Which car should I buy? A '97 Acura 2.2 Cl, or a 2002 Chevy Cavalier?

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Lauren1

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I'm buying a used car soon. I'm looking at these two. They're both the same price, (around $3,000), and have the same owner. I don't know which to go with.

Some things about the cars
The 1997 Acura 2.2 CL has around 80k miles on it. It is black leather (slightly torn) with black paint. It is MUCH more worn in general than the cavalier. And it is also a 2-door.

The 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier has around 110k miles on it. It is white with cloth interior, (paint is great, interior is all intact). It is SO clean. And another thing is, is that it's all non-electric. All the windows are crank, and seats are levers. Which is a big plus for me.

I don't know what to do. The Acura is better looking, and Hondas last forever. But the Cavalier has amazing gas mileage, and seems more practical. This car isn't going to be long term, just a few years while I'm in school. Any advice?
 
You can do much better for $3000.

Here:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=283449746&dealer_id=65505829&car_year=2003&rdm=1280162254546&lastStartYear=1981&model=&num_records=25&systime=&make3=NISSAN&make2=TOYOTA&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&model3=&model2=&search_lang=en&sownerid=16953953&showZipError=n&make=HONDA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=100000&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=54650&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Automatic&max_price=3000&cardist=823&standard=false
 
The pluses for the Acura are Honda reliability and a more plush car overall. Unfortunately on a car that old there is no expectation of reliability. The minuses of course are the age (5 years older) and the condition of the interior.

Tha Chevy will cost less to own but is getting up there in miles. Reliability will come into question with any used Chevy.

Any time you are looking at a 9-14 year old car the real question is this. How well was the car maintained? I don't care what people say about Honda/Acura reliability they all break down eventually, especially if the car isn't well maintained. Take your time and choose the best car overall and ignore who made it.
 
The pluses for the Acura are Honda reliability and a more plush car overall. Unfortunately on a car that old there is no expectation of reliability. The minuses of course are the age (5 years older) and the condition of the interior.

Tha Chevy will cost less to own but is getting up there in miles. Reliability will come into question with any used Chevy.

Any time you are looking at a 9-14 year old car the real question is this. How well was the car maintained? I don't care what people say about Honda/Acura reliability they all break down eventually, especially if the car isn't well maintained. Take your time and choose the best car overall and ignore who made it.
 
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