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Used Car for Daughter
Hi....I am looking for a used car for my daughter who is a college student. She has about $3000 to spend and would prefer a automatic transmission that gets good gas mileage. Other than that she is open to pretty much anything.
We have been looking at PT Cruisers around the 2006 year mark. We are aware that the timing belt and water pump will need to be changed and have spoke with a mechanic in town who can do both for $650.
What I would like to know is, what are your recommendations for a used car for her at the price she can pay, $3000 and about a $600-$700 mechanic allowance if needed. We would need something that isnt going to have major problems too far down the road
Thanks!!
We have been looking at PT Cruisers around the 2006 year mark. We are aware that the timing belt and water pump will need to be changed and have spoke with a mechanic in town who can do both for $650.
What I would like to know is, what are your recommendations for a used car for her at the price she can pay, $3000 and about a $600-$700 mechanic allowance if needed. We would need something that isnt going to have major problems too far down the road
Thanks!!
0
Answers
But, let me call in some experts to weigh in with their opinions.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
PT Cruisers have a pretty bad reputation.
Maybe a Mitsubishi Lancer? Pretty sturdy car.
A Ford Crown Victoria might work if she doesn't mind the larger size.
Or a Mazda Protege or Mazda 6 (NOT a "626")
important question, where are you located? Prices, and condition (rust, etc.) for older cars can vary widely. Also, how many miles per month/year? a few thousand a year is different than a long commute daily, or being far away.
In this range, I always worry more about condition and maintenance than brand, or miles. I have had some good ones, and some, well, not so good ones.
your usual Honda and Toyatas can be good, but not cheap. A Malibu could work fine. Maybe a Nissan. Hyundai or Kia can be a good deal.
something like this would be good option. high miles but new, so likely highway. clean, and could go for years. Or, not. This is sold, but it was listed IIRC in the low-mid 3,000s.
http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-toyota-corolla-4dr_sedan_automatic_le-used-15548596.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
We are also looking at the Vibe, Matrix, and Hondas and others listed above.
We are in California, High Desert area. She will be driving it to and from college, about 20 miles one way. So not a lot of miles will be put on it.
Great deal on that 2010!!! I wish we could find something like that!!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Might have to go up to $4,000 to find a desirable one though. If looks are not an issue, find one that's been cosmetically beat up