230K What can I buy?

[shute_boxe]

Hello guys need your advice. initially i have the following in my mind:

99 toyota gli
98 honda civic
00-01 nissan sentra

what would be the best buy?

thanks

[coolman]

IMHO go for the civic or the corolla, easier to get parts and better "porma".

[niky]

Parts aren't that hard for Sentras, in general. Quality replacement parts are available at similar prices to OEM-quality replacement parts for Toyotas (not those ultra-cheap disposable replacements you can get from sidewalk vendors in Banaue).

If you're looking at three specific cars, go test each one. Go for the one that's in the best condition, and that doesn't sound like a rattly tin-can when the engine's on... no strange valve-lifter sounds or timing belt/chain tensioner sounds, no smoke, clean oil, proper use of coolant and not rusty water in the radiator, etcetera.

The Civic's engine tends to be stronger than most, and should sound very smooth. The Sentra's has a timing chain instead of a belt like the Civic's or Corolla's, so if it's maintained well, it should be a bit lower maintenance... but there are MAF sensor issues. The Corolla's engine is all right, but I've seen and heard quite a few 98-99 Corollas and Civics in bad condition, and if you misuse a Corolla, the engine will break. It's not magically stronger than the engines in other cars.

If any of the three cars has a weird misfire, knocking in traffic, or belches blue-white smoke when you rev it (check that the oil level is at or just below the "F" or "H" mark... if it's overfilled, it'll smoke, too)... walk away.

Make sure that the suspension still feels good... doesn't bounce excessively when you rock the car (that means blown shocks... a problem on Sentras and Corollas, not sure about Civics...).

Check for body repair. Rust is a problem on old cars. Civics are a bit more prone to this.

Check for problems with the cooling system, baked hoses, repaired radiators, leaking water pumps... if there's a replacement radiator in the car, make sure it's a plastic radiator top, and not brass... brass radiators are a bit dangerous for engines.

In other words, check everything. Don't buy something just because it's a "Civic" or a "Corolla" and is automatically better.

[shute_boxe]

Thanks for the info S' Nicky i'll print this and use it as my guide. Bago lang po kasi ako and im buying my first car, di pa kaya brand new kaya mejo nag iingat kami bumili ng 2nd hand. tomorrow meron kami titignan na mga auto sana ayos makuha namin. tnx po ulit

[kimpOy]

id go for the plenty amenities 2001 nissan sentra exalta STA

[1D4LV]

among your choices, my order of preference will be:

1. sentra
2. the lovelife corolla

you may also want to include a 99-mitsu-glxi-limited edition among your choices.

[shute_boxe]

actually i prefer the '01 exalta (manual) pero si misis gusto corolla kasi nga sa naririnig nya na mura i-maintain yung toyota. ano kaya ang mga pros and cons ng bawat model?