I think this is something that started around 2005/2006. But I could be wrong.

 

American cars have reliable drivetrains. And parts are cheap. I wouldn't spend $5K or less on a Japanese or Korean car if you want it to last for a year or two without funding engine replacements or other major repair costs.

That's not prejudice, that's years of cumulative experience. You can get an American car far cheaper than a foreign car with the same mileage and wear. Assuming equivalent drivetrains, the cheaper American car will last longer for the same money. And the drivetrains aren't equivalent - American cars typically have more money in the drivetrain than the interior, while foreign cars are the opposite. You do the math on what kind of repairs cost more - interior or drivetrain.

There's nothing wrong with a Cavalier. It is bigger inside, has more passing power, and is cheaper than a similarly equipped Civic.

You can get a Cavalier with under 70K for $5K. Lots of people buy them new as "city cars" and have something else for road trips. So they get very few miles over their life, but they cost so little to own considering 0% financing and favorable GM trade-in programs that the dealers can dump them and still make money. They sold millions so parts are plentiful and cheap. And they have more power than a comparable Civic so they are nicer to drive around.

Compare that to a Civic for the same money with 100K+ miles. You'd have to be a seriously deluded fanboi to offer to pay for water pumps, timing belts, alternators, AC condensors, power steering pumps, tires, shocks, tie rods, etc. for your $5K just to have a "reliable" Civic with everything wearing out on a daily basis. I don't care who makes the car - tires, suspension, clutches, tie rods, water pumps, and alternators all wear out at basically the same rate. Don't be an idiot and pay for repairs on an over-priced import on top of paying too much for a high-mileage car.

 

[QUOTE=QUIKAG,Dec 29 2009, 09:09 PM] You drive a new CR and you're going to make your gf buy a $5k deathtrap?

 

[QUOTE=QUIKAG,Dec 29 2009, 09:09 PM] You drive a new CR and you're going to make your gf buy a $5k deathtrap?

 

I would definitely look at American cars. You should easily be able to find something with under 100k miles in that price range and it should be relatively inexpensive to fix any small problems.

 

Not necessarily, but statistically a $5k car nowadays probably isn't going to have the latest crash safety structural improvements, side airbags, stability control, etc.

08YellowCR, I completely agree that you shouldn't contribute toward's your gf's car. If you aren't engaged, then you really shouldn't throw a penny towards her car. It's her responsibility, not yours. Unless you get her pregnant, then it's a whole different story!

 

Can you get a Fusion for that money?

 

A car that's selling for almost 50% less than KBB with ad text that's an image file should set off all kinds of alarm bells.

Besides, buying older European cars is false economy -- the initial selling price may be a bargain relative to the original MSRP, but maintenance and repair costs will still be higher than equivalently priced Japanese cars. The best bet for $5k would be something bland but reliable like a used Corolla or Civic.

 

Acura Integra would be something I'd look into.

 

i agree. get a honda dude... or a nice nissan... i know the SX's might be old but they are decently reliable. I dont think she would want to mod the crap outta her, im guessing she and you would want something reliable. im sure you can find an EG or EK with a good B18C swap for that money. Cars are reasonably safe.... im sure you can find a late model one with airbag so there is some peace of mind...plus she will have some go to boot my 2c worth