is a 2001 with 188,000 miles and still chugging. It didn't start getting preventive maintenance until 160,000 when I got it. I did the plugs, all fluids drained and filled, timing belt, and shocks replaced. Up to that point, all it got was semi-regular oil changes and air filters. Literally everything on the car works, including the tape player.

About the only real issue common to these cars is engine sludge from not getting regular oil changes. But a quick test drive will tell you if it is suffering from that.

 

ahhhh the Avalons....

feels like you are driving a cloud.

 

Good thoughts. Thanks everyone. Anyone know anything about Hyundai XG350's?

 

My winter car has been very cheap and reliable. 99 sentra gxe, has a cute little 1.6L.

Get something chain driven or make sure the timing belt was just done.

 

if $4k is all you wanna spend... stick with the proven ones.

 

4chan car buying guide with $5k budget:



Link here: https://i.imgur.com/ilfDWzS.jpg

 

My cousin had one when she was in high school. Slow, roomy, can take a big beating.. the thing is a tank.

Just browsed and saw this one on autotrader for $4500

 

How important is gas mileage? I'd look into a Tahoe or something if it's not a concern, not much is going to beat that in a crash...