Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Looking for a good new or used car near Cleveland

A friend of mine wants to buy a new or used car for her college-aged son in Cleveland. She wants to spend between $8000.00 to $10,500. She wants something safe and reliable with low mileage.

I'm thinking she should be able to find a 2004 or 2005 Sonata or Optima. Any ideas?

Anyone know reputable or disreputable dealers.

Why a korean car?

A focus would do good. Can be 5 door, good gas mileage, reliable, and not a hyundai/kia.

She likes the 10 year warranty, but I agree - a Focus would be a good alternative.

If warranty is an issue, check out the new Hyundais. But hey why not save some cash and look for a mint 99 or 00 Tour (Se/sport)with low miles. 26mpg highway(based off my V6 atx), 4 doors, easy on insurance.

Back in 02, we paid 8200 out the door from Mike Bass Ford for my Tour with 23k on the clock. Other than some minor accidents from my sis and I, it has just needed regular maintenance.

If you don't have a subscription to Consumer Reports, go to the library and look at the car issues. Consumers gives alot of information on used cars on what to get, what not to and basic advice. I think they don't recommend the 98 Tour, but look at everyhting else. Also don't be afraid to use the NADA book while you're at the library. It tells you the value of the car with mileage and features and is very easy to use. Hopefully this helps you out.

99SESport2004 - your sig is one of the few that made me laugh out loud (in a good way)

HenryVIII - welcome to CEG, I think? Odd first post. Anyway I had a budget almost exactly like that a few months ago. I wanted luxury myself so I chose an older car that had some nice options (see my sig for more info and pics). Out of the two brands you mentioned I'd go with a Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback (was actually on my list of cars ), though that's hitting the top end of the budget. They're really nice cars for the price and you can stuff anything in them with the hatch, very helpful when moving your gear to and from school!

What does he like? Two doors or four? Fuel economy a concern (for example, my Maxima requires premium)? Does he want any options? (I adamently required power locks, power windows, four doors, manual transmission, a tachometer, and no silver cars; as well as desiring leather and sunroof. Not picky at all, heh... )

To be honest I'd talk to the kid and find out what he likes before "surprising" him with a vehicle that might not be suited for him. Unless he's the kind who thinks of cars as appliances and doesn't care so long as it has four wheels and runs.

Toyota Corolla. Won't be fun or exciting but fairly safe and RELIABLE!!!

You won't get the 10 year warranty on a used car...it goes down after the 1st owner