Please recommend a make/model for $4,000

[Greg Robinson]

Hi everyone,

First time listener, first time caller. Total newbie here. I have approx $3500-$4000 to spend on a solid used car and I'm leaning toward an older Accord. I want something newer than 1990, preferably with a manual transmission, cruise control and air conditioning. Must be a sedan (just had a baby). Also - can you point me to a few sites that have road tests of different years between say 1990 and 1998? Thanks!

[princess]

Welcome.

The prices vary with the area. In our area (CA-bay area) 4K can get you an Accord sedan in the 90-93 range. I think if you look at both the LX & EX you'd have cruise & A/C. With the EX you'd also have a moonroof. Anything in the 150K on the mileage would be about normal. So maybe you'll find one with less.

I'm personally unaware of sites with "road tests". I'm sure that someone here may have one with the stats for the different years.

[Greg Robinson]

thanks. was the accord V6 every offered with a manual transmission? Can anyone speak to the peppy-ness of '91-96 4-cylinder mated with a manual transmisson? Trying to find something reliable AND fun to drive. Not sure what I can do with $4k, but... :)

[princess]

The 94-98 have a bit heavier body than the 90-93. My daughter had a '94 with a stick, my mom had a '95 with an AT. Both LX, same color, same engine. I drove both & the stick has a peppier FEEL. They all do. The clutch in that year has a funky feel that took some getting used to. She had daddy check it out many times, claiming there was something wrong. It was in perfect shape. Her friends that drove that car also complained. It just felt different than most. It's hard to describe, not really mushy, just weird. I think it was a bit harder to feel when it released.

I suggest driving a few. See what YOU think. Just find some in the paper & go take a look.

The first V6's had a better top end, but the "out of the hole" wasn't as dramatic as you'd think. I was disappointed & waited to get one. I don't think they had sticks with V6's then, but I could be wrong.

Just shop carefully & make sure you like what you feel. Private parties often have their maintaince records & that's always a plus. If it has anywhere near 90K+, make sure it's had the timing belt done. Relax & happy shopping!!:)

[benjamming]

The V6 manual was 1st offered in 2003 model year cars.

[princess]

I KNEW someone would know!!

Do you know where Greg can get the stats he wants??

[according2me]

You might also consider an older Nissan/Altima (95-97). My son's is still on the road @197K inspite of his pizza delivery miles. Tranny replaced at 184K. They usually don't hold their price as well as Hondas, so can be had for less.

Also, they have a timing chain, so no belt to worry about.

[Greg Robinson]

Thanks guys. All good info. I'm leaning towards and Accord or a Camry/Avalon. I think an LX manual transmission from 94 or so might be just the ticket....

[BenjiBoy650]

I suggest not to go for the Camry. Personally I don't like them and it appears that they don't hold up as well. For $4000 you could find a good '94-'97 model (5th gen), maybe with a bit high mileage but no more than a '90-'93, so I suggest you go that route. Get a newer car with better engineering and technology. I've seen them easily go 200K miles so that's not a big issue. Styling...well that's up to you, I love the '94 better than my '99 but the '99 is much bigger so in the interest of family I bought the 6th gen.

The stick feels peppier because it is. The Honda auto tranny sucks a lot of power out of the drivetrain. That's why the 4 cylinder manual can keep up with a 6 cylinder auto ('94-'02 only, the new '03 have a bigger HP spread). The V6 has better highway power as mentioned but around town about the same. The '94-'97 EX model, in addition to the normal sunroof/alarm/alloys/whatever also has an engine with 15 more HP (2.2L in all models, but only EX has VTEC for a total of 145HP). All four cylinders come with a stick but they tend to be harder to find (for obvious reasons).

Can you really find an Avalon for 4k? They're nice cars if you could, no manual tranny though.