New (used) car suggestions?

[Brian P]

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I have a 2000 civic si and tbh, it's good enough for me. But I gotta change the water pump, timing belt, suspension, brakes, & clutch within the next couple of years. I'd rather just upgrade now instead of putting all that money into an older car.

Actually, upon reading this ...

How's that 2000 Civic underneath - how's the body holding up?

If it's not rusting, just organize to put the car in the shop for a week and get the timing belt and water pump done (at the same time) and get the brakes and suspension done. Deal with the clutch when the time comes.

That model year was the last one with proper double wishbone suspension front and rear. There are those who would consider that to be the last "good" model year for the Civic and I can't really say I disagree.

There are A TON of aftermarket parts available with regards to suspension and brakes on those. Even if you don't want aftermarket ... it means you should be able to get take-off OEM parts cheaply from someone who has installed aftermarket on their own car.

On the other hand, if it's turning into a rustbucket underneath, it's probably not worth fixing. Corrosion protection has not been a strong point of Honda cars over the years. I'm not entirely convinced that the new models are any better in the long term.

 

[Red_Liner740]

^^ I'd have to dissagree on the rust protection on newer ones....i have a 2002 SIR and there isnt a spot of rust on it apart from rock chips that took off the paint. Solid all around and i made sure i looked cuz i HATE rust and my 01 Maxima literally fell apart due to it.

Reliabity wise G/F has an 05 RSX with 170K on it and shes done nothing to it other than oil changes and brakes. I've adjusted the lifters at 150K, and its due for some more serious maintenance soon (brake bleeding, oil tranny change etc etc). Likewise the car doesnt have a spot of rust.

My recently purchased SIR has 250K on it, it needed a driveshaft, front right bearing and now will need both rear bearings. Not too bad for 10 years and 250K

how is this relevant? both have the same K20 engine as the CSX and its a good solid design.

 

[Roasted]

I just got a beater daily driver. 2005 mazda 3 with about 115K for it for 4.5K (buddy is a mechanic, bought it with a blown engine, swapped engine and sold it to me cheap). It's basic as hell and doesn't even have power windows ....ghettoooo! lol but it's my first manual so learning has been kind of fun.

Is it sad that my bike is worth more than my car? lol

 

[RockerGuy]

I just got a beater daily driver. 2005 mazda 3 with about 115K for it for 4.5K (buddy is a mechanic, bought it with a blown engine, swapped engine and sold it to me cheap). It's basic as hell and doesn't even have power windows ....ghettoooo! lol but it's my first manual so learning has been kind of fun.

Is it sad that my bike is worth more than my car? lol

Your never gonna pick up chix

 

[regder]

On the other hand, if it's turning into a rustbucket underneath, it's probably not worth fixing. Corrosion protection has not been a strong point of Honda cars over the years. I'm not entirely convinced that the new models are any better in the long term.

Honda's made in say the past ten years have excellent bodies. I bought my '95 Integra when it was eight years old and the quarter panels were already seriously rotted, the front edge of the hood and front edge of the sunroof were starting to blister. In comparison, my '03 RSX doesn't have a spot of rust anywhere, never been undercoated.

Just think, how many Honda's introduced after '00 do you see with serious rust issues?

 

[Jinniwind]

ever thought about infiniti G35/37?

 

[knowledge]

Actually, upon reading this ...

How's that 2000 Civic underneath - how's the body holding up?

If it's not rusting, just organize to put the car in the shop for a week and get the timing belt and water pump done (at the same time) and get the brakes and suspension done. Deal with the clutch when the time comes.

That model year was the last one with proper double wishbone suspension front and rear. There are those who would consider that to be the last "good" model year for the Civic and I can't really say I disagree.

There are A TON of aftermarket parts available with regards to suspension and brakes on those. Even if you don't want aftermarket ... it means you should be able to get take-off OEM parts cheaply from someone who has installed aftermarket on their own car.

On the other hand, if it's turning into a rustbucket underneath, it's probably not worth fixing. Corrosion protection has not been a strong point of Honda cars over the years. I'm not entirely convinced that the new models are any better in the long term.

It's actually in really good shape. I don't know what the owner did, but I've been rust-proofing it every year since I got it 5 years ago. It's in way better condition than a lot of the 2000 SIs that I've seen (my mechanic couldn't believe how mint the bottom/wheel wells were & he used to race civics). It hasn't given me problems, but I just feel like it's outdated and it's time for me to upgrade. While it's a good condition ****-bucket, I think I'm past having a ****-bucket (as bougie as that sounds).

Do NOT buy a Mini with an automatic transmission. They are not repairable WHEN they fail and replacements are extremely expensive (like $10,000-ish expensive). Can't find 'em used because they blow up.

If the choice is between the Mini and an Acura CSX, go with the Acura.

Jesus...you weren't kidding. I just finished looking the problems up between the years: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

They changed the auto transmission in 2005, but even that one still has problems. I'd be going with manual, though...but it seems like it's a gamble when getting a mini. That's a shame 'cause I really fell in love with it. Do you advise against it THAT much? The only things I can really do to minimize the gamble is get a manual 05-06 in good condition

ever thought about infiniti G35/37?

It's in my budget, but it doesn't appeal to me. I loved the g35 when it first came out, but now they're everywhere. I'd pick the new altima over that...but they still aren't my top choices.

 

[LePhillou]

For the mini think "bmw repair cost"

although im sure theyre a blast to drive.

getting a new oem bumper + pearl paint = 1000$ ish

 

[strictlye]

Does it have to be Acura?


It might be a bit of an appliance but, a solid car with good power, the accessories you want and pretty reliable would be an Altima.

Ah no. I know people with PURE issues with their Altima, and its only 3 yrs old. Nissans are now for electrical problems. I would never buy a Nissan or a Mazda. I wont make the same mistake twice.

 

[strictlye]

Honda's made in say the past ten years have excellent bodies. I bought my '95 Integra when it was eight years old and the quarter panels were already seriously rotted, the front edge of the hood and front edge of the sunroof were starting to blister. In comparison, my '03 RSX doesn't have a spot of rust anywhere, never been undercoated.

Just think, how many Honda's introduced after '00 do you see with serious rust issues?

OR you can just get lifetime rust protection from Honda like I did and never have to worry.

 

[imnothng]

I vote MINI. I miss my baby. Either you love MINI's or you hate. I had a 2003 Cooper S manual and never had an issue. We bought a 2009 Clubman S because the Cooper was just too small for the kiddos in the back. Haven't any issues yet.

 

[Brian P]

It's actually in really good shape. I don't know what the owner did, but I've been rust-proofing it every year since I got it 5 years ago. It's in way better condition than a lot of the 2000 SIs that I've seen (my mechanic couldn't believe how mint the bottom/wheel wells were & he used to race civics). It hasn't given me problems, but I just feel like it's outdated and it's time for me to upgrade. While it's a good condition ****-bucket, I think I'm past having a ****-bucket (as bougie as that sounds).

Well, with that in mind ... Fix that 2000 Civic rather than buying a new one! Or at a minimum, sell it to someone who will appreciate it.

Last year of double wishbone suspension. Last year the steering didn't get ridiculously overboosted. Last year before some pretty significant cost-cutting set in.

Test-drive a newer one before you make a final decision.

 

[nakkers]

If you go with Acura or Honda, make sure you do the annual brake service and yes, watch for the timing belt replacement and do it. I'm seen plenty of high mileage machines perform with great reliability but, on the other hand, i've also seen more than my fair share of low mileage rust buckets. Funny how that is.

My neighbour has a nice Mini ornament sitting in his garage collecting dust. Too expensive to repair, even with him doing the work. Junk.

 

[kellen]

I just reluctantly sold my 06 Matrix with a manual trans because it couldn't tow my junk anymore (got a chev avalanche)

I Looooooved that car. We had two of them, my Fiancee is still driving her 07 Matrix with an auto trans. Great on fuel, really fun to drive, TONS of room, and bulletproof.

 

[SpeeDemoN]

Just think, how many Honda's introduced after '00 do you see with serious rust issues?

It's hit and miss really. When I had my RSX (2002, original owner) it had rust issues. And I'm a fanatic about keeping things in good condition. Despite all my efforts the car developed rust on the hood (under the 3m protection) and on the roof near the sunroof and weather stripping.

Mechanically they are great. I beat the hell out of that car and it never needed anything. But the body wasn't great....

 

[knowledge]

Well, with that in mind ... Fix that 2000 Civic rather than buying a new one! Or at a minimum, sell it to someone who will appreciate it.

If you want it, or know someone that does, I'll give you first pick on it when I sell it. I'm looking to get 2k for it, so I don't think I'll have much trouble finding a buyer. I'd rather let you check it out first since you've answered a bunch of my questions.

I looked up the double wishbone struts and its advantages, and I can't see the macpherson struts being that much crappier since I drive like a granny. But then again, who knows if that'll change if I get a mini - everyone says they're a blast to drive.

If I do get a mini, though, I'd be looking at the normal one. I don't care for the supercharged engine (but I do love the hood scoop that comes with the S : /)

 

[jc100]

I picked up a used Nissan X-Trail 2006 model 3-4 years ago, just off lease, for a reasonable price and it now has 100k+kms on it and I love it. 4cylinders, sips gas compared to my Escape, switchable 4 wheel drive for nasty winter conditions, really comfortable ride, moonroof etc. I have a top of the line Ford escape and this is the next to base model X-Trail and I prefer everything about the X-Trail. Reliability wise the only issue has been a seized rear caliper issue twice in 3 years that I'm trying to sort out with Nissan Canada. We like it so much that the next car will probably be a Nissan.

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