The situation is as such:
One of our two cars, a 1998 Nissan Sentra, was in an accident and it's financially unsound to fix. So the insurance company would be giving us about 3.3k for the car. The Sentra was to be my car after my father leaves the country for business. So, my parents lay the responsibility of getting a new car on me as this new car would essentially be my car in about 4 months, when my father leaves. The 3.3k is to be used for the car whether it is a used or new car. If I choose a used car above 3.3k then my parents are willing to "loan" me the rest. If I choose a new car, the 3.3k would be used as a down payment on the new car.
The Question is:
New Car or Used Car? Any suggestions regard make/model for either a new or used car? I prefer something fuel efficient, reliable, and, ideally, cheap. Styling and power isn't a big factor for me. This would be a daily driver with an automatic transmission since none of my family can drive manual.
I've given some thought to it all and I've come up with some pros and cons for both option, given my limited car knowledge.
NEW CAR
Pros:
More Reliable
Arguablely more fuel efficient
Cons:
More expensive
Monthly payments
USED CAR
Pros:
Cheaper
No Monthly payments
Cons:
Less reliable
Less fuel efficient (maybe)
It might seem a clear-cut case but the job offer is a 6-month contract pending hiring. Ideally, I'd like to buy the car AFTER I have some money in the bank, but the situation forces me to buy a car now. One car servicing three people just isn't going to work.
I've also heard of "Certified Preowned" cars and would like to know what people think of those in general.
I feel like I'm making a big decision with little or no information, so I'm turning to you guys at Anandtech.
Any suggestions, tips, hints, advice, and/or nudge in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
One of our two cars, a 1998 Nissan Sentra, was in an accident and it's financially unsound to fix. So the insurance company would be giving us about 3.3k for the car. The Sentra was to be my car after my father leaves the country for business. So, my parents lay the responsibility of getting a new car on me as this new car would essentially be my car in about 4 months, when my father leaves. The 3.3k is to be used for the car whether it is a used or new car. If I choose a used car above 3.3k then my parents are willing to "loan" me the rest. If I choose a new car, the 3.3k would be used as a down payment on the new car.
The Question is:
New Car or Used Car? Any suggestions regard make/model for either a new or used car? I prefer something fuel efficient, reliable, and, ideally, cheap. Styling and power isn't a big factor for me. This would be a daily driver with an automatic transmission since none of my family can drive manual.
I've given some thought to it all and I've come up with some pros and cons for both option, given my limited car knowledge.
NEW CAR
Pros:
More Reliable
Arguablely more fuel efficient
Cons:
More expensive
Monthly payments
USED CAR
Pros:
Cheaper
No Monthly payments
Cons:
Less reliable
Less fuel efficient (maybe)
It might seem a clear-cut case but the job offer is a 6-month contract pending hiring. Ideally, I'd like to buy the car AFTER I have some money in the bank, but the situation forces me to buy a car now. One car servicing three people just isn't going to work.
I've also heard of "Certified Preowned" cars and would like to know what people think of those in general.
I feel like I'm making a big decision with little or no information, so I'm turning to you guys at Anandtech.
Any suggestions, tips, hints, advice, and/or nudge in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
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