Need a car for 6 months, got $2k

But wouldn't a new used car in that price bracket be a gamble too? At least this way, if you lose it was money you knew you needed to put into the project car anyways, as opposed to risk from a new to you vehicle.

Ya, that is a good point!

It might be worth looking for the final generation mazda 626. I know they are a bit frumpy looking, but it seems like they made a lot of v6 / 5-speed ones, and often in this weird base model looking package with hub caps, cloth, and no spoiler. Dunno what's up with that but I've seen tons of them.

In reply to NickD:

Agreed, I drove my Miata across the country, and back, over the course of 3 months. My girlfriend loved it, and we are now engaged. We paid 2700$ for a 148k mile 1997 Miata, and it was completely trouble free the entire trip. In fact, we've had it 3 years now and all it has needed was a starter, a battery, and a speedo cable.

If the Miata seems to small to consider, I agree that a Civic, Accord, or Legend would be in the running. Also like the 626 with a 5-speed idea. For some reason I don't really trust the Nissans in that price range as much. They always seem to need CV joints and are harder to find w/ manual trans.

RE: the 626 idea...Something like this:

5-speed V6 626

Here's one in the Bay Area with only 64k miles. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5612776678.html

Above your price range, but wow, that seems like a lot of car for less than 4k.

If you want a V8 2wd auto Explorer I'll make you a deal. It fits exactly nothing on your wish list, but it's solid and you can get your money back on it in six months.

You could buy my Accord for $2500, and it is ready to go and has a manual, but I can think of more classy ways to do a roadtrip.

Never drove a mazda 626.Will check it out. I just think I need something with a bit more utility than a sedan.. dunno a truck would be cool with good AC, but hard to find a truck that isn't super beat or lifted and rwd.

Here's a pretty clean 1999 Altima, 1 owner. Looks like it had some work done all it's life (recently had CV joints done) I guess realy just gotta check if the timing chain is making any noise? I should hear like zero clicks at idle right?

http://www.importscity.com/226_V20160118142919/Raleigh/1999-NISSAN-ALTIMA-XE-GXE-SE-GLE-for-sale

In reply to Coldsnap:

Basically none, like if you hear rattling thats probably not good but more than likely the guides. Those ka motors are tough as nails, had a friend run one 180k with a broke guide for 50k of those. Now hes got one with 300k on the original chains and it's quiet

chiodos wrote: In reply to Coldsnap: Basically none, like if you hear rattling thats probably not good but more than likely the guides. Those ka motors are tough as nails, had a friend run one 180k with a broke guide for 50k of those. Now hes got one with 300k on the original chains and it's quiet

Gotcha ok, the maxima i test drove obviously had broken guides as it was rattling. I sort of do like the maximas / altimas.. interior doesn't encroach on your space like the honda/toyotas do. whats the best way to check the clutch and transmission on these?

I'd really like this 2004 Volvo S40 Manual I see with 150k miles, dealer could be talked down to $4.5k but friend keeps urging me to not buy a modern european vehicle..

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5613622641.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5612943088.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5606317556.html

The altima engine sounded like it was dying.

I drove a manual honda crv that caught my eye and loved it. Was a 2001 or 2004. I know nothing about these but I want one now. But I can't find any manual FWD in my area.. Need to read up on how much extra maintenance the AWD is.

I like those CRVs with the manual too. I wish I could say, but I know nothing about their AWD systems.

How about Caprice! I loved my crown victoria, but dont want to own another Vic.

'95 clean