Buying a used car

Okay. Am going used car shopping starting Wednesday and I've basically got 5k to spend on a car. I have been looking around on ebay, craigslist, auto trader and everything to try and see what kind of cars would be in that range. I've also looked at dealers and all that stuff.

What I'd like to know, is your guy's recommendations for a used car under or around 5k. I want your past experiences and such. Not just a random throw out. I'd appreciate the help a lot because car shopping is a *****.

What I'd want out of this car. To LIVE at LEAST 3-4 years so I can save for another vehicle. Great gas mileage, and can play around in those slippery winter roads, and is reliable, and..maybe a car that I could play with after market parts and maybe some project builds over the summer.

Any help/suggestions would actually be appreciated http://imgs.pbnation.com/smilies/smile.gif

Hi !! Thare are lots of options are available .Some of the advantages of buying used cars are as follows:


Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
Some used cars are still under the factory warranty.
Most new carmakers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
The history of a used car can easily be traced using the VIN number.
Financing rates for used cars have dropped in recent years.
If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.

Buying a used car means you can afford a model with more luxury/performance. For more information you can have a look at "Autotropolis"

Okay. Am going used car shopping starting Wednesday and I've basically got 5k to spend on a car. I have been looking around on ebay, craigslist, auto trader and everything to try and see what kind of cars would be in that range. I've also looked at dealers and all that stuff.

What I'd like to know, is your guy's recommendations for a used car under or around 5k. I want your past experiences and such. Not just a random throw out. I'd appreciate the help a lot because car shopping is a *****.

What I'd want out of this car. To LIVE at LEAST 3-4 years so I can save for another vehicle. Great gas mileage, and can play around in those slippery winter roads, and is reliable, and..maybe a car that I could play with after market parts and maybe some project builds over the summer.

Any help/suggestions would actually be appreciated http://imgs.pbnation.com/smilies/smile.gif


Remember... cash is king. If you've got 5K cash, you can buy a lot more car than you might think. I'd suggest looking online at autotrader or kelly blue book. You can get an idea of what makes and models fall into your price range, and then do a search in your geographical area.

Also remember, you don't have to pay any extras that you don't want to. You always have the power to walk away, and if you have the will-power, you can do very well.


Remember, In today's economy, you are a highly valued item...a cash paying customer!:tongue:

The Kelly blue book is way too high and not right most of the time.Japanese cars are not reliable for electrical,tons of electrical problems which are very expensive to repair.For example,an ECM replacement for a Honda is $2,500.00 if one goes bad.Toyota Corrollas are not good cars either,the engines and transmissions are junk.I know a wrecking yard owner that can sell the engines very easily if he can get his hands on them for $1,500.00 a piece.He does get calls for the engines for Corrollas.ALso find out if it was wrecked,if was fixed right if it was in an accident.I know about a couple dealers in my area that do not fix wrecks very well.