A friend of mine is in need of a sedan for $5k or less by the end of the month. I have looked for accords, camrys, avalons, maximas, etc, and cant find anything. They either have over 160k miles or have body damage. I found a 2000 Mercury Sable with 38k miles for 4,995 at a dealer. Does anyone know anything about Sables? Are they decent cars? Here is the link:

2000 Mercury Sable

 

If gas mileage isn't a big issue get 1G 3.2TL. I usually get 18-20 MPG mostly city driving, so it isn't that bad. Think about it. driving from last one year (25000 Miles) no problems or rattles at all. Wind noise is a little annoying sometimes but nothing that good stereo can't take care of. Good luck with shopping.

 

Those have the motor from the legend right? Do they have the same issues like overheating and head gasket?

 

I don't have any issues with anything but a speed sensor that needs to be replaced. and I don't know anyone with that issue. I think Acura fixed that problem with TL's.

 

They are nice, I looked through craigslist and autotrader and the lowest mileage one was like 136k

 

Sables are fine. They are similar to a Taurus.

For $5k, I would look at Craigslist and you may get lucky. What are cheap cars are PT Cruisers and Dodge Cailbers. You may get lucky and get a decent Honda or Toyota. I am one that does not like high mileage cars. When I mean high, I mean anything above 50k miles.

You can find something if you keep looking. At this level, if the car is decent, be prepared to strike fast. Also, make sure you check the car out with Carfax.


http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1223772272.html

 

That Sable looks pretty decent... With such low millage, it must have been driven by an old lady so you know it wasn't beat on.

 

Yeah I am hoping to get lucky and find a honda or toyota. There are a ton of cavaliers like the one you posted around here, but they are too small for someone with 2 kids. Thanks though

 

An accord with 160k is nothing so long as the proper maintenance was done. Sure there will be more standard wear and tear to contend with, but I'd take the bet over a sable any day.

 

Just found a 98 accord with 97k miles for 4,800 and inspected. Going to call them tomorrow

 

the sable will hold up very well. all of the kinks of the 96 redesign have been worked out and they are nice, nice cars

 

nice. good luck.

 

Give me a high mileage Honda or Toyota over a Sable any day...

 

That's what I am going to end up looking for. Popped the hood on the sable to find a nice bend and cracked upper radiator support along with non factory fenders. Dealer said they got the car with a small dent on the fender and acted dumb about the support.

 

Old Subaru

I think a 2000 would be in the price range. As long as the timing belt has been changed on a 60 - 80K interval, it should be fine.

 

Didn't those boxer motors have head gasket problems?

 

Yes, but not all engines were effected by this. The 2.0L and 2.2L had very few problems. The 2.5 had more, so it would take some research.