Hey. I will have about $3500 to play with to buy my new( used ) car for college. My current vehicle (1995 lifted Nissan Pathfinder 4x4) just isnt going to be economical in a year. I have been looking at stuff that is good on gas and is reliable. Ive pretty much narrowed my search down to Hondas (Civic, Accord), a Nissan Sentra, or a Toyota Corolla,(which I dont really like)

I am really leaning towards an Accord because I'd like to carry 3 or 4 friends comfortably, and with a 5speed, the MPG isnt too bad. (or so Ive heard). What kinds of problems do these cars have? What kind of things should I check for speficially when I am shopping for these cars? What kinds of mechanical problems do these cars typically have? What kind of real-world MPG do you guys get? Anything else you guys want to add on the Honda Civics or any of the other models I listed?

ANY information is appreciated. Thanks

Jeff

 

what year/model are you looking for exactly

 

90s and up Accords, 92 and up Civic preferably, but I am open to the older carbuerated versions if they are kept up and OK.

I like the 5speed 90-93 Accords. The 94+ Accords are probably a little out of my price range.

 

91 Accord LX here. 248,5xx miles on the original engine and tranny...everything still operates perfectly. Engine idles smoothly, a/c works, transmission shifts nice....etc, etc, etc.

Oil's been changed every 3k by the original owner. I bought the car off of him at 242k.

I have an automatic and I get 28 MPG running around town. On the highway I bet I could get well over 30.

Great cars if they've been properly maintained. As I'm sure you know, Hondas are notorious for lasting for a long long time with minimal problems. You should have no problem finding a reliable Accord with that kind of cash. I only paid 1100 for my Accord, but I believe that was a steal.

I'm taking it on a 1500 mile roundtrip vacation to Myrtle Beach on the 4th of July...I have no worries about it making it there and back without problems. These things are great cars.


Good luck man!!!!

 

Anything else anybody wants to add?

 

Everything justin said is

I have a 90 and have 180K on her with no problems, I just replaced the OEM master cylinder and that has been it thus far other than the obvious maintenance. Honda's in general are really good cars if maintained.

IMO for college don't go with a civic not only are you wanting to have 3-4 people in the car but thing about moving anything. My accord 4dr is lowered and can still carry 3 people if needed without any scraping . I get around 26-28 around city and 36+ on highway, awesome cars with great reliability NTM the resale value of the are very high.

GL with the purchase and with college