subject: Used Cars That Just Keeps On Going [print this page] No matter where you go you are sure to see older cars cruising a long on the freeways and your probably like, "How is that still running?". My generation calls this older used cars "Hoopties". We used to use this term in somewhat of a bad way but if you look at the facts. These cars that were built in the 1980's even up to the year 2000 as some really rugged vehicles.
Let's take for example the 1984'ish Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera and the similar Buick Century. During 1984 to 1996 GM had made a lot of these cars but unfortunately did not get the sales volumes that they had hoped for. During this time period, the owners where pretty much older folks who took very good care of their cars and drove them with a little reserve. I had a cousin that bought a 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 4 Dr Sedan for $600 with 190,000 miles on it. It had a few bangs in it but nothing major. This beast started for him every day and the ride was really smooth even when doing 80 mph.
The 1989-2002 Geo Prizm was the gas efficiency vehicle of its time boasting 35-40 mpg. All of the Geo Prizms were built just at the New United Motor manufacturing, Inc (NUMMI) plant which was a joint venture between Toyota and GM. This venture between Toyota and GM allowed for the creation of the Geo Prizm but in all reality the Prizm is just a re-branded Toyota Corolla. Again during the late 80s and 90s, GM had produced some really good quality engines for their vehicles. The Prizm is widely known for it's durability and it's pretty good gas mileage for a US made car.
My sons drivers ed teacher used a 1996 Geo Prizm LSi that had almost 250,000 miles on it. We all know how student drivers drive with the sudden stops and engine revving while still in park or neutral. This car still ran great and didn't leak or burn any oil and the original transmission is still going strong.
My next favorite is the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Marquis. You see this car in almost every cop show engaged in high pursuit. This Sedan comes with an amazing V-8 engine, solid rear axle and body-on-frame construction. Even though law enforcement had heavily used this car with extra features like oil coolers and much stronger suspensions, all of which made the car endure more, the civilian models - if you will, were still just as good. My preference would be to find one of these storm chasers in a police auction just so that I can have the few added perks.
There are a number of other older Used Cars that would easily be classified a car with immortality. If you are in need of a used car for yourself or for your kids first car. Get something that is solid and can handle a lot of miles. If you stick to the 1980 to 1990 era, you run a good chance of getting the right car to fit your needs.
