Good beater cars under $4k?
03-03-2009, 04:55 PM
#1
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Good beater cars under $4k?
Any good, cheap cars out there? My TL was totaled. 
I'm looking for something cheap but reliable for under $4k...any recommendations?
Note: I see the "Which beater car to choose" thread but my budget is lower and I really don't know what cars to even consider yet.
I'm looking for something cheap but reliable for under $4k...any recommendations?Note: I see the "Which beater car to choose" thread but my budget is lower and I really don't know what cars to even consider yet.
03-03-2009, 07:06 PM
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What is a slushbox? I'm not really into modding so maybe I don't need one?
I guess I shouldn't be calling it a beater car - it's just a cheap, used car that will replace the TL.
I guess I shouldn't be calling it a beater car - it's just a cheap, used car that will replace the TL.
03-03-2009, 07:10 PM
#4
TellinItLikeItIsSince1/06
slushbox is a negative term referring to shitty automatic transmissions.
my friend just bought a 1998 Honda Civic for $3300. It was a one owner who took great care of it!! replaced so many things under the hood and had every receipt. It has 140,000 miles on it but runs great, brakes are strong too. also average about 30 mpg minimum...
my friend just bought a 1998 Honda Civic for $3300. It was a one owner who took great care of it!! replaced so many things under the hood and had every receipt. It has 140,000 miles on it but runs great, brakes are strong too. also average about 30 mpg minimum...
03-03-2009, 08:42 PM
#7
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6th gen civic (96-00)...
If you want something sporty, look for a hatch, or coupe, but there are tons of sedans out there... Get an LX (or EX) if you want power windows, etc, and beware of the HX model, as they have a CVT tranny that some people don't like...
My brother picked up a california one owner civic lx sedan for my neice for $4K w/ 100K miles...
I really want a clean stock EK hatchback for some reason, even tho' my CL is a nice enough car
If you want something sporty, look for a hatch, or coupe, but there are tons of sedans out there... Get an LX (or EX) if you want power windows, etc, and beware of the HX model, as they have a CVT tranny that some people don't like...
My brother picked up a california one owner civic lx sedan for my neice for $4K w/ 100K miles...
I really want a clean stock EK hatchback for some reason, even tho' my CL is a nice enough car
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03-03-2009, 10:57 PM
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1st gen TL
03-03-2009, 11:14 PM
#11
A couple of years ago I needed a beater car for work so I bought a clean 2000 cavalier coupe with 100k miles for $2000 off of craigslist. I ended up selling it to my cousin who still drives it today with no problems, it served its purpose for me until I got my TL.
Sorry to hear about the TL, that sux.
Sorry to hear about the TL, that sux.
03-04-2009, 12:19 AM
#12
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Consider Hyundai. Best bang for the buck in the used car market IMO
Lot of ppl think Hyundais are crap = low demand = low prices for you
Did a quick search and I just found a 2004 Elantra with 38k miles for $3995 on autotrader
Lot of ppl think Hyundais are crap = low demand = low prices for you
Did a quick search and I just found a 2004 Elantra with 38k miles for $3995 on autotrader
03-04-2009, 07:50 AM
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Thanks for the responses. I really liked my TL...don't wanna step too much further down so an old Acura will do (1st gen TL, 99 TL/CL, Legend). (See my WTB thread!).
I also like the Maxima or Infiniti I30.
Considered the Integra but it's just too small...my '02 TL was the perfect size. Don't really wanna go with a hatch or coupe...the CLs probably the only coupe I'd do.
So I guess my list is this in order of precedence:
- 99 TL
- 99 CL
- 96+ Infiniti I30
- 1st Gen TL
- 98-99 Maxima
- 91+ Legend
Anyone trying to get rid of one of these in the Chicago area, hit me with a PM!
I also like the Maxima or Infiniti I30.
Considered the Integra but it's just too small...my '02 TL was the perfect size. Don't really wanna go with a hatch or coupe...the CLs probably the only coupe I'd do.
So I guess my list is this in order of precedence:
- 99 TL
- 99 CL
- 96+ Infiniti I30
- 1st Gen TL
- 98-99 Maxima
- 91+ Legend
Anyone trying to get rid of one of these in the Chicago area, hit me with a PM!
Last edited by newperson; 03-04-2009 at 07:53 AM.
03-04-2009, 07:50 AM
#16
94-97 accord V6
03-04-2009, 12:08 PM
#21
Fahrvergnügen'd
You could find a mid-90s Legend for under $4k that probably has 150k miles on it.
It's hard to find a really nice one in that range because they tend to be bought by people wanting to perpetrate on a shoestring budget.
But if you get lucky and find a good one, the Legend should go 300k miles easy.
It's hard to find a really nice one in that range because they tend to be bought by people wanting to perpetrate on a shoestring budget.
But if you get lucky and find a good one, the Legend should go 300k miles easy.
03-04-2009, 05:01 PM
#22
I recommend Civic because the gas mileage was excellent. But be warned, the car's a turd and the buzzy 4-cylinder gets tiresome. I miss mine though, it got totaled in a rear end accident.
03-05-2009, 02:38 PM
#25
Some dude
1st gen RL (96-98)
I have a '96 with 140k and its still going strong. Not great on fuel economy (20mpg for me) or that much fun, but its smooth and get will get you from A to B.
I have a '96 with 140k and its still going strong. Not great on fuel economy (20mpg for me) or that much fun, but its smooth and get will get you from A to B.
03-05-2009, 03:02 PM
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1st gen 3.2 TL > RL of that period. RL is a bit quieter but the TL has far far more steering feel during those years.
For what its worth, I own a '97 TL and an '02 RL and I almost bought an I30, so I know the cars well
03-05-2009, 03:16 PM
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Thanks for your input...might have to stay away from the RL. I'm not a racer/modder but I've had some close calls where my 2nd gen TL was able to get out of, so I like good control over steering.
03-05-2009, 03:17 PM
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Yeah, the '02 - '04 RL's have MUCH MUCH better steering and suspension. '96 - '01 RL's feel like Buicks.
03-05-2009, 03:31 PM
#32
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personally i own a 97 tl 2.5 ive had my fair share of problems, but when its all said and done i would buy another one again. mine hit 199k a couple days ago. awesome car, even with a blown head gasket and many other things that have happened it has started everytime. very very reliable
03-11-2009, 08:59 AM
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Thanks for all the suggestions, I ended going with an I35. Wasn't too far from my budget either.
The only shot I have of it now:
The only shot I have of it now:
Last edited by newperson; 03-11-2009 at 09:04 AM.
03-11-2009, 09:16 AM
#35
on to the next one...
Damn! I came in here to suggest either an Infiniti G20 or Infiniti I30, but you got an I35 for not much more than $4k!? Sounds like a steal 
GREAT car, best/most reliable car my wife and I have ever owned...
03-11-2009, 09:38 AM
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Yup, got a good price...paint could use some work and I'm gonna throw some better tires on, but I'm happy with my purchase...especially since it took me one week to locate, inspect, and buy the car.
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