I drive almost 100 mile round trip to work every day. Can't see putting that many miles on a new car so I've been buying $1500 "disposable" cars for several years now. Any '86-'92 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry with a 2.2L 4 banger i could find. I was never concerned about appearance with a $1500 price tag but for $2500-$3500 I've found some very nice ones with relatively low miles, under 150k which is just broke in good on those cars. I prefer the 2.2L Camry, over the Honda, because it's not a "valve slapper" engine. If the timing belt breaks you don't lose the engine. With that said, my last '92 Camry (paid $1700) had an annoying stumble/stutter between 45-60 mph that I just could not figure out, too much electronics,EFI, etc. Had to be a computer tech to test it. That's when I found my Dart. It was on Craigslust for $1400. I thought to myself "I understand that car!" Talked the guy down to $500 and drove it home 45 miles @ 40 mph. Didn't think it was going to make it but it did. 6 mos,.$1000, and 300 hours labor later she's a reliable, cool, daily driver that gets 20 mpg and I've never been happier. Find a Dart or Valiant with a /6 and auto tranny, put a little love into it, and it'll serve you well.
