Buying a Car: Need Advice

[Quang]

Hey All,

Alright, so I want to purchase a car...about time.
Been doing a ton of research, asked everyone for advice, so I figured I'll ask it on here as well.

Some facts: I'm a first time car buyer/owner. I'm 20, had a liscense since 17 (driving school w/ ceriticate for insur. discount). No tickets/violations. I want to purchase my first car.

What I'm looking for is something not too expensive. Don't want to spend more than $5000, so I'm going with a used vehicle. For family purposes, driving momma around, buying stuff, daytrips, weekend trips. So I don't want a coupe, sports car, or pick-up truck. Thinking either a sedan or minivan type.

Specifically, I've been looking into the Toyota Camry, Honda Civics, and Honda CRV's.

Any feedback, advice (on vehicle, what to look out for, where to find good deals, website. etc) is appreciated. Thanks.

Best,
-Q

P.S. I've also entertained the idea of buying a old diesel Mercedez and mildly pimping it out. Unrealistic, but just food for thought. :lol2:

 

[emps]

Hey All,

Alright, so I want to purchase a car...about time.
Been doing a ton of research, asked everyone for advice, so I figured I'll ask it on here as well.

Some facts: I'm a first time car buyer/owner. I'm 20, had a liscense since 17 (driving school w/ ceriticate for auto discount). No tickets/violations. I want to purchase my first car.

What I'm looking for is something not too expensive. Don't want to spend more than $5000, so I'm going with a used vehicle. For family purposes, driving momma around, buying stuff, daytrips, weekend trips. So I don't want a coupe, sports car, or pick-up truck. Thinking either a sedan or minivan type.

Specifically, I've been looking into the Toyota Camry, Honda Civics, and Honda CRV's.

Any feedback, advice (on vehicle, what to look out for, where to find good deals, website. etc) is appreciated. Thanks.

Best,
-Q

First thing you should do is get some quotes for insurance on the cars you listed. The biggest thing for me when I was 20ish was insurance costs. That really defined what I could get. At <25 years old insurance can be a killer expense, probably a significant portion of what you'd be paying for the car, even if it's just liability and not full coverage.

Check autotrader and other other sites like that. I'll be posting my car up there soon if I don't get a decent trade in for mine. Anyone interested in a nice convertible

When you find something you're interested in, go to kbb.com, nadaguides, and best of them galves.com (which dealers use for trade in values, it will be less than what you find on kbb and nada).

Good luck in finding something!

 

[JHOV2324]

Go to autotrader.com...i got two cars from there...good luck bro..u about to get yourself another bill....welcome to the auto owners club...

Maxima, Accord, Camry....good first cars.....

 

[SaltWaterN00b]

Stick with a Honda Civic, very reliable and good on gas, I have a 2001 DX and i put about $25 a week and travel 40 miles a day. I have good knowledge on cars, Financing and lease are another story. Let me know when youre going to start looking I'll go with you. I'll even drive ya around to the dealers!

I also have a friend that works at Major World I'll see what she can do.

Patrick

 

[nycitaliano9]

get a lexus you will never have problems

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

If I had to suggest something I would say a honda as an economical car and easy to get around the city car if you had to. Here's what you need to consider as far as expense car, gas, oil changes and routine maintenance, parking lot fee (don't park on street or you will most certainly get tickets) Insurance and finally unexpected repairs (hit a pothole put a bubble in the tire, looks like you're replacing at least one tire).

NYC has the best public transportation system in the world, albeit filthy but it is still the best IMO weigh the options before you buy and buy the right car for you not someone else. You have to drive it

 

[Wolverine57]

I bought a second car on EBay a few months ago to keep at my PA home. $3200 OTD, pass carfax, took it to a mechanic pass. 1999 daewoo Lenganza CDX loaded, mint only 36K miles. I know they stop making them. But parts have to be available for 25 yrs. $3200 cash OTD an mint condition. I bought it below wholesale and I've had offer if I wanted to sell it. Made in Korea like the Hyundai now a great car. I should know I was in the car business for more than 15 yrs. Recommendation: If you find something you like, steal it for below the market...negotiate! Get the car check out by a mechanic...spend the money for an opinion otherwise will be your worst nitemare. GoodLuck!!

 

[madhouse]

my dad has a 98 CR-V about to cross the 160,000 mi. mark.. and still kickin...

 

[cali_reef]

get a lexus you will never have problems

Not a $5,000 Lexus :lol2:

 

[Quang]

Thanks for all the responses (and offer to help with the search...Patrick:smokin: ).

I bought a second car on EBay a few months ago to keep at my PA home. $3200 OTD, pass carfax, took it to a mechanic pass. 1999 daewoo Lenganza CDX loaded, mint only 36K miles. I know they stop making them. But parts have to be available for 25 yrs. $3200 cash OTD an mint condition. I bought it below wholesale and I've had offer if I wanted to sell it. Made in Korea like the Hyundai now a great car. I should know I was in the car business for more than 15 yrs. Recommendation: If you find something you like, steal it for below the market...negotiate! Get the car check out by a mechanic...spend the money for an opinion otherwise will be your worst nitemare. GoodLuck!!

Wolverine (name?), since you bought the car on eBay, did you take it to the mechanic after you've already purchased the vehicle? If so, whats the point if you've already dish out the cash?...Besides making sure its driving safe, that is.

Chief, like I've said, this is a family car. Not just for myself, but since I'm the first with a license, it's kind of my duty to get a car for the family. Tired of asking for favors/being driven around all the time when I have a license myself. I won't be driving it all the time, just mostly weekend and night time uses. I'm cool with taking the subway from place to place, but I want the option to offer my mom a ride if she wants to go somewhere instead of her waiting for the bus (no offense). :tongue:

I understand most of the components that are involved in purchasing a vehicle (maintain. cost, fix-ups, tune-ups, gas, oil-change...tires...auto insur. and what not). Being in this reef hobby taught me to consider the many dimensions of an investment of this sorts. I'm pretty set on buying a car...just don't know which one.
For now, I want this thread to just focus on car suggestions for my particular use and advice on where/how to find/spot a good deal.

Feel free to chime in. :approve:

 

[JHOV2324]

with 5000 you can get a good honda accord...a good Camry...a decent Maxima....Accord and Camry great with gas...Maxima not so good with gas but its more luxury.....like i said Autotrader.com Craigslist.com and dont forget to KBB.com...look for a car with about 115,000 miles or less....make sure everything works and drive before buy....good luck...

 

[SaltWaterN00b]

The offer stands if you decide you need more help (I seriously dont mind), Ill keep my eyes open around my neighborhood. As for buying from people id try to avoid it, if you get it from a dealer you'll get a warranty. You may pay a little more then the car is worth (depending where you go) but a warranty is a good "in case **** happens" piece of paper.

Ive had all types of cars over the last 9 years, I know what to look for lol.

Im PM'ing you my info feel free to call anytime on the weekends or after 6:30pm during the week.

Patrick

In case your interested

1966 Bel Air
1991 Dodge Daytona
1983 Regal Limited
1984 Regal
2001 Civic
1987 GN
1986 Monte Carlo
1985 Camry
the list goes on........

 

[Quang]

wow, thanks pat. I'll contact you this weekend when I have your info.

 

[Wolverine57]

I had the winning bid! Did not pay $3200 online. Went to seller, who had a small lot located in New Jersey. Had agreed with the seller before buying the car to take it to a mechanic at my expense. End of story!

 

[Quang]

I had the winning bid! Did not pay $3200 online. Went to seller, who had a small lot located in New Jersey. Had agreed with the seller before buying the car to take it to a mechanic at my expense. End of story!

Ah I see! thanks for clarifying.

 

[reefman]

1.)listen to emps(insurance) important but neglected factor
2.)dont buy any use car older than 6 yrs.(point where new cars need major tuneup(maga bucks) most will tell u its been done. i did. n i did,but i'm am the majority.
3.)take it to a mechanic you know or at least they dont know. unless you're a mechanic, u dont know jack about what condition the car really is in(see...no dents n clean hehehe) . dont pay for some1 else's problems.