Need help with first car-completely new to them

[ScottWheels]

Im new also . Ive been without a car for the last 4 years. I work from home, and everything i need to shop for i can walk or ride a bike to get - no car needed. But i think i should get a car because i have a new dog that may need to go to a vet, and maybe once in a while i may need an emergency vehicle to visit the doctor too. But can anyone give me advice on what car i should get (a used car is all i need, and i'd like to have something reliable but cheap on gas and insurance)... im clueless , anyone please help me in the direction for my needs - i just need a car for emergencies, i dont want to pay too much insurance just for emergency ya know ?

[speediva]

I split your post to a whole new thread so that it gets some individualized attention.

If you're looking for a cheap but reliable car, you can check out the newer (late 90s upward) Hyundai models or can't go wrong with a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc. I find that the imports tend to be more reliable in the long run than domestics and usually get great gas mileage while they're at it. Just keep in mind that you do get what you pay for...

Keep us posted on how your search is going - and what kind of pup have you got? I have a permanent American Pit Bull Terrier mix named Andrew and currently have a German Shepherd mix foster pup from a rescue group named Maggie.

[DrGDug]

I would suggest either the Toyota Matrix or the Pontiac Vibe. Either are inexpensive to purchase, insure and maintain; easy on gas, have generous cargo space and are very reliable. Good luck.

[MagicRat]

In your case, I strongly suggest forgetting auto ownership outright and sign up for an auto sharing service like ZipCar. Its available all over LA. It's WAY cheaper that ownership for occasional use, and your car is always clean, new and reliable.

My friends who use ZipCar and AutoShare swear by it. Totally reliable service.

[ScottWheels]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

In your case, I strongly suggest forgetting auto ownership outright and sign up for an auto sharing service like ZipCar. Its available all over LA. It's WAY cheaper that ownership for occasional use, and your car is always clean, new and reliable.

My friends who use ZipCar and AutoShare swear by it. Totally reliable service.

Eh, All those Zipcar things are about a 20 minute ,30 minute bike ride. gah... great idea though.

[ScottWheels]

Originally Posted by speediva

I split your post to a whole new thread so that it gets some individualized attention.

If you're looking for a cheap but reliable car, you can check out the newer (late 90s upward) Hyundai models or can't go wrong with a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc. I find that the imports tend to be more reliable in the long run than domestics and usually get great gas mileage while they're at it. Just keep in mind that you do get what you pay for...

Keep us posted on how your search is going - and what kind of pup have you got? I have a permanent American Pit Bull Terrier mix named Andrew and currently have a German Shepherd mix foster pup from a rescue group named Maggie.

thanks im new here so i might not post correctly