WTB: $3000-ish not-too-dull appliance sedan

Looking to replace DD#2's trusty-but-slightly-rusty 1997 Celica. She really wanted a mid-size 4-door and I stuck her with that. She didn't complain (it was a free car to her) but I'd like to find something closer to what would be useful for her.

As noted in my Acura TL-s thread, I'm searching for something solid, a nice driver, in the 10-15 year-old / $3000 / 100k miles range. I'd like to avoid the complete soul-crushers but it does not have to be exceptionally sporty as long as it is a pleasant place to be. Needs 4 doors, and while I realize I open up my options with SUVs, I'd really like to avoid that if possible - so let's start with sedans, please.

$3000 is my contribution. If she really likes the car, she may have some money to add to that budget.

Whatcha got that's taking up driveway space? Thanks.

NMNA etc nice

Great chassis, great drivetrain. 89k miles.

I always thought those looked pretty good. That one looks a little skanky inside, but the price and mileage are right. Thanks.

/edit/ How are the 6 cylinders?

Duke wrote: I always thought those looked pretty good. That one looks a little skanky inside, but the price and mileage are right. Thanks. /edit/ How are the 6 cylinders?

Solid. the Theta (2.4 4-banger) and the Lambda (3.3V6) are both great engines. Seen many V6's over the 200+k mark without burning a drop of oil. That whole platform is really good. Still have multilink suspension at all 4 corners and standard 4-whl disc.

The downside is the interiors didn't hold up as well. nothing bad, just doesn't look as nice and shows wear pretty quick.

Great, thanks for the info.

Selling my 03 325i. Been great for me.

Though it is 228k miles now.

Yeah, that's a little high. Thanks, though.

I have enjoyed the Lexus GS - both the 300 and the 430 have been fun to drive and reliable cars with plenty of luxury. $3000 will get you a decent GS300 without too horrible many miles.

The Pontiac Gran Prix with the super charger is no slouch, and is in your price and age range.

Paul B

Saw the title and was going to try and sell my SAAB to you, then I saw who posted and we already had this discussion... ;) Still available though!

Thanks! I feel bad about that but I'm willing to go up in price a little to get something cosmetically a little better.

In reply to Bobzilla:

How about this one?

Oh I understand! The clear coat does kinda kill the looks. You could always buy it for $2000, and use the extra money for paint or a wrap... ;P

Look hard and you might find a Honda Fit, or strong arm the seller down to your price .

I've got an 2009 Nissan Versa hatchback. Kinda boring but solid. $2300 to a board member. Craigslist add

Duke wrote: In reply to Bobzilla: How about this one?

Just saw this. That looks clean. It's been repainted at some point (passenger fender different color). My best friend had one just like that (limited) for many years. He put 150k miles on it, got hit 3 different times while he owned it.He got rid of it when he leased his Merc.

I will have an 02 Outback for sale in about two weeks. Currently taking up garage space, soon to be taking up driveway space.

Too bad you don't want a 27 year old car with 115k miles.

EvanR wrote: Too bad you don't want a 27 year old car with 115k miles.

What is it?

/edit/ The budget has increased as high as $5000, because DD#2 will make some contribution as well.