Quote:
Originally Posted by Specaled
What kind of used cars would you recommend along with any red flags that should be noted?
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Did I add the disclaimer that I am a total fool who knows nothing? If not, let that now be noted for the record.
Number 1 most important rule in used car buying that you can and may never forego or forget: Always bring a mechanic to inspect the car, INCLUDING used cars on dealership lots.
If you forget everything and take only 1 thing away, is it that. Bring a mechanic, bring a mechanic, bring a mechanic.
That said, can't go wrong with Japanese cars - Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, along with others. But regardless of that, the most important thing in making your car last forever, is taking real good care of your car like you would your child. No other way around that. There's a book titled How to Make Your Car Last Forever. Highly highly recommended. It's like ten bucks off Amazon.
It depends on what you're looking for. Me personally, I'd go for old Honda Civics, Geo Metros, Toyota Tercels, Ford Escorts and Festivas. But I think you're looking for something really reliable that you're going to be putting a whole lot of miles on. In that case, I'd try to find something with lower mileage, under 50,000. If you've got 10 grand, heck, why not a used BMW? Or an Acura or an Audi. But, that's more for fun and mainly you just want something affordable and reliable with low miles and good fuel economy of course. But for fun, there's a whole world of possibilities. Mitsubishi and VWs. Old classics to tinker around with. VW The Thing. Karmann Ghia. Maybe a Pinto if you like the danger and excitement of knowing you could blow up at any possible minute. Stuff like that.
Mainly keeping in mind fuel economy, seeing where we are, and since I think you're leaning towards something newer, here are some ideas.
If you do have new car kind of money, you might be able to get a used 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid that gets 40+mpg under 20,000 miles for around 13 grand.
You could get a used Honda Civic Hybrid under 30,000 miles around 14 grand as well or even a Toyta Prius.
You could get a used Honda Civic under 30,000 miles for around 9 grand. There are so so many different kinds and years of Civics and fuel economy varies greatly, so keep that in mind.
You could get a Honda Fit which gets really good gas mileage under 30,000 miles for around 11 grand.
You could get a Toyota Yaris under 30,000 miles for around 10 grand.
I also recommend VW Golfs and Jettas which are diesels that get really good gas mileage. Under 30,000 miles, probably around 9-11 grand.
If you're willing to buy something with more mileage you could save thousands more. Literally cut some of these prices in half, and then some.
There are a lot of options. But personally, I'd go for an old Geo Metro or Civic.