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Misc. Ramblings - Need Another Car

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AngliaGT

AngliaGT

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We have the '68 Cortina.4speed,basic car.
Our middle child is high-functining Autistic,&
needs a to drive an automatic.
I've been looking through craigslist for a
basic 6 cylinder/automatic vehicle.I'm thinking
AMC/Maverick/Nova/Fairmont.
This would be our car that he'd be allowed
to drive,plus an additional vehicle if/when we need it.
Any other thoughts?We need a bullit proof extra car/
truck.
Does anyone know of a vehicle being sold out of
an estate,etc. that we would be worthy of?

- Doug
 
Doug, The vehicles you mention, if in very good running condition, will cost you more than a more modern car of the same class. Plus, a more modern car will have much improved safety equipment aboard and cheaper, in the long run, to maintain. Don't rule out Honda or Toyota, you can get some good deals on those and their really good cars. PJ
 
:iagree: Look into something more modern. As Paul mentions, Honda and Toyota make great cars, as do most of the Japanese manufacturers. I'm sure that you're looking for the simplicity of the earlier cars so you can swing wrenches on them yourself. Truth be said, later cars just don't need all that attention. Change the oil and go. And, for safety reasons alone, you're much better off staying away from that "classic" technology.
 
+1 Corolla is probably the most reliable on the planet. Volvo one of the safest. Mazda 3, Civic, Saab you can probably pick up for peanuts. If you do go North American, Ford Focus is (I think) pretty good.
 
+1 on the Corolla. Wife had a 1994 Corolla -- not an inspired car by any means but dead nuts reliable. She had it 9 years and did no more than the basic services. Sold it only because she was bored with it and wanted something else.

Mid 90s Corolla or Civic would be a reasonable choice. Should be cheap to buy and will run forever.

Also, I had a 2003 Hyundai Accent that was absolutely bullet proof and would be cheap to buy and run.
 
Be slightly wary of older Hondas since they are really subject to cyl head warpage if the owner let it go low on water and heat up. They REALLY don't like to get hot at all!! (and LOTS of them have little water leake that the owners don't notice!) Toyotas are much more forgiving.
BillM
 
I'll also +1 for the Corolla. we have one that's been passed around the family a number of times now. It's starting to get old, but it's stupidly easy to work on.

-1 for any Honda or Nissan. Too much stupid engineering on them. I just changed the drivebelts on a sister's Sentra. Was a massive pain in the butt. Don't even get me started on Accord brake rotors or Civic bits.

I'd also seriously look at low end American pickups. You can pick up Chevy trucks down here for pennies as long as you don't care that it's a short cab / long bed configuration.

I understand the vintage desire. I have a semi-useless sister in law who's on her 4rth car in as many years. I get stuck fixing the stupid things. I'm shopping around for a 66 or earlier car with good mechanicals for her to drive.

Jody
 
Doug, Hunt down a decent condition 4 cylinder Camry. For the most part (around here anyway) I can buy parts from the dealer cheaper than aftermarket. Dead nuts reliable, easy timing belt changes, easy valve covers to change in case of leaks. In general the most boring cars ever, but it will last until you can't stand the sight of it anymore. Good heat and AC too.
 
jessebogan said:
...but it will last until you can't stand the sight of it anymore. Good heat and AC too.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good marriage
 
Corolla, Camry, Sentra, Civic, Accord, Or any of the GM cookie cutter cars from the 90s. All rather reliable, all dirt cheap, and so are parts.
 
jessebogan said:
Doug, Hunt down a decent condition 4 cylinder Camry. For the most part (around here anyway) I can buy parts from the dealer cheaper than aftermarket. Dead nuts reliable, easy timing belt changes, easy valve covers to change in case of leaks. In general the most boring cars ever, but it will last until you can't stand the sight of it anymore. Good heat and AC too.
Click to expand...

Mind though that the 96-2001 Camrys had oil sludge problems

https://www.synlube.com/sludge.htm

Having now had oil sludge problems twice - Passat and Intepid, you don't want that aggravation.
 
Turn of events - our Son was involved in an accident in Denver
a few months back.Now they say he owes $15K+.
He's an honest kid,can't find a job,& is living with us.
Just when we're starting to get ahead.......
I don't know how much more we can bear.

- Doug
 
How much HE can bear - he's your son but it's his problem. Good on you for helping him out but make sure you let him grow up.

I find this article helpful - it's about business but it helps me with my kids also
Who's got the Monkey?
 
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