help me and my friend pick out a good beater car, need suggestions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hedpe · #1 07-01-2003, 03:18 PM

Alright guys, i'm trying to help my friend pick out a beater car. It's going to be his get to school and back car. He insists that it must have 6 cylinders.

Preferably around 70,000 miles, no more than 100,000. Early 90's, any make is welcome for suggestion.

The max we want to spend is $7k.

I'm a fan of the old Nissan SX's myself as a beater car, but he wants a 6 banger.

Throw suggestions at us!!

Kuan · #2 07-01-2003, 03:27 PM

W124 Diesel

Oh wait, that's 5 cylinders. Is 5 okay?

hedpe · #3 07-01-2003, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gord96Brg
Anything but a Mercedes will do. A beater mercedes will cost you more than a new one I suppose.

Oh trust me I know that one for sure

Quote:

Originally posted by 123c
A good car would be a 1990-1994 Subaru Legacy, a turbo awd model with less than 100,000 miles can be found for less than $7,000. They aren't a 6 cylinder, but they are a good car, and will run forever if taken car of.

that's a pretty good suggestion actually, never thought to look for a subaru. AWD would definately help and I know they're known for their AWD systems.

My only question on that is with the turbo. Do you start to have problems with the turbo around 100k+ miles on the car? Because I know if its pre-owned and they didn't take care of the turbo and start it properly or warm it up properly, will there be problems with them? I've just heard that turbo's go bad around 100k+ miles if you're not meticulous about them. Am I wrong or are turbo's bad for pre-owned?

The Warden · #4 07-01-2003, 03:39 PM

Where are you located?

My mom's got a '94 Pontiac Grand Prix that she's selling...$2800 obo. The miles are a bit high, though (136K), but it's got a V-6 (3.1l) and an auto, and except for the cheap GM plastic moulding, the interior and exterior are in pretty good shape.

If your friend might be interested, PM or E-mail me.

sixto · #5 07-01-2003, 03:53 PM

300D with a Briggs in the trunk?

I've heard good things about the recent/current Chevy Malibu. Some Tauruses seem to last forever.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

#6 07-01-2003, 04:15 PM

Any old Volvo, or for real trouble free, and less expensive parts when you finally need them, a Toyoto Camry. I think Toyota has it over Nissan in the quality department in the early 90's. Nissan was going through some financial probs, Toyota never has. I don't think I have ever heard a bad thing about Toyota quality.

hedpe · #7 07-01-2003, 04:48 PM

Much thanks for all the detailed info 123c on the subaru's, we're def gonna look in to that. That AWD will def help out driving around in the winter also. I'm gonna look them up and see if I can find one locally, unfortunately pittsburgh isn't as high density as some CA cities. But we'll try.

The Warden: Unfortunately we're on the opposite coast as you, we're in PA :\

I saw an STI in a parking lot yesterday, definately want it

But we're 20k short on that one.

How are grand prix in the early 90's? Can you vouch Warden?

Keep the suggestions coming!

Zach Maggio · #8 07-01-2003, 09:11 PM

You could get a really nice 5.0 mustang for 7K. No flames for the poor Mustang, please, I just used to own one and found it to be a) zippy, b) easy to work on and cheap to have repaired, and c) relatively trouble-free and reliable, despite any reputation Ford might otherwise have.

Plus, really weird guys will approach you in parking lots and offer you cash for your car. An added bonus!

EDIT: whoops, 5.0 means 8 cylinders and disqualifies it from consideration. Well, you could get a third generation 6 cylinder Mustang...I guess...but for 7K it would have to be about the most beautiful damn 6 cylinder mustang I'd ever seen to actually even consider it.

Frank X. Morris · #9 07-02-2003, 12:38 AM

Howdy All,
Best beater you can get. Just watch all those little insignificant little cars bounce off your Mog when they hit it

You might look at a Jeep Wrangler also.

hedpe · #10 07-02-2003, 01:27 AM

I'm gonna do all the research tomorrow. Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I have nothing against old 5.0's... but i wouldn't want him to beat it up.

Keep the suggestions coming, i'll keep you guys updated when I start looking tomorrow.

btw PaulC, where in PA do you live? I put together Mercedes GTG in Western PA.

blackmercedes · #11 07-02-2003, 03:15 PM

For $7K I would be shopping:

94-96 Toyota Camry

91-96 Subaru Legacy

91-92 Mazda 626 (and save heaps of cash) 1993- 626's are Ford joint ventures and not worth the scrap metal price.

94-96 Honda Accord

92-94 Maxima

suginami · #12 07-02-2003, 03:18 PM

I'd put my hard earned money on a 1992-1994 Maxima.

The only problem is it will be hard to find one for $7,000 and with less than 70,000 miles.

#13 07-02-2003, 03:38 PM

Ok, what do we have to work with here?
1. A beater. too broad a description
2. must have 6 cylanders. No reason stated, there are some strong 4's and weak but durable 8s that would make the same power.
3. Back and forth to school.

Come on we need more to work with. How long is he going to keep it? What does he haul? short trips or long? Does he travel cross country for the summer therefore meaning he needs a higher quality beater? Auto or stick. Would a minivan work? There are tons of them out there, well maintained soccermom tradeins.
I shuddered when I saw the mention of a high mileage Pontiac here. Can we all agree that high mileage Gm's are ready for the scrap yard? When the CEO of GM comes out and apologizes for their past quality, that should be the end of them. It has been for me, but I had to find out for myself.
All of us have greatly varying experiences as concerning cars.
Give us some more specifics

The Warden · #14 07-02-2003, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hedpe
How are grand prix in the early 90's? Can you vouch Warden?

My experience with 'em is limited to my mom's car. The car is fun to drive; very responsive, good power, and corners well. However, maintenance isn't all that easy...you need to unbolt two of the engine mounts and tilt the engine forward to change out the rear 3 spark plugs. In addition, this car leaks engine oil and tranny oil. As long as you keep the fluids filled up, there haven't been any problems, though. The interior's also heavily laden with plastic, unfortunatly...typical of GM over the last 15 years or so.

In essence, it's a fun car to drive, but I don't think I would want to own one myself.

I think that, as a beater/commute car, it would work great, though...

PC Dave · #15 07-02-2003, 04:44 PM

Also consider a first generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, up through '98 (the last year before the current generation was introduced). If you get a Laredo with 4wd and the 4.0l six cylinder from the last few years (96-99), it'll probably fit your mileage and price considerations. Hell, if you look you can get a very decent Limited with V8 from 95-97 for $7-8k. Useful in snow, carries stuff and people, but not as big or rough-riding as a huge truck-based SUV (the G.C. was unit body). Check ebay, also check www.traderonline.com, they might be in Truck Trader or SUV trader.

Similarly, for even less money consider a Cherokee with the same 4.0L six. The thing was made for 18 years or so, and while it was never really refined, by the last few years it was pretty reliable. They're also way cheap, $7k shouldn't be an issue for a late '90s model.

One thing I like about both (vs. German cars) is how easy it is to replace major components. There are a couple of sites online that will sell you a long block rebuilt 4.0l six with a 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty for around $2,000-2,500. Try that with a Benz or Bimmer. Same with the automatic transmission ($1500?). Worst case, you just rebuild the things twice a decade and run it forever.