DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Used Car Recommendations for Around $5,500?

Since I got my license two years ago I've been driving a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. I actually really like it. I like how it drives, I've found it great for long drives (which I do a lot of), and I consider it to get good highway millage (28mpg). However, it just rolled over 152,000 miles and in the past few months a number of issues have appeared.

The transmission is on its last legs. I haven't lost any gears yet, but sometimes it doesn't shift, and I have to let off the gas for it to. Its burning oil (not sure what the cause is). When in reverse (and sometimes in forward) there's a bad grinding sound (bearings?). Sometimes it doesn't start on the first try. It has bad lifter tick (left over from a previous issue, no one has been able to tell me it is damaging to the car). Among numerous smaller issues.

Basically, it has started falling apart and my parents and I have decided it isn't worth putting anymore money into it. I am going to be driving a lot this summer, so I'm looking into a possible replacement car.

My dad does business with Ford, so he wants me to get an American car. Its not a strict rule, but his preference. Due to the complete nosedive of my Grand Prix just within the past year (it was fine last summer) I'm not sure I want another GM.

I've been looking around, and I may want a diesel. Better mileage for the size, and with regular maintenance, can last much longer than a standard gas engine. Looking for diesel cars have led me to a 90s Volkswagon Jetta TDI and an early 80s Mercedes 300D. I'm aware the Mercedes is an absolute tank that can last forever, but don't know much about the Jettas. Anyone have experience with either? The 300D would pretty much require me to preform any repairs, but there's a great online community for them and I'd be willing to put forth the effort.

If you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them. I really don't have too many preferences. I'm just looking for a sedan that gets in the ballpark of 30mpg highway and won't fall apart in two years. I am biased against Asian cars, I guess it comes form my dad. My budget is about $5,500, though I could swing $6,000.

Thanks for your help!

You can by my 1997 Grand Marquis for $5500.

You should be able to get quite a bit of car for that money. Me careful and shop around.

This may rub many the wrong way...

But it's damn near FACT...

If you're gonna buy a used car...Make it one of these 3...Especially in the $6000 range...Miles will be higher...Therefore HISTORY of RELIABILITY is key...And there is NO DISPUTING this...

1) Honda Accord
2) Toyota Cambry
3) Nissan Altima

Here's a somewhat unconventional idea:

1. Flush & fill the tranny. You will probably be surprised at how much better things are with your shifting after that.
2. Check your belts - primarily the serpentine.
3. After that, if things are still going funky, consider getting either a rebuilt engine, or the current one rebuilt.


You get to keep a car you like, and you essentially reset the engine to zero miles. The frame and suspension still have their wear, but you're going to have that on *any* car, particularly one in the price range you are looking.

Best of all? It'll be cheaper than that $5500 to do all of the above. Take the savings and get 4 new tires and new shocks.... it'll feel like a new car.

I bought a Saturn 2 years ago for $5,500 exactly and it has given me no problems at all. And it gets great gas mileage. You might even be able to get one cheaper then that, I am assuming things are cheaper in Ohio because you don't have all the crazy taxes we have here in California.

you can buy my 95 buick skylark, it has 107,000- miles on it but the body is mint, just try and keep the chicks off you

If you like your Grand Prix, why not go for another one of those? You could get one of those for about $5500. I LOVED my Grand Prix GT and miss it everyday. I'd love to have it back. I was never one to like GM products, but that is one I'd do over and over again!

My pick would be for a Honda or Mazda, personally.

If you want reliability, Honda or Toyota is the best hands down.

Ford's NEWER models are getting good reviews, but I would not purchase a used one. Along w/ any other American POS out there.

100k is the kiss of death on American cars as far as I am concerned. My Intrepid is at 117k and the damn thing is a pile of garbage. I can replace the entire transmission and other stuff on this garbage or dump it and never buy American again. I'm choosing the 2nd option.

Talk them down on this one !

I don't know much about the TDIs, thought they do tend to get better mileage than traditional gas engines.

I'd bet you can find something like an 03 or 04 Ford Focus if you want something "newer". I think the Accord, Camry suggestions are good, though you may need to go back to the late 90s for one of those at that price with decent miles. Jump onto cars.com or autotrader.com and do some searches, you never know what you'll find. Double check prices with kbb.com, and edmunds.com is a great site for car info.

Good luck.

auto trader is good to. I've seen some great prices on cars right now by people that just need the cash to pay their mortgage.