My friend is looking for a decent vehicle that will weather her through her residency.

Her Must Haves:

Price: $ 12K Max -> Which means used option.

Trans: Manual, though not an absolute must.

Drive: Any

Size: Preferably Midsized but open to ideas.

She would prefer an American Vehicle.

Any thoughts??

Edited March 20, 200818 yr by smallchevy

Give the 9-3 a shot. You should be able to find a 03-05 specimen within her price range that meets all of her requirements and be a blast to drive.

You might also want to try to find a 2002 Alero. 5spd Getrag + 2.2L Ecotec =

Low mile, V6/5 spd., 2002 Camaro or Firebird.

Fun, handles well, inexpensive, efficient.

Give the 9-3 a shot. You should be able to find a 03-05 specimen within her price range that meets all of her requirements and be a blast to drive.

You might also want to try to find a 2002 Alero. 5spd Getrag + 2.2L Ecotec =

I like the idea of the SAAB and olds. What do you think of the Mazda6? She says she likes it.

My friend is looking for a decent vehicle that will weather her through her residency.

Her Must Haves:

Price: $ 12K Max -> Which means used option.

Trans: Manual, though not an absolute must.

Drive: Any

Size: Preferably Midsized but open to ideas.

She would prefer an American Vehicle.

Any thoughts??

Well if new and a warranty are important, couldn't she get a modestly-equipped Cobalt 2.2L/5-speed for close to the $12K after incentives, etc......?

Well if new and a warranty are important, couldn't she get a modestly-equipped Cobalt 2.2L/5-speed for close to the $12K after incentives, etc......?

She told me that she has some points on her GM card. That may not be a bad option then.

+1 on Alero or Saab

I like the idea of the SAAB and olds. What do you think of the Mazda6? She says she likes it.

Some of the early 6s did have some rust issues, but other than that I guess they're OK. They use "venerable" Ford engines, for whatever that's worth to you. Do look into the Saabs, though.

Well if new and a warranty are important, couldn't she get a modestly-equipped Cobalt 2.2L/5-speed for close to the $12K after incentives, etc......?

Tru dat, but the Cobalt probably doesn't have the interior room she's looking for.

Maye a used base-model Fusion might fit the bill. Satty has one and seems to like it. A used last-gen Sebring can probably be had too, but I'm not sure of their reliability.

Some of the early 6s did have some rust issues, but other than that I guess they're OK. They use "venerable" Ford engines, for whatever that's worth to you. Do look into the Saabs, though.

Tru dat, but the Cobalt probably doesn't have the interior room she's looking for.

Maye a used base-model Fusion might fit the bill. Satty has one and seems to like it. A used last-gen Sebring can probably be had too, but I'm not sure of their reliability.

Yeah her price range is kinda stifling. Another 4-5K and she would have a plethora of options.

Fusion does not seem to be a bad idea. I will ask her to give that a try. Used Accord may be not a bad idea either, although some of the people here will disagree.

A used last-gen Sebring can probably be had too, but I'm not sure of their reliability.

see if she can get a multi-pack of transmissions though....

see if she can get a multi-pack of transmissions though....

I don't remember if I4 G6s had manuals? G6s are quite cheap on the used market. Mazda6s depreciate very fast as well.

I don't remember if I4 G6s had manuals? G6s are quite cheap on the used market. Mazda6s depreciate very fast as well.

No I-4 G6's did not come with a Manual. As for Mazda6 that is what caught my eye. An 06 with low miles can be had at as much as 13k, not bad.

Here is a base 07 G6 with 23k miles for $11k. You might be able to do quite well on a new G6 as well. Not sure about getting it down to $12k though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-07-PON...tem230232008113

Here is a base 07 G6 with 23k miles for $11k. You might be able to do quite well on a new G6 as well. Not sure about getting it down to $12k though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-07-PON...tem230232008113

Nice find. A coupe will be good too.

What years is she looking for? I mean what year is too old?

Maybe a G5 or Cobalt? Might be able to find a left over 2007 with big discounts.

My friend is looking for a decent vehicle that will weather her through her residency.

Her Must Haves:

Price: $ 12K Max -> Which means used option.

Trans: Manual, though not an absolute must.

Drive: Any

Size: Preferably Midsized but open to ideas.

She would prefer an American Vehicle.

Any thoughts??

It seems like a new car is a must under those circumstances. A set of new tires or even some minor repairs can easily push her past $12K, in addition to taking time away from her residency.

I'd recommend a Hyundai Elantra. I know, I know, it's ugly and heavily fleeted, but because of that, you can grab one for not much money. It's not a bad car to begin with - spacious interior, long warranty, good fuel economy, lots of standard equipment - in fact, I'd go so far as to say it's the best new car under $12K CarsDirect pricing.

What years is she looking for? I mean what year is too old?

Probably a 21st century car.

It seems like a new car is a must under those circumstances. A set of new tires or even some minor repairs can easily push her past $12K, in addition to taking time away from her residency.

I'd recommend a Hyundai Elantra. I know, I know, it's ugly and heavily fleeted, but because of that, you can grab one for not much money. It's not a bad car to begin with - spacious interior, long warranty, good fuel economy, lots of standard equipment - in fact, I'd go so far as to say it's the best new car under $12K CarsDirect pricing.

Hyundai is a no for her. She had a very bad experience with her Sonata. A living legend of "America's best powertrain warranty" was not honored.

Although I do agree that a good new car would do her good.

Maybe a G5 or Cobalt? Might be able to find a left over 2007 with big discounts.

I told her about that. She says only if they are not terrible in depreciation she would. She has a minor in accounting, and says that is money she would pay for her mortgage.

Edited March 21, 200818 yr by smallchevy

CarsDirect pricing... may vary with zipcode:

Elantra GLS: $11,732

Spectra LX: $11,466

Cobalt LS: $13,347

Caliber SE: $13,521

Focus S: $14,133

Lancer DE: $14,470

Low mile, V6/5 spd., 2002 Camaro or Firebird.

Fun, handles well, inexpensive, efficient.

I got slapped on my head for that.

Versa can be had for under $12k, too, but she'll have to live without ABS, power windows, etc.

I got slapped on my head for that.

Sorry about that, but these cars are a raging bargain right now.

Sorry about that, but these cars are a raging bargain right now.

Oh I know. Do not get me wrong. Let me know when you can convince Estrogen species.

Oh I know. Do not get me wrong. Let me know when you can convince Estrogen species.

Actually, these cars were very popular with the estrogen crowd.

Just ask NOS!

And, you can carry a ton of stuff in one.

2001 Pontiac Aztek.

2001 Pontiac Aztek.

How about you donating her your Purple Mobile?

Here is a base 07 G6 with 23k miles for $11k. You might be able to do quite well on a new G6 as well. Not sure about getting it down to $12k though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-07-PON...tem230232008113

the grandparents just got a base g6 from the local p/b/gmc dealership for 12 and change after trading in a 97 bonne and talkin them down. the dealership is so hard up on selling cars when they found out they had a 96 sierra as well they tried to put them in a brand new base regular cab 1500 for 13,500.

She got smitten by an Audi TT. Off goes the theory. She is asking me how is the car. Any opinions?

Maye a used base-model Fusion might fit the bill. Satty has one and seems to like it.

What he said, but with a caveat. I like the Fusion, but I hate my car. If I had to do it all over again, I would have ordered one just to get the 17in wheels, the 16s suck hard. Also, say no to the stick in this car, it was geared by a jackass. Who in their right f@#king mind thinks an engine needs to be turning at 3000rpm at 70mph? A 6-speed would help immensely, but the auto is a decent substitute. In spite of the retard transmission, the car gets fantastic mileage, though again, it would be better with a 6th gear. I've put 37,000 on my car with no major issues, just the damned radio that had to be replaced 3 times. The Mercury Milan or later Mazda 6 would also be a nice choice.

Audi TT=money pit, hot car, but like all VWs when they have issues, they have expensive issues.

I agree with satty, the TT is a money pit...

A G6 could work.

What about a 04-06 Mailbu w/ the 2.2?

I just saw a 05 w/ 15k for 9888....the the 2.2 gets better gas milage than my Cobalt...

She got smitten by an Audi TT. Off goes the theory. She is asking me how is the car. Any opinions?

For some reason VW-Audi Group cars somehow magically become unreliable (or perceived as such) once they reach North America. Elsewhere in the world, the TT should be fairly reliable, as it's essentially one of the world's best-selling family cars/workhorses - the MKIV Golf - dressed in an evening gown.

If she can find a good VAG specialist, and a well-maintained example... actually, no. Stick with new.