Planning ahead - replacement car

I will hopefully be graduating from college sometime in 2009. Around this time (probably summer) I will be looking for a replacement. Right now i’m driving a tired/rusted but reliable 1987 Honda Accord. I am almost dead set on getting another Accord but I am also considering:



Mazda 3 (Hatchback)

Accord

Corolla.



Price range will be $5000-$6000 most likely. Do you guys think these cars will be out of my reach, assuming I get a 2000-2002 model? Recommendations? Thanks.

I would assume that you will be able to buy a decent 6-7 year old car for $5-6000 in 2009. In that price range I would be more concerned about condition that make/model. When you graduate, just find the best car for the money and drive it for a couple/few years until you can get something better.

When you’re ready, stop by the local bookstore and pick up a “consumer Reports Used Car Preview”. It’ll give you lots of important data on everything available and will be well worth the price.

Do the college thing…do research!

Corolla is too small inside.

The Mazda3 and Corolla are smaller than the Accord. Equivalent cars would be the Mazda6 and Camry. Or you could compare a Civic to the other 2 on the list.