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Ok, so I'm finally looking to buy a car

W

Whisper

Diamond Member
Yep, I've now decided it's about time to suck it up and buy a car. Having a motorcycle as your only means of transportation earns a few points with the whole "cool factor" bit, but more than loses them all when it rains or is below 30 degrees.

The only problem is that, ideally, I'd need to actually buy the car tomorrow. I noticed on Friday that my bike's clutch cable is fraying (not a good thing), and there's no way I'm going to risk taking it to work this coming week. However, I can't get it to the shop until next weekend (it snowed today, or I would already have gone). Thus, I can either buy or rent a car...and I figure I'd rather take the $130 that it'd cost to rent for a week, and apply it to a car payment instead.

I don't make huge amounts of money, but I also live at home at the moment (until August), and because my mom rocks, I don't have any living expenses at the moment. However, I do want to pay off at least one of my two credit cards before heading off to grad school, and so factoring in that--along with other expenses (student loan and cell phone payments)--I figure I should look to pay around $350/month on car and insurance. Yes, I'm idealistic.

I'm heading to CarMax tomorrow (used car superstore-type deal), and have browsed their little online catalogue deal. The best bets that I've found so far are as follows:


1) 2001 Mazda Protege LX with 42k miles and 3 years/50k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $9998

2) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 75k miles for $9599

3) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 26k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $11599

4) 2004 Toyota Corolla CE with 27k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on mfg's warranty for $12998 (included solely because it's a manual, which I prefer, while #3 is an automatic)

5) 2001 Honda Civic LX with 55k miles for $10998

6) 2000 Honda Civic EX with 72k miles for $10998


and lots of variations thereof. I at first was leaning towards the Protege, as it's under $10k, has warranty remaining, is a manual, and doesn't have too many miles, but I'm not fully clear on the car's reliability. I know Corollas will last forever, but I'm wary of buying a $9500 car with 75k miles. #3 is a good choice it seems, but it's a bit expensive, and it's automatic.

#4 I just included for the hell of it, since 13 grand is probably a bit out of my price range.

So yes, any recommendations on the above--or other--cars would be greatly appreciated. You can check out the CarMax site itself if you're curious at www.carmax.com. I'll be heading to the Norcross, GA location tomorrow to look around.

Thanks in advance.
 
3) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 26k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $11599

Only because it has low miles and I like the older corollas over the new ones.

6) 2000 Honda Civic EX with 72k miles for $10998

Nice, but high mileage.
 
Take a look at hertz Auto Sales Yes, the cars have been used as renters, but they are low miles and very cheap. We have bought two cars from Them, and neither have had any problems even after 120k miles Combined. of He airs listed above T would take the Protege. But, that price Seems a hit high. Good Luck!
 
Originally posted by: Whisper

1) 2001 Mazda Protege LX with 42k miles and 3 years/50k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $9998

2) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 75k miles for $9599

3) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 26k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $11599

4) 2004 Toyota Corolla CE with 27k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on mfg's warranty for $12998 (included solely because it's a manual, which I prefer, while #3 is an automatic)

5) 2001 Honda Civic LX with 55k miles for $10998

6) 2000 Honda Civic EX with 72k miles for $10998
Click to expand...

7. 2005 Hyundai Accent with 0k miles and 10 years/100k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $9999


EDIT: I'm not a Hyundai fanboi or anything, but this seems like the best option for what you're describing/looking at. Hyundai sucked when they first came out, but they've been getting praise for quality and bang-for-buck factor in recent years. Might be worth looking into, anyway.
 
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Originally posted by: Whisper

1) 2001 Mazda Protege LX with 42k miles and 3 years/50k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $9998

2) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 75k miles for $9599

3) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 26k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $11599

4) 2004 Toyota Corolla CE with 27k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on mfg's warranty for $12998 (included solely because it's a manual, which I prefer, while #3 is an automatic)

5) 2001 Honda Civic LX with 55k miles for $10998

6) 2000 Honda Civic EX with 72k miles for $10998
Click to expand...

7. 2005 Hyundai Accent with 0k miles and 10 years/100k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $9999
Click to expand...

Edit: although I did just see their banner for the recent graduates deal. No down payment, and an additional $400 discount. Hmm, tempting...


Heh I've thought of this option as well, but I'll have to see about insurance costs and such on a new car. It's also a bit more work than going to carmax for a used car, and so I need to make sure I'll have the time.
 
If you want cheap but reliable then get a Cavalier. Can get easy for under $9999 now that the Cobalt is out. Has the same eco-tech motor (very good)

Either that or get a used car that is 3 years or older. Can find soemthing good for less then 6K and save the money.
 
hyundai has made a good name for themselves, look how many of their vehicles, includiing their mid suv, made the quality lists of prominent car reviewers and rankers,

those that bad mouth them, dont have a leg to stand on anymore, and in your situation, it is probably you best bet.

jC
 
if you buy an auto corolla, make sure it's a 4 speed, not a 3 speed. Both exist and a 3 speed makes usable power even more anemic on a car that slow to begin with.
 
BTW considering these prices, you should go look at a new corolla. I think the base ones invoice at ~12K stripped, new for manual. They already come with A/C and CD player standard, but no power windows. IMO that's all you really need for an entry level car.
 
New corollas seem to start around 12-13k, yep...but new Echoes start at $10k, which is much nicer for me. Yet another option.
 
Originally posted by: Whisper
New corollas seem to start around 12-13k, yep...but new Echoes start at $10k, which is much nicer for me. Yet another option.
Click to expand...

I'd probably buy a scion xA/Xb before an Echo. Echo is like the ugliest car sitting on Toyo dealer lots and I think when it comes time, an xA/xB will be easier to sell than an echo because of the looks.
 
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: Whisper
New corollas seem to start around 12-13k, yep...but new Echoes start at $10k, which is much nicer for me. Yet another option.
Click to expand...

I'd probably buy a scion xA/Xb before an Echo. Echo is like the ugliest car sitting on Toyo dealer lots and I think when it comes time, an xA/xB will be easier to sell than an echo because of the looks.
Click to expand...

I'd take either over an Echo as well, but they're both more expensive than a Corolla...so I'd be apt to take the latter.

I hate car shopping.
 
I don't make huge amounts of money...

I figure I should look to pay around $350/month on car and insurance.


A $2,000 used car just won't suit you, eh? No "cool factor" in that I guess. :roll:
 
You can easily get a brand new car from Honday, Toyota, Hyundai, etc. in this kind of price range. If I was doing this, I'd go look at the Hyundais, as others mentioned. The Elantra GLS has an invoice price of about $12,850, plus there's a $400 college grad rebate AND a $1750 cash rebate or 0% financing. If you took the cash (usually the smart thing to do, unless you can't get a decent loan rate from anywhere else) you could probably be into this car for about $11K. At 6% interest for 4 years, that works out to be about $260/month. You might also consider the Nissan Senta. Their site is a bit confusing, but it looks like a base coupe is about $12,720 invoice, and there appears to be a $2,500 incentive cash back, plus a $500 college cash back. If that were the case, you could probably get into a base coupe for ~$10K. For $12K, you'd get the Sentra S, a nicer car with more options. Check with a Nissan dealer to ask about the incentives, however.

Buying a car is a big deal. You're going to be using this thing for 3+ years every day. It's NOT something you want to make a snap decision on. IMHO, renting a car (or finding a way to take the bus or...) for a week is worth it to give yourself some time to do a bit of homework. Think of it this way - If you take the time to research the car you want (Kelly Blue Book's site is invaluable) you'll absolutely save yourself at least $130 in what you can negotiate for and probably a lot more. Plus, you'll get a car you'll be happy with.


- G
 
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Originally posted by: Whisper

1) 2001 Mazda Protege LX with 42k miles and 3 years/50k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $9998

2) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 75k miles for $9599

3) 2001 Toyota Corolla LE with 26k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $11599

4) 2004 Toyota Corolla CE with 27k miles and 3 years/36k miles left on mfg's warranty for $12998 (included solely because it's a manual, which I prefer, while #3 is an automatic)

5) 2001 Honda Civic LX with 55k miles for $10998

6) 2000 Honda Civic EX with 72k miles for $10998
Click to expand...

7. 2005 Hyundai Accent with 0k miles and 10 years/100k miles left on the mfg's warranty for $9999


EDIT: I'm not a Hyundai fanboi or anything, but this seems like the best option for what you're describing/looking at. Hyundai sucked when they first came out, but they've been getting praise for quality and bang-for-buck factor in recent years. Might be worth looking into, anyway.
Click to expand...

To paraphrase TopGear:

"If you have the brochure for the Hyundai Accident on your table and are considering one, I implore you, please don't."
 
Hyundai Elantra is a much better car than the Accent and can be had in your pricerange. You should be able to get last years' model for even cheaper.
 
Originally posted by: Wag
Hyundai Elantra is a much better car than the Accent and can be had in your pricerange. You should be able to get last years' model for even cheaper.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

You might find a CLEARANCE 2004 Hyundai Elantra GLS automatic for $10,900 out the door.

BRAND NEW with full warranty.
 
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Agreed.

You might find a CLEARANCE 2004 Hyundai Elantra GLS automatic for $10,900 out the door.

BRAND NEW with full warranty.
Click to expand...
I am going to probably end up with a new '05 Elantra GLS 5-Door Auto for ~$14k. That's loaded w/ABS.

Part of Hyundai's 10yr/100k warranty is that you get a loaner any time the car is in the shop.
 
Check out autotrader.com

I would get a used Civic/Corolla just because you can be sure they'll last for a very long time unless you don't do regular things like oil changes
 
Originally posted by: Wag
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Agreed.

You might find a CLEARANCE 2004 Hyundai Elantra GLS automatic for $10,900 out the door.

BRAND NEW with full warranty.
Click to expand...
I am going to probably end up with a new '05 Elantra GLS 5-Door Auto for ~$14k. That's loaded w/ABS.

Part of Hyundai's 10yr/100k warranty is that you get a loaner any time the car is in the shop.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't pay more than $12,900 for an '05 GLS.

Or did you mean the GT?
 
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