Sister Wants A New Cheap Car...

[Machungwa63]

Figured you guys helped me out on the convertible - so it's time for Round 2!!

My sister's 2001 Ford Taurus just failed it's state inspection on 4 things and she's trying to find something to replace it with in the future. (FYI, the Stratus passed on everything). She considers her current 2001 car "old" and at 193,000 miles you can't really blame her - she wants a car with lower numbers there too (mileage). Doesn't want it to cost a whole lot (considering the Taurus was a bargain at $800). She finds Jeep Wranglers appealing...but not PT Cruisers (to give you an idea of her taste). Won't get a Wrangler because she likes air conditioning (something that sucked on the Taurus). Also, she's complained about the MPG on the Taurus, so high number for that would be good too. What you got?

[ScottyB]

any older GM sedan with the 3800 V6 is pretty bulletproof (well, aside from Adam's). a smaller appliance car that might work would be a corolla or civic, either will be a little more expensive to get into but have better MPG and resale.

[DLingenfelter]

I'd say Carolla or it's twin Chevy Prizm. I've heard of reliability issues with virtually every other car under the sun except those. Since '01 is old for her the price might be high on the Carolla but it's worth it for the 35mpg's an AT car can get.

[Kaan]

you wont find a wrangler cheap... prices are rising on jeeps but their A/C is usually ice cold

if a 2001 is old, she'll be in a world of hurt trying to find a "cheap" newer alternative. Cash for Clunkers got rid of the affordable used cars!

hell you cant even find a running mid 90s honda civic for the price she paid for the taurus. good luck!

[Jeff]

What does she have to spend?