Used car idea

[FrugalFloyd]

Get one with a timing chain, not a belt. Nissan & Toyota have been using chains for decades.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

"get one with a timing chain"

agreed.

cavaliers have timing chains too.

****edit****
I will say I love my little yota and my parents have two of them (a corolla and camry). you might have pretty good luck out of an echo if you can find one.

[theholycow]

I believe the Big 3 US makers have been using chains for decades also. I know GM does, possibly with some exceptions.

I thought the reason belts are used is that they are more efficient. That efficiency isn't worth it to me but it's something to consider.

[tradosaurus]

I'm parting out my Honda Accord (2001 EX) with leather interior on ebay and craigslist.

I'm wondering what parts I should save that could be used on a Honda Civic? Leather seats?
http://texarkana.craigslist.org/pts/2710661980.html
http://texarkana.craigslist.org/pts/2710625359.html
http://texarkana.craigslist.org/pts/2710631837.html

[tradosaurus]

Originally Posted by BEEF

you know, I have had really good luck out of my cavalier. I will say that it may be that I got one of the good ones.

it is very similar to a saturn and though you don't see 40s, you will see mid to upper 30s in it.

around my area they run $2-3k.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/2635399214.html

What about this one?

[GasSavers_BEEF]

the fact that he has been running hot makes me wonder if he has overheated it already. he doesn't say mileage either. I would be I little concerned about that one but generally cavaliers are cheap.

mine was $2k with 95k on it. the A/C didn't really work worth a crap but I really didn't care. 7.5 years later and 223,000 on the clock tells me it was a good purchase.

I would look around given what the guy says about it. makes you wonder what he is not saying.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

here is more what I am talking about. it is from a dealer (which doesn't mean but so much) but it doesn't talk about any issues it has. obviously not good for you but at least you see what i am talking about.

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/ctd/2706853806.html

[trollbait]

I thought the reason belts are used is that they are more efficient.

I've always heard they are quieter.
Being cheaper is likely the main reason, though.

[tradosaurus]

I'm going to look at this Saturn in a couple of days:

Saturn LS1

I wrote the guy and asked him why it hasn't sold yet and is said he didn't know. I guess I will find out.

I hear some can squeeze 40 mpg out his model.

[VetteOwner]

what about the late ford escort and or ZX2 or contour? all can be had with well less than $3K, and manual trans in all.