• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Question about used cars

C

Chu

Banned
Hello all. I am looking for a summer internship . . . and I am beginning to realize that 99% of the places require your own transportation, hense I need a car. The problem is, well, I am fairly broke being a college student and all. My question is this, what is the minimun amount you can expect to spend to purchase a decent used car (I don't care how ugly it is, as long as it gets me from A to B *RELIABLY*), and any good sites out there to read up on about exactly what you should look for in a used car?

Thanks in advance,

-Charles Milutinovic
 
Look for early 80's Toyotas - Celicas, Tercels, etc.

They don't carry the high resale that Honda does, for $500 you could get something that should last you a while.

Viper GTS
 
Find a Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue at your library. They have reccomended used car by price and, just as important, used cars to AVOID!!
 
I think that there are a couple important things to note about used cars. If you are looking for a cheap used car, don't buy from a dealership. (Dealer's prices on old used cars are way too high because they still try to make big profits on cars. Sometimes, they will make twice as much profit as the car is worth!)

Go to your local bank and get a loan there. If you are buying a $1000-$2000 car, a loan at 12% won't hurt you that much over a year or two.

Next, buying a car with a good reliability record is important (i.e. Honda Accord), but probably not as important as finding a car that has been maintained well through it's life. My Dad still drives a 1988 Plymouth Reliant that we bought in 1989 because it has been maintained well. Most people agree that the K cars had their problems, and most people wouldn't recommend them. However, this one has been maintained well and still runs well.

Consider the mileage that you'll be putting on your car before you buy. If you are going to be driving 50-100 miles per day, you'll probably want to spend a little more and get a slightly newer car than if you are driving 5-10 miles per day.

TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS! Chances are, one of your friends knows someone who has a car for sale! Remember, if someone doesn't have to advertise to sell their car, they won't have to raise the price to pay for the advertising. (I know, advertising a car may only cost $20 to run an ad in the paper, but that means $20 less than you have to spend.)

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top