I use to have a 2002 gs430 and had to get rid of it and really strapped for cash, the 2 cars that I can afford is a 2001 nissan altima gxe limited with 111K miles on it, or a 1995 infinity q45 with 146K miles on it and it looks new inside and every service that could be done was done to it. I don't have a job right now and will get one but I don't want to be spending lots of money fixing up a car any suggestions let me know.

 

I'd prefer the 95 Q45, to me it's a nice, well built car & much more appealing than a 01 Altima . . .

 

Does the Altima have the two point something four-cylinder, or the 3.5 Six?

If the latter, get that.

But, 111k is A LOT for a 2001.

Q.

 

it is the 4 cylinder, the only thing that scares me is if the infiniti has one problem after another, like ABS light going out 1000 there, then something else 1000 there, then another thing 1000 there I don't have that to spend, I don't know how much mantinance is on that thing. I have no records of the altima at all. the price I was looking at was $3900 that is what they are selling it for. Here is where I won that but looking at other things

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4567371836

 

Aren't there any options besides the 2 you mentioned?

But those 2 sound possibly nice.

 

If you are strapped for cash and don't want to worry about repairs, why don't you look into a base model Hyundai Accent or Toyota Echo. Its not bling, but it'll get you from A to B reliably and you won't need to pay for repairs under the warranty period.

 

I agree & what bizzy mentioned as well.

 

I have like $5,000 cash, no job and horrible credit that is my budget right now

 

I have a guy in town that will sell me a 1999 V6 cougar for $3800, it has 100K miles, new tires no sunroof which I don't care for and no leather. that a good one or what>

 

bizzy's got a point here. A new Accent or Kia Rio can be had for less than 12K ( less than 11 if you shift for yourself ). The Hyundai / Kia new-car warranty will cover the drivetrain for 10 / 100 and the entire car for 5 / 60. Put a few thousand down, stretch the loan out for 6-7 years (increasingly common nowadays) , apply any available rebates and you're probably talking around $150 a month.
Or, you can talk a lease if the Hyundai dealer will offer one ( Hyundai as a company is not big on leasing ) and maybe get an even lower monthly payment, but the leasing restrictions will apply.
This way you will get some reliable wheels at a low price ( something you probably will NOT get with a 10-year old car, even an Infiniti...you will have to spend money on repairs), When you DO get a job (or a better job) down the road, if you don't like the Accent or Rio, or just want a bigger car and can now afford it, pay it off and go car shopping again....we'll be right here at CAR CHAT to help you decide THEN on a new car, too.

P.S.......if you are concerned about your friends seeing you in an entry-level subcompact instead of something " cool " .....a REAL friend will be concerned ( and glad ) that your needs are met and that without a good job, you can't always have a champaigne taste in life. And a REAL friend will think more of you than what car you drive.

 

my credit is destoryed, a girl got me into trouble I have 2 repo's no job (so no proof of income) can't finance a car without that for sure, was looking to buy in full

 

Well if you really had to choose between the 2, i would go with the Q45. Or if you want to stay back in the lexus category, You can pick up a used SC in your price range.

 

For 5K, get a 97-98 Civic. Why a Civic and not Corolla? Corollas have no style, class and are gay looking. But more important, the models that can be had for 5K is not fun to drive at all. 96-2000 Civics are the best Civics ever and nothing in it's class for those years can touch it's overall goodness.

If you've already narrowed your choices down to the Altima and Q45 only. Take the Altima, eventho a 2001 is still the old body style with the truckish 2.4L. The Q is nicer with more luxury and more power, but with the way gas prices is going today, even if you found a job, you couldn't afford the gas to get there. Q also requires premium fuel, so pray the car doesn't break down or need any tuning as it'll almost be 100 bucks just for 8 platinum spark plugs. The 4cyl altima will save you a ton of cash on gas, be alot easier to fix and maintain(50% less parts), Insurance will also be cheaper. Altima is somewhat fun to drive and has a pretty upscale looking interior, not cheap like the current one. The motors got alot more torque than a Civic, but it's kind of rough even at idle. But that's alright cuz you lookin to save money, altima engine uses a timing chain which already saves you $300. Bad thing about altima is their resell value suks, but they're pretty durable and worth keeping for a longer period. Good luck!

 

I was going to suggest the Civic & Corolla as well........you should be able to find a few good choices of late 90's vintage for the price you can afford. I'd go with the Corolla first & the Civic as a close second personally.........don't bother with the Altima & the Q is a V8......considering gas prices here, is that something you need & can afford?

 

Why not just get a $500 beater that just needs gas and oil for now. Drive that, find a job, rebuild your credit for a year or two. You could probably just throw the car away once you are back on your fee. Too me, it doesn't make any sense to spend $5000 on a old luxury car or even the Altima given the situation you are in right now. If not, aleast just waint until you get another job. Otherwise I'd just buy an older Civic or Corolla like what has been mentioned already.