It looks like my mom's 98 Ford Contour is starting to die. There is a tick-tick-tick-tick noise coming from under the hood, probably valves, and it's leaking coolant, probably head gasket. This is after 132,000 miles, and the maintanance was done on time. Well she is probably going to need a new car pretty soon. Doesn't have to be new, can be a couple of years old. Budget is about $10,000 to $15,000. What would you suggest?

My dad wants to get her an 05 Taurus with mileage in the teens, and the Ford dealer has dozens of them for about $13k. I was suggesting maybe even leasing a new car. There are great deals on 05 Altimas, with leases of even $79/month with $4000 down, 24k miles, 24 months. That's about the miles she drives back and forth between work.

Car needs to be automatic (can't get her to drive 5-speed), which is probably no big deal, has to be medium size, Mazda 3 is too small. I think an Accord or Camry would be too expensive. Performance is not a big issue, can be 4-cylinder model. I personally would prefer a Japanese car, but if there is something reliable from American manufacturers it would also be good. Safety ratings are also important. What would you suggest?

Lightly used '04 or '05 Taurus (Duratec models won't depreciate as much)
Lightly used '04 Intrepid
Dodge Magnum SXT

Thgose are some good suggestions. I'd also suggest looking at a '04 or '05 Chrysler Sebring with V6. Its a nice midsize, has 200 HP, and gets 30 MPG on the interstate. Stay away from the 4 cylinder model, it's underpowered and doesn't do any better on fuel economy.

Regards:
Oldengineer

I'd say a 2001 Acura TL...very nice car and is affordable in that price range

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i would go with a 93-to i dunno year Lexus ES300, definately within the price range, or maybe an older 95 bmw 5 series

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Thanks for the help. There were some good ones that I didn't think of. Also, I'd prefer something 2003 or newer, and probably a minimum of 30 mpg.

She might want to check out a Chevy Cobalt.

what about a pontiac Grand Prix??? you can pick up one in your price range and low miles, with all options.

i picked up my 00' GTP for 9.5k with 50k miles on it from the dealer in mint condition...

and beings that you dont care about performance you can get the GT without the supercharger and save yourself even more money. 4 door or 2 door...whatever you want is an option. and if you do decide to get the GTP you can burn most cars on the street, not to mention it still has FWD and heated seats for those snowy winter days.

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ZedEx Crew Member #4

k3,

How's the torque steer on the GTP?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by NISSANSPDR
k3,

How's the torque steer on the GTP?

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Twin Turbo/5-speed Swap in the making and a few upgrades along the way!!!
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ZedEx Crew Member #4

could check out a nissan sentra cheap good mpg and if you get the spec v some power

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Natural Aspirations Crew Member # 13

What about a used Grand am? a lil cheaper than a Grand prix, still a roomy family vehicle, rety reliable from what I have heard, and good fuel economy

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Originally Posted by thecackster
could check out a nissan sentra cheap good mpg and if you get the spec v some power

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get a used camry or accord

99-01 Accord fits the range, and has high resale value. It's a good bet.

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