After getting married, I sold my SC4 and we now have the Xterra. I need to buy a commuter car that is preferably newer than 10 years old. I am hoping that there is something out there that is fun aswell. Any ideas?

 

Buy Japanese. I would look at some older Toyota camry's or honda civics. What size car are you needing????? we need more info. The civics and even accords are bullit proof. You will be sager buying a used Japanese car. Please stay the hell away from old American or German cars. God help you if you go down that road with an older used car

 

It could be a 2 seater, a coupe, or a sedan. It really doensn't matter. I would prefer a coupe or 2 seater but that is just preference. I have already x'd german. Nothing german for 5k is going to be reliable.

 

You say 'commuter' so does that mean comfy or fuel efficient? (or both?)

Now, I don't know what used car prices are like in Texas but I was thinking like old E-klasse (like the square ones) or maybe an E36 3series.

Maybe an S2k or an IS300 (if those can be had for a reasonable price) or what about a GS3 or SC3 (SC3 would really be the simplist solution I guess)

 

A motorcycle, its just for you.

 

Acura rl, lexus es300, older bmw 5 series, infinit q45 or i30/35, there are a lot of cars, you just need to find the correct price and seller

 

I think if I were looking at a used commuting car at the moment I'd look into Maximas between the 2002 and 2003 model year with a 6-speed manual. 2004 is when they really cheapened the interior of the Maxima and made it way too big and heavy. 2000 and 2001 had the 3.0 instead of the 3.5 and I think only had 5 speed manuals. If you find one in good shape with a manual you may be able to get a good deal on it since most people looking at Maximas don't want manuals transmissions... but you still probably won't get one for 5 grand. 6 or 7 is more like it. Still, not bad for a car with a powerful engine, comfortable ride, nice stereo, leather, heated seats, xenon headlights, etc.

 

honda, honda

 

Honda, 300zx, maximas, altimas, celica...

 

Thanks guys for the ideas. I will check into the Maximas and the ES300. If I could find a 98 or 99 SC3 that was in great shape, that would be awesome. I may have to spend a little more.

 

Well, for $5,000, you have very slim pickings as far as smart, reliable, fuel efficient choices go. As you probably already know, Honda and Toyota are always your best used car bets but that comes at a price premium in the used car market. Which means that these models will have higher mileage for the money but may still be good choices. American and Korean brands have the worst resale so finding lower mileage models for the money is easier. I would stay away from most American models due to troubled reliability, ect. You already made the point about German cars and are correct.

Some are recommending old luxury models. I don't think this is in your best interest if your budget is tight. You would have to go pretty old with high mileage and looking at expensive repairs and also be dealing with less fuel efficiency.

Here are sensible, practical choices great for your daily commute and easy on the budget...

1999-2002 Honda Civic (may be hard to find one without high mileage for under $5K)
2001-2004 Hyundai Elantra (proven reliable and a great buy due to lower resale)
1999-2002 Toyota Corolla/Chevy Prism (same goes with the Corolla as the Civic)
2000-2002 Mazda Protege (a fun, reliable choice sometimes overlooked)

Accords and Camry's under $5K will often have well over 125K on them and also be more than 10 years old.

Just keep in mind that $5K comes with sacrifices.

If you don't mind American, you may be able to find more car for the money (newer, less miles, higher classed model) but face more repairs.

Good luck shopping

 

Both would be preferable but I guess I may have to go one way or anther. I do like comfort lol

Wifey said NO WAY JOSE!

 

98+ toyota Camry or Honda Accord, 4 cycl.
The best for 5000.
I have had or driven almost every car out there, these are the best for commute.

 

i had an 02 6spd... those 3.5 liters are notorious for burning oil. they burn oil like i go through beer!
although the older 3.0 liters are much better.... look for a 97-99 if your considering. i had a 97 5spd...much more reliable and better on gas too!

 

Mitsubishi something or other ...

My 2 cents on commuting cars: you have to spend a good portion of unpleasant road time in this car, luxury and specifically the ability to put all the windows up and ignore the outside world makes this time much less bad.