MrFun needs car advice . . .

[Provost Harrison]

I drive a Nissan Almera. Get something small like a Toyota or Honda or whatever. I like my Japanese cars myself. I wouldn't buy a US piece of sh*t. Or French. Damn I've had hell with a certain little French car And before you tell me that British cars are sh*t too...I'm not going to argue with you on that

[Jac de Molay]

I would dump that Chevy immediately- you've already paid more than the Car's value in repair and that's no good.

If you're going to spend 5 to 7k, definitely go with the honda and/or toyota. Mid 90's models of either have plenty of mileage left. But make ABSOLUTELY SURE the car has been serviced at a dealership, and the seller has all maintenance records. The import dealers insist on having the scheduled maintenance for these cars done on time- it will add years of life to the vehicle.

[pchang]

Priorities

Brakes are important. I would do that. Gas meter - who cares? You have an odometer and can estimate the amount of gas left. You should also fill up before you go too far. Big deal.

Even if you buy a new car, you want to be able to sell the old car to someone else don't you? (trade in). If so, you will want to be able to say that the brakes are in good shape.

[Sprayber]

fixing old cars sometimes are more expensive than getting another one especially when you have a mechanic that will tell ya that this and that needs replacing. In the end you will end up replacing the car one part at a time. If it has over 180,000 miles on it you may be wasting your time. Be sure that if you do get a used one, please have someone check it out. It may cost about 30 bucks to get someone to look at it, but it will be worth it in the long run. If you know someone you might even get them to look at it for free.

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by Japher


Still, gay men don't drive pick-ups.

But cowboys do.

[SlowwHand]

[The Mad Monk]

As I said in the other thread, a propane torch is quieter.

[SlowwHand]

Not all pickups are diesels ya know.
I wouldn't have a damned diesel.

[SuperSneak]

Imports are the way to go.
I suggest you go to a reputable local import dealer (ask around) or check on the internet. Many of them have web sales sites now, where you can browse the cars and negotiate price before even going in there.
Buy a Honda or Toyota sedan, preferable a Civic or a Camry.
Hire a "mobile mechanic" to check it out for you...most metro areas have these independant inspectors for a charge of about $50 or so. They can discreetly inspect the car before purchase.
Check the fluids, hoses, tires, wear and tear, etc. If the inside is beat to ****, the driving was probably rough as well.
A little 4 cylinder truck or sedan will drive to the moon and back with little maintenance.
If all else fails, Sloww can ride you on the back of his pony.



Check out specific cars at www.epinions.com for how other people have liked them.

Feel free to PM with questions...I have been around cars my whole life, both in sales and repair, and know a thing or two.

[SlowwHand]

My (ahem, shameless plug again) Toyota Tacoma is a 6-banger.


Or fine. Ask Sneaky. He does probably know what would be a good 2nd choice.

[SuperSneak]

I would buy a V6 Tacoma in a second, if it were practical. But don't you think anything more than 4 cylinders would be wasted on the likes of Mr. Fun?
My Nissan PU and my '99 4Runner were two great cars.
Now I make do with a 03 MPV (minivan, god help me) and a '56 Chevy.

[SlowwHand]

I flat get it on the highway.
Mr Fun would be like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I got myself a '96 Camry a year back. Great car. I'd recommend a used Camry (or a Corolla after '95) any day. Cheap and reliable.

[Dis]

real men don't need gas guages.

just keep your tank topped off.

Why would you spend $800 for a stupid gas guage

We never had cars with working gas guages when I was a kid . Of course we were really poor.

Now brakes on the other hand, are a necessity. But it shouldn't cost more than $200 for one set of brakes.

[MrFun]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
My real advice is to suck it up and get a real car.

Free financing for 5 years is easy to get on a new car, but you'll pay 7 to 10 percent financing someone else's problems.

Even with my $800 monthly income, I doubt I can afford to buy a brand-new car and pay it over a period of five years.

Or can I?