Guindalf

FIFY

michaeldc

I know all this. I really do and I'm not being stupid or stubborn. I can't magic up money out of thin air. That's the crux of the matter and I will have to use my knowledge of cars to find a decent runner with an affordable price tag.

Pulaski

It's on Craigslist. ...... Something doesn't smell right.

MidAtlantic

Maybe in the short term Uber would be better. Add the purchase price, insurance, running costs, repairs and you will get a lot of trips until you get more settled.

We're not wishing to be negative, but realistic. A $2k car is guaranteed trouble and cost. Winning the lottery would be a much better bet.

Pulaski

Save on parking too, maybe even dabble in some public transport if you're not in a hurry.

michaeldc

I understand that. I don't want this to turn into a thread with everyone telling me the same (spend more money when I have none to spend) and then making my replies look like I'm being defensive. I'm not. In an ideal world I would have $8k and I'd go grab a better car. I just don't. I will be enough travelling that uber might not be a good idea to be honest. I think I'll blaze through $4k in no time.

Pulaski

"Enough traveling", sounds like you need something reliable.

BenK91

Have you considering just financing something newer from a dealership?

Ford in Denver were recently offering a $2000 down payment with 6 months free insurance and then I think the car was around $180-250 a month?

Figures are probably wrong but that's certainly what I'll be doing when I arrive. Everyone I've spoken to so far has said most of what you pick up under $5000 is generally going to be a massive PoS.

Pulaski

That'll be a non-starter if he has no credit history - which is why I recommended finding a "buy here, pay here" used car dealer. See post #10, above.

SpoogleDrummer

I was in a similar situation when I arrived, no money and no job and the wife's car crapped out instantly so ended up spending $1200 on a car. As others have said it will have issues but you can probably live with them, it had over 200k on it and the radiator leaked and the AC had issues too but beggars can't be choosers. It lasted long enough for me to get a job, credit history and for someone in an 18 wheeler to drive over the front of it at a stop sign so we got about 3K off his insurance so it did the job.

I would recommend signing up for something like Carfax though just to make sure you're not getting a totaled car as they're very common around that price range.

Nutmegger

It appears the OP is going to be in LA -- with lots of stop and go freeway driving, presumably. All he needs is something that's going to expire in the middle of the road in rush hour! As SpoogleDrummer said, a Carfax report is a must, especially if he's looking on Craigslist . . .

Guindalf

At that age, Carfax makes little difference to the car. It's a cast that could be added into the price of the car. You take a chance with whatever you buy and if it's been rebuilt with even salvage parts, it has MORE chance of surviving than an old heap!

Pulaski

Agreed. So long as it isn't obviously held together with ducktape and filler, and doesn't do an impression of a crab when you take your hands off the wheel on a straight, level road, then a Carfax report is probably a waste of money.

kodokan

Depends on the car and state you live in, and how lucky you feel as regards liability cover, but insurance for a newbie with no US driving history is typically $1k for 6 months.

londonese

Hey there,

How long will you need the car for before you get into a position to maybe lease or buy a car? You could do worse than renting a car - its unlikely to breakdown (and if it does, you just swap out for another at their expense!) / insurance is included, you can drive with your UK license. Just did a really quick check, your $4k budget could carry you for over 7 months of unlimited and worry free driving.. . I did it when I moved over to Boston for 6 weeks, and then got all my material in order for a lease on a brand new Volvo with zero credit history.

Alternatively, if it is available, Uber has started Uber Pool Pass in some cities - In Boston, where I am, I'm paying $75 for 40 rides a month - my car is getting lonely since I started using Uber everyday!