Good older car with good Gas milage?

[Air tree]

Well first of all I'm wanting to look for a car that'll mostly act as a commute for me, and soon enough to take me on a long ass road trip, so being reliable is a good trait, too.

I really liked the look of a Datsun B210, but being practical, It's hard as hell to find for me at least. But I will still love it's unique look, even though that's mostly useless.


Any recommendations past that?

I'm pretty car illiterate, so remind me if I need to think of something else.

And I can commute by rail and bus for a little while, but my budget is around $5000 at most, this is mostly going to be later as I'm broke and still floating in the air of insanity.

[demik]

civic

[demik]

get a civic, put it on bags and watch the women flock.

[fanpeople]

civic....... with a sub-woofer.

[demik]

i dont know if this is a civic but this is the look u need playa

[Air tree]

The look I need and the look I thought I needed are vastly different. 

Datsun B210

[henz]

This will take you to the moon if you try.

[sth]

Show Image

This will take you to the moon if you try.

definitely not great mileage but built to last. i miss my 1978 245DL wagon... round headlights!

if you want good mileage get a geo metro / suzuki swift. some of the models can get 50mpg+

[fohat.digs]

I had a couple of Volvos in the distant past and they were great, but recent ones do not get good gas mileage and repairs are expensive.

Currently I am on my 3rd 4-door Camry and they are solid and reliable, if perhaps not exciting. Get the 4-cylinder for economy and durability. $5K should get you a decade-old one in the low-mid-100K mileage range.

[Lurch]

civic, impreza, corolla/camry

i recently picked up a 2005 impreza with 32k original miles. it had a blemish on the title, but after doing my research, it was nothing major, and because it had the blemish on the title, i got the car for a "song" (really cheap) as they like to say in the auto world.

there are some good deals out there, you just have to dig around, and do your homework.

[pr0ximity]

A Camry or Civic/Accord from the early 90's that was owned by a grandma.

If you want something more interesting, get something German from the early 90s.

[tp4tissue]

or corolla.. hahahaha

[Bromono]

civic

I miss mine =(

had 2 12 JL's in the trunk.

I cruised for days on the beach blaring my music and on one tank of gas =)

[getf]

People above have cited the some of the more popular fuel efficient vehicles in your price range.  Basically anything JP/KR FWD 4cyl.  If you can operate a manual, its better mileage in the long run, although not recommended if your commute involves a lot of stop and go traffic.


These are a few options for sale close to you (if you live elsewhere, these can be used as a guide for what to look for)



https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5464317738.html
2001 Saturn - Manual.  Incredibly cheap to maintain, should expect 22-26 mpg.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5416353846.html
Smart Car - Engine is Basically a converted motorcycle engine.  35+ MPG

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5439619003.html
Camry - Comfortable Midsize sedan with 4cyl engine for better econ.  This one has a moderate amount of miles, but 4 cyl Yota engines are pretty bulletproof

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5454697203.html
1995 EG6 Civic - This car is a good model of something to look out for.  Clean, low miles, however for some reason the owner has priced the vehicle at over double the value of this 20yr car.


just a quick scan of CL gave these results. 

Bonus Impractical Option with some personality:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5439105423.html
1983 Mazda B Series PU.  2L engine makes well under 100 horsepower with a top speed of about 77mph.  This should translate into high 20's MPG.


Good luck!

[fohat.digs]

These are a few options for sale close to you

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5464317738.html
2001 Saturn - Manual.  Incredibly cheap to maintain, should expect 22-26 mpg.

Good luck!

That Saturn looks like a great deal! I haven't had a manual in years, but it looks well-maintained.

[Leslieann]

Stick with the reliable...
Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Scion.

No minivans, SUVs or trucks. Minivans are notoriously unreliable, SUVs get terrible mileage. Trucks, some can work, but have other issues, usually rust for that sort of money, especially in the northern sections of the country. That said, stay clear of Civics, integras or Subaru. Yes, I know they are tempting. Subura has AWD (terrible road feel stock), and head gasket issues, Civic/Integras get modded by idiots (not that Subarus don't), both have stupid high insurance, especially and because of these people, this goes double if you're young. Saturns, some are quite good, others are disasters (DAEWOO!), research before you go for one. There even some Toyota based Gm products, those are bulletproof as well (Pontiac Vibe is a Toyota Matrix). Beware newer Mazdas, they have rust issues.

Frankly, if you want the best for your money, look for an Accord, Camry, Scion or Lexus, get a manual if you can. Change the oil, air up the tires and drive the wheels off it until you can no longer stand the sight of it. On these cars, 100k is barely broken in, many still look and run great at 500k, and while tired looking, it's not unusual for a million miles. Parts for these are in almost every salvage yard, auto shop, and backyard as they made them by the boat load.

And for all that's holy, avoid ANYTHING European. I LOOOOVED my 3 series, but let's be honest, nothing out of Europe really holds a candle to Japanese reliability, and when something does fail, bend over because it's going to hurt (VW, parts are not bad).

For 5k, you can buy one of these, and a second vehicle for fun (Miatas are cheap, reliable, and fun as heck).

[fohat.digs]

Minivans are notoriously unreliable

I have to call you on that. My 2001 Odyssey was probably the best vehicle that I have ever owned, until it got massively rear-ended by an F-150.

[Air tree]

People above have cited the some of the more popular fuel efficient vehicles in your price range.  Basically anything JP/KR FWD 4cyl.  If you can operate a manual, its better mileage in the long run, although not recommended if your commute involves a lot of stop and go traffic.


These are a few options for sale close to you (if you live elsewhere, these can be used as a guide for what to look for)



https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5464317738.html
2001 Saturn - Manual.  Incredibly cheap to maintain, should expect 22-26 mpg.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5416353846.html
Smart Car - Engine is Basically a converted motorcycle engine.  35+ MPG

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5439619003.html
Camry - Comfortable Midsize sedan with 4cyl engine for better econ.  This one has a moderate amount of miles, but 4 cyl Yota engines are pretty bulletproof

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5454697203.html
1995 EG6 Civic - This car is a good model of something to look out for.  Clean, low miles, however for some reason the owner has priced the vehicle at over double the value of this 20yr car.


just a quick scan of CL gave these results. 

Bonus Impractical Option with some personality:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/5439105423.html
1983 Mazda B Series PU.  2L engine makes well under 100 horsepower with a top speed of about 77mph.  This should translate into high 20's MPG.


Good luck!

I live in the south right now, but I'll look around for something like these at a good price. 

[Snowdog993]

I live in the south right now, but I'll look around for something like these at a good price. 

Hmmm,  Some sort of hatchback or coupe that looks like a B210?  Maybe something like a Pontiac Sunfire or Ford Escort ZX2?  Ummm...   A Nissan 240SX?   A Hyundai Tiburon?   Toyota Celica GTS?
Edit:  Acura CL 3.2?  Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8? The Ford *wrong name for it* Probe GT...  Acura RSX?  Mitsubishi Eclipse GT? 

Try looking those cars up on Cars.com.  These choices may be right up your alley.

[Melvang]

My vote is any GM with the Series II 3.8 V6.  I have personally owned 5 of them.  The first was a '93 Regal I had just out of high school that I beat the piss out of until I went to the service.  It then sat for close to a year and I just had my parents get rid of it because I didn't want to go through the paper work of getting a car on base, plus a 1300 mile drive in it after sitting that long didn't seem like that great of an idea. 

The second was a '94 Pontiac Bonneville.  Would have been a decent car had the previous owner not beat the crap out of it with little to no maintenance.  The only issue it really had, the harmonic balancer needed replace.  I didn't feel like messing with that so I sold it.

Next was a 2000 Regal GS.  This was a great car.  Made several trips from mid Iowa to Jacksonville, FL.  Got great gas mileage for a supercharged V6.  Could get 30-32 on the highway with premium gas, and speedo under 73.  Over that and it would start to tickle the supercharger.  This transmission in this car just started slipping about once every 3 weeks or so at about 185k miles so we traded it on the wifes current car.

My work car after that was a '99 Le Sabre.  I personally drove this car to 225k miles.  The last 50k I drove it, the transmission wouldn't shift into overdrive.  Even with this, and the speedo at 65, I could still get 29 on the highway.  Before, I was getting about 32-34.  We gave this car to my mother in law.  She drove it for another year.

My current car is an '03 Park Avenue.  Up until very recently I was getting 32-33 mpg.  Need to investigate a few things, but the car does have 172k miles on it.

Out of these cars, I have had very little go wrong.  The Regal GS needed a new fuel pump (half hour swap, there is an access panel in the trunk) front sway bar (I broke this trying to beat a red light and drove much to fast over the crown in the road), and the resistor for the two speed fuel pump had to get changed.  When this resistor goes out, the car will start every time, but won't run.  They start on high speed, and then drop down to low speed.  With an open short in this resistor, the fuel pump shuts off.  Known problem for any supercharged GM Series II 3.8 V6.  It is a $45 part, and comes with a relocation kit.

My Le Sabre had the odd tranny issue.  For what its worth, when my mother in law got rid of it, it was because my wife inherited a car when her dad passed, and I chose to keep my current car because I like the ride quality better.  The engine still ran like a top and didn't leak oil at close to 235k miles.

Park Avenue needed a fuel pressure regulator a few months ago.  It was still giving proper fuel pressue to the engine, but was leaking fuel into the vacuum system. 

Have not had any issues with my wifes current car.  She drives an '06 Lucerne.  I personally don't think it gets as good as mileage as my far (before current unkown issue), but hers is the Series III where mine is the Series II.  For the record, the GM 3.8 V6 is GM's best selling engine to date, yes passing the 350 small block.  There is a reason for this.  It is a rock solid, bullet proof motor.  Keep the oil changed, it is isn't uncommon for the engine to last 300k miles.

[tigersharkdude]

Good mpg? Find a CRX

[Snowdog993]

My vote is any GM with the Series II 3.8 V6.  I have personally owned 5 of them.  The first was a '93 Regal I had just out of high school that I beat the piss out of until I went to the service.  It then sat for close to a year and I just had my parents get rid of it because I didn't want to go through the paper work of getting a car on base, plus a 1300 mile drive in it after sitting that long didn't seem like that great of an idea. 

For the record, the GM 3.8 V6 is GM's best selling engine to date, yes passing the 350 small block.  There is a reason for this.  It is a rock solid, bullet proof motor.  Keep the oil changed, it is isn't uncommon for the engine to last 300k miles.

Did you notice the Pontiac Grand Prix GT I mentioned?  Yeah, they are workhorses.  It's not "exactly" close to a B210, but it's a great choice.

[Melvang]

My vote is any GM with the Series II 3.8 V6.  I have personally owned 5 of them.  The first was a '93 Regal I had just out of high school that I beat the piss out of until I went to the service.  It then sat for close to a year and I just had my parents get rid of it because I didn't want to go through the paper work of getting a car on base, plus a 1300 mile drive in it after sitting that long didn't seem like that great of an idea. 

The second was a '94 Pontiac Bonneville.  Would have been a decent car had the previous owner not beat the crap out of it with little to no maintenance.  The only issue it really had, the harmonic balancer needed replace.  I didn't feel like messing with that so I sold it.

Next was a 2000 Regal GS.  This was a great car.  Made several trips from mid Iowa to Jacksonville, FL.  Got great gas mileage for a supercharged V6.  Could get 30-32 on the highway with premium gas, and speedo under 73.  Over that and it would start to tickle the supercharger.  This transmission in this car just started slipping about once every 3 weeks or so at about 185k miles so we traded it on the wifes current car.

My work car after that was a '99 Le Sabre.  I personally drove this car to 225k miles.  The last 50k I drove it, the transmission wouldn't shift into overdrive.  Even with this, and the speedo at 65, I could still get 29 on the highway.  Before, I was getting about 32-34.  We gave this car to my mother in law.  She drove it for another year.

My current car is an '03 Park Avenue.  Up until very recently I was getting 32-33 mpg.  Need to investigate a few things, but the car does have 172k miles on it.

Out of these cars, I have had very little go wrong.  The Regal GS needed a new fuel pump (half hour swap, there is an access panel in the trunk) front sway bar (I broke this trying to beat a red light and drove much to fast over the crown in the road), and the resistor for the two speed fuel pump had to get changed.  When this resistor goes out, the car will start every time, but won't run.  They start on high speed, and then drop down to low speed.  With an open short in this resistor, the fuel pump shuts off.  Known problem for any supercharged GM Series II 3.8 V6.  It is a $45 part, and comes with a relocation kit.

My Le Sabre had the odd tranny issue.  For what its worth, when my mother in law got rid of it, it was because my wife inherited a car when her dad passed, and I chose to keep my current car because I like the ride quality better.  The engine still ran like a top and didn't leak oil at close to 235k miles.

Park Avenue needed a fuel pressure regulator a few months ago.  It was still giving proper fuel pressue to the engine, but was leaking fuel into the vacuum system. 

Have not had any issues with my wifes current car.  She drives an '06 Lucerne.  I personally don't think it gets as good as mileage as my far (before current unkown issue), but hers is the Series III where mine is the Series II.  For the record, the GM 3.8 V6 is GM's best selling engine to date, yes passing the 350 small block.  There is a reason for this.  It is a rock solid, bullet proof motor.  Keep the oil changed, it is isn't uncommon for the engine to last 300k miles.

Did you notice the Pontiac Grand Prix GT I mentioned?  Yeah, they are workhorses.  It's not "exactly" close to a B210, but it's a great choice.

I did not, I scrolled a few posts and seen the vast majority were imports.  Just trying to spread the domestic love.  The GP GT should be a naturally aspirated 3.8, correct?

[Snowdog993]

I did not, I scrolled a few posts and seen the vast majority were imports.  Just trying to spread the domestic love.  The GP GT should be a naturally aspirated 3.8, correct?

Absolutely! However, I do recommend a RamAir hood on it too! (Functional preferably...)
It looks too plain without it!
Website for hood: http://www.pfyc.com/GP1002.html
*Sexy*

[Badwrench]

The look I need and the look I thought I needed are vastly different. 

Show Image

Datsun B210

210s are very cool.  The 70's ones like the one you posted are still cool in a funky sort of way,


 but I like the older ones:



Or the 1200  :thumb:

[Snowdog993]

The look I need and the look I thought I needed are vastly different. 

Show Image

Datsun B210

210s are very cool.  The 70's ones like the one you posted are still cool in a funky sort of way,

Show Image

 but I like the older ones:

Show Image

Or the 1200  :thumb:

Show Image

Awesome pictures!  I was going to mention, my sister got into big trouble when she sat in the yellow B210 we had, and released the emergency brake.  (She was 7 at the time...)  The car rolled right into the garage door, mangling the garage door.  The car was fine.

[LXXXIX]

The look I need and the look I thought I needed are vastly different. 

Show Image

Datsun B210

210s are very cool.  The 70's ones like the one you posted are still cool in a funky sort of way,

Show Image

 but I like the older ones:

Show Image

Or the 1200  :thumb:

Show Image

This guy has the right idea. GL trying to find those though!

[Leslieann]

Minivans are notoriously unreliable

I have to call you on that. My 2001 Odyssey was probably the best vehicle that I have ever owned, until it got massively rear-ended by an F-150.

A Honda minivan is better than most minivans, but still is not as reliable as a plain Jane Honda car, and like other minivans, the cramped engine bay only makes it more expensive.

[Altis]

civic

/thread.

If you're looking for something that's older and gets good fuel economy, on top of being more reliable than the sun, then the Civic is all by itself at the top.

I'm assuming the goal is to reduce cost instead of finding a collector car, which the Civic does not make.

[Snowdog993]

For a daily driver, with a good amount of reliability and horsepower, the Pontiac isn't a bad choice at all.  The 3.8 does have the power when you need it to climb those terrains and is a very comfortable ride too.  It still gets good gas mileage.  They get around 18 City and 28 Hwy on average.  That's not too bad for a naturally aspirated vehicle.  Maybe finding one with a RamAir hood on it already will make the difference.
It's a good little car.

[katushkin]

Mk4 golf? Although I'm not sure how easy it is to get parts in the US.

Show Image

i dont know if this is a civic but this is the look u need playa

Dat's an Accord, son. But still hella fly.

[vivalarevolución]

Geo Metro or Ford Escort.

[Snowdog993]

I just hope you find what you really need.  There are so many varieties of vehicles and everyone has their own taste to what they think is the "perfect car" for them.  The bottom line is what it means to you.

[Air tree]

I'm going to be looking around for a little bit, I got time. I'm sure I'll find something I like. 

[slip84]

Put safety first and get the newest car you can. Older cars, while cool looking and such, are inherently less safe. I'm amazed I survived my teen years in a 1953 Willys Jeep.

Anyway...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g

[katushkin]

Put safety first and get the newest car you can. Older cars, while cool looking and such, are inherently less safe. I'm amazed I survived my teen years in a 1953 Willys Jeep.

Anyway...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g

I would still have the Bel Air

[goflo]

@Air tree
If I take your first pic you've shown....how about a Opel Kadett C Coupe 
 g

[Leslieann]

Put safety first and get the newest car you can. Older cars, while cool looking and such, are inherently less safe. I'm amazed I survived my teen years in a 1953 Willys Jeep.

This isn't entirely true, yes, older cars are less safe, but people also notice them a lot more.

That said, I would rather a safer car for daily driving.

[THEMIKEBERG]

I had a 92' Toyota Tercel, not a pretty car but it got 59 MPG.

[Hak Foo]

Geo Prizm might be worth considering.  Corolla reliability with the resale-value penalty of not having the Toyota badge.

[Melvang]

Geo Prizm might be worth considering.  Corolla reliability with the resale-value penalty of not having the Toyota badge.

No, please do yourself a favor and don't buy anything from Geo.  They are a very cheaply built car, built down to a price.  Chances are good you will have a lot of problems with them. 

[Darkshado]

[delete]

[Hak Foo]

Geo Prizm might be worth considering.  Corolla reliability with the resale-value penalty of not having the Toyota badge.

No, please do yourself a favor and don't buy anything from Geo.  They are a very cheaply built car, built down to a price.  Chances are good you will have a lot of problems with them. 

:confusedlook:

Everything I've ever heard said that they were basically a mismash of imports that GM put their own badge on.  The Metro was a Suzuki Swift, and the Prizm was a Toyota Corolla.

If you're considering a Hyundai or Kia, be aware that their amazing warranty is nontransferrable, so discount a used model accordingly.

[fohat.digs]

the Prizm was a Toyota Corolla.

I had a "Chevrolet Nova" in the late-1980s which was a Corolla internally but a few body parts were slightly different. I had it serviced at the Toyota place from time to time and they always just put Toyota parts in it.

[shortround]

Plus one for something like a 240sx, especially if you're into Datsuns.  They're light, rear wheel drive and the ka24 engine in any kind of decent shape will last many a mile.  And with a large variety of aftermarket parts, you can make it into all sorts of sporty a little at a time as budget dictates.  (Sorry if this is a bit of a necropost, I don't know if O.P. found a car yet).

Random internet pic: