Family car <$7000
 

So I'm helping a friend look for a safe, family car that's under $7k w/taxes. Now I naturally immediately think of something like a late 90's Accord or early 00's Camry, but I'm curious what else out there you guys and gals may suggest. On the safety front, I know Volvo is basically number uno, but I'm also concerned about reliability. Because of her mortgage, she wont be able to afford high maintenance vehicles (or at least cars that have a higher than average parts cost).

This car will need to transport at least two young kids and have enough space in the trunk to carry all the things kids require when on trips.

Thoughts?

Volvo, if you take care of it.

3rd gen 4runner

camry/accord/civic/junk

Try this: 2003 Altima.

Get the paint fixed @ a detailer, and boom.

Having own one in the past I would suggest the made-in-Japan 2001 Pathfinder (w/ upgraded 3.5l engine). You can get the top of the line LE w/ full leather seating for that price. Lots of utilities for a family with 2 young kids. Cheap to maintain, too.

For example:
2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE

+1 with Pathfinder.

Comfortable and a lot of storage room !

Funny, my friend and his wife have two young kids. She owns a late 90's V70 with just over 200k, and that has cost them almost twice the purchase price in repairs in the last 4 years and now it sits not running in the parkade, while his '95 Pathfinder has been a workhorse that has required only minimal maintenance, and it's nearing 380k.

Beside regular maintenance the pathfinders were awesome. My friend had one in Winnipeg and it's a beast in the winter, no problems at all.

Besides the 2001+ Pathfinder, I would also suggest 2003-04 Subaru Forester if you are ok with a bit less room but wanting the legendary Subaru AWD for all year round adventures with kids

Example:
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD

aznboi128s accord :)

older subaru outbacks, foresters or even some imprezas. not that expensive.


accord wagon, camry wagon..

3 series wagon. anything e46 or older are pretty decent cars.

dont forget 4 runner or rav4

my accord wont even cost you 7k :p


but yea subbie's are good, 4runner pathfinder isn't bad but the thing is it's a suv, your gonna be paying more for fuel, but you do have more space; so a tradeoff.

accords never break down. I know from first hand experience.

dodge neon srt-4s and contour svts are dirt cheap nowadays

matrix/vibe? Bulletproof drivetrain, hatchback versatility, (cough*massive blindspot*cough), Decent fuel economy and cheap to maintain

I'm guessing the pontiacs are cheaper just because of the brand recognition so might be a plus to go with the vibe

03/04 Mazda 3

accord or camry imo. pretty reliable and cheap to fix. subaru's are a little more to maintain and i'd say more maintenance

Older Toyota Highlander with the 4-cylinder? They're fairly solid cars, and I haven't seen many issues with them.

Toyota Matrix or Subaru Forester, if they want it fairly roomy without the fuel consumption of a full size SUV