[California98Civic]

Looking for a car that is inexpensive and fuel efficient but pretty clean and no beater? I have been. Here is a little of what I have learned and a call for community postings of other examples.

At five/ten years old (or more) some cars are still well-preserved, retaining a lot of usefulness, and with most of their depreciation behind them. They are great values and none would call 'em a POS. But you have to pay more than for a beat down Saturn like the one I looked at & almost bought a few weeks ago.

Post up examples of cars. Here are some "guidelines:"

1) Under $7,000
2) under 150,000 miles
3) No salvage title (unless its too good to miss)

Here is an example from Craig's List that could be a very good deal if there are no hidden major problems: 2011 Accord EX sedan, inline 4, with 148,000 miles @ $6900. It is an automatic that gets 33 MPG on the freeway, according to the US govt:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...611140877.html

2011 honda accord ex 4dr 4cyl ,,,,1 owner ,,,,,no accident ,,,,,,

pink slip,,,,clean title,,,carfax ready,,,,

142k mile ,,,,,original mile,,,

engine and transmission very very good,,,,no leaking,,,

8-2018 license plate,,,

air condition,,,tires good,,,,clean leather seat,,,,moon roof,,,alloy wheel,,,

Today, on CarGurus, I spotted a 2011 Mazda2 with 80,000 miles, 35 MPG freeway, clean exterior but some questions about the "accident reported" needing to be asked before forking over $4,600.