OT: Choose my new (used) car.

[sdduuuude]

The second engine in my 1995 Ford Ranger is starting to give up the fight. It has the loudest clackety lifter I have ever heard, it has started to diesel going up hills, and the gas mileage is slipping. You probably heard me driving home yesterday if you were anywhere near Sorrento Valley. It will likely hit bottom before the housing market.

So, I’m car shopping. I know there are lots of car buffs on here, so I figure I’d solicit some ideas on good cars. I’m looking to spend between $10K and $14K, so most likely it is going to be used but if you know of a great new car I can get for $10K, I’m all ears.

Requirements: Seats 4. Large 4 cyl or small 6 cyl engine in the 180 HP range. I’ll never complain about more HP, though. Gas mileage over 20 MPG. I like sporty not luxury.

My current favorite is a 2003-ish Toyota double cab truck with 75k-ish miles. Even with high mileage, they seem pricy. Do they really last as long as their reputation suggests? Subaru WRX is kind of cool, though I haven’t priced them. Someone mentioned half-price Lexus the other day. May not be sporty, but show me the link and I’ll think about it.

Also, if anyone knows of auto auctions coming up in SD, or if anyone has a friend with a dealer licesne that would take me to a dealer auction, let me know. I’d love to go and buy the guy a kick-ass lunch somewhere for the favor.

Thanks, Piggs.

[fredo4]

Do you really need a truck? If not I’d never get one because:

a. bad gas mileage

b. not enough seats unless you get a huge 4 seater with even worse gas mileage.

c. You have to help all of your friends when they move.

I’d stick with something really economical because of the upcoming depression/recession and uncertain future gas prices.

[fredo4]

Do you really need a truck? If not I’d never get one because:

a. bad gas mileage

b. not enough seats unless you get a huge 4 seater with even worse gas mileage.

c. You have to help all of your friends when they move.

I’d stick with something really economical because of the upcoming depression/recession and uncertain future gas prices.

[fredo4]

Do you really need a truck? If not I’d never get one because:

a. bad gas mileage

b. not enough seats unless you get a huge 4 seater with even worse gas mileage.

c. You have to help all of your friends when they move.

I’d stick with something really economical because of the upcoming depression/recession and uncertain future gas prices.

[fredo4]

Do you really need a truck? If not I’d never get one because:

a. bad gas mileage

b. not enough seats unless you get a huge 4 seater with even worse gas mileage.

c. You have to help all of your friends when they move.

I’d stick with something really economical because of the upcoming depression/recession and uncertain future gas prices.

[fredo4]

Do you really need a truck? If not I’d never get one because:

a. bad gas mileage

b. not enough seats unless you get a huge 4 seater with even worse gas mileage.

c. You have to help all of your friends when they move.

I’d stick with something really economical because of the upcoming depression/recession and uncertain future gas prices.

[Aecetia]

Toyota makes a great truck as long as it is properly maintained. Here is a link to a local auction:

http://www.contractservices.com/

Most cars/ trucks there are sold as is, with no warranty. I do not know anyone with a dealers license, but there are a lot of car buffs on this site, so some of them may be able to make a recommendation to you.

[Aecetia]

Toyota makes a great truck as long as it is properly maintained. Here is a link to a local auction:

http://www.contractservices.com/

Most cars/ trucks there are sold as is, with no warranty. I do not know anyone with a dealers license, but there are a lot of car buffs on this site, so some of them may be able to make a recommendation to you.

[Aecetia]

Toyota makes a great truck as long as it is properly maintained. Here is a link to a local auction:

http://www.contractservices.com/

Most cars/ trucks there are sold as is, with no warranty. I do not know anyone with a dealers license, but there are a lot of car buffs on this site, so some of them may be able to make a recommendation to you.

[Aecetia]

Toyota makes a great truck as long as it is properly maintained. Here is a link to a local auction:

http://www.contractservices.com/

Most cars/ trucks there are sold as is, with no warranty. I do not know anyone with a dealers license, but there are a lot of car buffs on this site, so some of them may be able to make a recommendation to you.

[Aecetia]

Toyota makes a great truck as long as it is properly maintained. Here is a link to a local auction:

http://www.contractservices.com/

Most cars/ trucks there are sold as is, with no warranty. I do not know anyone with a dealers license, but there are a lot of car buffs on this site, so some of them may be able to make a recommendation to you.

[AK]

The EPA mileage stats for trucks and SUVs are wildly inaccurate because the tests are conducted on a dynamometer and don’t make the proper allowance for drag. You’d have a hard time finding a crew-cab truck that got mileage anywhere near your ’95 Ranger.

I’d suggest a 2005-2006 Dodge or Chrysler minivan. Plenty of them available real cheap. Expect 20+ MPG in the real world. The engine and transmission date back to the Iacocca years so they’ve had plenty of time to work out the bugs. Just use genuine Mopar ATF+4 instead of Dexron and it should last quite a while.

Handling is decent with the right tires.

[AK]

The EPA mileage stats for trucks and SUVs are wildly inaccurate because the tests are conducted on a dynamometer and don’t make the proper allowance for drag. You’d have a hard time finding a crew-cab truck that got mileage anywhere near your ’95 Ranger.

I’d suggest a 2005-2006 Dodge or Chrysler minivan. Plenty of them available real cheap. Expect 20+ MPG in the real world. The engine and transmission date back to the Iacocca years so they’ve had plenty of time to work out the bugs. Just use genuine Mopar ATF+4 instead of Dexron and it should last quite a while.

Handling is decent with the right tires.

[AK]

The EPA mileage stats for trucks and SUVs are wildly inaccurate because the tests are conducted on a dynamometer and don’t make the proper allowance for drag. You’d have a hard time finding a crew-cab truck that got mileage anywhere near your ’95 Ranger.

I’d suggest a 2005-2006 Dodge or Chrysler minivan. Plenty of them available real cheap. Expect 20+ MPG in the real world. The engine and transmission date back to the Iacocca years so they’ve had plenty of time to work out the bugs. Just use genuine Mopar ATF+4 instead of Dexron and it should last quite a while.

Handling is decent with the right tires.

[AK]

The EPA mileage stats for trucks and SUVs are wildly inaccurate because the tests are conducted on a dynamometer and don’t make the proper allowance for drag. You’d have a hard time finding a crew-cab truck that got mileage anywhere near your ’95 Ranger.

I’d suggest a 2005-2006 Dodge or Chrysler minivan. Plenty of them available real cheap. Expect 20+ MPG in the real world. The engine and transmission date back to the Iacocca years so they’ve had plenty of time to work out the bugs. Just use genuine Mopar ATF+4 instead of Dexron and it should last quite a while.

Handling is decent with the right tires.

[Author]

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