Car's...Your opinion.

Stick Man

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Ok guys, my sister is sending me links to cars to check out/suggest for her. Being I'll be the one paying for it, final decision comes down to me. So, for those of you that work on cars for a living, would you mind giving me your opinion based on past experiences. I know, as far as older cars go, it all makes a huge difference on how they're maintained, driven, etc. Im just looking for opinions please. I know what I have bought and my experiences in the past, but sometimes, another voice can go a long way. I also know I just need to drive all and go from there too. Thanks. I'll list the cars and miles, money is from $1100-$1650.00, a/c works in all. All have clean title's.

2003 Toyota Corolla S. -- 229,000 miles, leather, power everything, new clutch, new battery.

2003 Ford Taurus SES-- 150,000 miles, new PS pump, new trans., new alternator, everything works as should.
Paint is bad (clear coat)

2006 Chevy Malibu--No miles listed (probably high), very clean, new-ish tires. Not a whole lot of info.

2000 Mazda Protege--One owner car, 250,000 miles, Every maintenance record available including an engine rebuild in 2017, paint and tires are good, everything works as should.
 
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Taurus with that many miles and age. NOPE
Malibu same NOPE

Mazda maybe better probably half a NOPE

that Corolla sounds like the best selection hands down. She will get many more miles out of it as long as the maintenance has been kept up with

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So she can drive a stick? Assuming so since the corolla must be a standard. My money is on the mazda.

Lol, yep, she can drive a stick. My dad taught her and I both in a 72 Chevy K-20 4wd monster, lol. Completely lost art in today's world. And both the Mazda and Yota are manual's.
 
If you're looking for something sedan size I wholeheartedly recommend a Mazda 5. Sedan size, minivan room and cargooad.

I adore mine.
 
I have a 2004 corolla xrs that I drive everyday with right at 500,000 miles on it. It may break down tomorrow but it’s been one of the most reliable cars I’ve ever owned. When the wheels fall off I may look for another. Also I run it pretty hard and have often thought it would be a good first car for my daughter being it’s still running strong (for what it is) after the abuse I put it through on these back roads I live on.

Edited to add I’m not a mechanic
 
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I’m going out on a limb here. I’ve actually had every car on that list( not exact years but close) In order
Toyo ( by a wide margin





























Taurus








































Mazda









Malibu
 
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I always check https://www.carcomplaints.com If they have problems, you will see it there.
Of the ones you listed, the Mazda has the fewest issues
You are flipping a coin in the taurus every time you turn the key as to if the transmission is gonna poop the bed

I am a fan of salvage title flippers. You have to check them out really well, but you can get a real deal on a previously totaled car.
 
Honda and Toyota. Maybe Nissan. My dad has worked on Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus for over 40 years. He won’t buy anything but them. We have had several cars in the family go over 350k without major issues, just regular maintenance. Stay away from Ford/Chevy cars. I have had several Ford work vehicles (Fusions/Escapes) and all are turds by the time they hit 100k


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Mechanic by trade here. Toyota. Easy to maintain and work on, parts in stock on every corner, most any shop works on them and if taken care of will probably be worth as much when you sell it as you paid for it.
 
If your dad taught her in 1972 why are you paying for her car?

Toyota
Taught us in a 72 truck, hell I wasn't born until 74, her in 79. Also, learning to drive, and making some bad life decisions don't go hand in hand. Her stuff would be a whole nuther thread, lol.

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Taught us in a 72 truck, hell I wasn't born until 74, her in 79. Also, learning to drive, and making some bad life decisions don't go hand in hand. Her stuff would be a whole nuther thread, lol.

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Lol I was skimming and read in 72. I have a couple or three crappy siblings.
 
The Corolla. Though our small fleet of them does have an interesting issue were intermittently they crank but don't start, then start later, reported. The shop nor dealer has ever duplicated.

Have some of those Tauruses, really not a lot of problems. The Malibu if like the 07 likes cam actuators.

Granted the Corollas are by far lowest miles. And the others are under 200k.

Check municipal auctions.
 
Family members currently drive two '03 Tauruses as well as an '00, and they all have been good to go. 200K and beyond hasn't been a problem. Very comfortable cars, plenty of space and great gas mileage.

@Button Pusher can vouch for the Taurus platform.
 
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