What to buy?! Urgent

[car_greener]

Hi, Guys

I am in Kingston ON, I just got my G2 license two weeks ago and am looking into buying a used car for a family of 3. I would be interested in North American makers, 2001 or newer, low maitenance cost, auto, 4 dr. I have a bit tight budget - max $8000 all inclusive.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! :-)

[The General]

Your choices are limited...

Look into a Buick Century, a Chevrolet Impala and a Buick LeSabre. These are basically the only fair North American cars that were available in 2001-02.

These are by no means cars that I would normaly recommend though.

[car_greener]

Thanks General!!

Any reason you would not recommend those cars? Any recommendations for North American cars not far from my price range?

Thanks again!

[The General]

Those cars are as close to being recommended as they can get. Even in a higher price braket, I could not add any other cars. Keep in mind that I base my recommendations mostly on reliability and cost of ownership.

Thinking back, the Century was acutally a good car. The reason is simple: This car's technology is very old and therefore all the bugs have been worked out.

[car_greener]

Hi, General

I found these two in my area, could you help to take a look? Which one should I choose and anything special I should pay attention to?

2001 CHEV Malibu LS, 1 owner, local car, loaded with pwr. seat, alloys, ABS, air, undercoated. 72K. $7,600.

2002 BUICK Century Ltd., 1 owner, 3.1L V6, loaded with power seat, CD player and chrome wheels, $6200.

[The General]

I would stay away from the Malibu. There have a been a number of brake problems as well as the aforementionned electrical issues.

Go for the Century. Test drive it and if it works well, get it inspected before you buy it.

[apl]

for 3 people a older echo may be ok...........likely find one in that price range with 100k or so............won't have the bells and whistles but should give good service very economically until you can afford better

[car_greener]

That Buick Century mileage is too high: 150,000km, I have to give up.

I am planning to check this two out tomorrow -

2003 Chevrolet Impala,96,600 km, Off GMAC lease, 1 owner, very clean. PRICED TO CLEAR, $9,200;
2002 Buick Century Custom Special Edition,99,800 km, $8,401

the impala is a bit high than my budget... do you guys have any comments?

[car_greener]

Originally Posted by car_greener

That Buick Century mileage is too high: 150,000km, I have to give up.

I am planning to check this two out tomorrow -

2003 Chevrolet Impala,96,600 km, Off GMAC lease, 1 owner, very clean. PRICED TO CLEAR, $9,200;
2002 Buick Century Custom Special Edition,99,800 km, $8,401

the impala is a bit high than my budget... do you guys have any comments?

Forgot to mention this Buick Century has 2 owners already, it was returned from lease and owned by second owner then traded in...

[car_greener]

Hi Guys, I decided to go for the buick century. Test drive is great and it is from a big dealer, but the final price is a bit higher than my budget: $8900 after tax.

I will pick it up next Tuesday after they do the re-safety certificate, again, it is a big dealer and I think I don't need to inspect it again.

Thanks guys again for your suggestions and comments...