What car to buy for about $3500 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

E300D · #1 07-11-2005, 10:36 PM

Hi,

Its time for me to look for car to commute to school and around the town.

I want it to be a stick shift.

I narrowed down my options to a 90- 96 Honda civics or VW golf/ jetta of similar age.

I would go for a diesel MB but its really hard to find a good one with 5spd for 3500.

Thanks for reading and lets hear your ideas.

Hatterasguy · #2 07-11-2005, 10:40 PM

If you can get a TDI for $3,500 I would jump on one of those. With diesel and gas getting close to $3 a gallon; 40mpg+ is a good thing!

Other then that Civics are dirt cheap to run; I hate the way they drive though.

Diesel4me · #3 07-11-2005, 10:48 PM

I second the TDI suggestion, but finding a good one that cheap may not be easy.

Plantman · #4 07-11-2005, 10:56 PM

A properly maintained Camry is a good bet as well.

Jason Beal · #5 07-17-2005, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plantman

A properly maintained Camry is a good bet as well.

Agreed, they are great cars.

mikemover · #6 07-18-2005, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Beal

Agreed, they are great cars.

They are "appliance" cars. A Toyota Camry has all the personality and spirit of a cheap toaster oven.

Yuck.

Mike

stayalert · #7 07-12-2005, 09:01 AM

TDI for $3500?

If I roll mine several times at high speed I'll give you a call

.....It's not titanium or gold but I suspect my '01 TDI with 100K miles would fetch $10,000 +/-...

for a commuter get a Honda, if you have space needs, dogs, skis, camping gear, an LP collection....whatever....I know nothing about but would look into a ford taurus (wagon maybe) becuase I bet there are tons to choose from and used parts must be plentiful....good luck!

A diesel VW of the vintage you describe could be an awesome vehicle as well...I suspect anythoing diesel is popular right now though....

boneheaddoctor · #8 07-12-2005, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stayalert

TDI for $3500?

If I roll mine several times at high speed I'll give you a call

.....It's not titanium or gold but I suspect my '01 TDI with 100K miles would fetch $10,000 +/-...

for a commuter get a Honda, if you have space needs, dogs, skis, camping gear, an LP collection....whatever....I know nothing about but would look into a ford taurus (wagon maybe) becuase I bet there are tons to choose from and used parts must be plentiful....good luck!

A diesel VW of the vintage you describe could be an awesome vehicle as well...I suspect anythoing diesel is popular right now though....

I don't know about the Taurus..unless you found a rare stick shift model.....(they exist I drove one once) becasue the auto transmissions in those cars are junk...and the 3.0 engines are even bigger junk (head gasket issues)

100,000 miles is the point these start falling appart.

stayalert · #9 07-12-2005, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

I don't know about the Taurus..unless you found a rare stick shift model.....(they exist I drove one once) becasue the auto transmissions in those cars are junk...and the 3.0 engines are even bigger junk (head gasket issues)

100,000 miles is the point these start falling appart.

LOL maybe I need to buy a taurus to march onward in my automotive H-E-doubnle hockey sticks pursuit.

Scratch the taurus idea I guess.....

boneheaddoctor · #10 07-11-2005, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

If you can get a TDI for $3,500 I would jump on one of those. With diesel and gas getting close to $3 a gallon; 40mpg+ is a good thing!

Other then that Civics are dirt cheap to run; I hate the way they drive though.

Civics are cheap to run....but in certain areas they bring a steep premium in prices...........

RG5384 · #11 07-12-2005, 12:32 AM

if your looking at civics i'd also take a look at integra's. You could definately find a good shape 90-93 in that price range(generation 2 body style), and possibly even a 94(the G3 bodystyle). They handle/ride a little better and also have more punch.
Ryan

mikemover · #12 07-17-2005, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E300D

Hi,

Its time for me to look for car to commute to school and around the town.

I want it to be a stick shift.

I narrowed down my options to a 90- 96 Honda civics or VW golf/ jetta of similar age.

I would go for a diesel MB but its really hard to find a good one with 5spd for 3500.

Thanks for reading and lets hear your ideas.

240D with a stick. Nothing else.

Mike

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