Looking for advice on buying my first used car

strekoza

Hello there,
I am new to these forums and would like to ask for some advice.
In the past I have leased all my cars, but unfortunately I am now in the position that I must buy something used within a budget of 5-8k.
I would really like if it was a European make, but besides that i'm open to all options.
The lease on my Volvo S60 is ending in less than a month and I must choose something asap.
All advice will be greatly appreciated!

xwesx

What are your needs? Are you looking at a sedan, hatch, CUV? Any requirements for fuel economy, range, ride, handling, transmission, features, etc.? There are a LOT of options out there for $5-8K cars!

stickguy

where are you located? That can make a difference.

I understand wanting the Euro, but generally, you will do better in lower price ranges with a domestic or Asian brand. May not actually be cheaper to get into, but running costs can be a lot lower. And that has a huge impact (a cheap car that needs tons of repairs, is no longer cheap. So add a cushion to the budget).

usually best to not worry about brand too much, and lean toward less "loved" models, since you get more car for the money. And focus on condition, maintenance records, and miles instead of bling.

The other key is how you will use it. Most of the time at a price point, you will have a choice of newer but higher miles, vs. older and lower miles. So if you won't drive much, the newer car makes sense. But maybe not if you have to put on a ton of miles.

With all that said, here are a few options from a local place to me.

boring and cheap. But a solid option for basic transit at bottom of budget.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-chevrolet-cobalt-2dr_coupe_lt_w_slash_1lt-used-17248504.html

this looks like a nice clean car for a little more money.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-mazda-mazda3-4dr_sedan_automatic_s_sport-used-17230740.html

here is your fancy Euro model. Might eat you alive though.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2009-volvo-s80-4dr_sedan_i6_turbo_awd-used-17219453.html


Probably the Mazda is the best of the bunch option considering all the factors.

strekoza

Thanks for the response.
I would like a sedan or coupe.
The more fuel efficient, the better.
Can only drive automatic.

strekoza

Those all seem like decent options. However they all have like like 90k and over miles on them.
Isn't that a bit much?
I don't really trust dealers, feel like they always have something up their sleeve. Just hoping to find someone decent selling something in good condition from their garage.
Just not sure exactly what to look for and how to know if I'm getting something reliable.

ral2167

Get yourself a high mileage more recent Camry-- 4 cylinder, or older low mileage one. Try to get a one owner one. Non smoker/garage deal. There's plenty out there. Stay away from euros-- too high maintenance costs.

Example: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/725333233/overview/

stickguy

That is normal mileage for that price range. with some looking, can find something lower, but might be a few years older. And dealers tend to have the nicer units. Can certainly shop private (in theory, might save money) but helps to really know cars. Just not as easy to deal with. And sadly, not every seller is honest. Good idea to get it checked out by a trusted mechanic. But, clean, low mile cars just don't last. So you don't always have a chance.

this one was listed somewhere in the 6's. Much lower miles because less popular brand.

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2009-chrysler-sebring-4dr_sedan_touring_asterisk_ltd_avail_asterisk_-used-17139533.html

qbrozen

If you look hard, you could find a Volvo C30 with lowish miles within budget. 

I think a mazda3 is probably the safest bet, though.

stickguy

well, if you want a 1 owner 12 YO camry, got one of those too!

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-toyota-camry-le-with/6478675259.html