It is indeed. I am enjoying mine.

Getting a consistent average of 20 mpg around local. (Like 19.7's, 19.9's to even 20.4's) and got 24 one time on two smaller trips and then 23 on one long 3/4 of a tank trip at high speeds (75mph most of the time) in windy conditions.

 

if you lived in WI, you could get a 2000-2004 range Ford Focus with 60-70K miles for less than $6K. But, you're in CA. You know what they say, the smart ones are the ones that leave CA, the fruits and nuts are the ones that stay

 

They're high up here also... part of the reason why I bought a new one last year.

 

in dec. i bought a 03 mazda 6, v6 auto, 4dr, leather sunroof, sport package, with 85k for $5700, so there are out there

 

Bingo.

 

I love the Mazda 6

 

I wouldnt say Dave is a fruit, but definitly a nut

 

Actually the truth about California, "What ain't fruits and nuts, is flakes".

Just kidding, but wanted to clear that up.

 

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/2374065158.html

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/ctd/2374055647.html

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/2373019978.html

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/2372041253.html
http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/2371907842.html
http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/ctd/2371924664.html

 

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/2371187062.html

 

The Mazda 6 is another one I'd strongly consider, but have not seen one locally in my price range.

I'd be all over one for $5,700, but it appears prices have gone up (way up) since December.

FWIW, one of the articles I saw said that in April, 2011, dealers were paying an average increase of $2,000 on trade ins compared to January! Some dealers were reporting that used cars they could sell for $17,000 - $20,000 are now getting $25,000 - $30,000 (the example was an '03 Lexus 470)

Looks like I'm going to have to travel out of my immediate area to improve my odds for a good deal.

 

Thanks, Buck.

Got a truck already, need a family car.

The most appealing one is the '03 Camry. But no phone # or dealer address where the car is at - just contact via email or register at their site for more info. Smells like a craig's list scam, but I sent an email anyway asking where the car is so I could take a look. FWIW, I used the link's search function within 75 miles of me and that Camry did not appear. The Camry ads that did appear were considerably more expensive for similar year cars (like $9,995) and the ones that were around $5,000 - $6,000 were much older, like a '95. The '01 Corrolla is also on the same possibly sketchy site.

The older Camry - over 200,000 miles is too many, and would like something a little nicer, but that one is priced to sell.

The Tercel - probably a stick shift, about an hour's drive away. Seller sounds motivated and the price is right. Body damage a red flag.

The '05 Corrolla - looks good for $6,700 except for the fact it has a salvage title. Resale nightmare, and we only intend to keep this car for a year so ease of resale is a factor.

 

I don't know how it is down there Dave, but over here you have to tread so carefully when buying a used car.
The place is infested with curbsiders or whatever you call them.

people go down to the USA, pick up these old salvaged vehicles, fix them up, straighten the bent frames, and then resell them. (re-vin etc)
what these people do is disgusting and its rampant, I'm sure it must be the same way all over the place.

There's big dough to be made in the used car business.

 

DBD- hear me out. If you are even thinking about a "Junker" '99 Sable for $7000.???, and I do mean that. You'll probably do well to get $500.-$1000. for it a year from now. Mercuries are no longer made and that wasn't 1st on ANYONES choice list even when new. I have bought new cars and trucks the last half dozen that I have bought for LESS than I could have bought 2 year old used for, and I mean the identical vehicle. You get to break it in, nothing but gas for the 1st few years and a lot better deal on financing than a used. Take the money you were going to spend in cash and put $1000. down and use the rest to stretch out over most of the payments for that year. You'll be a lot happier and so will she. Most people don't know how to buy cars. I spent my life in the business (not selling), I know how the business works and i know how to buy right. Most people wouldn't believe what I buy my vehicles for, but I have the original bill of sale on all I've owned to prove it!

 

Code - I hear you.

Due to the extreme market for used cars, I'm absolutely re-thinking my plan of getting a used car, and now considering leasing/buying new. In fact, the wife and I had that conversation last night, and it certainly has its benefits.

She's been staying home with the kids for the last 9 years, so I really did not want a car payment until she has a job. But paying $5k - $7k for a POS is even less appealing to me than a car or lease payment, lol.

Gonna look around just a little more including out of my immediate area for a good deal on a used car. If no luck in the next few days, it's off to the new car lots.