Which one should I buy? If ANY

Phylogenesis

I'm stuck between three cars- all within my price range (4500) and all within what I would be looking for, me being a delivery driver, to get me through the next few years. The thing is I'm prone to impulse buying and don't want to make this same mistake! So I'm coming to you all for help.

Option A) 2010 Subaru Forester. 129k miles,
$4500. I know these forester models had a crippling head gasket issue but according to the seller the head gasket was replaced a few weeks ago along with everything the blown gasket ruined. No other mechanical issues- clean title. Top of my list because of more space but I'm wondering if the other two options would just be better.

Option 2008 Kia Forte. 160k miles. Issues- none according to seller. 4k. I was mainly concerned about the milage. Clean title.

Option C) 2009 Nissan Altima. 125k miles. No known issues. 4k

Ideally I would be looking for a Toyota or a Honda- but in this economy the only ones I could find in my price range either had ridiculously high milage or were really old. Any other recommendations that I may find in my price range would be appreciated as well! I'm looking for something no less than 15 years old.

kyfdx

Phylogenesis said:

I'm stuck between three cars- all within my price range (4500) and all within what I would be looking for, me being a delivery driver, to get me through the next few years. The thing is I'm prone to impulse buying and don't want to make this same mistake! So I'm coming to you all for help.

Option A) 2010 Subaru Forester. 129k miles,

$4500. I know these forester models had a crippling head gasket issue but according to the seller the head gasket was replaced a few weeks ago along with everything the blown gasket ruined. No other mechanical issues- clean title. Top of my list because of more space but I'm wondering if the other two options would just be better.

Option 2008 Kia Forte. 160k miles. Issues- none according to seller. 4k. I was mainly concerned about the milage. Clean title.

Option C) 2009 Nissan Altima. 125k miles. No known issues. 4k

Ideally I would be looking for a Toyota or a Honda- but in this economy the only ones I could find in my price range either had ridiculously high milage or were really old. Any other recommendations that I may find in my price range would be appreciated as well! I'm looking for something no less than 15 years old.

Ask for the paperwork on the head gasket repair.
If it can't be documented, you have to assume it's a lie.

Assuming all in the same condition, the Forester is the best deal, by far. Which makes it doubtful they just spent $2K on a head gasket.

Any car over 10 years old with 125K+ miles is a crapshoot. I would want a mechanic to check out the one I want.

Phylogenesis

@kyfdx said:
Ask for the paperwork on the head gasket repair.
If it can't be documented, you have to assume it's a lie.

Assuming all in the same condition, the Forester is the best deal, by far. Which makes it doubtful they just spent $2K on a head gasket.

Any car over 10 years old with 125K+ miles is a crapshoot. I would want a mechanic to check out the one I want.

I was assuming the seller of the Forester was a mechanic and did the repairs at a shop- but I'll ask for the proper documentation. Because I was wary of the price tag for a head gasket replacement.

I just heard good things on Kias and Nissans and it was said they could last well over 200k miles.

Phylogenesis

It's just becoming seemingly impossible to find anything less than 15 years old with lower than 125k miles. Unless I want to spend more money, but unfortunately I have none more than my budget and need a car for work.