Buying a used car part 2

chihuahuamom · ‎06-25-2015

I want to get some more advice on this subject:

I am in my late 60s, good health and drive only in my area (which is a medium sized city of about 150,000). Rarely get on the freeway or go any further than about 20 miles. My little "tin can" 2009 Hyundai accent got totalled when my son rear-ended someone at a very slow speed. So, I must find a used car within about 7 to 10K range. Thought I had found a 2012 Honda Accord, but turns out the Kelley Blue Book had it lower than the retail price the dealer wanted, so could not qualify for it with my pre-approval limit. Also they would not let me take it to my mechanic for inspection. So, I thought about leasing, but I think it's too complicated for me. I am looking for Hondas or Toyotas. Any thoughts or advice? I have looked at so many cars online, heard stories about leasing, looking at rental places like Enterprise or going through AAA, that my brain is muddled. Thanks in advance.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

@chihuahuamom : my experience with shopping for a used car from Enterprise for DS was Bait & Switch; also overpriced. Skip them. Totally agree about shopping Honda (Acura) or Toyota (Lexus) for used. And yes, no matter what, you need to have your own tech evaluate what the car needs.

I buy through CarGurus dot com. You put in your paramaters, they will help you with the rest, including sharing the car's CarFax report and what it's worth in your area. Easy and you shop from your computer.

Good Luck- you got this!

Report back on how you make out.

Lilysmom · ‎03-09-2010

@chihuahuamom , if they won’t let you have a car inspected, don’t buy it. Can you look locally, can you out the word out among friends? Good luck! LM

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

I've never leased a car but after much thought - my age - age of my car..........I've decided to go the lease route when it's time. It can't be very complicated - pay monthly the lease amount - get it serviced on regular basis - you'll have low mileage so no surprise charges there.

Get a brand new car - instead of buying used and getting previous owner's problems. Go Lease!

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

@chihuahuamom Have you checked out carvana dot com?

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I bank at a credit union. They offer car buy assistance.

friends bought a used car last year. They watched the paper, Facebook buy and sell and Craig's list. They jumped on ads the first day they were listed.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

In my rural area of WV, it is easy to go to a local dealers used car lot and find good cars that are local trade ins. Most were sold and serviced locally, so it is easier to get the name of the owner and talk to them about the car.

With all the flooding across the country in the last year, I would be extremely wary of any vehicle bought at car auctions, which are usually found on smaller independent car lots.

Have you asked your mechanic to help you find a good vehicle in your price range, and pay him a finders fee?

webbgarner1 · ‎06-13-2017

@chihuahuamom I have always said you can't jardly go wrong with honda accord, honda civic, toyota camry or toyota corolla. They are very dependable, built to last. However, your price range will probably limit you to very high mileage cars and you probably do not want that. As you may have noticed prices of cars have gone way up due to trade wars and consumer preferences. These days it seems everyone wants a suv, and i for one depise suvs.

If there is a local honda or toyota dealer try them first. If there is a carmax in your area , check them out.

Leasing may be a good option for you since you do not drive much and it can get you in a new car about every 2 years. Basically it is like renting a car, you never own it unless you choose to purchase it when the lease expires.

pigletsmom · ‎11-21-2011

I wouldn't lease. You normally keep a car for a while and with not a lot of driving you'd pay the lease with nothing to show for it at the end.

If you have a mechanic you trust I'd go see them and ask if they have any ideas. I'm wondering how Carvana works? If you get it delivered and get it checked out and something is wrong can you send it back? That might be a good option. Seems like in that sort of circumstance they must have a way for that to work since you're buying it sight unseen.