Overhaulin'

Why buy a Jeep, Audi, Mitsu or other?

I have just recently applied for a loan through my company and have been used car shopping. I am 21 years old and have 5000 to spend on a car and I've been a little heart set on a Jeep. I have found a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic I6 4x4 with power everything for about 3400 and only 85k miles, this sounds to good to be true and I know when that happens it probably is. I have had 2nd thoughts about it too after asking people their advise and alot of people say that Jeeps dont get the greatest gas mileage and they are generally more expensive to insure. Now I am a college kid so im full time student part time worker and I would like the least expensive thing possiable. I've searched on Autotrader and have turned up a few things that look nice to me a few of which are a 1998 Audi A4 with 120k miles for about 4k, a 92 BMW 3xxi with 90k miles on it for closer to 5k, and the Jeep. After talking with my girlfriend, her parents, and her family they told me that the foregin cars are more expensive to repair and why do I want a luxury car now when im 21? Why not wait till you graduate and you can afford one? Also, all of these cars have 6 cylinder engines and they suggest getting something that gets better gas mileage. Taking that into consideration I also found a 2001 mitsu lancer with about 103k for a little over 4. Really to me its between the Audi or the Jeep. What does all this mean? Well I would your opinions on the cars that I have found and some pros and cons of owning each. Do Jeeps really get that bad of fuel economey? Do they cost more to insure? Are forgine cars more expensive to fix? Are Cherokee's reliable? Are Audi A4's? Also I am open to suggestions on which car(s) you suggest. I want something that looks good and/or is fun to drive. Thank you!

Public Comments

1. i would go for the audi, they are one of the best car's out and i love my 06 audi a6. and the a4 isnt to luxury, its more of a flagship sedan, and they are reliable, more then jeep's are.
2. European cars will cost you more to repair. That is a fact. An Audi with over 100K miles will need maintenance, any car over 100K would. With $5000 to spend I would look at American cars or older Japanese models. You won't get a lot of "fun to drive" in your price range. You'll get practical, decent basic transportation. I would not buy a Mitsu with over 100K miles on it. You should be able to find a good low miles Mitsu in your price range easy. They are good cars, don't let a bunch of Honda snobs tell you they aren't. But stick with something newer that isn't worn out. What it sounds like is you need to get out and drive some cars. Look at them u close and decide what you like to drive and what feels right from behind the wheel. That's when you'll know which car is right for you.
3. Foreign cars are more expensive to repair. However, if you know how to be resourceful, you can get parts and services for a good price. Those dealerships tend to overcharge for services and parts. I like the Jeep too...but it isn;t economical. Audis are cool but I don't know much about them though.... You should consider to get a car which is relatively sporty looking but gas efficient and reliable. You;re just starting out, so don;t waste the hard earned money on something that is not necessary! Try looking at Nissan 300ZXs or 240SXs for the sporty look. The Celicas aren't too bad either. Oh and if you can get your hands on a Supra...that would be a jackpot! If all else fails, fall back on Toyota Corolla or Camry...can;t go wrong with them :)
4. European cars are a hell to fix and keep up with. The Audi and the BMW are above 100k, which means engine compartments are about to go out. STAY AWAY. and your family is right. whats the point of buying a luxury car if its 10+ years older? Jeeps are NOT reliable, and neither are the older audi's, or mitsubishis. Try looking into acuras if you want something reliable. the Acura CL is a great car if you want something luxurious. Acura Integra is great if you want something sporty If you want something that'll last forever, the toyota corolla/echo will do, if not a honda civic/accord. Buy something smart where you don't have to pay more for maintenance than the car actually costs.
5. I've sold Jeeps, Audis and BMWs and I can tell you from first hand experience that everything you've heard about them is true. Jeeps are horrible on gas. And because they're 4X4, they cost more to insure. Why? Because they're taken off road a lot and have a high rate of accidents due to their very high center of gravity. Audi A4's have a questionable reliability record between 1998 and 2002. Since 2003, they have steadily improved. Buying a 1998 is a coin toss. You could get one that spends more time in the shop than on the road. Or you could buy one that runs a long time. You just don't know until you own it. And repairs are very expensive. BMW's are well known for a lot of transmission and electrical problems once they're over 7 years old or 75,000 miles. Which ever comes first. And they are very expensive to fix. If you buy it for $5000, you can expect to put another $5000 into it on repairs within a few years. I know how much a car that looks cool means to you. But you have to face reality. $5000 leaves you with very few choices. You're in a situation where you should be thinking about what will last you through graduation with fewest repairs. Not what looks the coolest. Then once you have a full time job, a 20% down payment and solid credit, you can start shopping around.