Buying a car - Democratic Underground

jiacinto

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Wed Jul-23-03 08:48 PM
Original message

Buying a car

I need a reallly, really cheap used car. I am moving to another city soon and need a really cheap car just for driving within town.

Where can I get one?

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FlashHarry

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Wed Jul-23-03 08:50 PM
Response to Original message

1. Check the paper.

You'll find something cheaper than on a lot.

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demgrrrll

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:04 PM
Response to Reply #1

6. I buy cheap used cars and drive them until they stop running.

An Old mid eighties Toyota (if they do not have a bazillion miles on them) can be good. I am driving an 86 Nissan Stanza goony wagon (parts house lingo!). The Stanza, or as my mechanic calls it the Strandsya has not been nearly as good as my boxy old Toyota.
Avoid the 89 Tercel. You can usually get an old 80's wagon fairly inexpensively. I had a great old Celebrity wagon, loved it. I had one Toyota that I had to put oil in so I carried a case with me at all times, kind of a pain in the butt but the car was zippy and ran great otherwise. Paid $900.00 for that baby! I love cheap used cars!!!

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FlashHarry

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:05 PM
Response to Reply #6

7. '88 Nissan Sentra

Change the oil every few thousand miles, and it'll run just about forever.

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GOPisEvil

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Wed Jul-23-03 08:53 PM
Response to Original message

2. Buy an old Honda Civic

Reliable, and safe

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trotsky

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Wed Jul-23-03 08:54 PM
Response to Original message

3. Try CarSoup.com

http://www.carsoup.com

Not in every state/area but maybe in yours?

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Capn Sunshine

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Wed Jul-23-03 08:55 PM
Response to Original message

4. Try the net, dude.

Or ask every old lady you meet if she's selling, and hope she doesn't take it wrong :)

EBay has localized cars
So does recycler.com

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lastliberalintexas

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:02 PM
Response to Original message

5. Certified used

If you can find something in your price range, go with a dealership's certified used. And still have someone you trust look at it for you to make sure it is mechanically sound.

You can get some really good deals this way. Last year, I bought my 2002 almost fully loaded Taurus for about $11,500. It had 5500 miles on it when I bought it, so I still have a good warranty too.

Hondas usually hold up very well, they sell certified used, get great gas mileage and are fairly inexpensive. Good luck!

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SOteric

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:19 PM
Response to Original message

8. Buy a used subcompact, and check the newspapers

rather than a dealership. In most states the tax and licensing structure will guarantee that a private purchase is less costly than purchasing through a dealership.

Before making any purchase ask the current owner to let you have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. Some folks will be reluctant, owing to the remote but distinct probability that some one could just drive off with the car. Most will be relieved to drive the car into the mechanic of your choice and wait with you for the report, however. And carefully planning can actually make the inspection rather quick and efficient.

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:22 PM
Response to Original message

9. a small pick-up truck.

Edited on Wed Jul-23-03 09:23 PM by KG

very handy. especially if you're going to be alone in a strange town.

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maxanne

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:23 PM
Response to Original message

10. buy a used Toyota

reliable and economical. :thumbsup:

Also - they stand up okay to wildlife, as I found out when I hit a moose with a Corolla. ;-)

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caledesi

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:32 PM
Response to Original message

11. Buy a Toyota. n/t

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JCMach1

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:32 PM
Response to Original message

12. Carlos-- You'll need AC where you are going

The engine can be a POS, but without air you are DOOMED!!!

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nothingshocksmeanymore

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:42 PM
Response to Reply #12

13. He'll need a flamingo decal too!

:D

Carlos, go to a trusted mechanic and see if he has anything in your price range. Mechanics often get their clients former cars. Look for an old BMW 325. They aren't terribly expensive to keep up, have air conditioning and their engines (if kept full of oil) go forever!

You can get a late 80's early 90's one for a couple to few thousand. Hope that's in the price range.

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billbuckhead

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Wed Jul-23-03 09:57 PM
Response to Reply #12

14. Daimler-Chrysler sends it's finest! The Plymouth Breeze

Plymouth Breeze! Get a basically very good car that depreciated a lot. Hondalike reliability and handling for half the price. Very good repair record, sporty outside but with an extraordinarily space efficient interior. Several fuel efficient 4 cyl engines, double wishbone suspension front and back and about the only Chrysler transmission without problems.

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