Used Cars

[Double_Life]

So anyway I'm looking into getting a used car, and would like some opinions from the VGF members on their past experiences and what not

I'm looking into getting a used Toyota, Honda, or possibly a VW, an older model would be better due to insurance costs and price differences. I don't want to use website like Craigslist or some other classified services website.

I live in Portlan OR, and been looking on a few website, and the used vehicles I've been seeing online seem to be low price (<5000) and high millage or reasonable millage for more than 5000.

I ask for your opinions because it's a new field for me and really don't know where to look, should I go to KBB and see used car prices then go from there? Should I go with a higher millage car for cheaper? It's a big city and I'd like something reliable to get me from point A to point B.

Darn this is hard =/

Help would be nice

Thank you, Double Life

[OME6A]

Some cars are more reliable than others, so the whole mileage vs age point is debatable.

With that said, once you have something you're considering buying, have an offsite mechanic inspect the vehicle, and also get a carfax report on the vehicle. Also, take a parent or adult with you when looking at cars, and try to take a test drive for at least 10 miles (cover highway, and rural roads).

I certainly would look at the KBB and Edmunds.com pricings for the vehicle. They'll give you a ballpark figure of a fair price for the car, but they're not exact. Condition of the vehicle, mileage, popularity and appearance will all effect the price.

Edmunds is also a great place to look at various ratings for the car you're looking at.

If you're going to be getting a loan for the vehicle, shop around for good rates first, and then see what banks will approve you for. This'll let you know what you're able to spend, and will give you a good bargaining point with the seller. If you know you're able to get a loan for 6k, and they're selling the car for 5k, you can try to get the price down by saying that you've already got the money, and you're ready to take the car that day.

If you've got cash, that's even better, and gives you even more power.

Also, and I love doing this one, when you're ready to buy it and are sitting down with the seller doing the paperwork, ask them to cover tax and tags. It's a couple hundred bucks, and it's better it comes out of their pocket than yours. At this point in the transaction they've already started some lengthy paperwork and they're happy they've sold the car, so they usually don't flinch at this request.

Don't ever act excited or like you need a car, or tell them how much you have to spend. Those are all things that will give them the upper hand when it comes to negotiating price, and you should always negotiate the price.

Good luck. Buying your first car (if this is) is fun, so long as you don't get screwed.

[NJD4 BamF]

OME6A pretty much summed it up for you.

I bought my car (2004 Dodge SX-R) used about a year ago for $10,000. I haven't had the slightest problem with it yet. Although I got lucky and had the dealer drop in a brand new engine for free.

One suggestion I'll make is if you're going for an older, higher mileage car, look more at the VWs. They have an amazing life span.

[firestorm3986]

the ONLY problem with older VWs is their electric work is a little iffy. I had a 95 jetta that was GREAT except the dash stopped working. i had no spedometer or anything.

[bigmike8119]

A couple years back I bought a 70's Ford pick-up. I don't know how many times the odometer has rolled over but it was the best pick-up I've ever had as far as reliability is concerned. I paid $500 for it and only had to change a battery wire in it. It rides like a brick and doesn't have power steering or ac/heat and it is a straight drive. I had it painted ford blue and am now restoring the interior back to factory specs. I've ended up spending in all on this truck $1500 or so. Still cheaper then anything else I could find. I still have my Big Ford F150 because having no heat in the winter sucks.

[Double_Life]

Thank you Omega, and everyone else

Hopefully I'll get the car I want by the end of April.

[BoyEngland]

The main thing you have to watch out for in England is Cut & Shuts.

For those who don't know, Cut & Shuts are basically cars with the front end from one car, and the back end from another. They are usually very dangerous to drive, and obviously illegal. I don't think they have this problem in American though.

My parents bought my step brother an old Ford Probe. I think it was a 1991 model (somewhere around there) with a turbo engine, it ran like absolute crap, the old working seat belt in the car was the driver's one, you had to jump start it every other time you wanted to take it out. Basically, it was absolute ****. They paid around $1000 for it and spent the same amount in addition for numerous repairs on it. The only good thing is we got $4000 knocked off the price of our new pickup although we had to tow the Probe to the dealership to trade it in.

[firestorm3986]

yea, ive heard of cars like that. It's pretty well enforced here in the states, though. I dont remember where i heard it, but i did hear something about cracking down on those cars that are half and half. Not too much of a problem around here, though. Ive never heard of anyone having problems with them.. most used car dealers are certified and legit... might lie about some interior smoking from previous owners, but nothing horrible.

[Mr~Pan]

Honda civic or toyota corrola is the best car for you. Great gas milage, great relabilty, cheaper insurance. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camery are good too.

Stay away from older VW's they have awful history and are still rated the worst car you can buy because they break all the time. They are getting better but if you buy something pre 2005 expect problems.

[Prison Fight]

I drive a 1999 Saturn SL-2, which we bought from our mechanic at a Sunoco Station on Route 9. The car has 103,000, but the engine has 50,000. We bought it for 2 grand. Good car. Used cars are great, you just gotta keep your eyes open.