YACT: thinking about buying my first car

[cain]

so i think i am gonna buy my first car this summer. i am not looking for a new car, just something that will last me for about 3-4 years down the road. my parents might be against it, but what can they do if i am gonna pay for it myself?

any suggestions as to which car to get?

requirements:

i can probably spare about $4000, has to have 4 doors. would probably want a Japanese car because they are more fuel efficient? automatic transmission.

 

[SynthDude2001]

Budget? Requirements/desires for this car?

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: cain
so i think i am gonna buy my first car this summer. i am not looking for a new car, just something that will last me for about 3-4 years down the road. my parents might be against it, but what can they do if i am gonna pay for it myself?

any suggestions as to which car to get?

I think that your parents probably have a better idea of your financial situation than you do.

 

[cain]

just updated requirements.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: cain
so i think i am gonna buy my first car this summer. i am not looking for a new car, just something that will last me for about 3-4 years down the road. my parents might be against it, but what can they do if i am gonna pay for it myself?

any suggestions as to which car to get?

requirements:

i can probably spare about $4000, has to have 4 doors. would probably want a Japanese car because they are more fuel efficient? automatic transmission.

How about a Neon?
if it has near 50,000 miles; have a new head gasket put in,and they are
usually good for another 100,000 miles.

 

[cain]

Originally posted by: cavemanmoron

Originally posted by: cain
so i think i am gonna buy my first car this summer. i am not looking for a new car, just something that will last me for about 3-4 years down the road. my parents might be against it, but what can they do if i am gonna pay for it myself?

any suggestions as to which car to get?

requirements:

i can probably spare about $4000, has to have 4 doors. would probably want a Japanese car because they are more fuel efficient? automatic transmission.

How about a Neon?
if it has near 50,000 miles; have a new head gasket put in,and they are
usually good for another 100,000 miles.

wait, are you trying to sell me the car?

 

[aswedc]

You're probably looking at a 2000-2002 domestic or Korean, or a late 90's Japanese.

IMO the premium for a Toyota or Honda isn't worth it.

 

[aswedc]

Also manufacturers have different policies on warranty transfer. You might be able to get a car still under power train coverage.

If not, since you're going to be owning this car for a couple years, you might want to look into a third party warranty and run some numbers for cars you plan on getting.

 

[DainBramaged]

Get a 93-95 low mileage Nissan Maxima. If you get the GXE that car will last forever as long as you change the oil and replace the timing belt. I love my old car.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: aswedc
You're probably looking at a 2000-2002 domestic or Korean, or a late 90's Japanese.

IMO the premium for a Toyota or Honda isn't worth it.

I agree, if you take your time and learn what the problem spots of a domestic or korean car may be and do some preventive maintaince on it they will last you a very long time.
Just as a note if you are willing to learn to drive a stick the transmission will long outlast an automatic, and if something does go wrong its much less expensive to repair.
In the price range you are looking for...
02-04 Ford Focus
00-04 Dodge Neon
00-02 Buick Century/Buick Regal (with a 3.8 ltr)

 

[cain]

any online sites that i should look at?

 

[aswedc]

Originally posted by: cain
any online sites that i should look at?

eBay Motors has some great deals. Just make sure you buy locally and take the car for a ride and checkup before bidding.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: cain
any online sites that i should look at?

If looking for info, Edmunds.com is your best bet.

If looking for cars to buy check ebay motors or Autotrader or Carmax (if a CarMax is in your area)

 

[cain]

ok cool, i will get on that

 

[mwmorph]

try this website. it reviews cars and tells you of the most common problem sprecalls and changes from year to year.
consumerguide.com

edit: their website seems to be down right now.

 

[cain]

ok, should be enough to go on for now

 

[RossMAN]

Look for a used Mazda Protege, nice little car.

Or get a late 90's Nissan Maxima if you want more oompf (probably not as fuel efficient though).