if you help me to make decision... look for a car up to 6000

[veb]

Hi, I will very appreciate you if you help me to make decision. I look for a car up to 6 000 CAD. I am choosing between :?: :
Chrysler Interred 1998 – 2002
Chrysler Concord 1998 – 2001
Chrysler Sebring 1999 – 2002
Ford Focus 1998 – 2002

I understand that all cars different but I look for good betweenness relation Price / Quality.
Thank you in advance.

[The General]

Ouch!

The short answer to your question veb is: None of the above.

The enumerated Chrysler vehicles have a below to well below average reliability record. The same can be said about the 2000-02 Focus. Between 1997-99, Ford still had an Escort and it turns out that it was reasonably reliable. The only advantage to these cars will be the later model year for the price. For $6,000, you will find a base 1997-99 Toyota Corolla and maybe a Honda Civic.

We should maybe discuss what your needs are. That way, we can establish choices based on your price / quality criteria.

[veb]

To the General
Actually I look for my first car in Canada. And I did not used to pay so much money for a used car older 7 years. So I look for a good car under 6 000 – 7 000 CAD not older 2000 year.

What your advice?

[The General]

You're asking a tough question. I'm having a hard time finding a car that will fit your criteria. For $6 000 to $7 000, you'll have to look into a 1998-99 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or a Mazda Protegé. Don't fall into the cheaper north american car trap: they will cost you more in maintenance and depreciate very rapidly.

[apl16]

veb, don't get stuck on getting a car thats a 2000 or newer model. a 10 year old civic, corolla, camry, or accord can be very good cars if in good condition. these are very reliable cars. make sure to get your car checked out by a good mechanic. good luck!

[rivsy]

and remember that the maintenance costs and repair costs of these japs is astronomically higher than some of the domestic counterparts. Uh General - you're warning of high depreciation on a $6000 domestic car ? How do you think they became $6000 cars ? You think a used Lesabre is going to depreciate more while the 10 year old japs will hold their value forever ? Get a 7 or 8 yr old grand marquis or lesabre - its a no brainer.

[rivsy]

...and i'm just trying to get under your skin - a $6000 car is a tough order to fill these days. My point is that some of these boring old sedans have tried and true powertrains and plenty of cheap parts available ( remember that its highly likely that this $6000 car buyer will not be visiting the local toyota or honda dealer for service - expensive service, but probably crappy tire or joe's garage) Its a toughie - carry on - I can only pray that someone doesnt show veb a nice shiny mercury mistake. keep up the good work

[The General]

If he wants to keep the car for 2 years, his $6,000 american car investment will be woth $3,500 when resale time comes. A $6,000 Japanese will be worth more ($4,500 for example) after 2 years. Obviously, same mileage, maintenace and condition. The amounts are not meant to be "real", only projections.


I do agree with the LeSabre and Grand Marquis suggestions. Make sure that the Mercury has received regular maintenance as they tend to consume oil somewhere north of 120 000 km.

It is tough to find a $6,000 car (year, mileage, condition...) $10,000 would make things easier.

[rivsy]

yeah i understand what your saying...but being in the retail end of it i'd bet dollars to doughnuts that this car will be driven until the end of time and a lot of parts and service will be supplied by jimbo's shop and the local wrecker...have a good one - i'm off to work to try to dig up some info on that myth i'm perpetuating about the origins of the vibe and matrix ( and to try to get some decent $6000 trades ) cheers

[The General]

Originally Posted by rivsy

this car will be driven until the end of time and a lot of parts and service will be supplied by jimbo's shop and the local wrecker...

You're probably right about that. Hence the reason, IMO, that he should get amore reliable car to avoid to many trips to these "honest" garages...

I might agree that a base 2003 Cavalier VL for about $6,000 could be a fair purchase; Balance of warranty... I would only recommend to not return to the dealer for future maintenace... I'm really hesitating here...