If you were going to spend $6-8000 on a car, what would you get?

[Black]

For someone I know....

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Don't you mean a death machine?

[steve...]

I have a Ranger pickup that has worked well for me. My next choice would be a used Mini-Van. It's great being able to haul stuff when you need to.

[Buzz]

Blue 1968 Dodge Charger R/T w/ white vinyl top and white interior.
May go slightly over budget, but oh so worth every penny of it.
==

[OWC Jamie]

civic or corolla, maybe sentra
safe bet on a blank slate with no list of needs/use

[Dennis S]

Toyota Avalon

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Golf cart.

[JoeBob]

Toyota Camry or Avalon is going to run forever with regular maintenance.

[BernDog]

The best deal I could find from a private party, considering needs/use, condition, price, mileage, and the trustworthiness of the seller. Once you know what you're looking for, lurk on Craigslist for a good while to get a feel for the local market, so you can really spot the good deals when they pop up.

Once you get to that price or lower, I'd avoid dealers/lots. For cars that have been around for a while, you're buying the owner as much as you're buying the car. A dealer gets between you and "the story".

[Ombligo]

That is what we had to spend three years ago. We asked our mechanic for advice and he immediately, without hesitation told us to look at a 2004-2008 Hyundai Sonata. He said they were the best value and most reliable in that price range. We found a 2004 for $7000 and it has not given us any issues at all (my son drives it now).

You should be able to find a 2007 or 8, with 60,000-75,000 miles in your price range now.

The Sonata is a midsize and far roomier than the Corolla or Civic. It is dressed out nicer than the Accord or Camry. An Avalon in your price range will be 2005 or older with 100,000 miles. Another worth researching in the Nissan Altima. Some folks are leery of the CVT transmission I drive a Sentra with it - 80,000 miles and not a single issue (knock on wood).