Used Car Recommendations........

[E.intheC]

OK. Long story short-

-Car is paid off.
-Car gets in an accident. Car gets totaled. I get a check, but now I don't have a car.
-We are trying to get a mortgage (which is TONS of fun post 2008 ) and the loan officer said "even though you can afford it, don't take out any new loans until you close".

Awesome. Here's the deal. I have about $6,000 to drop on a car. I absolutely can't go higher than that.

So, I need recommendations. Car choices, dealerships, etc. The car needs to be safe and reliable.

In the spring, I'll get something nice. I need something to last until then.

 

[jaa1456]

I would look for someone local, the car will be cheaper than a dealer. Just make sure you go over the car thoroughly. I have seen a few Civics with decent mileage and good prices. They will get you to spring no problem.

 

[E.intheC]

Thanks for the help.

I'm thinking about a Corolla actually. I've read that Civics in the 2003-2005 range have been having some engine trouble, surprisingly.

There's a 2006 corolla with 105,000 miles on it that I think I can get for $4500-5000. Looks good from the pics.

 

[thirty6]

Could you buy something to hold you over, like 1k. Until get mortgage. If its just to commute might work. Check clist

 

[jerl77]

Honda for life

 

[E.intheC]

Could you buy something to hold you over, like 1k. Until get mortgage. If its just to commute might work. Check clist

I was thinking about this too, but I need something that's going to last into the spring. I don't want to drop $1000 or 2 on a beater and then have to keep dropping that much on repairs every few months.

If I can find something reliable and decent overall, I may just keep it. Not having a car payment since 2010 has been nice..

 

[tomtoothdoc]

buying a beater is a gamble. are you handy with cars? how far do you drive to work? are there any public transportation for you to get to work if the beater crap out? missing work from car trouble is not worth risking, imo.

 

[albano]

buying a beater is a gamble. are you handy with cars? how far do you drive to work? are there any public transportation for you to get to work if the beater crap out? missing work from car trouble is not worth risking, imo.

+1... IMO , most $1000 cars are Junkers, that will cost ~$500 a month to keep running... If you can find a 'decent' Toyota or Honda for $5-6000 you should be able to get most of your $ back within the year

 

[E.intheC]

Missing work is definitely not worth it. Work is about 2 miles from home. I can get rides from my wife or in-laws (and worst-case a cab is quick and only about $10) and people at work have offered more than once to pick me up. I refused that because I don't want to be the office mooch. Lol.

I figure a Corolla like mentioned above will be a gamble but a much smaller one than other options out there.

 

[cmantis]

Get a motorcycle

 

[tomtoothdoc]

Get a motorcycle

what about the winter and snow?
i've done both and it ain't fun.

 

[LowezAkar24]

Get a Camry bro. Trouble free.

 

[E.intheC]

what about the winter and snow?
i've done both and it ain't fun.

Yeah there's no way a motorcycle is happening. :lol2:

 

[ducati335i]

2 miles away?! Mountain bike! I did that when I first moved back from Italy, every damn day! Lol it sucked.

Def Honda or Toyota.. You really need to find someone you can trust though.. Car dealers idk.. My best friend is a reliable and honest mechanic, and trouble contact me, he works on all my cars, friends cars and do on.. He's the man!
Gl I'll keep a look out.

 

[Rad24]

Can't go wrong with either Toyota or Honda. My cousin had an 06 corolla and it was very reliable, just normal maintenance needed to be done. I would definitely have an indy take a look at it or look at some Honda accords or even acura integra. Parts are very cheap online for these cars. GL with everything

 

[E.intheC]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm honestly getting annoyed. The used car websites are awful. Scams are rampant "I'll ship this car for FREE just pay me through eBay". Lol. And dealers in general are an absolute joke. They list a reasonable price, only to say in fine print "price advertised reflects $3,000 downpayment" (on a $5,000 car..) or they're rated 1/5 stars and every review says "absolute waste of time. Car was advertised at one price and when I got there it was much higher".

I'm amazed these dealerships are still around, no less on every street corner.

 

[E.intheC]

Not to mention all the garbage I'm having to get through... A 2008 Sentra with obvious major front end damage for $6,000 (high miles also). Or a 2005 Honda civic with 297,000 miles... Only $6,000... What a STEAL!!! :banghead:

 

[viplok]

2 miles away?! Mountain bike! I did that when I first moved back from Italy, every damn day! Lol it sucked.

Def Honda or Toyota.. You really need to find someone you can trust though.. Car dealers idk.. My best friend is a reliable and honest mechanic, and trouble contact me, he works on all my cars, friends cars and do on.. He's the man!
Gl I'll keep a look out.

who's are mechanic? location? looking for someone reliable for my car sorry for hijacking

 

[jaa1456]

I just saw a 99 Civic with 39k original miles for sale. The old lady wanted 3 grand for it, I told her I knew someone looking and I would get back to her. She called me 15 minutes later and said someone came with cash. I was gonna give you her info, there are good deals out there though. Look on Craigslist, I see good deals on there all the time, just make sure you get the car checked out.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

if you're interested in a ford expedition. don't remember the year or miles (over a 100k)....it's my buddy's hauler/winter car. i drove the truck this past winter to haul some furniture....it ran well. it's a gas guzzler though...probably 13-15 mpg???
he was looking to sell for about 4'ish????
lmk. i'll get the details.