YO
what's a good, cheap car I can get that won't break down in a year?
My budget's like 1200 at most (I'm broke as forget). I don't like most Japanese cars, usually, but if it's gotta be Japanese that's fine too.
I have three recommendations, mostly because i own two of them
1995 Buick Lesabre
I know its ugly and slow and gives you almost as much street cred as does a bicycle but its also bulletproof, my Dad's has taken endless abuse. Hes driven it 60000 miles since he bought it 2 years ago with no major problems, the only thing to watch out for is the front suspension, they go out a lot on older buicks
1996 Cutlass coupe, I own one and its an utter joy to drive
pros:
3.1 L v6 gets average to good mpg
low end torque gives 0-60 in like 7 seconds
good throaty noise >:D
never had any issues in the 4 months ive owned it
good factory stereo, mine has a tape deck :D
looks sporty and agressive
passenger and driver airbags
plenty of room for 2 people in the back with decent legroom
Very large American trunk
many parts are interchangable with other GM cars of the same year making parts very cheap and easy to find
cons:
Intake manifold gaskets often fail and lead to coolant burning
interiors are not very high quality and are often in poor condition
Oldsmobile badge=no street cred
Battery located under the washer fluid resevoir which is under a bar
mine bounces revs at idle
door handles are terrible as they are vertical and up near the window, they break all the time
1990's Celica
I own a 1987 model convertible, but most of these traits carry on to newer gens
Pros:
Cheap: often 1000-1500 easy
they last forever, the body will rust off the frame before the engine dies as is with most 1990's Toyotas
shares engines with camry's and Rav4's
Street cred- you look cool in one
quite fast with a little mod work
great mpg, I get 25 easy with mine
if you get a hatchback larger trunk than you could ever fill with everyday use
Cons:
Back seats arent very comfortable, not much leg room or headroom in back
if its not a hatchback (convertible or 1989 or older coupe) prepare to ride with bags in the back seat
the ones you find for cheap often have 210,000 or so miles
rust prone
Insurance is high, especially for GT-S models
Poll