best resale/used car for money and mpg
 

I'm looking for a 1995 to 2006 low priced car, with the potential for high mpg.

Are there any lists on here of such cars?

Also, is there a list in descending mpg order of cars used by forumites?

That is kind of like asking where the best place to eat is, it really depends on your area and what you have available to you, how large of city you live in, what city you live in and what vehicles are popular in your area, then you need to figure out what vehicle fits your needs, not just how many people can fit it in and how much cargo you can carry in it but how long do you want it to last, if you only drive 7,000 miles a year a vehicle that has issues with rust is going rust out before it wears out but if you drive 30,000 miles a year a vehicle with a less reliable drive train is going to give you issues first.

There are not lists exactly like you are looking for, however the EPA MPG web site lets you sort by age and gas mileage but they do not give you vehicle issues or used vehicle cost, Kelly Blue Book gives you costs and there are a number of good car review web sites to give you vehicle issues, trouble is, vehicles that have very few issues hold their value, so do cars that get good mileage.

If you're looking for high mpg, nothing beats the original Honda Insight.

A Prius or Manual Honda Civic HX.

No offense but that age range also includes the Metro which "should" be cheap along with the good versions of the Dodge Neons (if there was a good version, I'm talking FE only)

Oops you said resale, but then again :)

It will be most useful to post your budget, as this will determine which cars are available to you. For example, if you can't spend more than 2k, that automatically rules out almost every car made after the year 1999.

johnlvs2run -

Here is some good data from larrydag :

CarloSW2

johnlvs2run -

Keep in mind that the above data covers *all* manufacturer models in the Ecomodder Garage. If you see a manufacturer you like, you need to go into the Garage and filter for that manufacturer and then figure out the model that is the MPG winner.

For instance, the Audis have a wide deviation, but maybe that is because some Audi's are diesel while others are gassers.

CarloSW2

That is awesome, thanks very much.

I'd like to stay below 2 to 3000, but definitely below 5501, the cost of my previous car in 1993, which was 4 years old at the time. I am willing to be patient and look for a good price for lower miles, better condition and greater potential.

Do the figures reflect the average of all models for that manufacturer, or the very best performance of any model for that manufacturer? Also, are those auto and manual combined? It is surprising that only a few of them are over 40 mpg.

:o Woops... I forgot the Geo. That would be the best bet for FE/Cost.

johnlvs2run -

Those are larrydag questions.

I would venture to guess that it's all the gasoline models of the manufacturer in the Ecomodder garage. I originally thought it was diesel+hybrid+gasser, but I didn't read larrydag's statement closely, so now I am not so sure :

CarloSW2

How does this one sound?
I might get one manual and one automatic (for friend).

chevy geo metro 2000 - $1700 - 140xxx miles
automatic, says 35-40 mpg fwy, new brakes, good tires
or trade for a truck for the same year ranger, tacoma, frontier

http://images.craigslist.org/3p13oa3...1257d31765.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3ka3m73...6e067916a9.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3m23pd3...6f33961063.jpg

Here's one for comparison. I'm going to see this one tomorrow afternoon.

2001 Suzuki Swift 94,000 miles - $2900 - 34 mpg fwy / 30 city
3 door hatchback, white, new tires, good condition, well maintained, no accidents.
automatic, powerful 4 cylinder with good acceleration, easy to park.

The owner says it had oil changes every 3,000 miles and never needed much work.

The Geo Metro with the Automatic is pretty worthless, I would have to think long and hard about it if someone were willing to give me one and would only take it to convert to electric after swapping to a 5 speed.

A scangauge is going to be a worth while investment so you might want to buy one right now as it will work in any 1996 or newer vehicle you look at and will give you real time MPG along with a long list of other info that can help alot in choosing a used car.

Ryland, thanks for your comments.

The automatic would be for a friend who is not able to drive a manual, for an around the town car that is easy to maneuver and park. Do you feel the Suzuki would be good? I am favoring the Suzuki as it sounds well taken care of, but can wait if there would be something else better.

Does a scangauge plug in under the dash, and then work automatically?

It plugs in straightaway, but needs to be calibrated when filling up.
Once the calibration is properly done, I've found it to be as accurate as the on board computer.

DarMar reported getting 40+ with a 2001 suzuki swift automatic, if this is the same model of car, and it looks like it is. Any comments are much appreciated, as I'll be looking at this car today. Also the book value says 2400 top but the asking is 2900.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...goes-8700.html

The owner reports getting 34mpg and 30 around town, which would be fine anyway as my friend doesn't drive very much. Does this automatic sound good, or would a different one be better for the price?

Your MPG Estimates

best resale/used car for money and mpg
 

The list is helpful to me, because I check out the cars at the top to see what's available locally, then look up the history of the cars I'm interested in on various sites, including this one. That's how I found the suzuki.

Interestingly, most of the mention on ecomodder is about honda, and not much about suzuki or vw, though they are higher on the list. Perhaps that is because of the insight, but other models get good mpg too.

Well I called my mechanic and he recommended not getting the suzuki swift.

The reason is that he only sees one every couple of years, and there's no dealer around, so if it needed something like a hard to find part or special tools then it could be costly to work on the car.

He recommended either a honda or toyota for that reason, because they are more popular cars.

I think what Frank is getting at is that you seem to be set on buying a Metro/Swift now, but there are a lot of cars out there that might be a good car for less money. If you limit yourself to just one model, you'll likely pass up good deals on other cars.

I've been considering a cheap beater (spousal approval for another car is sketchy, so I'm not too serious yet) with a manual and have found a wide range of '96+ cars under $1200 that would work fine. Kia Sephia, Dodge Neon, Chevy Cavalier, Hyundai Accent and Elantra, Ford Escort all show up regularly in this price range, with the occassional VW Jetta or Civic. The '96+ Metro/Swift rarely seems to show up in my seach, most are priced higher and if I only looked for Metros I'd have to pay more.

My price range is lower, but I'm more willing to tolerate flaws than most. That and location may affect your search results.

The Geo Metro is a Suzuki Swift, just in case you didn't figure that out and you would be better off going by EPA numbers then by what people get on here as everyones use and driving can vary alot, some of us drive ideal routs that let us obtain higher then normal mileage while others have less then ideal routs or have a vehicle that is fully loaded with tools or people or towing a trailer so EPA numbers are going to give you a level playing field to judge vehicles from, to make the best use of the EPA's mpg web site fallow this link.
Power Search
It lets you select a range of years, vehicle types and many other options.

Ryland,

Does that mean parts and tools for the swift would not be so hard to find like my mechanic had thought?

Thanks for that info and link.

Parts for a Swift really shouldn't be a problem. The Chevy/Geo Metro and Suzuki Swift are the same car and if you have to get a dealer only part, your local Chevy dealer will likely have most of them.

But who goes there anyways, go to your nearest FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store) and pick up your parts there. They either have or can get most everything you need to keep your car running.

That said, I'd probably keep looking unless you can talk them down a lot on the price.

Darcane, thanks.
My mechanic seemed to think parts and tools would be hard to find for some reason, maybe because he doesn't see the car very often. I will definitely work the price down, or else let it pass and get something else.

Update: My mechanic feels the geo metro is a throw away car, 100k max unless nursed along, and that sukuki parts and tools can be different even though it's the same car, so he recommends sticking with honda or toyota.

Oh well. I'm still going to see the suzuki tomorrow but will keep these things in mind.

What makes the Metro/swift a throw away car is that it was $9,000 or so new and alot of people who bought them treated them poorly so judge the person who you are buying it from as much as you judge the car, they are not a bullet proof car but if taken care of they will last, maybe not much past 200,000 miles but up until that point you should be fine, if it's cared for.
I would go with the Honda or Toyota just because I like how they feel to drive more then the metro/swift, I don't know tho what special tools your mechanic is thinking you might need, I would stay away from VW's for the reason of needing special tools for! but the Metro/swift everything bolts together with a standard set of metric wrenches... other then the front suspension supports those rust out and are welded to the body, at that point the car is scrap unless you can weld and want a project and for that reason you want to look at the body and not so much the drive train, the drive train on a metro is a dime a dozen or more so $150 for an engine and $100 for the transmission and they are little engines with lots of space around them so you hoist the engine out with an engine hoist or a coat hanger and some baller twine if you have to and bolt the new one in if things really go south on you.

Ryland,
That's an awesome message, very helpful - thanks.

I looked at the suzuki, and took it to my mechanic for a check. He scanned the codes and said they were fine, but thought the car was due for a timing belt change at 60,000 miles ($300). He was right, as shown on this link.

I drove the car and noticed the gearing was quite low, certainly not suitable for extended freeday driving, but okay around town. I'm passing on the car and will be looking for a 5 speed for me now.

99 honda civic ex
 

Let me know your comments about a honda civic ex.

5 speed, 2 door, power windows & locks, keyless entry,
new tires and tune up, timing belt and water pump at 98,000 miles,
dark green, paint peeling on trunk lid, windshield has a crack. now 106,300

The owner says it gets 33 mpg, mostly on 20 mile freeway trips @ 75 mph.
I find that disappointing as I'd like to get at least 40, potentially 50 mpg.

Might this car be a good choice?

http://images.craigslist.org/3k33o43...9dbc921196.jpg

Peeling paint on a 12 year old car? That's unusual... Especially with a Honda.

I'd be sure to Carfax it. Could be an accident in it's past.

The EX is more geared towards performance than economy. Although all Civics are pretty reasonable on economy, you'd be better off getting an HX or even a DX Civic.

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.

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.

1996 Honda Civic Dx - $3700
 

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.

http://images.craigslist.org/3k03me3...ce6a0110f7.jpg

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.