Used cars...
 

Just looking for a bit of advice on buying a car over here. I was thinking of getting a car with credit, although we have decided to take our chances on a relatively old used car and pay for it outright.
We are looking to spend about $3000, and have found a few cars that seem to fit the bill, but just wondered whether anyone had any experience with these cars:
1994 Toyota 4runner - 150,000 miles
1996 Ford Explorer - 115,000 miles
1997 Chrysler Seabring - 107,000 miles
I know that the Toyotas and Hondas are more reliable, although the miles being quoted for the ones we can afford seem to be unbelievably high. We wanted something in the SUV catergory preferably, but the Sebring is a lot cheaper (probably for a good reason) and has fewer miles...
Any advice would be great

Re: Used cars...
 

Whatever one you buy you are going to end up throwing money at within the first year to 18 months.

Personally, I would get the credit and get something newer with about 50k to 75K miles and maybe even a bit of warranty (if you're lucky). Less chance of a big repair bill in the first 18 months, builds up the credit (very important) lower mileage should come hand in hand with higher reliablity and a bit better resale value.

I would also try to avoid the domestic brands if possible.

Re: Used cars...
 

I'd worry about something that old passing California emissions standards.

For good used car prices, check out http://www.kbb.com and also ebay (the motor section has a ton of cars).

Re: Used cars...
 

Sorry, KBB isn't worth a wank

Re: Used cars...
 

Kelly Big B**bs? I thought that would defo be worth a quick one...

Your're totally right. KBB is a good indication of a price which is 15% above proper market value (or more)

Re: Used cars...
 

All the cars I mentioned are smogged until the middle of next year. I looked into it, and unless there are some major engine/exhaust issues in the meantime, they should pass for the next few years at least (if the engine goes, passing the smog test is the least of my worries in any case!).
I see your point about the credit option, but we are already building up credit using the secured credit card etc, and really don't have the funds to be paying out additional bills (only been here and working a few months...).
So say that I really had to get one of the cars mentioned, is it basically just a matter of taking my chances, but go for a Japanese car to limit the risk on reliability?

Re: Used cars...
 

I bought a Dodge Caravan for $3k, 2000 with 90,000 miles and some body damage.

But then put nearly 2k into it to get the mechanics specked up. Should now be good for anoher 50k without major money.

I would check the local craigslist, at that price point condition is king, as is regular servicing.

Re: Used cars...
 

I got mine checked by our Garage, $90 or so, but I then knew what I would be in for and used it to negotiate the price.

Re: Used cars...
 

I would try and get something like a 98 civic

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I wouldn't touch the last two on that list even if they were new.

Re: Used cars...
 

That seems to be the general impression that I am getting with US made cars. They seem to be a lot cheaper, but will cost a fortune to repair as time goes on.
Think I am going to look into a late nineties Toyota or Honda, get it checked by the local garage and then take my chances. The miles and the ages of the cars seems to distort the price and it is quite easy to be attracted by the newer US made cars.
Thanks for the help

Re: Used cars...
 

Mike, your situation is almost identical to mine 4 months ago. I wanted to spend about 3-3.5K on a second hand motor and found it very difficult. Like you, I also considered the credit option but its a mugs game when you first get here as insurance and monthly payments (shit APR) will kill you - many people on this forum can afford these things, but I certainly could not. I figured best to just get a shit heap that will hopefully last me a year or so whilst I build up credit, a down payment and also a little insurance history.

I ended up getting a 2000 Neon with about 120,000 on the clock (shock horror a US car, but in fact a very reliable model). In my opinion, the Jap cars get way too much respect in the USA and thus are WAY overpriced as second hand cars, even with 100,000+ miles on them. Yes I have spent a bit keeping mine on the road but to be fair some of those things were "optional". The mistake I made was not taking it for a decent test drive and not taking it to a shop to get looked at. My advice to you would be to find a local Meineke or Midas or something and get them to take a quick look at it - they will do this for free (don't go to a dealer). Just getting it on a ramp will reveal a lot of potential trouble spots. Also, check for leaks - especially power steering etc as this can be PRICEY, and listen carefully as in older cars its noises that will alert you to a problem! Try and test drive it cold also as high mileage cars will often reveal their troubles first thing in the morning. But at the end of the day mate, you are buying an old car with high miles so you have to accept what's coming your way.

So far, my little Neon has done me OK. I dont think it will last much longer than a year or two, but by that time I hope to be in a better financial situation and will want to invest in something more interesting.

Good luck.

Re: Used cars...
 

Thanks for the warning. I know what you mean about the cost. It sounds so simple just to get the credit etc, but at the end of the day, money is not too great at the moment and would rather just get something to keep me on the road for a while, and then get something good when I can afford it!
I have seen a 97 Honda that looks reasonable, and the good news is that the craigslist here is really active, so there seems to be another 50 cars for sale in my price range everyday. The Japanese cars do seem to be sought after here, probably for good reason overall. They are reliable, although I think once you get over the 130,000 mark, every car will have seen better days.
I have found a mechanic that will take a look at it for me and I am definitely going to take it for a good test drive before buying. I don't mind spending a few extra dollars on it to keep it on the road later along the line, just as long as it is not thousands....
All good advice though, and I will keep it in mind when buying

Re: Used cars...
 

I got mine on Craigslist - seems the best place for it!

Re: Used cars...
 

COUGH COUGH Bob I am more then happy with my Sebring Convertible
Thank you:p

Re: Used cars...
 

Have you noticed that even when you press really hard on the brakes, the car doesn't stop?

Re: Used cars...
 

Am I being my normal blonde self or is this a serious question! if it is nope, drives great to be honest I have a had a few cars I get bored every 6 months or so and change cars, the only other car I had that I really liked the drive in was my VW Jetta that was a great car.

Re: Used cars...
 

Yes, I've driven several of the new and old sebrings and they stop just comparable to my vehicle.

This would be fine except my vehicle is a near-3 ton chevrolet avalanche.

I'm surprised you don't notice the difference between the sebring and the jetta....

Re: Used cars...
 

I like the drive of my Sebring but the Jetta felt more solid.
As for the breaks I love that they are so soft and easy compared with my last Car an SUV GMC Jimmy that was a bloody struggle.

Re: Used cars...
 

You're looking at dealers aren't you. You will always pay higher there then on the private market and the warrant is shite at a dealer on a used car. With the price of gas going up why buy a SUV with its horrid gas mileage. If you are a family of two you don't need an SUV.

I've always sold my cars privately. Two years ago sold my 2001 Elantra with only 30,000 miles on it for $4,000. Many people will sell privately rather than turning it in when buying a new vehicle. Get a copy of their maintenance record and have it checked out by a mechanic before buying.

Re: Used cars...
 

There you go :)

'soft and easy' may be a positive attribute to some people but its not widely considered as one when it comes to car brakes! :)

It was funny, at the thrity rental place in LA me and a mate literally returned 4 sebring convertibles in the space of 2 hours because we genuinely thought the brakes were broken. On the 4th return the guy was like 'dude, this is just how they come'.... :rofl:

I think my wife likes the same style brakes too - she complains when I slam on the anchors and nearly goes through the windscreen - until i politely explain that if that didn;t happen she would have got an airbag in the face becusae of crashing into the twat in front who cut us up

Re: Used cars...
 

your a bird, it's okay...otherwise it's a hair dressers car for someone that couldn't afford a proper convertible :p

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Innit. Most likely you'll be driving a lot more than in the UK, too. Also, would more complex transmission = more things to go wrong?

You might find this thread on another website useful - bunch of American car people talking about which $1000 they would recommend: ""Hey, I got $1300 from a [tax refund / insurance settlement / dead relative / dope deal] and now I wanna get a car! Whaddya think I should get?""
http://jalopnik.com/cars/sentra/your...nds-272636.php

Re: Used cars...
 

I have already abandoned the SUV idea. Checked out a website called fueleconomy.com and it gives you the cost of a 25 mile trip for any vehicle entered. 1994 Explorer was nearly $6 I think and the 1998 Civic was less than $2. I dont like the idea of paying an extra $8 a day on a 50 mile commute!
I have been in contact with a guy about a 2001 Civic going for just on $3,000 and I am hoping to arrange to buy that this weekend

Re: Used cars...
 

good choice.

and that sounds like a great deal if it checks out

Re: Used cars...
 

I think it needs registering, so might have to spend some on that, and it needs to be smogged.
Going to have a mechanic give it a once over, because the not registered/smogged thing seems a bit strange to me.
The guy selling it is from Scotland, and heading back there is a few days so needs a quick sale. Im always a bit weary of a deal that seems too good to be true.....

Re: Used cars...
 

I've got a 94 VW Golf with only 40K genuine miles on it you can have for 3 grand. I'll even give you a kerbside guarantee.

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Is that a serious offer? I have been here over 6 months now so I am starting to lose my ability to detect sarcasm or irony....
If its genuine, some pictures would be great

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problem is, it's in NY....bit of a drive, or a monster tow....

Re: Used cars...
 

I knew there would be a catch

Re: Used cars...
 

Anytime a veicle is transfered in california the seller is required to smog it.Now the registation or (tags) will be good until they run out.

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My GMC has Illinois plates and CA SMOG check who ever buys it can register it.

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Oh I am SO going to fwd this to the DAH.. he's gagging for one of those Sebrings. Nevermind that we live in a RAINforest.
He drove one in Florida and never got over it. So easily impressed! :thumbsup:

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Especially when he's leaving the country right after!

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I wouldn't worry... I had a '93 concorde with 200k miles on the clock, starting it up put out a cloud of black smoke into the air and accelerating had the same effect... my "smog test" said I had to pay a little more... but afaik there is no "fail"... I could be wrong... but I fully expect that old concorde to fail if there was.

Re: Used cars...
 

hehe :D

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It could be worse California is Mustang play ground thats why I picked the Sebring there are so many Mustangs the place is inundated with them.

Anyways jealousy is a nasty thing Bob:p maybe you could take on a 2nd career as a hairdresser LMAO :rofl:

Only making fun:)

Re: Used cars...
 

I'd rather have a mustang than a Sebring...at least the Mustang is driven by the right wheels.

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OMG ... I read that as "maybe you could take on a 2nd corner"

:rofl:

Re: Used cars...
 

The electric hard top version I hope ...