What Are Weirdly Reliable Beater Cars That Cost Very Little?
Posted by RoGStonewall@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 183 comments
Long story short, wife is super dead set on her first car being some convertible and she’s leaning mustang or Miata. I managed to convince her to wait on that idea until she can get over the new driver stink or else her insurance will eat her alive. She’s agreed to drive a pos throwaway for a year or so but all the Hondas and Toyota are marked up even as beaters so we are stuck looking at things like fiestas and such.
We plan on running this thing into the ground and using the check engine light as background noise so reselling or keeping it doesn’t matter to us.
pimpbot666@reddit
A mid 2000s Prius is one of those cars they sold a galactic shizton of, so they’re plentiful on the used market. They run for freaking ever to very high odometer numbers.
DJScaryTerry@reddit
Pontiac vibe is a Toyota Matrix.
2nd gen Dodge neon. PT cruiser is ok but only in the manual turbo variant.
Specifically manual Nissan sentra's/altimas.
LouSassel1@reddit
Shhhh vibes are my best kept secret😂
lastwraith@reddit
My DD is an '07, unkillable.
Just watch out for any with 299,999k miles, that's where the odo stops, so it probably has a bunch more. Wouldn't matter for other vehicles because they'd mostly never get there but this is a Corolla so.... more common than you'd think.
Prize-Analyst-1121@reddit
What vehicle is a DD ?
miatlogi@reddit
LS swap it
lastwraith@reddit
Nah, just get the one with the Yamaha engine.
RoGStonewall@reddit (OP)
You might have a thing going there. Dead brands seem to be super cheap (I mean I should know I drive a fusion) - just have to find it through the dregs here in so cal.
TheyVanishRidesAgain@reddit
That's a great point. Check out Scions. They're 100% Toyota, but with less clout.
hickernut123@reddit
The scion tc is also easy on the eyes for an older car and my buddy never had issues when he had his.
RunRunRunRunFaster@reddit
Don't forget the manual Versa ... mine has been fantastic over 156K miles ... haven't even changed the brake pads.
IndicationAromatic36@reddit
My wife had a 2007 vibe and that thing was a little beast. Kept me and my oldest daughter safe in the car accident in 2019. It only had 170k miles and still ran great.
ClickKlockTickTock@reddit
Vibes & matrix of that gen love chewing thru motor mounts and exhaust manifolds and piston slap is just normal for them... despise those engines.
DJScaryTerry@reddit
You're thinking of the gen2 engines. The 1zz/2zz is a banger
clintj1975@reddit
1ZZ before 2003 runs on oil with just enough gas added to keep it from fouling the plugs. I'm about to rebuild the one from a 2002 Celica that burns a quart every 250 miles or less.
clintj1975@reddit
The 2002 Vibe was still available with the early 1ZZ, which is a notorious oil burner. They fixed that issue around 2003 with a new piston design. The revised engine is a solid choice.
Bad_Prophet@reddit
I love our 5 speed Nissan versa
zerovampire311@reddit
I had a purple non-turbo manual Cruiser when I needed something for a grand to get by. That was not a fun few months. At least it was manual.
fartkidwonder@reddit
I had a 2nd gen Neon that had a rod start knocking. I still drove it like 70k miles after that.
Mykonethreetripleone@reddit
Manual is key.
Boopped_Snoot@reddit
The PT cruiser is a Dodge neon but struggling to move because it's heavier than a Dodge neon loaded to capacity.
The turbo 4 cylinder and the manual were just the only ones engineered to take extra stress in the neon srt4 so they're overbuilt enough to actually handle dragging the lump of geriatric wasted scrap metal that is a PT cruiser
DJScaryTerry@reddit
I recommend it specifically for that reason
_totalannihilation@reddit
Those Vibes are truly amazing. My dad bought my step mom one around 2006 maybe 2007 and when I went to visit last year they still had it. Paint and interior isn't in the best condition but it runs.
Onlyunsernameleft@reddit
Honestly, reliability wise, a manual top miata is super reliable. The roof has no hydraulics to go bad, and the engine/transmission are both super reliable.
LadyDriverKW@reddit
I drive a Toyota Camry Solara that I bought used. Kind of a beater convertible at this point. I looked at Miatas but for the same amount of money, the Toyota had 75k fewer miles.
RelevantMarket8771@reddit
Old Saturns were great because the plastic body parts wouldn’t rust. The problem is that those cars are now 15+ years old and you don’t see many on the road anymore. Friend had one in high school and it was a great car that didn’t give him any trouble mechanical wise.
SoundMetalSculptor@reddit
2nd Gen Scion Xb gets overlooked. I'm at 200k miles with very little issues. Even when I've had the head gasket and alternator done the cost was much less than other vehicles due to how simple the engine is. The one thing is that these engines can burn oil at higher mileage but there's a Coleman B12 Engine Soak that can be done to solve the issue. The car will go as long as a Camry as long as you never let it run out of oil. The used market is on these are a great deal
heretikc@reddit
2003 Chevy Malibu/classic. Can get them super cheap because a lot of them were rental cars
antidavid@reddit
Why not old Miata. Reliable and a beater and convertible. Old enough insurance pry won’t be too bad. Everything but the first couple years are notoriously reliable.
Or just grab an old civic or Camry or mk4 tdi Jetta or something.
Triangullum@reddit
MK4 tdi mentioned, this guy knows ball.
My golf has the ALH in it and it currently has 375,000 miles and I paid $1500 for it.
antidavid@reddit
Had a Jetta wagon tdi. Miss that old car. Was dead reliable until it kicked the timing belt. My buddy had a gold tdi with like 350k on the original motor. And honestly the interiors good from a car that age except the cup holders over the radio situation lol.
I paid 2500 for my wagon and sold it for 2000 like 7 years later with a blown motor. Great car.
RoGStonewall@reddit (OP)
old miatas are shockingly rarer here for some reason --- for a reasonable price. I'm in So Cal. Also I would like to get her a camry but they're marked up to hell.
LittlePrairieMouse@reddit
Why don’t you want your wife to have one of the two cars that she desires?
RoGStonewall@reddit (OP)
The insurance spike, especially on the mustang, because she’s a new driver was brutal. We reasoned we can insure some throwaway with liability until she gets her good driver points.
The mustang was a 2020 she was interested in and insurance for her spikes to 700+ - insurance basically told us not to get it.
Complex210@reddit
Then get the miata!
thisdckaintFREEEE@reddit
Yeah when I was a new driver getting insurance quotes for Mustangs a lot of insurance companies flat out told me they wouldn't offer me coverage. The funniest though was Liberty Mutual, they quoted me $5,000/month. Which hey you could've just said no but I guess that really does make more sense than saying no lol
Mundane-Director-681@reddit
Just get a Miata. They're all excellent.
milo2048@reddit
I’m a big fan of the old Ford Panther platform cars — crown Victoria, mercury gran marquis, Lincoln town car — with the crown Vic being the simplest and therefore most reliable.
Easy to work on, safe, comfortable
GraveDanger884@reddit
I bought an 09 cvpi for cheap out of an auction to run in a dirt track race years ago. Ive been daily driving it instead.
RoGStonewall@reddit (OP)
There was a crown Vic on sale in my area but it still had all the cop pieces inside. I guess the barrier will help with the kid for awhile.
DJScaryTerry@reddit
They're legally required to remove all the cop stuff. You should have holes and stuff in the body FROM the things they removed.
GraveDanger884@reddit
They're not legally required to remove anything.
kalel3000@reddit
Depends on the state. Usually they just remove the light bar and siren, and disable the wig wag flashers and cover up official markings. But the push bars and spot lights aren't restricted, so they're only removed if they planned to be reused.
jules083@reddit
Not really.
The light bar and radio will be removed. My crown Vic Police car still had the cage and the plastic back seat. Siren is still installed but not connected. Radios and light bar were removed.
Boopped_Snoot@reddit
Cops following the law... Especially when it's even the slightest bit of an inconvenience or extra work... That's not likely.
I've seen so many of the crown vics and Ford explorers where they didn't even bother to take the entire vinyl wrap off and just peeled off the part on the doors that says which Police department it is and has their logo.
The only thing I know they have to get out for sure is the radios because I think they use secure encryption specifically for them and if anyone got it All of their chatter would be public like it was in the old days with the scanner stations.
They're probably supposed to get the gun mounts out but But I've seen a few shotgun mounts in the trunks of crown Vicks and I personally know someone who (after a bit of legal fighting) actually has a police issue shotgun since he technically bought it with the car.
JitteryTurtle@reddit
I was installing 6x9 speakers in the rear deck of a former police crown Vic. On my back in the trunk, I rolled over and found an unspent 12 ga. shell poking my back. It, and a .45 round are still in the top middle drawer of my tool chest.
EggInMyLeggings@reddit
They don't remove all of it. Theyll probably remove stuff like radios, lights, and sirens, but not even always.
jules083@reddit
Plenty of crown vics around. All over the place, and cheap. My 2011 has been a great car.
Test drive it, make sure it shifts correctly, and get the transmission fluid changed as soon as you get it home. Those cars have pretty good transmissions but they don't like dirty fluid, and people always neglect that part of them. Change it every 30k miles.
go2wolf@reddit
Kid-Barrier ? 🤔🤣
Moreofyoulessofme@reddit
I know Miata is always the answer or whatever, but I really feel like 2003 Town Car is actually always the answer.
Ready-Bar6925@reddit
Suzuki sidekick.
CrazyJoe29@reddit
Vibe is a good shout. You need an ugly unpopular car. Attractive cars cost more!
fuzzycuffs@reddit
Late 90s to early 2000s cars with GM's 3800 L36 engine in them. Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal, Chevy Monte Carlo, Lumina, Impala, a Oldsmobile 88 and Intrigue, Pontiac Bonneville
MeyersonAdam@reddit
Miata
HungryYeastStarter@reddit
Absolutely. Don't abuse the shit out of it and they run very well. All known issues are long since solved too.
Love my NB Miot.
Krispythecat@reddit
You can also abuse the shit out of them and they run very well.
HungryYeastStarter@reddit
Confirmed lol
Man I love my Miot
rdadeo@reddit
Older Mitsubishi mirage (manual tranny, but i also have seen autos go 300k km, the 1.2 in them is gutless but old tech and unkillable), Mazda 3 (Watch for rust but they have a great drivetrain, especially the skyactiv), Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix in a polyester leisure suit), Older Nissan spec-v (it will burn a little oil but will do it forever.) older Focus (Manual tranny ONLY, stay away from the dual clutch POS)
just a few off the top of my head, you can google these for specific years.
DepartmentTight6890@reddit
Sebring convertibles are often inexpensive. If you could find a Solara.....
Less_Campaign_6956@reddit
Let her get her Mustang.. happy wife happy life
xeno_4_x86@reddit
Any pre 2003 Saturn
shootdowntactics@reddit
Toyota Corolla is really good. Small trucks can have lower insurance costs.
AlbatrossSuper@reddit
I had to scroll this far for the carolla love??!!!
shootdowntactics@reddit
I know, right! So good it’s just been forgotten? Our family has had 7 different corollas over the years and every one of them has been great! One made it past 200k mikes. My last one paid back money when totaled at 50k miles.
averagemaleuser86@reddit
5 speed Nissan Versa. The only newer Nissan id ever consider buying
CowboyNeale@reddit
Prius or hybrid Camry
Own-Inflation8771@reddit
Mk6 Jetta/Golf with the 2.5 NA engine. Sure the door locks may be glitchy and some windows may not work, but that's a beater for you and the engine/transmission are solid and proven reliable.
1234-for-me@reddit
That’s my answer too. 2.5 was also im yhe passat and bug.
Walksuphills@reddit
Also the 2.0L
Feeling-Stranger224@reddit
I got 60,000 miles out of a 2002 Buick lesabre. I bought it in 2019 for $700 with 140,000 miles and drove it for almost three years. I eventually gave it away for free at 180,000 and the recipient of the car got it to 200,000 before it had some serious issues with the engine.
ShitMcClit@reddit
Does a del sol count as a convertible?
joshstrodomus@reddit
That's a hard argument to top ...
Afkargh@reddit
Found the dad
clearlylackstalent@reddit
Lots of other little Mazdas, just avoid the rotary ones and you’re fine.
HedonisticFrog@reddit
Mercedes W210. The engines and transmissions are extremely realiable, the parts are cheap, and they're easy to work on.
Necessary-Art2829@reddit
Not a model but a place to consider, Govt auction was one place I got the best used car i ever had. Well maintained, not like employees are beating them. Got a solid decade out it. But I wouldnt touch a used cop car.
RoGStonewall@reddit (OP)
Are cop cars just beat to hell or some other thing
Necessary-Art2829@reddit
That and they have a lot of holes drilled into everything like their computers.
Big-Fly6844@reddit
Fiesta and leafs are super under rated. Yaris or fit also should be in the mix but are usually a bit pricier
Unique_Brain_248@reddit
Mini cooper
moistmonsterman@reddit
Toyota corolla with the 2ZR-FE engine. That engine was designed for the prius so is over engineered and its really difficult to kill one.
MS-06FS@reddit
Just let her get a v6 mustang new edge? Thats a beater and you can get a vert. They're so old the insurance is cheap asf.
d__max@reddit
VW 2.0 (non turbo) and 2.5 can be found in a lot of older jettas and golfs and were very reliable . Vw has some notoriety for unreliability from some of their lineup but those were good simple powerplants imo . Granted the 2.0 non turbo is a very boring and dated engine .
Amazing-Refuse4378@reddit
Mazda 3
bmwlocoAirCooled@reddit
W123 Mercedes. Legendary for lasting. 240D, 300CD Turbodiesel or 300D Turbodiesel.
IamNotTheMama@reddit
Buick LeSabre w/3800 engine
rolph4@reddit
Get an old Scion xB, they're a little ugly but indestructible. My '05 beater is running perfectly with minimal maintenance and repairs in the past 3 years since I got it. Been doing oil changes every 5k miles, had to replace starter once, and had a flat tire yesterday but that's on me for driving on 8y old tires..
MishkaShubaly@reddit
Great little cars
Selectivedeviant@reddit
Anything buck from the 90s -00s with the 3800 series motor
TwiztedChickin@reddit
90s Camrys 90s Corollas .
Pickup trucks are remarkably easy on the insurance but idk about finding a small one at a reasonable price in the current market. (My lifted Silverado costs half as much to insure as our Corolla)
BigPapaJava@reddit
Any used “beater” car is only going to be as reliable as it’s been maintained for years and years: factory build quality is an afterthought when we’re talking sub $3,000 cars.
There are plenty of older American cars out there that would suit her fine (old Chevy Impalas or other GM cars with the Buick 3.8L v6 like an old LeSabre you might snag for $2500 now, Ford Panther Platform cars like the Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, or Lincoln Towncar, etc.).
She might even be able to get an old convertible like a Saturn Sky or a Toyota Solara (old convertible Camry), An older convertible Mustang from the ‘90s or early 2000s may also scratch her itch for a convertible without being too unreliable or expensive—she may then find that driving a convertible isn’t as much fun as you might think.
Cool-Bunch6645@reddit
Older convertible Mustangs and Miatas are reliable beater cars to run into the ground. Just do that
Ozuar@reddit
This is honestly the answer. Miata is always the answer.
Cool-Bunch6645@reddit
Absolutely not. But Miata is the answer in the case where the person WANTS A MIATA.
jango-lionheart@reddit
The joke is:
Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer
thisdckaintFREEEE@reddit
The insurance is the issue though for a new driver. When I was a new driver looking to get a Mustang, I ran quotes from every insurance company I could think of and then went well damn I guess I can't get a Mustang. Once I was 19 I could do it but still had to have a strict cut off on model year because of the insurance. I wanted a new edge, but had to look for 99 to 01 because at 02 the insurance went to like $800/month lol
Vigilant_Ape@reddit
Convertible mustangs are turds that leak first and then start falling apart
safety3rd@reddit
Look for a 10-12k Lexus sc430. It’s a lot of fun for the money with Toyota reliability
Mattbothell@reddit
People talk about all german cars as unreliable, but I have owned a ton of pre 2020 VWs and they’ve all been pretty good. I had a fifth gen Passat with the 1.9 turbo and that thing had like 270k miles on it and that turbo still pulled like hell and it ran great.
IudexJudy@reddit
First gen Focus’ are pretty good from what I know
L3mm3SmangItGurl@reddit
Saturn SL1
boatsntattoos@reddit
Any GM car with a 3800 that hasn’t disintegrated yet.
Sawfish1212@reddit
Ford fusion ,especially the hybrid
KiKiBeeKi@reddit
A used Miatia is a great reliable little car. Do the research.
Minimum_Researcher30@reddit
Pontiac vibe. Mines got over 400 000 km. Gotta replace a alternator once every 200 000 km. Suspension and tires after driving on shit roads. Besides that its been the best 3 grand i ever spent. Probably get a mew car after 700 000 km. Also it starts not plugged in when it sat for 3 weeks in minus 40 weather. I was absolutely dumbfounded on that.
Minimum_Researcher30@reddit
Like what am i gonna do when it dies? Get a pickup for 100 grand like all the other muppets i work with? Finance to the wazoo and be a slave to the system? No no im gonna buy three more vibes ans part them out . Make a frankenstein vibe and let that party keep going.
BenEsuitcase@reddit
I am a Honda guy, but my neighbor gave me an old 99 F-150. I got it running and gave it to my 19yo son. He's been driving it for 5 years! It is literally the easiest vehicle to get parts for. They made millions of these things. They are awesome with the base v6 and they run and run and run. I used to think I hated Ford and trucks, but damn if they didn't get everything right with this one.
Fourrtyy@reddit
Honda fit
EuroCanadian2@reddit
Saturn Ion or SC? the 2 door versions have a bit of curb appeal. The ecotec drivetrain is fairly solid.
shaysauce@reddit
IF YOU CAN EVEN GET ONE ANYMORE.
The zx3/zx5/zxw/ztw ford focus series. They are weirdly weirdly weirdly reliable and not going to lie a blast to drive if you get one with a manual transmission.
The problem is finding one that doesn’t have other problems because it’s a 25 year old car that was super economy budget so they’re usually not well taken care of and rusting out.
But if you can find a clean one and bring it up to spec I shit you not that motor is fantastic. I got mine up to like 275K miles before literally giving it away while it was still running perfect lol.
Sweatyfatmess@reddit
Honda Fit.
lastwraith@reddit
Not cheap around where I am though, pretty well-known how good they are. Except in the snow anyway.
Gramkos@reddit
my beater is a 2004 corolla s. 5 speed. 1ZZ-FE, engines last forever. good on gas, parts are insanely cheap and maintenance is easy
mickeyaaaa@reddit
Mitsubishi Mirage.
often criticized as basic. but its actually quite reliable.
Dalinar_Stormwagon@reddit
naw dude fuck it ***buy a miata***
\^6gencivictho
PetriDishCocktail@reddit
Anything with a GM 3800 in it.
Thee-Bend-Loner@reddit
How true is this? I got a 93 Buick lesabre several months ago and was working on it constantly. It's currently sitting in my driveway, I need a multimeter to figure out if it's the ignition switch or not. If I paid someone else to do all of that work, easily would've cost multiple thousands of dollars. I came to the conclusion that these cars fuckin suck besides the engine. It's like whack a mole with the problems. It's likely that it was severely neglected though so maybe they are good cars.
Appropriate_Cow94@reddit
You're making the mistake of fixing the issues.
Thee-Bend-Loner@reddit
Most of them were shit that had to be fixed, like a water pump, harmonic balancer, multifunction switch, and now probably the ignition switch. I do think the old owners just neglected the fuck out of it
Hoopajoops@reddit
I drove an early 90s LeSabre and sold it at 290k miles still running strong. Sounds like neglect from the previous owner. I had to poop the hood every once in a while but they were usually cheap, simple fixes
cshmn@reddit
When they were less than 15-20 years old, you could very reliably run them to the moon with appropriate maintenance. Unfortunately, nothing is reliable past about 15-20 years or so just due to wiring and rubber wearing out, greased parts drying and plastic degrading etc.
BuyLandcruiser@reddit
I mean it’s fairly true since a large majority of them comfortably have done over 200k. I’m just a Facebook scavenger though and see them all the time. Tons of junkyard parts and dirt cheap too. At the end of the day that’s just old car stuff lol damn girl 30 years old
Thee-Bend-Loner@reddit
Yeah I guess it was just old. Only 150k miles but it probably just sat forever or something.
bearshawksfan826@reddit
Eh. No doubt that the 3800 is bulletproof, but the cars they put it in had a lot of other issues.
reesesbigcup@reddit
As long as it's the 2000s era 3800. 90s DOHC 3800 cost a lot to maintain. $1200 to change the timing belt in 1998 dollars. Used in early 90s Cutlass Supreme for one. These are modtly out of beater status now tho.
thisdckaintFREEEE@reddit
An old Taurus is the first thing that comes to mind for me as something that might be cheap and will run forever.
stabby54@reddit
Miata
Drew_Snydermann@reddit
Toyota Yaris. Not as well known as Camry and Corolla so they fly under the radar a bit. They literally run forever and are bulletproof reliable, economical, and can get almost 40mpg.. Only two things kill a Yaris, rust or a wreck. Some have paint fade/peel issues and can be found reasonably cheap.
Ok-Pumpkin-6203@reddit
My ex had an Audi A4 convertible that was more or less bullet proof.
It was well maintained so serviced annually. It was also reasonably practical.
tinypill@reddit
Anything with the Buick/GM 3800 in it.
TheWhogg@reddit
BMWs. Basically any from 320d to 740i sells for scrap value at the auction near me. With reasonable servicing they are weirdly reliable. My pensioner friend bought a 320d beater and spent a total of $2 repairing it over its first year.
Hairy_Photograph1384@reddit
Mid 2000's focus. Boring but reliable and inexpensive to fix
CloudsTasteGeometric@reddit
The Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio bucks the old Fiat adage for reliability - they’re durable and affordable cars that are pretty trouble free if you keep up on oil changes and basic maintenance.
Cheap to insure, too, and tons of fun. The build quality isn’t amazing but they aren’t costly to repair or maintain and are very affordable.
Grand_Accountant_159@reddit
Prius. There's just so many on the road from the last 2 decades in varying conditions and mileage that they can accommodate pretty much any budget. There's some great suggestions here but if she plans on driving a lot this will just save you money, especially now.
RoGStonewall@reddit (OP)
I truly wish I could convince her to get a Prius but she hates it on principle alone
fluteofski-@reddit
Ford fuckin ranger. Or the Mazda equivalent.
Maintained ones will die on you. Abused rangers will go fivefuckinever (longer than forever).
afraidofthe-dark@reddit
Anything cheap can run long enough if you’re mechanically inclined
joshstrodomus@reddit
Anything can also be a convertible if you're mechanically inclined
afraidofthe-dark@reddit
This is true
revocer@reddit
Can she drive a manual? If so, almost any older Japanese non-turbo, 4 cylinder sedan.
MeyersonAdam@reddit
Or, I dunno, an older 4cylinder Japanese non turbo convertible? Give the woman what she wants!
The_MoistMaker@reddit
Miata Is Always The Answer
Any-Investment5692@reddit
Honda Element
Preezy24@reddit
Low key reliable and cheap to insure is a 06-08 BMW Z4. The N52 motor is reliable. Least reliable thing is the convertible motor. Try to find one that has had at least the oil pan gasket replaced. You can get these for under $10k
ChronicHunger_1@reddit
Toyota echo
bluejay1185@reddit
Toyota ech Toyota matrix if over 130,000 miles
Over-it-321@reddit
1999 Nissan Maxima, Toyota Corolla, Honda civic / accord. Most Japanese cars from the late 90’s to early 2000’s. Early 2000’s ford focus is pretty reliable. Ford ranger also
ethanh333@reddit
2010-2014 mustangs
ARepeatedFailing@reddit
SN95 or new edge Mustang. Plenty of convertibles around, can probably find sub $6k. Parts are cheap, engine is easy to work on and pretty reliable. She can get used to the mustang and go from there.
YouWillHaveThat@reddit
Convertible V6 Mustangs are perfect for this. Just do that.
ARepeatedFailing@reddit
She can get a v8 SN95 too.
TheElectricWizard666@reddit
First generation Ford focus, almost any Buick with 3.8 motor, Mercury grand marquis, Chevrolet cavalier 2.2,
TealSapphire@reddit
1st generation Toyota RAV4 (1994-2000), you can find the 4 door version under 3K in decent shape. Surprisingly, most parts for this car are still available. Insurance is dirt cheap and if you find 96 or older, they are hitting the 30 year mark where they don’t need an inspection anymore 😂 you also qualify for the antique plate
Captain_Sheppard@reddit
Hell yeah. I bought mine for $500 and it’s my most reliable car after replacing basic things like brakes and shocks.
I also replaced the steering rack to get rid of a minor leak and the whole thing was $70 lol
dirtydrew26@reddit
1st gen Mazda 3
sc0lm00@reddit
I've always heard mixed things about them from the Ford/Mazda era. I've heard the ones after that are better but good to hear they are all good.
LittlePrairieMouse@reddit
Why? Why would you want your wife, who was set on a convertible, to buy a beater and run it into the ground for a year or so? Yes, you said that you want to avoid high first year driver insurance. Is one year going to make much difference? Have you priced out her insurance on a Miata or Mustang? If you can afford to buy a Miata or Mustang in a year, why not do it now? I can’t get past the idea that your wife “is super dead set on her car being some convertible, and she’s leaning Mustang or Miata,” but you’ve convinced her to drive a “pos throwaway for a year or so.” A “pos throwaway” may not be reliable, or particularly safe. Your wife deserves better if the two of you have the means. She isn’t a child. It’s your spouse.
USNDD-966@reddit
Empowered, Independent, GirlBoss Karen has entered the chat…
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Miata.
Mazda 2015+ is as good or better quality/reliability than Toyota/Honda without the "reputation premium."
Avoid all Toyotas with the UA80x transmission and avoid all Hondas with the 1.5L Turbo.
swaffeline@reddit
Toyota Tercel
RoGStonewall@reddit (OP)
I never knew what it was called but now I know its name. It looks like such a vibe id want one just out of curiosity
reesesbigcup@reddit
2000 - 2011 Ford Focus
HDauthentic@reddit
First and second gen Ford Escapes
run_uz@reddit
Second gen Lexus GS
Main_Tension_9305@reddit
Crown Vic
easzy_slow@reddit
I sold my 2002 Honda Accord with 167,000 miles on it for $4500. That was with me fixing the AC, replacing the windshield and replacing the valve cover gasket. When I mentioned I was going to sell it when got all the upkeep on it done, people were lined up to buy it. Could have probably sold it for $6-7000, especially after I made sure it was in great shape.
Bright-Water-3773@reddit
Any W body GM Cheap, but run forever.
Skid-Vicious@reddit
Anything 90’s GM will run terribly longer than anything else.
Pup111290@reddit
90s to mid 00s Buick Regals/LeSabres. You can get them super cheap, a lot of times super cheap with low miles, and they are reliable, easy/cheap to fix when age relate repairs are need, and quite nice and comfortable for what they cost
StrawberyVillain@reddit
2.5l vws
TangoDeltaFoxtrot@reddit
Geo Metro
72113matt@reddit
Ford crown vic, town car, grand marquis or Buick lesabre with the 3.6. Do your maintenance and they will survive the apocalypse
Wholesome_Stalker@reddit
Was just about to post this.
While it may be a bit hard to find a crown vic that wasn't a former cop car, the grand marquis is the same car with a slightly nicer interior. The 4.6l V8 is super easy to work on, parts are cheap and readily available, the suspension components are easy to replace, and the V8 lasts for a long time. There was a period of time where you couldn't go into a large city without having a dozen crown vics within 100ft of you.
jking7734@reddit
Any modern era Buick with a V6 will probably work. That’s all my mom will drive. They’re available cheap used and are usually owned by seniors.
RetroDawg56@reddit
Crown Vics (4.6) and Lesabres (3.8).
bmxracers@reddit
Scions.
TurkishSwag@reddit
4th gen Hyundai Elantra, 07-10. When Hyundai had boring styling and ugly interiors, but super solid drivetrains. Just has a timing belt that needs regular replacement, otherwise super reliable.
Miller335@reddit
I have an old 98 accord 4 banger 5 speed manual with 262k miles that still keeps going. Bought it from my ex-FIL like 13 years ago for $2.5k.
Also have a 2002 F150 v6 5 speed manual with 52k miles that was given to me by my current FIL.
Have other vehicles but those two serve their purpose.
TheRetardedRebel@reddit
Buick century I had two and both broke 300,000
breatheintheAlR@reddit
Toyota Corolla. 2005-2013
Hitt1te@reddit
Let her have it.
twelfthfantasy@reddit
Buying a low budget beater can be gamble even with a reliable make and model that looks like it's in good shape. Just look at what's out there and get whatever looks best. If you're smart and patient you can find some great old cars, but if you're not looking to keep it running very long anyway, I don't see why it matters. Just has to be safe and road legal.
SaoirseMayes@reddit
If you're buying a beater car then make and model really doesn't matter at all, just buy whatever's still in one piece for the cheapest you can.