best resale/used car for money and mpg

[j12piprius]

Darcane,
Thanks for your comments. A previous car that I left outside had peeling paint, till I figured out it was caused by the sun burning off the water every day from nighttime humidity, so that could be the reason for the peeling.

Do I need a vin# to use carfax?

Here's a really good summary Wonderboy made of his 1998 Ex.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by johnlvs2run

Darcane,
Thanks for your comments. A previous car that I left outside had peeling paint, till I figured out it was caused by the sun burning off the water every day from nighttime humidity, so that could be the reason for the peeling.

Do I need a vin# to use carfax?

Here's a really good summary that someone made with an 1998 Ex.

I'll keep looking for an Hx or Dx.

Well, I guess that depends on what part of the country are you in too. Desert Southwest? If so, probably not such a concern then.

Here in Washington, paint will almost never peel unless it was damaged and poorly repainted.

Either way, carfax is a good idea anyways when buying a used car. Most dealerships will show you the report, or for a small fee, you can run the report yourself. Yes, you'll need the VIN. I've never had any problems getting the VIN from a private party seller when I ask for it.

[j12piprius]

Coastal fog, burned off every morning by the sun. The Ex owner says he gets 33 mpg at 75 mph, thinks he'd get 36 mpg at 65 and 25 mpg around town.

- - -

Here's a Dx - 4 door sedan
manual transmission, 5 speed? 185k miles
says great condition well maintained, nice paint job, nice tires/rims
alarm system, interior clean, no rips or tears, don't know mpg yet.

[cfguy2000]

I have a 97 Corolla. I highly recommend them. I get a consistent 30+ mpg and I have the 3 speed automatic. I am sure a 5 speed in good condition could get closer to 40mpg. I find that Corollas are generally less expensive than a same year Civic. (Probably because the Civic is a little bit sportier) The Corolla is very easy to work on and can last a very long time. I have 202,000 miles right now with the original engine.

[j12piprius]

I got the Honda Ex yesterday. My mechanic gave it a thorough inspection, the seller's going to help me change the brake pads this weekend, which I've never done before so that's awesome, and I got a good price. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions!

On the way taking the seller back home, my chevy konked out at a light, then 5 more times coming home, each time starting in neutral or park but dying when put into gear. I think maybe it's the lock up solenoid but not sure. The other chevy that I'm selling has had the same issue but locks up going 70 mph on the freeway. Is there any chance I could change these myself?

[SentraSE-R]

Congratulations on your new reliable EX. The neutral/park safety switch should be easy enough to do yourself. I have no experience with them, since I drive manuals, but it has to be a pretty simple position sensor or switch toggling position in park and neutral.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by johnlvs2run

I got the Honda Ex yesterday. My mechanic gave it a thorough inspection, the seller's going to help me change the brake pads this weekend, which I've never done before so that's awesome, and I got a good price. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions!

Congrats on the EX!

It's not quite as efficient as the HX or DX, but it's a very good car overall and a little more zippy. You'll be happy with it.

[CigaR007]

Have you considered the Toyota Echo ? Mine can achieve 50 MPG during the Summer months. It is a very reliable and lightweight car, decent interior space and a peppy engine when coupled with a 5-speed tranny. Check my fuel log for detailed figures.

Pretty sure you can find the first gen Echo (2000-2002) for less than $2500.