I know jack s*** about cars. For my whole life, I've seen em as nothing more than big machines to get me from Point A to Point B, so that's why I need some help. I've never bought my own and have always just taken my dad's hand-me-downs, but THAT CHANGES NOW. Here is a basic list of criteria that I just put together:
1. Price - I'm looking to finance in the $15k range. I'd prefer something used; I really doubt 15 can get me anything decent new.
2. Women - It won't be a chick magnet at 15k, but I at least don't want it to be a detriment to my success with women (which was probably the case with my dad's old Buicks).
3. Sedan. Just a standard sedan plz. I'm not a truck guy. No station wagons, SUVs, hatchbacks, or vans.
And that's the story. What do you guys think?
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If you get a compact car or smaller, you definitely want to go with a manual transmission. And it depends, from what I've seen, about $600, sometimes more, or in the case of my car, it cost more for the manual. It was worth it though.
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RayDyn posted... If you get a compact car or smaller, you definitely want to go with a manual transmission. And it depends, from what I've seen, about $600, sometimes more, or in the case of my car, it cost more for the manual. It was worth it though.
Why? Just curious, I don't, and actually nobody I know has manual.
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Maybe this is just my car ignorance at work, but I'd rather get a 2006 BMW vs. a new Kia. Wouldn't the BMW be much better for my Criteria #2 even if it's older?
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From: PartOfYourWorld | Posted: 4/23/2012 12:46:01 AM | #010 Wouldn't the BMW be much better for my Criteria #2 even if it's older?
Yes it would, and in this case I would go for the BMW, since the seller is a dealership, you are less likely to get a lemon, and if you do, you have an easier recourse for it.
From: Psycho_Kenshin | Posted: 4/23/2012 12:44:21 AM | #009 Why? Just curious, I don't, and actually nobody I know has manual.
Personal experience. A friend of mine had an automatic Hyundai Accent, I think it was classified as a sub-compact, trying to drive up the hill to my house the car regularly could only manage 5-10 mph, had it been a manual, he could've down shifted and not lost power while driving up the hill.
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Just start looking around online, see what 15k can get you so you can get a reasonable expectation for the basics like year/mileage/fuel use/size, etc. Then figure out what factors are more important to you, would you rather have something bigger to transport/carry something, something with good fuel economy, something more modern in design, something with less wear, etc
If you go buying from a dealer, prices will probably be a bit higher, but your chances of getting screwed on the sale go way down and they'd be much more trustworthy (as much as used car salesmen can be). Finding an individual seller will be cheaper because there's no middle man, but it's harder to be sure what you're getting.
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If you want a reliable and cost effective used car, get a Toyota Corolla. You can find one around 06-08 used for around 10k (with less than 100k miles). Toyota is a terrific brand if you want the car to last a long time.
However, imo, the 1999-2001 models are the best looking corollas and if you can find one in good condition I would recommend it. Probably be no more than 5k.
I love my sexy 2001 corolla, has lasted me forever with minimal problems.
If you want an affordable, classier car, I would look at an 03 or 04 Acura TL. Really nice looking with great fuel efficiency and long-lasting. Probably around 10k
EDIT: If you are going to buy from a private party, you HAVE to bring along a friend who knows a lot about cars. You can save a couple thousand dollars if you avoid the dealer, but even once you decide on the car, ask the seller to let you have a professional mechanic look at it. May cost you $100 or so, but you can avoid almost any ripoff this way. Make sure the car has a clean title.
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