looking to buy a reliable car for as cheap as possible to go around the country (US)
long story Ausfag moving to US estimated march next year with girlfriend we will be based in LA with my father (US Citizen) and want to drive from there outwards with no plans until we start work a couple of months later
maximum budget is $5000 but ideally we are looking at like $2-3000 shitboxes and under
has to be auto because she doesnt want to drive stick with the wrong hand ideally something with a little bit more power although I'm not expecting a v8 main goal is reliability while not being so bad it's hard to live with on a day to day basis needs to have cargo space, just incase a whole heap of random crap comes back with us
if it was Australia I'd go a v6 wagon like pic related
if you want to be a scrooge about gas, toyota camry.
Aiden Rogers
You could easily get a V8 powered Mustang for 5k or less, especially in Cali.
Joseph Jones
this the sticky hasnt been updated in fucking years.
Gabriel Edwards
If you wan't cargo space and utility, you can't really go wrong with a minivan it's pretty much just a wagon that's taller vertically, you can sleep comfortably in the back and have tons of room for cargo at the same time, older Toyota Siennas (00-07) are pretty good the V6 version feels like it has some decent power to it and can be had for around your budget plus should be pretty much bombproof, although I'd stay away from the Honda Odyssey because they have ton's of transmission issues.
As an alternative option you could go with a small truck like a Tacoma (essentially a Hilux) or a Ranger and throw a cap on the back, it'll probably get around the same mileage, but you'll have more ground clearance if you wanted to go down some of the sketchier roads in the National Forests/etc.
Anthony Fisher
>V6 wagon equivalent >Expecting a $3000 shitbox
You're gonna have a XV10 Camry and you're gonna like it. Good luck finding a wagon one. That's a unicorn.
Cooper Hall
>Tacoma >less than 5k
yeah right
Joseph Anderson
I own a 1996 that I got for 3K with 140K mi, it's doable you just have to search around and be ok with negotiation.
Carter Moore
considering a crown vic because cargo space and a bit of power out of the old v8 but dont want to look wannabee police officer is there an alternative?
Hudson Peterson
I am still a car guy, obviosuly its a very low budget but even if a car is semi enjoyable to drive its a huge plus
Ethan Howard
Not sure if you want to go Chrysler, but 300 comes to mind for whatever reason.
Brayden Reyes
OP dont get the old 300 (which is all you could afford under 5k), I drove one when it was new and it was dogshit even in the sports v8 trims
Julian Brown
Shit. I got it. 1st gen LS 400. V8, built like a tank, big cargo space.
Carson King
>Ausfag finnaly to embarrassed to stay in Aussie after our Ruby team has fucked them too many times.
Julian Parker
I've been trying to leave ever since it was an option Dad actually had an LS400 when he first arrived but he bought a shit one and it didnt stop breaking down
Brody Wilson
Get a Jeep Cherokee, usually the rusted out shit ones are about $500, while the good mechanically sound ones are anywhere between $1000-$3000. Nice Torque with the inline 6, comes with either automatic or standard, 4WD is amazing for snowy climates and even recreational offroading, extremely common in all states so all parts are incredibly cheap, very easy to do most repairs on, can haul 4 adults plus cargo comfortably, if you're easy on the accelerator you can get 20mpg city, dat sexy 80s boxy look.
Leo Gomez
avalon
Grayson Jones
Hey, it might be a lucky one second time around.
Aaron Ramirez
fuck my first car in Australia was an Avalon and it's not a bad suggestion
Isaiah Allen
>but dont want to look wannabee police officer
chevy g10 van or the ford econoline. toyota previa if you can find one. subaru wagon maybe. honda crv.
Jose Sullivan
Seriously look at the Saab 9-3 or 9-5. They have a ton of space (yuge trunk), are quite quick, fairly dependable GM drivetrain and can be had for very little. 3k is definitely doable. I've had many many cars and my Saab 9-5 aero is the best value I've ever had. $3800 and is in great shape with under 100k miles and that is a typical example. Also looked at one for $2800 with 140k miles and some body dings and torn seats, but otherwise good shape.
Chase Garcia
I have always wanted a Saab but I feel like buying a brand that doesnt exist anymore when finances are critical is a bold move
Nathaniel Russell
Stick with the Camry, easy to find in V6 and you can't complain other than it being a little boring. An LS400 sounds like fun but they aren't as reliable as you think at this age. Problem is they sound pretty nice and once you start revving them out a few times they blow easily if they've just been driven around town or lived their lives on the highway.
Carson Bell
Lincoln Town Car. Get a newer one, mileage still doesn't matter. If the air suspension fails, you can switch to coils easily. Comfy and you won't look as much like a cop.
Xavier Cox
2nd gen Prius
Jaxon Williams
OP you can also get a nice used Buick. It's pretty easy to find a relatively well-maintained Regal or Park Avenue with a 3.8 supercharged in it. '90s and up GM will generally run forever, even if they can be ugly.
Josiah Wright
fuck, he could prolly get a roadmaster wagon for under 5k if he looks in the right place
whatever it says on the odometer doesnt matter as long as all the interior and trunk shit works
Jace Lee
fuck off we're full
Dylan Peterson
Volvo V70 R
Aaron Scott
Ford Ranger
Christian Hill
The only correct answer.
Grayson Moore
New edge mustang GT exact same engine has backseats and a trunk for storage
Levi Smith
>crown vic > reliable pick one.
Dylan Brown
no. good for daily driver around town. not for a road trip. not comfy enough.
- t. ford ranger owner who drove across the country and back in it
Jacob Rogers
some kind of van, wagon or suv with enough space to lay down in and sleep if you need a rest fuckin hotels are expensive if you just need a few hours sleep
Josiah Turner
nice Opel Omega
Ayden Russell
Shut up idiot Wouldn't you rather another white person than some spic or poo Aussies are based
