Re: Reliable cheap car replacement?
What ever the O.P. buys, I suggest bringing it to a trusted mechanic for a look-over (if the O.P. doesn't have the means to completely check it himself) before money changes hands.
Honda, Toyota, and a few others make solid reliable cars, but again I would put an emphasis on having them checked out before buying, especially if you are doing a private sale. Most of them have owners that are proud of there vehicles, and keep them in good shape. But there are a few folks out there that own these brands, and have the perception that since they have such a bullet prof car, there is no need to do any regular maintenance to them.
Oil changes are done every once in a while when they happen to remember it, and see a coupon in the Sunday flier. Air filters are changed when one of handful of mechanics who have looked at the car finally takes the initiative to check the filter and find its as black as your hat. Tranny fluid, well the transmission is shifting fine, doesn't need to be flushed. Same with the coolant. No problems with overheating, must be OK. Timing belt... what the heck is a timing belt?
