Would you recommend your car?

[NightFlight]

i think the OP knows already. but as mentioned numerous times in the thread, the saab 9-2x is a subaru impreza (aka reliable japanese car) w/ saab's suspensions and appointments. the 9-2x is manufactoered by fuji heavy industries in japan. it can be had w/ a turbocharged engine and comes standard w/ awd, which means the saab will out handle civics, corollas, accords, etc.

I run group two at Summit Point and have been to multiple driving schools. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say that their AWD WRX or Evo handles and they are ALWAYS the ones that are stuffed into the tire wall. AWD doesn't do much for handling and I have been racing for a long time now, do not rely on it. Stock WRXs handle like a PIG I don't care what anyone says.

I think you can find better cars than that list you have there but if I had to choose I would get the 2000 Accord EX

 

[3nm]

I run group two at Summit Point and have been to multiple driving schools. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say that their AWD WRX or Evo handles and they are ALWAYS the ones that are stuffed into the tire wall. AWD doesn't do much for handling and I have been racing for a long time now, do not rely on it. Stock WRXs handle like a PIG I don't care what anyone says.

I think you can find better cars than that list you have there but if I had to choose I would get the 2000 Accord EX

incompetent drivers will always be incompetent regardless of drivetrains, awd doesn't entitle you to play god w/ physics. put those ppl you mentioned in fwds and see what happens.

the saab-tuned suspensions on the 9-2x are very good for stock, i have never heard of anyone complaining about them. in fact, subaru asked gm for those suspensions to put on its own impreza.

in any case, i do agree and have mentioned that the OP should be able to get a lower mileage '01+ with the said budget.

if you have been racing for a long time, you can't be seriously telling me that wrong-wheel-drive > awd. i'd agree if it was rwd > awd in some circumstances. i'm sure you have heard of the unfair advantage, right?

 

[Rodimus Prime]

I run group two at Summit Point and have been to multiple driving schools. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say that their AWD WRX or Evo handles and they are ALWAYS the ones that are stuffed into the tire wall. AWD doesn't do much for handling and I have been racing for a long time now, do not rely on it. Stock WRXs handle like a PIG I don't care what anyone says.

I think you can find better cars than that list you have there but if I had to choose I would get the 2000 Accord EX

more it is AWD make people feel cocky on ice because they have AWD/ 4x. Reality is all AWD does is help one go forward. The problem with ice is the fact that it is harder to stop and turn. AWD does jack in those 2 areas in saving your rear.

 

[ryannel2003]

This is an old thread... but I just gotta to respond.

Two years ago, my grandmother passed away. Around this time, my parents were gonna get me a new car. Come to find out, they decided to buy her car from my grandpa. A 2000 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder. 32k miles, alloy wheels, leather seats, sunroof, the whole shebang. Bought it for $10,300. I have put gas in the car, cleaned it many times, put 2 new sets of tires, added another 33k to the odometer, and gotten the oil changed every 3,000 miles. The only problem: the shifter cover broke. After 2 years of hard driving, that's the only problem I've ever dealt with. It's amazing how well built the car is compared to what else is out there. My mom's '05 GMC Yukon XL hasn't held up as well compared to my almost 8 year old Camry. My leather looks like brand new, the exterior still looks great (aside from normal scratches and dents) and the car drives just as good as the day my grandma bought it from Toyota. I would highly recommend the Toyota Camry, it's an amazing car that, with regular maintenance and good care, can easily run for 300-400k miles. Maybe even more. I have considered trading my car in for something newer and flashier, but I can't. I plan on keeping my car for a long, long time.

 

[JOEDIRT]

I have a 02 Subaru Impreza WRX. Love it. Very solid and well built car. Not a luxury car but a quality car. These cars are loved by all the car mags and car enthusiasts, that's how it came to my attention. It's like driving a Porsche with a station wagon body on it, a Porsche that's also great in the snow. Great seating position, great engine sound, rock steady, handles really well, very reliable, being a WRX it's turbocharged and very quick and powerful. There were some issues with some Subaru cylinder heads and trannys but they were limited to specific models and years. Look into it and you'll know what to avoid if necessary.

Some cars you might be interested in are the Ford Focus, everyone seems to like those. The Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, are under rated, good little cars that can be had for a song, as are some cars from the smaller Japanese companies, such as the Mazda Protege, Nissan Altima, etc. I like Mazdas, they are nice, well built, sportyish cars that are cheaper than the compriable Honda or Toyota. I also have a Miata and it's a great car, really fun and they have a great reputation for reliability.

Do your homework and read every thing you can before buying and you can get a great used car for surprisingly little money.

PS. Biturbomonkey is correct, the SAAB 9-2x Areo is a WRX with different front sheet metal and other minor changes. They are easier to find with an automatic I believe, as most WRXs have a manual. The 9-2x 2.5 is the non turbo version and has 170 hp rather than 230.

agree totally

but those who say that the WRX/EVO doesn't handle better i tend to say your wrong...depending on the conditions

No car will stop on a dime on ice...AWD, FWD, or RWD
when driving a FWD in the winter and driving a AWD in the winter there is no comparison, obviously the AWD is better! you can power out of your turn properly if you know how, yes Subaru's are bad for "understeer" but that can be corrected....

it all depend what your doing and your life style...if you do alot of highway driving and commuting then i wouldn't buy an AWD

but personally if you live in a place where u get snow, like to rip it up, hate to get stuck and want something reliable, then buy a scubby!

if not Honda or a Toyo thats my 2 cents

 

[gauchogolfer]

I recently got a 2003 Forester with 35k miles on it, and it's been great. We have a Legacy wagon also, and will likely get another Subaru when the wagon goes. I imagine it will be an Impreza.

 

[true777]

Toyota RAV4 or Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker/Suzuki Vitara.

 

[ErikCLDR]

more it is AWD make people feel cocky on ice because they have AWD/ 4x. Reality is all AWD does is help one go forward. The problem with ice is the fact that it is harder to stop and turn. AWD does jack in those 2 areas in saving your rear.

AWD will help a little with turning. If your back end starts to fishtail tapping the gas can help straighten you out.

Stability Control also works wonders.

Regardless what ever drive train you have drive safely and don't get confident. 4wd, TC, SC, etc doesn't make you invincible.

 

[jalagl]

For sure, no doubt about it. I have a 2001 Honda Civic. I bought it brand new, and right now it is approaching 57,000km (~35,000 miles). I've only had to replace the lights a couple of times. Never had any mechanical problems with it. And it has superb fuel economy.

 

[thebassoonist]

So... tomorrow I am going out for my first checking out the cars I'm most interested in (I'm only going to dealerships tomorrow).

Here are the four cars I'm going to be looking at:

1997 Honda Civic LX Sedan for $4795. It has 144000 miles and is a manual.
2003 Toyota Echo for $6990. It has 84000 miles and is automatic.
2001 Toyota Corolla CE for $5995. It has 83000 miles and is automatic.
2001 Toyota Corolla LE for $4900. It has 73000 miles and is automatic.

The last two I'm not sure about. I only want to go see three cars, but I think I might go look at both. I wonder if there is something wrong with the last one or something exceptional about the first one.

Anything in particular I should take a look at or ask about when seeing a car?

Thanks!

 

[ryannel2003]

The price of the two Corolla's look a little suspect... i've seen similar cars still pulling 6-7k at dealerships. When you do test the cars, make sure to drive it over all kinds of surfaces (smooth, rough, potholes, etc.) to see if the car makes any unusual sounds. Also check to see if they leak any oil, and do a walk around of the cars and make sure everything looks alright. If they've been in an accident, the body panels could be mis-aligned or even pained a slightly different color. Ask dealer for a Carfax, as that should give some information about the cars past. Also, ask the dealer (if they know) who owned the car previously. Older ladies and men always tend to keep the car dealer maintained, and some even keep records for everything done to the car. Also check to see if things like timing belt's and pumps have been replaced (My car is 90k, not sure about the Echo or Corolla's time intervals).

I would also recommend checking out some late model Accord's or Camry's. The latter is always a recommendation of mine, finding that you can find a '95-'99 for around $5-6k with 100k in good condition. Plus, I just averaged 26MPG in my Camry for strictly stop and go traffic. Good luck!

 

[twistedlegato]

How about an Infiniti G20? Great cars they are.

 

[thebassoonist]

The price of the two Corolla's look a little suspect... i've seen similar cars still pulling 6-7k at dealerships. When you do test the cars, make sure to drive it over all kinds of surfaces (smooth, rough, potholes, etc.) to see if the car makes any unusual sounds. Also check to see if they leak any oil, and do a walk around of the cars and make sure everything looks alright. If they've been in an accident, the body panels could be mis-aligned or even pained a slightly different color. Ask dealer for a Carfax, as that should give some information about the cars past. Also, ask the dealer (if they know) who owned the car previously. Older ladies and men always tend to keep the car dealer maintained, and some even keep records for everything done to the car. Also check to see if things like timing belt's and pumps have been replaced (My car is 90k, not sure about the Echo or Corolla's time intervals).

I would also recommend checking out some late model Accord's or Camry's. The latter is always a recommendation of mine, finding that you can find a '95-'99 for around $5-6k with 100k in good condition. Plus, I just averaged 26MPG in my Camry for strictly stop and go traffic. Good luck!

The LE was in very bad condition and the engine didn't sound very good (I sort of expected it as it was very inexpensive). The CE had been sold by the time I got to the dealer. I test drove a 1997 VE Corolla and was disappointed in the amount of power it had (I was spoiled with my 1995 Saturn SL2 manual). I test drove a 1999 Saturn SL for 6K. I liked it much more than the two Corollas but then I drove out to see the Echo. I was very impressed. I got a Carfax and it had been in two little accidents. I could tell where they were (in the front, based on how the headlights looks) but there was no frame damage or anything like that. In fact, I had to look very closely to tell. It had good pick up. I drove in on the freeway and, with my mum's advice, got it up to 80 MPH in no time. I am going to try to haggle the dealer down to 7500 (including taxes, registration, etc).

The Saturn isn't on CR's good buy list and it was manual. I loved my 1995 Saturn but I am ready for something new and different. Driving the Echo I realized how much I really do want automatic and with my little sister about to learn how to drive, I think it will be a much better car for her. It also got good government crash test results (slightly better than the Saturn's).

I'll let you know if I end up buying the car and, don't worry, I'll post pictures!

 

[ryannel2003]

The LE was in very bad condition and the engine didn't sound very good (I sort of expected it as it was very inexpensive). The CE had been sold by the time I got to the dealer. I test drove a 1997 VE Corolla and was disappointed in the amount of power it had (I was spoiled with my 1995 Saturn SL2 manual). I test drove a 1999 Saturn SL for 6K. I liked it much more than the two Corollas but then I drove out to see the Echo. I was very impressed. I got a Carfax and it had been in two little accidents. I could tell where they were (in the front, based on how the headlights looks) but there was no frame damage or anything like that. In fact, I had to look very closely to tell. It had good pick up. I drove in on the freeway and, with my mum's advice, got it up to 80 MPH in no time. I am going to try to haggle the dealer down to 7500 (including taxes, registration, etc).

The Saturn isn't on CR's good buy list and it was manual. I loved my 1995 Saturn but I am ready for something new and different. Driving the Echo I realized how much I really do want automatic and with my little sister about to learn how to drive, I think it will be a much better car for her. It also got good government crash test results (slightly better than the Saturn's).

I'll let you know if I end up buying the car and, don't worry, I'll post pictures!

Yeah that generation of Corolla really lacks the power necessary for it to get up and go. That car is also very small, and just doesn't have a lot of great features other cars in the class had. I've never driven an Echo, but they are very roomy cars. Plus, it has Toyota dependability and those cars are also extremely reliable. What color was it, and is it a two or four door?

As for the Saturn and CR, you have to take CR with a grain of salt. My mom had two GMC Yukon's, both of were on the list. Turns out, both needed transmission replacements. It's really hard to tell if you have a good car or a lemon by going with them, but they can be of great help.

Regardless, good luck and make sure to update and tell me how it goes!

 

[thebassoonist]

Yeah that generation of Corolla really lacks the power necessary for it to get up and go. That car is also very small, and just doesn't have a lot of great features other cars in the class had. I've never driven an Echo, but they are very roomy cars. Plus, it has Toyota dependability and those cars are also extremely reliable. What color was it, and is it a two or four door?

As for the Saturn and CR, you have to take CR with a grain of salt. My mom had two GMC Yukon's, both of were on the list. Turns out, both needed transmission replacements. It's really hard to tell if you have a good car or a lemon by going with them, but they can be of great help.

Regardless, good luck and make sure to update and tell me how it goes!

Good to know about CR. MR and other websites have made me feel really good about going Toyota (as well as a friend who told me that she got 17 years out of a Camry or Corolla). I don't the Saturn would be a bad car choice, I just think there's something better out there. Maybe the Echo!

The Echo is a 4-door and is silver. Driving in it, it felt a little like my mom's Subaru Forester. I felt like I was higher than I did in my Saturn. It also has a lot of head room which will be nice when I drive my 6'4" brother around and it had a lot of room, surprisingly, in the back.

Yikes! I just keep talking myself into this car more and more!

 

[ryannel2003]

Good to know about CR. MR and other websites have made me feel really good about going Toyota (as well as a friend who told me that she got 17 years out of a Camry or Corolla). I don't the Saturn would be a bad car choice, I just think there's something better out there. Maybe the Echo!

The Echo is a 4-door and is silver. Driving in it, it felt a little like my mom's Subaru Forester. I felt like I was higher than I did in my Saturn. It also has a lot of head room which will be nice when I drive my 6'4" brother around and it had a lot of room, surprisingly, in the back.

Yikes! I just keep talking myself into this car more and more!

Yeah Toyota's are pretty much the most dependable cars on the road. I plan on getting many more years and miles out of my Camry, which only has 65k miles right now. But good luck with the Echo, they're pretty cool little cars.

 

[thebassoonist]

Surprise!

So, I bought the car I never thought I would... another Saturn (I put a 1995 Saturn SL2 to rest in November).

It is a Saturn SC2 2000. It's a three door coupe, silver, automatic, averages 30 MPG-ish combined and came with 59,000 miles on it.

The inside looks brand new. The passenger side carpet had absolutely no wear. It has power windows, cruise control, keyless entry, etc. The third door makes it just as good as a four door, really.

It also has an alarm system which is nice. It has the factory cd/tape player. And that's about all I can think of.

Oh, yeah, one more thing. It was $5,500 minus taxes, etc. It has so much power and when I drove it home I thought, I really like this car.

Enjoy the pictures and thanks so much for all of your feedback. Someday, when I have the money, I'm going to buy a Toyota Prius or Matrix (or whatever the far future holds). I was disappointed in the Toyotas that were in my price range and the Hondas were few and far between.

My hope is that this car lasts ten years! Wish me luck! (My Saturn SL2 kept up for 12!)

 

[kitki83]

I know I am going to be flamed but I got a new VW Jetta (2007, Year anniversary). Honestly its new so I can't say its surviving but I was in a rear end accident. Honestly I was sold with this car, the impact was big and to see the damage I received compared to the 2002 Honda Accord I knew i was in a safe car. My car had one line scratch, no one even noticed it when I said I was in car accident but the person who hit me from behind (of course was on cell phone) totally trashed his bumper.

I know Jetta has bad reviews in the last decade but I am sold knowing how well built it is for my safety.

 

[MarkCollette]

My previous car was a Toyota Echo 2003, automatic transmission with 4 doors. I totally recommend a car like that. Or a 2004. My current car is a Toyota Corolla 2007, also with an automatic transmission and 4 doors. It cost a bit more, and is nicer in many ways, but doesn't have as much head room as the Echo. Plus the Echos were made in Japan and have higher reliability ratings. Not sure how good the older Corollas were, since I never looked, back then.

 

[ryannel2003]

So, I bought the car I never thought I would... another Saturn (I put a 1995 Saturn SL2 to rest in November).

It is a Saturn SC2 2000. It's a three door coupe, silver, automatic, averages 30 MPG-ish combined and came with 59,000 miles on it.

The inside looks brand new. The passenger side carpet had absolutely no wear. It has power windows, cruise control, keyless entry, etc. The third door makes it just as good as a four door, really.

It also has an alarm system which is nice. It has the factory cd/tape player. And that's about all I can think of.

Oh, yeah, one more thing. It was $5,500 minus taxes, etc. It has so much power and when I drove it home I thought, I really like this car.

Enjoy the pictures and thanks so much for all of your feedback. Someday, when I have the money, I'm going to buy a Toyota Prius or Matrix (or whatever the far future holds). I was disappointed in the Toyotas that were in my price range and the Hondas were few and far between.

My hope is that this car lasts ten years! Wish me luck! (My Saturn SL2 kept up for 12!)

A friend of mine had a banana yellow SC2 just like that. Same year I believe, and she was driving down the road and the car slid, flipped a couple of times, and landed on the roof. She walked away from the crash with a couple of scratches, but pretty much unscathed.

Congrats though! It's a really nice looking car. At that price, heck I would've picked that up over a Toyota or Honda.

 

[methodmano]

1994 Jeep Cherokee. Manual everything. Rear wheel drive.

For most things, no, I would not recommend it. However, it has the best steering wheel I've ever used - it just responds insanely good to the steering wheel.

 

[thebassoonist]

A friend of mine had a banana yellow SC2 just like that. Same year I believe, and she was driving down the road and the car slid, flipped a couple of times, and landed on the roof. She walked away from the crash with a couple of scratches, but pretty much unscathed.

Congrats though! It's a really nice looking car. At that price, heck I would've picked that up over a Toyota or Honda.

Well! I'm glad that she survived! Was it icy or something?

Saturday it snowed here, and I drove it home on the freeway. I was going at a snail's pace (for me anyway, ha ha), and it did just fine.

Anyway, I guess the point is that she survived!

 

[ryannel2003]

Well! I'm glad that she survived! Was it icy or something?

Saturday it snowed here, and I drove it home on the freeway. I was going at a snail's pace (for me anyway, ha ha), and it did just fine.

Anyway, I guess the point is that she survived!

It was on some gravel road, and she wasn't paying attention. Went around the curb too fast, and just flipped over multiple times. Saturn's are known to be pretty safe cars, so that's always a good thing!

 

[Bootsie]

Until almost exactly a year ago (Mar 6) I had a 1999 Honda civic, I loved that car! It was great, I sold it for $8500 with 68K, and I bought a 2007 Honda Civic LX Auto, love it even more! I added a few extras to it, wheels/tires, sound system, ect. Great cars, I recommend them to anyone who asks.

 

[Flowero4ka]

Sounds good. Has anyone ever had a Subaru Impreza or heard anything about them?

My bf had this car. He liked it. The high quality! The only problem - is an expensive service.