I need to get a used car, what should I get for under $4000?

Question

Ok so I need to get a car by Sept 2nd for college since i will be commuting and can't use pub transportation (it's a 30 min drive and takes 4 hrs on pub trans, not even joking, it's a roundabout route) I want to get something that's good on gas and verrrry low maintaniance b/c I am lazy :) It has to survive until I get my first job in about 3 yrs. I don't care if it looks like a box as long as it has those 3 qualities. I will have about $4000 saved by that point. What models, makes, etc. would you suggest? Any other advice would be great too. I"m prob going to look mostly on craigslist and in the pennysaver mag.

Also, how many miles should the car have on it to last 3+ yrs? I will be using it to drive 20 mins each way 5 days a wk and for hanging out w/ friends 45 mins away in summer every wkend, & nothing else.

Answer 1

Call some mechanic shops in your area and ask them. They know because they work on them. I've heard Honda from Transmission mechanics. Also I heard Chevy Trailblazer from another mechanic. If you know any mechanics personally - try to ask them too.

Answer 2

Mazdas are good and very low maintenance, I own a 95 Mazda Protege. I got it my 2nd yr of college and it has about 198,000 miles on it, I've owned it for about two years now. Just regular maintenance and cheap. I got into a accident the first year and I had to pay between 1850 or 2000 dollars to get fixed for what I damaged, so the parts are cheap if needed. I love Mazdas and Im getting a new one in about 6 mths.

Hondas are supposed to be good too. I love Mazdas.

If you have suspicions about cars you can always got carfax.com or kelley blue book website

Answer 3

98 Acura CL

98 Ford Mustang V6

98 Honda Accord or Civic

98 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder

98 Subaru Impreza or Legacy

98-00 Toyota Corolla or Echo 00

Answer 4

Well a Chevy Cavalier 1999-2005 might be right for you...

i own a 99 2door, with 196,687miles and get 27mpg... has been a good little car. no issues. normal maint.

Answer 5

Look for a 7-8 year old GM midsize car like the Buick Century.  They are normally cheap to buy, cheap to insure and pretty reliable.  Also any mechanic can work on these vehicles.  Gas mileage is pretty good in these vehicles.  you should average 23-25 mpg in mixed driving.  

The Cavalier is another good suggestion.