If this seems long, I just wanted to throw as much relevant info is I thought I'd need, if you all think I can trim it somewhere, lemme know!
Not sure if anyone has been in the same shoes, but I got hit with a case of the used car blues, meaning - the repairs cost more than what I bought it for, with the possibility of more shenanigans down the line.
I bought a used 98 Nissan 200sx (and yes, one user did suggest that I shouldn't, so they'll probably go I told you so.) Thing is, the car ran great, no issues, it was fast without being unsafe and it just looked good, although it did need some minor bodywork.
Here's where the problem comes in. I'm not sure what the parts were, but apparently it needed a tune up, struts, and some other work done (not exactly sure what to call it, since the name of the parts escape me) but it totaled up to 2300 bucks for all the work. You might think, Polaris - that dude is scamming you. But no, the mechanic told me I really should forget about the car, do the bare minimum, and pick up another ride down the line when this car breaks down.
So yeah. That's my problem. I can drop 2-5k easy, but this is going to wait till the car breaks down/or April. With all that being said, I need help finding a car. This time I'm significantly more sure of what I want to go with, which is a hatchback Civic. My dad has a 97 EX that I absolutely loved and I'd like to see if I can find a hatchback with an automatic of that same model year, if no hatchback came with an Automatic, what would you guys suggest?
Needs:Easy to drive, safe, reliable, good on gas, cheap, essentially everything a first car needs to be. Wants:Fun to drive, some aftermarket selection would be nice. Space is also pretty much both a want/need honestly.
I've looked at (obviously) the sixth gen Civic hatchbacks, some of the Focus hatchbacks from the same area, but any other cars worth checking out? I'm also going to go to the mechanic for advice on this too, since the dude seems to be really nice.
I told you to pass on that piece of crap in the other thread. A tune-up and struts should have cost maybe $500 if you did the work yourself, no wonder the mechanic was so nice. 'Dude he's scamming you'
My little brother has a 96 Civic DX 2-door, similar to what you're describing. The D16Y7 has almost zero aftermarket support, and is a relative PITA to work on. Look at the belt routing and alternator placement, for example. The automatic is also a dog, and they frequently have shifting problems, google 'Civic shift solenoids'. The CVT automatics in the later Civics are the reason CVT's have a bad reputation. That generation and earlier of Civic are EXTREMELY unsafe tin cans. The manual cars are really reliable, and get great gas mileage.
I told you to pass on that piece of crap in the other thread. A tune-up and struts should have cost maybe $500 if you did the work yourself, no wonder the mechanic was so nice. 'Dude he's scamming you'
My little brother has a 96 Civic DX 2-door, similar to what you're describing. The D16Y7 has almost zero aftermarket support, and is a relative PITA to work on. Look at the belt routing and alternator placement, for example. The automatic is also a dog, and they frequently have shifting problems, google 'Civic shift solenoids'. The CVT automatics in the later Civics are the reason CVT's have a bad reputation. That generation and earlier of Civic are EXTREMELY unsafe tin cans. The manual cars are really reliable, and get great gas mileage.
Yeah. I know you probably want to beat me upside the head with the nearest object. hell, I learned my lesson now - hopefully since I'll be staying away from roadside dealers from now on.
And if I recall correctly, weren't you the guy who suggested the Focus or was that another car?
Woops, forgot to login and it deleted my text. True, friend at work echoed your sentiments and I thought I jumped the gun. So I think imma take your advice and consider the cars you told me bout + save up more.
Thanks for the advice too, not sure if I said that yet.
[This message has been edited by Polaris aka Stardude (edited 02-19-2018).]
Do not buy an early 2000s automatic Honda. Their transmission problems are legendary. I'm with Patrick... Learn to drive a manual. Once you do that, you'll be able to drive damned near anything. And your options will immediately double.
FWIW, my niece just bought a 2009 HHR. Same platform as a Cobalt. 2.2 Ecotec. Automatic (4T45E) trans. After I replaced the front lower control arms (bushings were shot) it's been decently reliable. The LCAs are quite easy. If you have a floor jack, jack stands, and a decent set of tools, you can do them in an afternoon.
I'm late, but just wanna say: Don't confuse a bad example of a car with a bad car. You bought an old car with body damage for $1500 and it needs work. That's exactly what you should expect. Anything that's 20 years old and $1500 is going to need attention - it's no reflection on the brand or model of car. Hell, if it's 20 years old and $1500 and it runs, that's pretty much a testament to its durability.
IMHO, your mechanic is right - do the bare minimum to keep it running, save up $3k or $4k or $5k for something that's probably *also* 20 years old (at least 10!) that's in good shape.
I'm kinda not sure why if you have $5k you wasted your time on a $1500 Sentra, but whatever. You have transportation for now so I'd ride it out. Next time, have a mechanic look at the car before you buy it because - as you learned - "engine sounds good" isn't enough to evaluate the condition of the struts...
