[70 Lemans]

Hi All,


I’m wondering if someone could recommend a make model car in the $4500.00 area.
I know the possibilities of get something in need of high dollar repair will always be there. I’m also well a where that certain makes models can be problematic, so I ask this question to minimize this possibility.

Thanks a bunch in advance.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by 70 Lemans

Hi All,


I’m wondering if someone could recommend a make model car in the $4500.00 area.
I know the possibilities of get something in need of high dollar repair will always be there. I’m also well a where that certain makes models can be problematic, so I ask this question to minimize this possibility.

Thanks a bunch in advance.

She wont like the make, but a used 3800 powered Buick is a good gamble; they tend to be owned by elderly people that kept them well maintained, garaged and have low miles.

[mike nixon]

Buy something you're not even remotely proud of. THat way you won't be pissed when it comes home with dents in the roof from kids running over top of it, jumping from car to car, runing into it, ect.

College is rough on cars.


BTW I fixed you title spelling, I didn't think was making pics.

Mike

[Bjorn]

How about an older Toyota Landcruiser...is what I gave my daughter...its heavy,good if she gets hit, has good engine ,lasts forever...ours was an 88

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by mike nixon

Buy something you're not even remotely proud of. THat way you won't be pissed when it comes home with dents in the roof from kids running over top of it, jumping from car to car, runing into it, ect.

College is rough on cars.


BTW I fixed you title spelling, I didn't think was making pics.

Mike

Exactly! I started my daughter out driving a coule of years ago with a KIA Optima for that reason.Kids on the roof of a car just doesn't do the sheet metal good. When that wasn't good enough, Mom bribed her away with an 06 G6 GT that she eventually wrecked last month. Now she has gone off to College with NOTHING.

[70 Lemans]

Hey thanks mike. Guess I should have gone to college. lol.

455Grandville,

3800 buick? Is that skylark, Lasabre, Park Avenue? if so what year should we look for?

Thanks.

[bastard]

They put that engine in a lot of different cars, even the front wheel drive Bonnevilles.
The supercharged ones even run pretty good.

[70 Lemans]

Found this one local,

Car was traded in for a new car. 1 owner car too.

http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/1347697839.html


Looks good with low miles.

[The Boss]

Be sure to get a carfax on it, but it looks like a nice car for the money, should be inexpensive to insure as well.

[70 Lemans]

Bummer it's a 3.1 not the 3.8

Should I be concerned?

[mike nixon]

THe 3.1's had a probelm with intake manifold leaks. Teach the girl, if you haven't, to check her fluids religously and when it starts loodsing antifreeze it'll either be the intake, a water pump or a hose. Outside of that they're a pretty good engine, get good mileage, are normally reliable.

That car's cheap because of the Century name. they were good cars that got to be known as old people rides and the value dropped on them.

Mike

[sleepy]

late 90s LeSabre. Lots of room, trunk space and they get high 20s to low 30s for mileage.
Very comfortable cars, power everything and can get out of their own way when you need them too.

[MoJo]

http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/1348310406.html

Toyota with a Chevy Emblem. My aunt bought a used '99 and put another 300k on it with zero problems before she traded for a new Corolla.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by mike nixon

THe 3.1's had a probelm with intake manifold leaks. Teach the girl, if you haven't, to check her fluids religously and when it starts loodsing antifreeze it'll either be the intake, a water pump or a hose. Outside of that they're a pretty good engine, get good mileage, are normally reliable.

That car's cheap because of the Century name. they were good cars that got to be known as old people rides and the value dropped on them.

Mike

They also like most aluminum headed motors like to go through headgaskets. Ive milled many a 3.1s and 3.4 heads. Especially minivans, soccermoms beat the bejesus out of 'em.
The one I sent you pics of my wife got for cheap and its almost showroom new condition.

[70 Lemans]

Thanks All.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by 70 Lemans

Hey thanks mike. Guess I should have gone to college. lol.

455Grandville,

3800 buick? Is that skylark, Lasabre, Park Avenue? if so what year should we look for?

Thanks.

3800s in some Regals (GS models I think) , Lesabres and Park Avenues.

Wife got me this 93 Buford for fathers day to carry our 3 kids for $2,500 if I remember correctly. It has a little over 60K , other then old lady scratches it's almost showroom new. I thought it was a steal considering $2,500 these days doesnt buy much. 3800s are pretty hardy engines and one of the few left with cast iron heads. They do well for fuel economy; 28-30 mpg highway. The only problem is your daughter has to be open minded about driving an old geezers car.

[Txbobcat]

Exactly how do you teach your daughter to religiously check fluids. I am on the 38th year with my wife and she hasnt learned it yet.

[TheMonkey]

3800 series 2 is a fabulous motor. my 17 year old son is steadily and surely destroying the chassis and drivetrain of a '98 firebird, but the motor takes the abuse no problem. very strong and good MPG.

i figured V6 would be pretty tame, but that motor is really strong. he bent an axle when a curb was in his way, so he put a posi rear end in for replacement. few days after that went in, he exploded his clutch and his car sat lifeless in a sea of parking lot donuts.

[fiedlerh]

For reliability and low maintenance costs, I'd be looking at a 96-up Honda Civic or maybe an Accord if she needs more room. Common as dirt too. Get a stick shift version and you'll eliminate 90% of the people who might want to borrow it. College cars sit outside, sometimes aren't driven often, and only get maintained when brought home. Needs to have good tires and a new battery, along with wheel locks and hood that can be locked. A fancy sound system will only get stolen. Most kids probably really want a Jeep or a 2-seater convertible anyway.

[Andretti]

Sunfire - Cavalier !

I'm suprised no one has mentioned these. I got my daughter (18 at the time) a 4 door '98 sunfire. It's now 3 years later and other than multiple body dings/dents, she's running perfectly. Cheap to insure and maintain.

It now has just over 280,000 kilometers (175k mi.)