Used car idea

[tradosaurus]

After reading owner reviews from Edmunds.com I'm not too thrilled with the escort and ZX2. If the Saturn doesn't thrill me either I'm probably going to bite the bullet and get a Toyotta Corolla.

[tradosaurus]

What do you think of the Chevrolet Prizm(2001-2002)? The reviews from Edmunds.com seem positive.

[theholycow]

Isn't the Prizm a badge-engineered Corolla (vs. the Matrix/Vibe that share a platform but aren't exactly the same car)? That would put it squarely in your already-decided Corolla approval category.

[tradosaurus]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Isn't the Prizm a badge-engineered Corolla (vs. the Matrix/Vibe that share a platform but aren't exactly the same car)? That would put it squarely in your already-decided Corolla approval category.

I've heard the same comment about the Prizm. I wonder if it also has a timing chain?

[VetteOwner]

lol my friends 98 corolla died in a glorious mess on the side in the interstate

and yes the prizim = corolla

[bowtieguy]

i had a 2000 prizm and i miss it

yes, pop the hood and everything says "toyota." and yes, chain. i got over 40 mpg w/out a lot of effort...http://www.gassavers.org/garage/view/1239 btw, that VVTi motor is quite lively w/ the 5 speed!

[Dr. Jerryrigger]

Originally Posted by tradosaurus

I will be able to spend $3,000 so I am going to be diligent in my search since time is not an issue.

The must have characteristics of the car I buy will be:
1) Manual transmission
2) 4 cylinder
3) 150,000 miles maximum
4) Timing belt must have been changed
5) Notes or receipts of claimed repairs or maintenance.
6) 1st of 2nd owner car.

Well I'm going to jump in on this. I think you should rethink your list of requirements, and consider possible exceptions for each. I'm just playing devils advocate here:
1) well that's a good strait forward one, unless it's a $200 car with a dead auto, which you can have a manual put in all for less than $2800.
2) what about a 3 cylinder metro?
3) what if it has a newer engine and or transmission?
4) Why? If it needs a new one and you can put it in wile still in budget wouldn't that be better?
5) Many good car owners don't keep these records, and those who do will likely want more for their car.
6) Again, it would be nice, but shouldn't be a deal breaker.

A compression test seems more important to me than any of these. If the engine is in bad shape no amounts of repair records or low mileage can help this.

good luck, I hope you find a good one whatever it may be.

[tradosaurus]

I found a 2002 Chevy Prizm 5 speed with 160,000 miles on it for $2300.00 asking price. It will need a catalytic converter but the pictures the guy sent shows the car to be in above average condition. Hopefully the tires will be in good shape.

He is the 2nd owner that bought it at 120,000 miles 4 years ago.

I may meet him halfway (100 mile drive) to buy it because after extensive research this is the best deal I have found.

I also found a 1994 Honda DeSol in real good shape (110,000 miles) for $2500.00 that I have yet to contact the owner.

[Dr. Jerryrigger]

Originally Posted by tradosaurus

I found a 2002 Chevy Prizm 5 speed with 160,000 miles on it for $2300.00 asking price. It will need a catalytic converter but the pictures the guy sent shows the car to be in above average condition. Hopefully the tires will be in good shape.

He is the 2nd owner that bought it at 120,000 miles 4 years ago.

I may meet him halfway (100 mile drive) to buy it because after extensive research this is the best deal I have found.

I also found a 1994 Honda DeSol in real good shape (110,000 miles) for $2500.00 that I have yet to contact the owner.

Nice they both seem like good possibilities. And you may be able to talk down the price a bit on either (I can't really say much for price numbers, as I just don't know). Also it's always a really good idea to have a pro check them over; it'll only cost you about 60 bucks, and can save you a major mistake. Make sure they do a compression test.

[tradosaurus]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jerryrigger

Well I'm going to jump in on this. I think you should rethink your list of requirements, and consider possible exceptions for each. I'm just playing devils advocate here:
1) well that's a good strait forward one, unless it's a $200 car with a dead auto, which you can have a manual put in all for less than $2800.
2) what about a 3 cylinder metro?
3) what if it has a newer engine and or transmission?
4) Why? If it needs a new one and you can put it in wile still in budget wouldn't that be better?
5) Many good car owners don't keep these records, and those who do will likely want more for their car.
6) Again, it would be nice, but shouldn't be a deal breaker.

A compression test seems more important to me than any of these. If the engine is in bad shape no amounts of repair records or low mileage can help this.

good luck, I hope you find a good one whatever it may be.

Well as I stated in a previous thread I bought a 2000 Mazda Protege LX 5 speed with 1.6L for $2300.00.

After parting out my Honda Accord (+$1700 made) and buying the Mazda Protege (-$2300) and buying maintenance items, used wheels, TT&L (-$1000) the car has cost me $1600.00.