So today I found out I may be losing my job soon. Long story. Also, the job market right around where I live doesn't have much to offer, so if I want to replace it with anything worth having, I'll have to commute a fair ways. Same with if I decide to go back to school somewhere, which is another option.

Problem being, my DD now is a Jeep Wrangler, which gets slightly worse gas mileage than an aircraft carrier. I love the thing to death, but if I'm going to be unemployed and driving around the state job-hunting, I'm not going to be able to afford gas.

So. I'm going to put an ad on craigslist just saying I have a Jeep Wrangler to trade for a 4 or 6 cylinder dependable car worth $2000-$3000. Out of the cars I'm likely to get offered for it, any I should pay particular attention to, any I should stay clear of? Warning signs, mileage caps I should impose?

I'm expecting things like Ford Focuses, Chevy Cavaliers, Toyota Corollas, VW Jettas, etc to be offered.

tl;dr I'm getting rid of my interesting car and getting a boring one worth $3000 or so, what should I get?

Corolla/Civic/'99-'04 VW Jetta or Golf...

if you look at a Cavalier, stay away from late 2003,04 and 05. They had weird problems with the evap system, the internals of the seat broke and the gauge clusters went wonky. Also, the HVAC controls/selector were prone to failure. Early 2003 and back were a fine choice for a staid, economical car... BUT the 2.2L OHV and 2.2L Ecotec are the engines of choice. The 2.3L Quad 4/2.4L Twin Cam are money-sucking boat anchors that should be avoided.

Another good, economical car would the Subaru Impreza. Even 2wd sedan or late 90's coupe is fun to drive, economical and can be made into something more... Nothing to rule out.

the Corollas are good high-mileage cars, excellent mileage with manual shift. They are incredibly practical, but have the visceral appeal of a toaster oven. I don't care for the Focus and the Golf/Jetta scare me with problems. Understand that for $3k, you're probably going to get a late 90's/early 2000's car... everything 2001+ is ridiculously overpriced. I was going to rule out Honda Civics and Acura Integras because the ricer set has priced these cars out of contention for a good 'cheap' car. I've seen 200,000 mile rustbuckets go for $2k... Unbelievable.

So there's my opinion...

vw golf 2.0
easiest car to work on
and cheap parts

Posted by Nismo vw golf 2.0 easiest car to work on and cheap parts

yeah, that;s just it... YOU'RE ALWAYS WORKING ON THEM!
(i know. my first and last VW was an 87 Golf 3door)

If I had something to trade, I'd be on my way RIGHT NOW.

Yeah, believe me, I don't want to get rid of the old girl. I still might be able to save it, all just depends on how all this goes down. Thanks though guys, I'll just watch the offers come in and keep all that in mind.

I was considering putting it up for trade next Spring anyway, however then I had envisioned trying to get a big old 70's boat of a RWD car with a couch in the back...bummer.

Posted by Samurai yeah, that;s just it... YOU'RE ALWAYS WORKING ON THEM! (i know. my first and last VW was an 87 Golf 3door)

rarely have 2.0's in the shop

mostly S4's lol and lately alot of aleros and grandams for some reason

Mazda mx-3. Please someone has to have the love I do for these god awful things.

Sorry Dave, I wouldn't let myself be caught dead in one of those things

Posted by Samurai yeah, that;s just it... YOU'RE ALWAYS WORKING ON THEM! (i know. my first and last VW was an 87 Golf 3door)

not true at all. I had mine for 2 years. one propblem was the coil pack cracked, simple side of the road fix. second problem was when I busted the steering rack. (i hit a road divider i didnt see in a construction site and my car was really low to the point of tucking all around) so this is all my fault

87 and mk4 are entirely different.....reliability wise

Posted by team haymaker not true at all. I had mine for 2 years. one propblem was the coil pack cracked, simple side of the road fix. second problem was when I busted the steering rack. (i hit a road divider i didnt see in a construction site and my car was really low to the point of tucking all around) so this is all my fault 87 and mk4 are entirely different.....reliability wise

my experience soured me on VW.
I have nothing but love, however, for air-cooled VW.

Oh and Jeepdave, did someone say MX3?
http://plattsburgh...to/2049887888.html

I know this car... my friend Don had it, gave it to his parents to drive. It started acting up so he sold to a guido around the way who realized that the car is an unholy abortion to work on or find parts for and now he's trying to hawk like it's a prop from "fast & furious".

Wow, not good Sam. Just not good. I hate people.

Posted by jeepdave Wow, not good Sam. Just not good. I hate people.

if you think the MX3 looks funny... you should see what he did to the Contour he drives.

mx3 is a hairdressers car

Posted by Nismo mx3 is a hairdressers car

for once, you're being too kind.

Still, I love em. But I love the neglected and under powered.

MX3 with a KLZE is pretty fun. I drove one a few miles and it wasn't horrible. If you can get one already swapped for $1200-$1500, do it. You can probably sell it back to some stupid street racer for about the more.

Posted by wannabeotaku MX3 with a KLZE is pretty fun. I drove one a few miles and it wasn't horrible. If you can get one already swapped for $1200-$1500, do it. You can probably sell it back to some stupid street racer for about the more.

it was like the Toyota Paseo... i just could never take it seriously, regardless of what was under the hood.

I didn't until I drove one. I'm not sure it's something I'd ever consider purchasing, but it's not a bad car.

I'd be looking for more of an appliance car given the situation.