Re: Which To Buy?

"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:y4WdndbAZMd_5njYnZ2dnUVZ_tCtnZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> <isquat@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
> news:1172646754.546743.182470@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > On Feb 26, 2:17 pm, "DodgeDriver" <wing...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> >> We are in the USA.  Granddaughter is looking to buy her first car. 
She
> >> is
> >> talking Honda Civic.
 [snipped]
> At $5K either a Japanese or American make can be a good deal, but either
> will certainly need some attention in the years to come. Depending on
where
> you live, it can be hard to find a decent Honda or Toyota for $5K that
is
> less than seven or eight years old. With the American makes 5 years is
> reasonable.
>
> Definitely ask about specific cars (model and year) on the appropriate
> newsgroups. The common experiences are going to be typical of what you
can
> expect and you will get warnings to check on various things. Ignore
those
at
> your own risk!
>
> One last word - if the engine uses a timing belt (and most engines from
the
> years you are looking at do) expect it to need changing immediately.
Unless
> you can get help from a serious DIYer expect to pay in the $500 range
for
> that.
>
> Okay - my own prejudice... I don't like the reliability of
Dodge/Chrysler
> used cars.
>
> Mike
>
>
Thanks for your input.
I have just started looking at prices and looks like she might have to
spend
more than planned.