Advice for first car

[Sniperchang]

Hello, I'm new to this forum, I'm hoping to get some advice as I will need a car. This will be my first car, and I'm completely unfamiliar distinguishing the good the bad and the ugly.

My goal is to get a cheap car that will last me at least 2 years with minimal running costs. My critairia is as follows:

• Budget right now is $5000. But I may go a little higher if I wait to buy at a later time.
• I don't want a van, truck or SUV
• I would like to get a 2006 and above

A few cars I found locally (I live in Nova Scotia, Canada):

• A few 2005 to 2007 Mazdas
• A few civics 2005 and above and some other hondas
• 2007 Pontiac Wave for a great price, but I heard GMs are terrible
• 2007 Toyota Yaris, and a few echos for a good price
• A few 2006-2007 Hyundai Accents for good prices
• A 2006 Kio Rio 5

My general impressions are:

• Avoid American cars (GM, Ford, Chrysler)
• Hondas and Toyotas are great cars
• I don't know about kia and hyundais
• I think Mazdas are good cars, but don't really know

What would some cars to look for/avoid with above criteria?

Thanks!

[Ray paulsen]

With a $5000. budget, name brands don't come into play all that matters is present condition that will outlast your investment.

Personally I am not a fan of Kia or Chrysler at any price, but hey to each his own, all others you mentioned could be in the running.

Buying any used car is a series of steps - test drive - mechanic - negotiate etc, to start the ball rolling here are some pointers that hopefully will help you along with the first step http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html

[Sniperchang]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

With a $5000. budget, name brands don't come into play all that matters is present condition that will outlast your investment.

Personally I am not a fan of Kia or Chrysler at any price, but hey to each his own, all others you mentioned could be in the running.

Buying any used car is a series of steps - test drive - mechanic - negotiate etc, to start the ball rolling here are some pointers that hopefully will help you along with the first step http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html

What a fantastic site. Thank you very much!