Need Used Vehicle Recommendations

waazzuup

Senior member
Jan 15, 2003
506
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I?m going to college next year and I would like to get a vehicle (preferably an SUV) before then. I?m looking to spend around 13k. I live in MI, so it needs to be at least decent in the snow. I really don?t know a lot about vehicles so any recommendations about around which model/year I should look for would be great. Thanks!

EDIT:
I have been driving a mini van and I like sitting a little higher up. Also, I'm 6'6 and I guess I feel like I usually have more room in SUVs. This is why I was thinking an SUV.

If you have any recommendations for cars that you think would give me a good amount of space and have good safety ratings, let me know.
 

gar3555

Diamond Member
Jan 8, 2005
3,510
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some key things to look for when buying a car

4 tires
engine
seats
steering wheel
maybe an axle or 2...depends on the person
I dunno, then probably a DVDw ith a drop down LCD screen

that's about all you need.
 

AMDZen

Lifer
Apr 15, 2004
12,589
0
76
Finally.

Someone with sense. Buying a used car for college instead of a new Scion. Its just so refreshing.

That being said, you will have to start shopping around and driving a bunch of cars to decide what you like.
 

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
12,755
3
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Wow, you're rich. 13K, and you're not even in college, let alone the $$ for gas? I must be a fud-ee-dud.
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
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Originally posted by: waazzuup
BTW, where is it best to look? used car dealer? online? newspaper?

Newspaper, car classified magazine, craigslist.org
 

spaceman

Lifer
Dec 4, 2000
17,616
183
106
im going to reccomend a subaru.
as i do in every car thread.
am i a mechanic?no
am i knowlegdable about automobiles?not really.
 

EatSpam

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
6,423
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Originally posted by: waazzuup
I?m going to college next year and I would like to get a vehicle (preferably an SUV) before then. I?m looking to spend around 13k. I live in MI, so it needs to be at least decent in the snow. I really don?t know a lot about vehicles so any recommendations about around which model/year I should look for would be great. Thanks!

Why do you want an SUV? Do you really want to spend $40-$60+ per fill on gas?

I made it through college and hauled a ton of stuff in my '98 Cavalier. It got like 35mpg and was very reliable. You'd be able to find an '02 or '03 for less than 13K. Get the extended warranty, if you're into that, and you're set.
 

EatSpam

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
6,423
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Originally posted by: ncircle
im going to reccomend a subaru.
as i do in every car thread.
am i a mechanic?no
am i knowlegdable about automobiles?not really.

Good car, pricey on insurance though, especially for someone of the age to just start college. Now that I am 25 and married, I could probably afford the insurance on a WRX.
 

ValValline

Senior member
Feb 18, 2005
339
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Why an SUV?

I you need to haul stuff, look for a well maintained Toyota Tacoma extended cab 1999-2003 (cheap on gas, cheap on insurance, last forever).
 

waazzuup

Senior member
Jan 15, 2003
506
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Originally posted by: ValValline
Why an SUV?

I you need to haul stuff, look for a well maintained Toyota Tacoma extended cab 1999-2003 (cheap on gas, cheap on insurance, last forever).


It's not really about storage space. I have been driving a mini van and I like sitting a little higher up. Also, I'm 6'6 and I guess I feel like I usually have more room in SUVs.

If you have any recommendations for cars that you think would give me a good amount of space and have good safety ratings, let me know. :)
 

Summitdrinker

Golden Member
May 10, 2004
1,193
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a lot like one, cop cars are ford crown vics. almost the same

a used cop car would be ok if you find the right one, but for the most part I don't recomend used cop cars to people unless they know cars.


buying a used mercury grand marquis better, there usually better equiped, and driven by people that don't abuse them. but there is nothing wrong with a crown vic used if it's taken care of

ford police cars

the newer grand marquis come standard with adjustable pedal height, abs and traction control
 

waazzuup

Senior member
Jan 15, 2003
506
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Originally posted by: Summitdrinker
a lot like one, cop cars are ford crown vics. almost the same

a used cop car would be ok if you find the right one, but for the most part I don't recomend used cop cars to people unless they know cars.


buying a used mercury grand marquis better, there usually better equiped, and driven by people that don't abuse them. but there is nothing wrong with a crown vic used if it's taken care of

ford police cars

the newer grand marquis come standard with adjustable pedal height, abs and traction control


I really do appreciate the help, but I don't really want to drive a car that looks like a cop car. Any other suggestions?
 

Summitdrinker

Golden Member
May 10, 2004
1,193
0
0
don't judge a car by it's looks, LOL. or is it image your thinking about

they don't attact attention, which can be a good thing