What to get for reliable cheap commuter

B00mb00m said:
The problem is I don’t trust how people do rebuilds. My LJ is a rebuilt so I have no issue with the idea but I trust very few people to buy their wrecks.
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Could also look for a theft recovery. Since as you say, Hondas are the most stolen vehicle.
 
The later model Honda 4cyl went to a timing chain instead of a belt. We paid $9k for a one owner 08 Accord with 130k miles back in 2021. It's a no frills model with faded wheel covers, the paint is so-so, and the headliner is sagging but it's mechanically solid. It's at 150k now and my wife commutes with it 50 miles a day. I liked that I didn't have to mess with a timing belt or take someone's word that it was already done.
 
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B00mb00m said:
I’ve been searching for exactly that actually, but they are hard to find and command a premium for the manual. I’ll keep an eye out. How many miles you got on it? Any major maintenance milestones to be aware of?
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I sold it last spring with 107k on it. I have no doubts it will go over 250k with no issues. The new owner flew down from Ohio to buy it.

As far as known issues and things to know. The coil packs seem to only last about 35k, but they are easy to replace. The door locks have a tendency to freeze up, need to be regularly lubricated. If you buy an early one with the 5 speed manual, 5th is a little too low for speeds at 70MPH or above. I don't think the 6 speeds have that issue. The 1.3L SOHC has a timing chain, not a belt.

If you have driven a late 90s early 2000s Civic, the Fit feels a lot like that. It's still pretty basic and nimble.
 
B00mb00m said:
I’m looking for model year and mileage recommendations, like a 2010 accord auto wirh 120k with timing belt already changed.

I agree Honda and Toyota are good brands. A LOT of them for 8k are rebuilt titles and a lot are clapped out. I’m not sure Honda and Toyota are great values for 8k. I’ve been looking at Mazdas since they don’t attract the beater ricer crowd.

Hondas are also like the #1-#4 top stolen vehicles in every major city in US.
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2002 -2006 RSX Base with a manual. It's basically a Honda civic with a different body on it. I bought mine in 2018 with 80K on it for $6,000. It just hit 118K and I could probably sell it for $6-7K now. I expect it to run well into the 200K mileage range. Only issue is going to be finding one that hasn't been fucked with by someone. Mine was purchased from the original dealership it sold from new. The original owner died and his wife sold it back to the dealership afterwards.

No matter what vehicle you pick the biggest problem is going to be finding something that hasn't been fucked with or beat on. Your best bet would be to ask around to friends, family and coworkers if they have any elderly relatives with vehicles they aren't using anymore.
 
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B00mb00m said:
I agree Honda and Toyota are good brands. A LOT of them for 8k are rebuilt titles and a lot are clapped out. I’m not sure Honda and Toyota are great values for 8k.
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Used Hondas and Toyotas command a higher than typical price for a reason. I have 265,xxx on my current work car ('08 Civic/auto). It has never left me stranded. Other than general fluid change, tires and brakes, I have only had to 1) replace a hydro engine mount $90 + my time, 2) replace struts at 230K 3) replace serp belt and water pump @250K and rebuilt the starter at that same time, 4) spark plugs every 100K

My other Civic has less than 90K on it and I haven't even had to change the brakes yet.

Find a good Honda or Toyota that has been taken care of and you won't regret it.

B00mb00m said:
Looking for something around $8000 or less. I’d like to be as close to an appliance on wheels as possible.
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Also, there are minivans.... ;)
 
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Blackjack said:
You are in the PNW so it has to be either a Subi or an XJ.
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IMG_8925.gif
 
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B00mb00m said:
I’m looking for model year and mileage recommendations, like a 2010 accord auto wirh 120k with timing belt already changed.

I agree Honda and Toyota are good brands. A LOT of them for 8k are rebuilt titles and a lot are clapped out. I’m not sure Honda and Toyota are great values for 8k. I’ve been looking at Mazdas since they don’t attract the beater ricer crowd.

Hondas are also like the #1-#4 top stolen vehicles in every major city in US.
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You touched on two things that I was going to bring up, one being Honda thefts, and the other is the Mazda brand.

I can't tell you how many of my friends and relatives have had their Hondas stolen. In the PNW, it's a real problem, and something you'd need to seriously take into consideration. As far as Mazdas go, I feel that they're an underrated brand. While I'm not sure I'd want to spend the money on a new Mazda over the other imports, I'd buy a used one in a heartbeat, and have, in fact, owned several. With anything you're considering, I'd look for something that has a timing chain over a belt. For me, it's a real factor in what I'll buy.

As for Nissan, I'd pass. And as for Subaru, you couldn't give me another one. I've had three, and I've come to loathe their engines. Just my experience, though. Others feel differently, to be sure.
 
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Squatch said:
With anything you're considering, I'd look for something that has a timing chain over a belt. For me, it's a real factor in what I'll buy.
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That is sound advice, given current cost if one can't or won't do it themselves. As far as I know, all Honda/Acuras made mid-2000s and later are timing chain engines. I know the K and R series (4-cylinders in Civics/Accords/some Acura) are timing chain engines.
 
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Squatch said:
You touched on two things that I was going to bring up, one being Honda thefts, and the other is the Mazda brand.

I can't tell you how many of my friends and relatives have had their Hondas stolen. In the PNW, it's a real problem, and something you'd need to seriously take into consideration. As far as Mazdas go, I feel that they're an underrated brand. While I'm not sure I'd want to spend the money on a new Mazda over the other imports, I'd buy a used one in a heartbeat, and have, in fact, owned several. With anything you're considering, I'd look for something that has a timing chain over a belt. For me, it's a real factor in what I'll buy.

As for Nissan, I'd pass. And as for Subaru, you couldn't give me another one. I've had three, and I've come to loathe their engines. Just my experience, though. Others feel differently, to be sure.
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Spot on from what I’ve gathered also. This is the cleanest sub 10k car I’ve found on CL so far.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-2014-mazda-6-speed-manual/7688299909.html
But 130k miles is a lot. He did the belt already. Original owner.

Honda is offering 1.49% loan on certified used.

The Honda theft is ridiculous, the other thing is all the 02-08 cars have terrible pealing paint jobs. I can’t believe an OEM can have such a terrible clear coat process. Most other makes have great paint stil if not scratched. My 05 ford had good clear coat on roof still.
 
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Squatch said:
I just happen to have a sweet '96 XJ 2-door he could look at. He's been to my house before. It'd be worth looking into. Just saying...;)
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Reheheheheally?? How’s it run? I’m not not-interested :)
 
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MaximusLJR06 said:
2002 -2006 RSX Base with a manual. It's basically a Honda civic with a different body on it. I bought mine in 2018 with 80K on it for $6,000. It just hit 118K and I could probably sell it for $6-7K now. I expect it to run well into the 200K mileage range. Only issue is going to be finding one that hasn't been fucked with by someone. Mine was purchased from the original dealership it sold from new. The original owner died and his wife sold it back to the dealership afterwards.

No matter what vehicle you pick the biggest problem is going to be finding something that hasn't been fucked with or beat on. Your best bet would be to ask around to friends, family and coworkers if they have any elderly relatives with vehicles they aren't using anymore.
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You’re right that is a fantastic car. I’ve been looking for that also.
 
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