Tips on Buying Cars: Eclipse, High Miles, acura integras, nissan 240sx

Question
Hi Robert,
I'm looking at trading in my 2006 Chevy Silveraldo for a cheaper car that I can afford, and makes more sense for me. I work and live on a military base, so I only drive for 5 minutes max a day, so you can see that a Silveraldo is overkill for me especially an 06. I found an eclipse that I like, it's an 03 and the dealership is asking 5800 which I'm sure I can talk them down. My only problem with it is it has 115,000 miles on it. What do you think, am I safe seeing as I don't drive much or should I continue looking. I'm trying to keep my price range around 5000. Thank you.

Answer
Shane,
You have to look at what you are buying first... its an 03... for 5800... it cost.. what almost 30,000 new? an 03 civic will still pull over 10000 - and they cost... 16000 new? I personally don't like that model eclipse for many reasons.. and the resale is horrible... If you are going to spend 5000 on a very mildly sporty car.. look at acura integras, honda civics, nissan 240sx's... even a toyota MR2 (although a pain to work on) - these cars have better resale for a reason.. I would avoid any 03 selling for as cheap as that one is. If you want to write what you are looking for, perhaps i can offer some better alternatives.