Best 2nd hand car for under $5,000.

[N3gus]

What's up! watawat? It's been a while since visiting tsikot and I'm happy to be back. I've forgot the password on my previous account so I made a new one.

so the company I'm working for gave me roughly $5000 money support to buy a new car. But I don't want to spend too much on monthly payments on a brand new car as I'm only gonna stay for 2-3 years. I want something fun to drive but easy on the pocket and It must be a sedan. It shouldn't be too flashy because I'm working a government contract.

I'm looking at 2 cars right now (70-80kms odo).

Altezza '98
legacy b4 '98

any other suggestions?

[KERSMcRae]

in which country are you working right now?

unlike in the Phils., other countries have more brands to choose from, with service and road conditions should not be an issue. So any car within your budget will do, I guess.

[cripple_rooster]

Among the given options I'd get the Legacy.

[uls]

What's up! watawat? It's been a while since visiting tsikot and I'm happy to be back. I've forgot the password on my previous account so I made a new one.

so the company I'm working for gave me roughly $5000 money support to buy a new car. But I don't want to spend too much on monthly payments on a brand new car as I'm only gonna stay for 2-3 years. I want something fun to drive but easy on the pocket and It must be a sedan. It shouldn't be too flashy because I'm working a government contract.

I'm looking at 2 cars right now (70-80kms odo).

Altezza '98
legacy b4 '98

any other suggestions?

dude VW gti

[N3gus]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I'll be working at Yokosuka naval base in Yokohama. There's loads to choose from but preferably I'd go for a japanese car because maintenance is way cheaper.

the integra type r sedan looks interesting.

hmm, but the Altezza is RWD and the traction control can be turned off.

[niky]

The 2 liter Altezza is actually an excellent car.

In the end, you're spoiled for choice in Japan, so the limit is your imagination.

[N3gus]

yes Niky, there's a lot to choose from since when they've done away with compulsary annual inspection for cars beyond 10 years old a couple of years ago. now, it's every 2 years for all cars new or whatnot. but this has driven up the prices a bit generally for 2nd hand cars.

hmm, Or I could just use the company car, a nissan moco, save money and go for a grand vacation? lol.

[cripple_rooster]

Just wondering: how much for a '91-'95 Honda Legend 2-door?

[niky]

yes Niky, there's a lot to choose from since when they've done away with compulsary annual inspection for cars beyond 10 years old a couple of years ago. now, it's every 2 years for all cars new or whatnot. but this has driven up the prices a bit generally for 2nd hand cars.

hmm, Or I could just use the company car, a nissan moco, save money and go for a grand vacation? lol.

Hahaha... A vacation to... Palawan?

If you can get away without buying a car, do so. It's great to have more savings... especially the money you save by not paying for maintenance and registration.

[cripple_rooster]

If you can get away without buying a car, do so. It's great to have more savings... especially the money you save by not paying for maintenance and registration.

That's a good point...

[GTi]

If you really need/want a car despite Japan's efficient commuting system, I suppose the Altezza is the better car between the two. The old Legacy looks... well... old. Is it the turbocharged variant you are looking at? or the normally aspirated one? If it's n/a, even more reason to avoid considering the drag of the AWD system and rather underpowered engine. I'd suggest you widen up your options too. You're in Japan, dude! Perhaps you can consider such slinky cars as the same-era Honda Inspire or the Nissan Laurel.

[N3gus]

not really efficient in the rural areas. The local bus in my area only comes once in an hour.

Ok, so I've narrowed down my choices to these cars:

Altezza RS200 Z-edition
Chaser 2.5 tourer V

I was gonna include the skyline sedan gts 2.5 (2wd) and toyota crown athlete v (S170) but the maintance is kinda high.

so many choices

[GTi]

not really efficient in the rural areas. The local bus in my area only comes once in an hour.

Ok, so I've narrowed down my choices to these cars:

Altezza RS200 Z-edition
Chaser 2.5 tourer V

I was gonna include the skyline sedan gts 2.5 (2wd) and toyota crown athlete v (S170) but the maintance is kinda high.

so many choices

I'd pick the Chaser between the two. I believe the one you are talking about is the version with the turbocharged 1JZ engine? Mas malawak sa loob at mas malakas ang makina, as long as fuel consumption is of no importance to you.

[N3gus]

got the altezza 6MT. relatively quick and nimble car. the bigger cars on the list had a boaty ride which can be solved by a suspension upgrade but imho this car has the more driver-oriented ride.
I'm pleased with my purchase!