Looking for tips on a used car

[Craig234]

My car was stolen, and I can't expect to get it back drivable, so I need to plan for buyihg another car. I'd like to ask for pointers to models I should consider.I'm looking at used for the 'bang for the buck' factor.

I'm considering two main types either a comfortable passenger car or a convertible.

A few attributes:

- Budget is not unlimited, but is not fixed. I'll pay more for something really worth it. Whether that means $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 is yet to be seen.

- I'd like a spacious driver area for either type.

- For a passenger car, I like comfortable, quality feel, but not a 'tank'. For convertible, it's a 'fun' car, ans should be low maintenance/no hassle (e.g. not need top replaced).

A few cars I've seen and liked earlier are the Monte Carlo, the Lexus SC400, the Chrysler 300, the Acura (Legend and I think RL, like a decade ago).

Cars I haven't been as crazy about: the Lexus 430, apart from the price issue, did drive like a tank. The Infiniti G35 was great on paper, but just didn't 'feel right'.

I like the look of the Corvette and Lexus convertibles and some roadsters (haven't sat in them); I dont care as much for the look of other convertibles as much like the BMW.

I've check out the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Buicks and just didn't like the 'feel'.

Either way I lean towards a six cylinder - nothing too crazy and gas consuming like an 8, and not worrying about acceleration like a 4.

My driving is probably unpredictable - usually very light suburban, but who knows, maybe I want to take an interstate trip.

Thanks for any tips.

 

[JJ650]

M35
G8 GT (it's a V8, but worth it in this car)


**EDIT**
Removed the TL-S (last gen) as it is holding it's value quite well and is hard to find a decent mileage one for under 30k.

 

[lastig21]

Did you see Ford's $650 option? Its posted in this forum.

😉

 

[Arkaign]

Maxima SE might be a good match for you. Other good ones are G35/M35, G8 (if you can get past the front end), '06 330i.

If you want to go towards a new or newer car, perhaps a Fusion V6.

Vettes are wonderful, not much bad to say other than they're a bit limited in practicality compared to a conventional 4-door midsize sedan.

 

[Malak]

A Chrysler 300 would qualify for tank status, you might want to avoid it. I used to really like them until I drove one for a while, got turned off.

Since you prefer a V6 over a V8, and already mentioned it... I hear great things from owners of Monte Carlos.

 

[Bignate603]

As far as performance cars go the vette is pretty cheap to maintain. As long you don't need a back seat you can get along ok with it as a daily driver. You can rent a truck by the hour if you need to haul things.

 

[TridenT]

A Chrysler 300 would qualify for tank status, you might want to avoid it. I used to really like them until I drove one for a while, got turned off.

Since you prefer a V6 over a V8, and already mentioned it... I hear great things from owners of Monte Carlos.

Yes, my mother drives one. It sure gets the mileage of a tank, that's for sure... 13mpg, less than her SUV Durango she drove before. :hmm:

 

[kevman]

corvette c6 is a great choice, excellent price/performance

if you want nice luxo box for cheap, look into a used infiniti's (q45, m45, etc)

The used Luxo-market is the best bang for the buck.

 

[Malak]

Looking on autotrader, you can find an Audi as new as 2007 in your budget. Even a convertible.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Here's my tip: Don't buy American and don't buy Korean.

 

[kornphlake]

Here's my tip: Don't buy American and don't buy Korean.

And don't buy German or British, Japanese vehicles wouldn't be at the top of my list either. Like Jules I'm going to leave my opinion based upon nothing so that people will argue with each other for my own entertainment.

 

[JulesMaximus]

And don't buy German or British, Japanese vehicles wouldn't be at the top of my list either. Like Jules I'm going to leave my opinion based upon nothing so that people will argue with each other for my own entertainment.

My opinion isn't based on nothing. Fords aren't bad but they don't hold their value. Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge are crap and GM is a crap shoot. Korean cars hold their value even worse than American cars and Kias are utter garbage.

I wouldn't buy a VW either...or anything built by the British. Not used anyway.

 

[kornphlake]

Doesn't a poor resale value make american and korean cars a good choice if the OP is looking for a used car? Obviously I'm not suggesting anybody go buy a pontiac aztec, but there are vehicles from several manufacturers in several countries that are more affordable and have reliability comparable to Toyota and Honda.

 

[yh125d]

Yeah American cars depreciate faster than toyota/honda, but considering you can get them a few grand cheaper, Drive them just as long or longer (the newer good quality americans), then sell cheap you're not really hurt at all by the depreciation.


Buying american for 15k then selling for 5k later is better than buying 18k for japanese then reselling for 6k. You won't get back enough from the resale to even out the higher buy-in price

 

[Arkaign]

My opinion isn't based on nothing. Fords aren't bad but they don't hold their value. Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge are crap and GM is a crap shoot. Korean cars hold their value even worse than American cars and Kias are utter garbage.

I wouldn't buy a VW either...or anything built by the British. Not used anyway.

My GF's '06 Kia Rio Lx Sedan has been flawless so far. Not much power, but great fuel economy and it drives really decently. Depreciates like a rock of course, and the safety ratings aren't that great. It's an okay car though.

 

[Zargon]

I like to drive my vehicles till they have to be sold for scrap, so who cares about resale 😀

the initial reports on the new Imapala seem good.

If you like the monte carlo, the saturn aura is the same car.