YACT: recommend a used car for $5k

[StageLeft]

96 maxima.

 

[Viper GTS]

I paid under $3K for my 95 Impreza sedan & absolutely love it. I've put ~12K on it & done nothing but oil changes & a timing belt + water pump (which I knew it needed when I bought it).

There are plenty of good options for $5K.

Viper GTS

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: thechinesehero
car newbs.. mitsubishi diamante.
/thread

Should I start laughing now or later. There's a reason mitsush@ttys are so cheap.

 

[rh71]

thanks for the suggestions... hearing model names helps me narrow it down a lot.

This will be a kid's 1st car. The idea of getting him a Maxima scares me.

 

[rh71]

what needs to be done as far as title goes ? Say I want a car from a private owner... what's the process of transferring ownership and payment, usually ?

1) payment
2) transfer of title
3) buy insurance
4) pick up car

?

 

[NutBucket]

that varies by state. For me, guy gave me $100 deposit. Bank transfer for the balance then sign over the title and a bill of sale.

 

[jammur21]

Mid/Late 90s Maxima

 

[rh71]

more "buying-a-used-car" questions...

1) If you were selling your car... how annoyed would you be if a prospective buyer wanted to take it to a mechanic ? How common is this request ? I mean, then they'd have to go with you... how long does it take ?
2) how much does it usually cost to have a "used-car-checkup" at a shop ?

 

[Quixfire]

92-96 Ford Escort GT

 

[nakedfrog]

Merc Grand Marquis
Or, failing that, Altima/Maxima

 

[purbeast0]

bah if i were you, i would get a 97-98 VW Jetta/Gti/Golf

but then again, i love my 97 Jetta and VW's in general so i don't know

and if the seller doesn't want you to take the car to your mechanic to check it out, then don't even bother. if the car is in good shape, the seller should have no problem letting you take it to your mechanic to check it out. its normal when buying from an individual.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: rh71
more "buying-a-used-car" questions...

1) If you were selling your car... how annoyed would you be if a prospective buyer wanted to take it to a mechanic ? How common is this request ? I mean, then they'd have to go with you... how long does it take ?
2) how much does it usually cost to have a "used-car-checkup" at a shop ?

1) IF the person complains about you wanting to take the car to a mechanic walk away. Not worth it. odds are there is something wrong with the car. Since it is a AS-IS agreement you would be really dumb to not take it to one.

2) last time i had one done it was $75

 

[rh71]

they actually go with you to the mechanic ?

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: rh71
they actually go with you to the mechanic ?

some do some wont.

I just usually ask for the keys and tell them im takeing it to a mechanic. IF they give me an excuse that there is no insurance, no plates etc then i tell them thanks. But if i can't take it to a mechanic i am not buying and leave.

There are plenty of used cars out there.

Do have to say there have been a few times i havent taken it to a mechanic. Once it was a older Mustang (1969) that was sitting in someones barn. It was in great shape but didnt run. paid $800 to get it also!

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Maybe the best deal would be a year 2001 or later American brand model with decent miles. When you're talking used, the American cars decrease in value so quickly that it might make sense to buy one used. That having been said, I wouldn't buy one new unless I could get an amazing deal. I'd suggest doing lots of research to find an American model that's fairly reliable (there are some) and then going out to hunt for a bargain.