In June of 2004 I bought a 1996 Geo Prizm with 125k miles on it. It is now June 2005 and I have put 30k miles on it without doing any major repairs.

1996 Geo Prizm
1.6 liter I-4
5 speed manual
A/C
Power steering
125k (Bought june 2004)

Here is a list of things I have done to it:
1) I put new tires on.
2) I changed the oil 8 times.
3) I replaced the air filter twice.
4) I replaced the rear brakes.
5) I replaced the Spark plugs and wires.
6) I replaced the sound system and put a 600 watt sony-powered system in :)
7) I put Silverstar headlights in.

I think that is pretty good concerning I live in Utah and drove to St. Louis, Missouri twice. (1,500 miles non stop both times with absolutely no troubles.) And basically everything I have replaced was at my own discretion. None of those things actually broke and left me stranded; I did it out of precaution.

I drive this car everywhere and have no doubt that I will get there as planned. I have 155k miles on this car and I still get 36+ mpg on the highway (80 mph) and 33-34 mpg in the city!

On long trips (and there has been many) I do notice the seats lose their comfort the longer they are occupied. And at high speeds (90 mph) the wind noise is pronounced. Cruise control would have been nice.

Around town this car is great. The A/C blows colder than most cars, the car is quiet at idle, and with the 5 speed manual it isn't all that sluggish.

Overall I have got way more out of this car then I put into it. And would recommend it to anybody, especially college students, high school students, and single people.



Amount Paid (US$): 2200
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1996
Model and Options: 1.6 liter, 5 speed manual, power steering, A/C, daytime running lights