Any suggestions for a decent used car around $3500

Aim for a widebody Camry, either 4 or V6 if you can find one.

Go forever, servicing and parts are cheap.

The brides 94 V6 auto has 191k on the clock and in so far as a 94 Camry can be decent , it is. Only time it costs money is a holed radiator (rock) and a cracked windscreen.

try and find a book called the dog and lemon guide, it is similar size to a yellow pages and lists thousands of models, all the crash safety, reliability ratings, known problems, values etc

http://dogandlemon.com/

http://www.dogandlemon.com/pdf/Sample%20review.pdf

boomacat said :

Go for a small cheap Japanese car…

What he said.

Get a Toymota. It’ll be boring as batshit, but given you’re allocating $3500 for a used car I’m guessing you’re an A-to-B kinda guy, so a dependable Toyota should be just the ticket.

Just make sure it has been looked after and there’s no nasty service shocks about to come (new clutch, timing belts etc).

I’m not sure if this is really what you’re asking but I’d recommend checking.

http://billboard.anu.edu.au/classifieds.asp?
ANU Student Online Bulletin Board so most of the cars are small,older and economical & cheap. Good times to buy are at the ends of semesters when a lot of people are returning to their home state/country and need to quickly offload their vehicles.

http://www.allclassifieds.com.au/ac/ac0005?vmid=&minprice=1000&maxprice=2500&orderby=days
Allclassifieds between $1,000 –> $2,500) sorted by days listed (You could also do sort by KM listed).

Good luck!

I have a 93 ford laser tx3…got it about three years ago for 4.5k.

It as done a few coast and Sydney trips and still gets me from A to B. If you can pick up one in good nick I’d recommend it. Had about 220,000 on the clock and I’ve taken in close to 280,000.

It still runs well but given it has served me so well, with getting a few things replaced for $700 being my most expensive service, I consider every kilometre a bonus. I think Car Care in Tuggeranong has something to do with its longevity, because I don’t drive as carefully with an older car as I should.

Google redbook, it has the current private sale prices for just about every car around. the site is a bit crappy but the information is essential when you are buying a car.

Most reliable makes according to NRMA, RAA, RACV, etc
Toyota number 1
Honda & Hyundai are equal 2nd

farnarkler said :

Peterh if your 89 magna is an auto, pray it’s had a dealer installed replacement gearbox.

it has. it is the SE model, still runs well. whatever car you get, try to get something that premier automotive can service – rob is so worth his weight in gold. The 89 magna has an annoying noise brought on by the balance chain, but it has a working AC and it gets me to my meetings ok.

Peterh if your 89 magna is an auto, pray it’s had a dealer installed replacement gearbox.

BenMac said :

Mitsubishi Magna 1993 4cyl. 250,000km. Rego until May 09.

All yours for $1100. Any takers.

my 89 magna has a book price of $1900 – might buy it one day…

there are some used cars out near canfab in fyshwick – a mate picked up a barina for $1500, it has been serviced recently at commonwealth and they told him it is in mint condition.

apparently, they have several other cars the same size, and price. off gladstone st.

sigh again Thumper, the V6 was a Buick block.

Just about to trade my immaculate inside and out EB in for 3k on a new car.

Oh, and a friend of mine picked up an immaculate late 90’s corolla with 160k on the clock for just over $5k a couple of weeks ago. Was a very tidy vehicle. Maybe something like that would be the go.

Forget the high km taxi. Go for a commy or falc only if you know the owners, as many such vehicles in this price range have been ‘enjoyed’ by P plate and younger male drivers.

I’d search for a small Japanese vehicle, as I’m not convinced the Korean vehicles in that price range were built at a time when quality was well sorted. Try to find yourself a nice base model small car like a corolla or pulsar. Also, a service history is your friend. Cars that have been regularly serviced will easily outlast those that haven’t. Inspection by a mechanic is a must – if nothing else it should give you an idea as to upcoming work that will need to be done.

I’ve seen lots of cars out there within my budget but have 250k and higher kms. Just wondering if some of the cheaper Japanese or Korean engines will handle the high k’s.

Go for a small cheap Japanese car. Might be a bit pansy, but something like a Mitsu Lancer or Toy Corolla should work a treat. Cheap parts and easy to service should something go wrong.

Mitsubishi Magna 1993 4cyl. 250,000km. Rego until May 09.

All yours for $1100. Any takers.