Tips on Buying Cars: Best Car Value, luck steve, older cars

Question
Hi there,
I am a volunteer in another category and  are looking for an automotive expert to advise and assist me in my search for a used vehicle. The car is for general commute about 1 hour /day freeway driving. It is for my wife and she would like something like an older Honda Civic. We live in Oregon so most older cars stay in nice shape here in the west.  Our budget is about $3000, and our problem is deciding between an older (91-94) Honda, Toyota, etc,, or a newer (98-99) domestic car., for about the same price. Everything we are looking at is at around 100,000 miles. What are your recommendations for a reliable, economical, and nice looking car? Saturn? Mitsubishi? Acura? ..we have no clue!
What kind of car will give us the most car for our dollar? Are there specific models and years you would focus on?  She prefers a coupe but is okay with a sedan, anything to surely stay AWAY from?
Any advice you could give us we would greatly appreciate your expert opinion.
Thank You!
IOU
Lou


Answer
Hi,
you will be hard pressed to find a quality vehicle in the $3000 range......If that is the most you can spend then so be it, but if you can go up to say $6000, you can get something say a ford escort which is relaible. for that money you could probly find about a 99 model with 30-45,000 miles. If anymore questions please e-mail and i will respond!   GOOD LUCK!

STEVE