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Civics and Accords in that price range tend to be beat on and broken, usually with rust and transmission issues, AND have 250k+ miles on them.
What you are looking for under $2k, is simply any car in the best condition you can find. Brand and model really don't matter at that point, though the more "popular" brands will have added cost to them simply due to that demand, and wil thus be harder to find in good condition at that price.
Which often means looking at domestic mid size cars, like Saturns and Buick/Oldsmobiles. Generally they are in better condition at that price point because demand is lower so resale is lower. But good condition examples will run for a long time.
Personally I tend to look at the more interesting cars, though I rarely shop in that price range for myself anymore. So for myself I tend to look at potential projects, like this one:
For $2K, it's going to be a REALLY old civic or accord. Its silly to pay the import premium on a car in this price range.
Personally, I would stay under 120k and go with a '02-04 Focus. With care and luck, it should probably go another 100k or so. Not bad for $2000...
I bought a 2000 F150 stepside in good shape six months ago for $1800. It looks good and neighbors think I spent much more. If gas mileage is not a concern you can't go wrong with America's #1 selling vehicle...a Ford F150.
It has 150k miles on it but should be able to go double that with easy and cheap repairs along the way.
If they were to go that route would say make sure to stick with the 4.2 liter Essex V6 and SOHC 2-valve 4.6 liter Triton V-8 over the SOHC 2-vlave 5.4 liter Triton V-8.
Well unless the Op finds Light Duty F250 or a "7700" HD Series with the 5.4 Triton V-8 with the 7-lug wheels and built on the previous 1987-1996 8th and 9th gen F350 HD SWB frame since they are a great bargain beater "Bang for the Buck" PU truck:
With the initial introduction of the new F-Series in 1997, only the F-150 was produced. To bridge the gap between the F-150 and the previous generation heavier-duty models (to be replaced by the Super Duty series for 1999), the light-duty F-250 was produced as a temporary model for 1997-1999.
While externally identical to the F-150 (with the exception of its 7-lug wheels), the F-250 gained increased load capability from a heavy-duty rear axle and load-leveling rear suspension. The F-250 HD (Heavy Duty) was in the same series as the F-350.
After the introduction of the Super Duty version of the F-Series in 1998 as a 1999 model, the light-duty version of the F-250 was discontinued; the heavy-duty suspension continued on as the "7700" package for the 2000-2003 F-150 (noted on the tailgate emblem).
I agree. The 4.6 is the best modular engine. The 5.4 is not a bad engine, provided you keep on the coil packs. The 4.2 after 2000 is a good runner. I miss my Fords.
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