At 5k there is no definitive answer. I like the fact (and I think this is the first thread I've seen) you are a new driver looking at what is SAFER, not faster.

What I would recommend to you is find something you like on Craigslist that you can afford, then hop on Youtube and look up crash test safety ratings for that vehicle. Also do a general Google search on that vehicle for common problems. For example, the 04-08 Ford F-150's (mainly the 5.4L engines) have a bad design to get oil to the cam phasers. When they go bad, there's a few thousand dollars to repair it.

Also spend the money to take it to a mechanic for a wellness check to see what kind of shape the vehicle is in. You won't find one that is in perfect condition, but that doesn't mean you won't find one that'll work for the next 5+ years.

Also check out this thread:
Forums/t=7282930/things-to-look-a...r-car.html

002 wrote At 5k there is no definitive answer. I like the fact (and I think this is the first thread I've seen) you are a new driver looking at what is SAFER, not faster.

What I would recommend to you is find something you like on Craigslist that you can afford, then hop on Youtube and look up crash test safety ratings for that vehicle. Also do a general Google search on that vehicle for common problems. For example, the 04-08 Ford F-150's (mainly the 5.4L engines) have a bad design to get oil to the cam phasers. When they go bad, there's a few thousand dollars to repair it.

Also spend the money to take it to a mechanic for a wellness check to see what kind of shape the vehicle is in. You won't find one that is in perfect condition, but that doesn't mean you won't find one that'll work for the next 5+ years.

Also check out this thread:
Forums/t=7282930/things-to-look-a...r-car.html

I've been on craigslist looking at so many cars. Thanks for the advice. The hunt continues.

I would look for a 96-2000 Honda. Those things last for a while. I got my first car, (98 honda accord), at about 120k miles and nowiys at about 175k and still runs great . I paid 3k for it.

Id say look towards a toyota (camry or corrola) if you want safe/ reliable.