Family members all kicked in some $$ to buy a car for a nephew who just graduated from college, and I'm the stuckee to find him a car. Best thing I've found so far is a 2002 Mirage DE coupe, 1.5l, manual, 116K miles. I haven't gotten out to see the car yet; I've got an appointement to see it tomorrow morning. From what I've read here and elsewhere, these cars are reliable and economical. It will be used as a commuter car if/when he gets a job, no plans to hot-rod anything

Is there anything in particular I should look out for when I look at the car? From what I've read here and elsewhere, front and rear brakes, water pump,serpentine belt, alternator bearing, tune up, tires, alignment, ball and tie joints, oil pan leak, power steering fluids, and coolant exchange are the main items to look for.

Pictures look very clean. Anything else particularly susceptible to failing around this mileage, or being especially noteworthy if there's any deferred maintenance (I haven't found out the service history of the car yet). My nephew is mechanically challenged, so it's unlikely he will be able to do anything more complicated than putting gas in the car. Is it relatively easy to find decent mechanics to work on these?

KBB is around $4,500, but I think I can do a bit better than that. I'm in So Cal.

There cute little cars. Great gas millage for its time though you can do better now. Pretty good car that any kid should be happy with. Also unlike most coupes the backsets are usable. Ima start checking this section of the forum since no one does. Let us know what happens.