Best/Coolest car for $6-7k

[KenC]

I'm looking for a DD that I can keep for a while. I want something reliable with half-decent gas milage, and something that's not going to nickle and dime me to death. NO suvs.

Any thoughts?

mid 90s ES300?
96-97 A4 (poss 96 FWD)?

[325iCabrio]

The Lexus ES300 is a nice car for that money. And you probably won't ever have any problem with it.

Have you thought about an early '90s MB 300E/E320? If they're well taken care of, they'll be one of the best cars you'll ever own. The one rule is there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes; buy the nicest one you can afford, and it'll be good to you. If you want more info about them, shoot me a PM--I did a lot of research about them when I was looking to trade in my E30.

If you want to stay away from German cars, obviously Lexus and any of the Toyota/Hondas are good cars.

[KenC]

The early 90s MBs just look too old... that's my only beef. They feel like you're in an early 80s car.

[E30 Wagen]

Saturn

My older brother found a LS200 for about $6000. He likes it. He's had it for about a year and no problems. I drove it and was pretty nice and solid and decent power for a four cylinder.

[Bill 84 318i]

I'd stay away from any Audi's if you're looking for something that won't nickel and dime you to death.

If you want reliability, buy the newest/lowest mileage Civic you can find.

[ping65810]

Maybe a Volvo turbo, or you might be able to even find a 96+ MB E320 for around that if you look hard enough.

[Julien]

You are pretty close to late e36/e46 range there (99s can be had for under 8k, 97 328is around 7k)
I shopped around for over a month and just gave up on anything non BMW and bought myself an e46 (that i thoroughly love)

good luck
Julien

[CarsSuck]

e39s are coming into that range too.

julien, your avatar is wierd as shit. wtf is up with it?

[KenC]

I'd stay away from any Audi's if you're looking for something that won't nickel and dime you to death.

If you want reliability, buy the newest/lowest mileage Civic you can find.

I was thinking about a civic/accord/camry, but I'd like something at least moderately cool.

[KenC]

How is the 99 323i?

[WlknGenius]

Something like a honda or hyundai would be the most economic route. Since they're cheaper cars to begin with, you're going to be able to get one with lower miles for 6-7k when compared to a european car.

You could also consider buying 6 lincoln towncars or crown vics for 1000 dollars each. Hell, you might even find one that used to be a patrol vehicle with the spotlight attached.

[machined]

Like any other car/BMW. 1st year -possibly problematic. Sport package is a must but of course watch for subframe issues. I'm pretty sure decent ones haven't made it into the 6-7k range yet though.

[craig4ie]

Subaru!!! well built, kinda sporty, economical, AWD, many with manual trannies

[KenC]

Subaru!!! well built, kinda sporty, economical, AWD, many with manual trannies

which models? all i see are outbacks and im not too keen on a wagon

[ColdAccord]

e36