sam12345

iTrader: (1)

A 3000 dollar Lexus will not be reliable. Figure 1000 right off the bat to get the car up to snuff ( brakes, fluids, power steering leak, alternator) then gas will be premium only (you can get away with regular but not recommended) parts cost more, ect... A corolla will be newer for the 3000 and parts will cost less. Also better gas mileage

Regardless what you buy spend 1000 less than what you got because you will need it

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I agree that a $3000 16-18 year old Lexus wont be that reliable. Okay, I'll concede it mat get you from point A to point be relatively trouble free and be virtually gas and go, that is until something goes wrong. Then it will cost you big time. If you wanted to actually maintain this said 16-18 year old Lexus than forget about it if you are on a college budget. If you don't drive a lot of highway miles, you'll be getting around 17-18 MPG and sometimes less. A 4 cylinder Honda or Toyota would be a much better choice. Still relatively bullet proof, you'll get a much newer car for $3000, and I get 27.5 MPG with my 2001 Camry, so expect some good MPG's with a 4 cylinder. $3000 is not a lot of money for a good Lexus.

LexFather

Agreed I'd skip both and they will make you use student loan money to run. They are not cheap to maintain.

The 96 GS had gotten some updates