When buying a used car, there are certain truths that any used car buyer must face. First, if the used car you’re interested in is too good to be true (as it pertains to price, condition, and/or mileage), chances are it probably is. Secondly, if you’re looking to spend under $5K for a used car, it will have in the neighborhood of 100K miles on it. Thirdly, if you’re just beginning your used car shopping endeavor, remember to be patient!
To the dismay of many used car buyers, many sub-$5K used cars are not much to look at. However, if you’re not willing to go beyond that $5K mark, there are some vehicles you may want to put higher on your lists than others.
Acura Integra GS-R
There’s plenty to like about the Acura Integra for your next used car, according to New Jersey used cars dealers. First, the Integra offers Honda reliability, which is perhaps the most valuable component to this pre-owned car. But the Acura also has an 8,000 rpm redline, which complements the Integra’s outstanding handling capabilities. The problem arises when trying to find an Integra in good condition admits one used car dealer tacoma. While finding Integra stock is easy, Pittsburgh Used Auras most have been driven hard, abused, or perhaps customized a bit too much by previous owners to make it worth it. The best strategy for finding a quality, sporty Acura Integra is finding a private owner. With a little tweaking of your own, a stock Integra could certainly be a high value performer thanks to its Honda powertrain. Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird
For those looking for high-power, American muscle, you may want to consider a used Chevrolet Camaro or used Pontiac Firebird. These vehicles had not one, but two powerful V8 engine choices - a 5.0-liter engine and a 5.7-liter engine. The latter was only available with an automatic. Following the 1993 model year, the chassis was also more rigid, with a higher output LT1 engine. While the T-top or convertible variants may be tempting, Orlando Used Cars recommends you stay clear unless you love incessant rattling. Luckily, finding a used Camaro or Firebird shouldn’t be too difficult, with Used Cars Louisville, for example, having Camaro in their inventory regularly. It’s recommended to hold out for one with the LT1 V8 engine.
Chevrolet Corvette Just about any Chevrolet Corvette vintage would make a great used car according to used cars Salt Lake City dealers. The quintessential American sports car can offer loads of power and driving fun for a surprisingly low price tag. Finding one in a good pre-owned condition for about $5,000 will not be easy, but it isn’t outside the realm of possibility. That being said, Philadelphia used car dealers warn you should expect super high mileage! It’s recommended to avoid the convertible for the same reason as the aforementioned Camaro/Firebird as structural rigidity was poor in late 1980s models. Your best bet will be a Vette from 1990 or later.
Ford Mustang
Speaking of quintessential American sports cars, the Ford Mustang remains a modern classic. Affordable, powerful, and roomy - you can’t go wrong. The best part about a used Mustang from Cheyenne Used Cars is that there is no shortage of them. Finding a late model pre-owned Mustang will not be challenging, as just about any auction or used car dealer lot will have stock of them. Opting for an early ‘90s model Mustang will no doubt be easy on the eyes, and the wallet according to Greeley used cars dealers. With a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine, you’ll have a sports car that could run competitive 13-second quarter miles - not bad for its day.
Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude had problems in its heyday. It was not a hit for Honda, perhaps because it was overpriced. But the Prelude was also underrated. Luckily, as a used car, most Alabama used Honda dealers say the Prelude is priced very well, and offers fuel-efficiency and sportiness. Unfortunately, many used Honda Preludes have faced many of the same problems that face used Integras, such as terrible customizations and general mistreatment. While finding a quality used Prelude may take a little time and a little research, it will be worth the extra effort. The late model Prelude SH offers the excellent Active Torque Transfer System, which is a limited-slip differential that helps the Prelude in the corners. Pittsburgh Used Hondassays It would be wise to opt for the Prelude with a manual transmission.
Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T or GSX
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a great pocket rocket when it was available with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine with a turbocharger and all-wheel drive. The two-door hatchback body style also added to the Eclipse's sportiness. With as much as 210 horsepower, a used Eclipse offers great speed at a low cost, but don’t expect to easily find these with fewer than 100K miles, warns Saint Louis Used Cars. One money-saving option may be to look for the Eagle version of the Eclipse. With all-wheel drive and an available limited-slip differential, the Eclipse is a great performer for the money.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The previous MX-5 Miata may not be quite as quick on its feet as it looks, but it is simply one of the best handling and most fun to drive vehicles that Mazda has ever produced. One used car buyer may consider a Camaro or Mustang for the power, other used car buyers may opt for the Miata for the stiff chassis and great cornering available with the third-generation Miata. Used Mazda Calgary recommend to stay clear of the automatic transmission in this car. The available five-speed transmission and limited slip differential with the earlier 1.8 liter four cylinder engine is a great combination that may not be impressive in the corner mile, but will certainly provide driving excitement.
Nissan 240SX
The Nissan 240SX is one of Nissan’s best small cars, and it had plenty to love including a light weight chassis, rear-wheel drive, and tautly tuned suspension. Unfortunately, the Nissan 240SX was lacking in one area - power. Later generations provide more power, and more body styles to choose from. If you can find a used 240SX in a good stock condition, one used car dealer Hartford suggests you may find that it provides a great value.
Toyota MR2
Light weight, near equal weight distribution, and loads of turbocharged power all characterize the second-gen Toyota MR2. With the same engine powering the Camry, the MR2 was not short on power, especially considered how light it was. Finding a used MR2 in good condition, and under $5K, will be difficult says one Westminster Toyota dealer, but not impossible. In recent years, this generation MR2 has actually increased in value. So although some of the better pre-owned model may be worth over $5K, you may be lucky and get your hands on a diamond in the ruff. Or, with a few Toyota accessories, you may have a great performer on your hands.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.
Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.
Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.
