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YOUR BALANCE
Car Talk: Very cheap/high mileage car that you would buy
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Car Talk: Very cheap/high mileage car that you would buy


May 16, 2013, 9:03 AM

I have a friend that has had Leukemia and has had a full bone marrow transplant. He also has a degenerative bone disorder in his ankles, so he walks with a cane, etc.. He is only 20 and lives with his mom, dad is gone and worthless.

I need to help him find a car that is about 5k and will run for at least 50-75k. He goes to Tech school a couple of times a week, but really doesn't drive all that much.

Thoughts on Brands, Makes, Models? What to watch out for when buying a car like this?

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Re: Car Talk: Very cheap/high mileage car that you would buy


May 16, 2013, 9:05 AM

Honda Civic/Accord or Toyota Corolla/Camry.

Timing belt.

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If a timing belt breaks on a Toyota, it is easily fixed afte


May 16, 2013, 9:32 AM

r you tow it. On many Hondas a broken timing belt means in addition to the tow truck you will experience a broken bank account as well as wailing and gnashing of teeth.

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why is that? (seriousness)***


May 16, 2013, 9:38 AM



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interference-fit between pistons and valves.


May 16, 2013, 9:41 AM

when the timing belt breaks, they go all kaflooey when they hit.

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I believe that Accords do not have interference engines, and


May 16, 2013, 9:46 AM

that Civics may have moved away from them as well.

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an 'interference engine' is an actual thing?


May 16, 2013, 9:51 AM

we're in the market for a 'new' used car (or 2...fml)...so this is relevant, i guess. And something I wouldn't have been keeping an eye out for

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X2 on Corolla or Camry...non-interfering valves survive


May 16, 2013, 10:23 AM [ in reply to Re: Car Talk: Very cheap/high mileage car that you would buy ]

broken timing belts without engine damage. The non-interfering design means that the piston cannot contact the valve if the valve stops moving (due to a broken timing chain) in the fully opened position. If you go the corolla route, you can afford a newer lower mileage car.

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any of this non-interference shizz in any SUVs?


May 16, 2013, 10:25 AM

'small' or otherwise?

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Had a Corolla GTS, back in the last millinium.


May 16, 2013, 10:29 AM [ in reply to X2 on Corolla or Camry...non-interfering valves survive ]

Cut off, as I pulled up to a stop sign. Restarted, then died again. Belt had broken. Dual overhead cams + 24 valves = fubar.


I have had a very difficult time trusting any belts since then.

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Honda, Toyota, or Subaru


May 16, 2013, 9:06 AM

as long as they were cared for by the previous owner.

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"Clemson has been historically better than Carolina. That's pretty obvious." - Classof09

"No one knew we were overhyped until the season started." - Classof09


in 2010 I bought an 02 Honda Odyssey


May 16, 2013, 9:11 AM

with 127K miles on it. Running perfectly now with 190K on it.

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Go with a Toyota Camry/Corolla, can get one for high


May 16, 2013, 9:15 AM

mielage pretty cheap and they'll run to 200k.

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Cole @ Beach Cole w/ Clemson Hat


^^^^^^this right here****


May 16, 2013, 10:19 AM



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Subaru


May 16, 2013, 9:16 AM

oil leak

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Honda Accord or Civic.


May 16, 2013, 9:22 AM

All Japanese cars are reliable, but I've never seen anything as bulletproof as a Civic or Accord. Well, the Popemobile was probably more bulletproof, but you know what I mean. They run forever without major mechanical problems.

I'd avoid coupes and anything with an Si badge since they'd be more likely to have been driven hard.

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And blueridge is right about the timing belt.***


May 16, 2013, 9:24 AM



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Chrysler Lebaron


May 16, 2013, 9:24 AM

man stains on the back seat

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The used car market is pretty strong right now and tax check


May 16, 2013, 9:28 AM

season is one of the worst times to compete for those 5k cars. That said, when you're looking for cars in that range, you can definitely find them, but it's going to take some looking and you're going to have to be quick on the trigger because anything that is well maintained with a reasonable mileage at that price is going to sell quickly. I'd suggest haunting Craigslist and try to stay with owners selling cars. Any 5k car that comes from a dealer is going to a much worse deal due to the dealer mark up. A 5k car from a dealer will usually be one that I MIGHT pay 3k for. With a 5k budget, there are a lot of things in play and Honda, Toyota, and Subaru are going to be older and higher mileage than a lot of other things you could get that are reasonably good cars in that range. A great car to look for in that range that you might find with lower mileage and well cared for is the Buick Lesabre. Generally owned by older folks that are more prone to meticulously maintain them, they typically have lower mileage than the corresponding Japanese models, and the value of what you get for that kind of money is usually better in terms of amenities.

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^^^^Ditto the Buick LeSabre. Solid, reliable, and


May 16, 2013, 9:35 AM

29mpg. Also, the 3.8L motor uses a timing gear rather than a belt or chain.

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Good riding car that has a solid Consumer Reports reputation


May 16, 2013, 9:38 AM

over the years, and a fairly safe car as well.

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my next door neighbor is stuck on those.


May 16, 2013, 9:45 AM

his current fleet is two LeSabres and a Park Avenue. Before that, he's had about 3 other LeSabres. I don't know what he'll do when he can't find anymore.

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He'll go to the LaCrosse, or change brands.***


May 16, 2013, 9:47 AM



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In other words, he's the most boring person ever.***


May 16, 2013, 10:05 AM [ in reply to my next door neighbor is stuck on those. ]



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The trunk is big enough for two bodies and a sack of lime.


May 16, 2013, 10:19 AM

Boring would be a good thing.

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Actually....


May 16, 2013, 10:21 AM

two bodies, a sack of lime, and a set of golf clubs. I can't tell you how I know this to be a fact.

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^^^^ Well said...sage advice right there.


May 16, 2013, 10:24 AM [ in reply to The used car market is pretty strong right now and tax check ]

nm

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Corolla, Civic, even little Nissan Hardbody trucks....


May 16, 2013, 9:37 AM

can get about 40 mpg on those 4 cyl. I put 260K on one and still like new

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Re: Car Talk: Very cheap/high mileage car that you would buy


May 16, 2013, 9:57 AM



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lulz, I once saw my neighbor do something similar to her


May 16, 2013, 10:07 AM

boyfriends car...She was mad tho.

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Mitsubishi 3000GT***


May 16, 2013, 10:09 AM



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Dodge Stratus******


May 16, 2013, 11:29 AM



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Thanks for all the responses. Great info and who knew RH


May 16, 2013, 11:34 AM

could be serious??!!

I am a little perturbed because his dad could help him, but basically wont. The kid has been through a ton and not really anyone is willing to help him. Sad stuff. I have a feeling his mom and brother are partially living off his disability too, his dad isn't paying half his medical as court ordered, but there isn't really anything I can do about it....

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What can I say? I have weak moments.***


May 16, 2013, 11:45 AM



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be careful not to get one flooded by sandy, a lot of those o


May 16, 2013, 11:53 AM

ut there right now

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Re: Car Talk: Very cheap/high mileage car that you would buy


May 16, 2013, 1:31 PM

Mercedes Diesel

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Replies: 35
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