Looking to buy a new/slightly used car, anyone with recommendations?

[Lockecole7]

Currently can drop about 15-20k on a car off the bat, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good car in the 25kish price range. Currently looking at sportier cars, since I already have a truck and am really bored with it for the past 6+ years.

Something in the line of a Chevy Camaro 2010/11, a 3 series beemer, certain acuras...I live in the Philadelphia, PA area, and was wondering if anyone knew of some good sales going on, it being the end of the model year. Ive been looking but not really sure where to look for good deals. Thanks BG!

[Silenka]

Craigslist? You can find great deals there from people trying to get rid of a car quick due to having to move/need a different type, etc. Would be careful on there though obviously.

[*Shinzon*]

For new, and sometimes used cars, Edmunds.com can provide with a search engine that will list dealer incentives and allow you to get price quotes for cars you want in your area. PA gets hammered with snow, if this is going to be your only car, the camaro is probably a bad choice, but that's just my opinion. Anyway make sure to check out Edmunds.com

[Lockecole7]

Yeah I live in Philly, it has been rough the last couple years, I did own a Dodge Durango which I could literally plow the street with, but a 4 car pile up took care of that, so that has been an issue. Honestly Im not getting a truck again, so its gonna be a coupe/sedan type car anyway, so Im stuck one way or another.

[Korietsu]

Pick up a used BMW, never worry about needing service again!

[jmc]

Get a BMW 3 series, or a Subaru STi >.>

[Quixon]

All I can say is take your time.


If you end up looking into the "sports car" market, it's extremely soft right now.... and there are TONS of deals to be had. Sports cars are also always cheaper in the winter time.

For that price range I'd go with the STI myself. I'm really not a big BMW fan at all though, they are over priced for what you are buying IMO.

The 2011 Mustang is fucking beast too, and gets fantastic gas mileage.

[Akumaronin]

A turbo Hayabusa.

[Matricide]

Used car market is doing well now because everyone wants to save money with a used car. Auctions I've been to this year have all had dealers "overpaying" for used cars, so keep that in mind if you plan on buying from a dealer.

Personally I'd look at Infinity G35/37.

[kyod]

Agreed. There is a used car shortage now, actually. Everyone wants used. Dealers are marking down new cars by a ton (I just got 5k off a 2010 model last week).

[Kohan]

Craigslist has already been suggested, and is a great recommendation. That's where you should go. There's little -- if any -- advantage to purchasing used vehicles from a dealership, as the "Certified Used" label essentially means they've performed general maintenance and cleaning, and are charging you hundreds (if not thousands) of extra dollars for the service. The warranty they provide, really, is insignificant.

However, I did mention that there's a "little" advantage, and that's the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty, which may actually make buying a dealership's used car worthwhile. This is something additional to shop around for, but if you can find a good deal, it may be worth your while. If the cost of an extended warranty transforms a used car's price into a new one's, though, it's clearly a waste of your time and money, so be smart about it.

If you do purchase a used vehicle from a place like Craigslist, here's a few tips:

1. Get the VIN and use AutoCheck (rather than Carfax) to run a background check. Although both outlets provide nearly identical results, the former is cheaper.

2. Ask the owner about maintenance/ownership information and compare it to the AutoCheck report. If they have documentation proving how well they've taken care of the vehicle, even better.

3. Never show the seller your identification, and don't tell them anything about where you live. There's no need to do this. Some scam artists -- and don't let "scam artists" scare you away from buying used cars -- will memorize/write down this information, visit your home later on, and use a spare pair of keys to take back the car they'd just sold you. It doesn't happen commonly, but why would you risk it?

4. If you get a dirt cheap salvage vehicle, keep in mind that it could very well be worthless in the future, and potentially difficult to insure (contact your insurance company first).

5. Ask the owner if they'll drive with you to, say, a Firestone or some place to have the car checked out mechanically. Don't go alone, since you don't know these people.

6. If you've spent hardly anything and think you've gotten away with murder (e.g., a super cheap restored salvage vehicle in immaculate condition), follow #3, and maybe even change the locks. You've already done a background check and the thing isn't stolen, but still, make sure it's yours forever.

[Skyylya]

Craigslist has already been suggested, and is a great recommendation. That's where you should go. There's little -- if any -- advantage to purchasing used vehicles from a dealership, as the "Certified Used" label essentially means they've performed general maintenance and cleaning, and are charging you hundreds (if not thousands) of extra dollars for the service. The warranty they provide, really, is insignificant.

However, I did mention that there's a "little" advantage, and that's the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty, which may actually make buying a dealership's used car worthwhile. This is something additional to shop around for, but if you can find a good deal, it may be worth your while. If the cost of an extended warranty transforms a used car's price into a new one's, though, it's clearly a waste of your time and money, so be smart about it.

If you do purchase a used vehicle from a place like Craigslist, here's a few tips:

1. Get the VIN and use AutoCheck (rather than Carfax) to run a background check. Although both outlets provide nearly identical results, the former is cheaper.

2. Ask the owner about maintenance/ownership information and compare it to the AutoCheck report. If they have documentation proving how well they've taken care of the vehicle, even better.

3. Never show the seller your identification, and don't tell them anything about where you live. There's no need to do this. Some scam artists -- and don't let "scam artists" scare you away from buying used cars -- will memorize/write down this information, visit your home later on, and use a spare pair of keys to take back the car they'd just sold you. It doesn't happen commonly, but why would you risk it?

4. If you get a dirt cheap salvage vehicle, keep in mind that it could very well be worthless in the future, and potentially difficult to insure (contact your insurance company first).

5. Ask the owner if they'll drive with you to, say, a Firestone or some place to have the car checked out mechanically. Don't go alone, since you don't know these people.

6. If you've spent hardly anything and think you've gotten away with murder (e.g., a super cheap restored salvage vehicle in immaculate condition), follow #3, and maybe even change the locks. You've already done a background check and the thing isn't stolen, but still, make sure it's yours forever.

Bolded part is 100% incorrect. NEVER buy an extended warranty through a dealership, ever. Even if buying a new car. If you want an extended warranty, go through the manufacturer.

[Lockecole7]

Ok, found 3 cars that Im interested in, decided to go a little cheaper so Im not so tight this winter, (my money off season.)

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1932780248.html 2005 BMW 550I w/ 25,000 miles. Charging $12,500

Seems to good to be true, seems like its a scam. Tell me what you think, I got this email also from the seller. If not Its a no brainer as this car KBBs for 39,000 in excellent condition.

Hi benjamin,

Thank you for your email concerning my 2008 BMW : 550I Sport Sedan. It has a clear title and it is in perfect working condition(no smoking or pets). Current odometer reading 25,217miles.
My final price on it is $12,500.00
I just got divorced and I decided to move(along with my daughter) closer to my parents. Right now I'm located in South Carolina and the vehicle is here with me. The car was awarded to me in our divorce. Being a single mother and not having a driver's license I decided to sell it. I am not in a position that allows me to travel and because i wish to sell it as fast and easy as possible i decided that the best way to let it go was online. I am not interested in taking a trade in with me to the dealership because I knew that would be a hassle. Don't get me wrong but I would prefer to secure the deal through eBay. I believe this protects both buyer and seller and it's the right way to do this. Also because the car will be shipped from SC I prefer to work with a 3rd-party in order to keep the both of us safe in this deal. I will be assured you will buy the car and you will be assured that you will receive it! Basically the money will be sent to them and they will keep it until you will receive the car and only after you will inspect and drive it they will forward the money to me.

If you like to receive more information about the vehicle, more details about the deal and hopefully if you want to continue please contact me.

Thank you for your time,
markyta

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1935363040.html 2006 Nissan Maxima 3.5 22" rims, numerous upgrades

Nice car, not german but seems to have a lot of work put into it, and I could get him down to 11,000 at the least. Its a Temple student in my area and hes interested in getting rid of it.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1939285890.html 2005 BMW 330xi AWD $11,500

Really nice looking car, but unfortunately has 111,000 miles on it. Ouch....is this car still worth it? I dont plan on having an 11,000 car for a long period of time, but 111,000 seems like its on its last legs, despite the car looking very nice via the exterior.

[Pringles]

Your first reply is definately a scam, try relpying that you'll be happy to fly to SC and purchase it face to face so you can test drive it. I will bet you'll never get a reply from them again.

[*Shinzon*]

Ok, found 3 cars that Im interested in, decided to go a little cheaper so Im not so tight this winter, (my money off season.)

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1932780248.html 2005 BMW 550I w/ 25,000 miles. Charging $12,500

Seems to good to be true, seems like its a scam. Tell me what you think, I got this email also from the seller. If not Its a no brainer as this car KBBs for 39,000 in excellent condition.



http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1935363040.html 2006 Nissan Maxima 3.5 22" rims, numerous upgrades

Nice car, not german but seems to have a lot of work put into it, and I could get him down to 11,000 at the least. Its a Temple student in my area and hes interested in getting rid of it.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1939285890.html 2005 BMW 330xi AWD $11,500

Really nice looking car, but unfortunately has 111,000 miles on it. Ouch....is this car still worth it? I dont plan on having an 11,000 car for a long period of time, but 111,000 seems like its on its last legs, despite the car looking very nice via the exterior.

The last BMW has a lot of mileage but looks really well maintained. I think 11 is a bit much but if it's been as well maintained as it looks, should be worth it I'd imagine. My brother bought a used Acura RSX recently, for 7 grand, so the BMW might command a little more if it's in good shape.

[Anakron]

That 550i woman looks very suspicious: http://www.google.com/search?q=akodo...icial&filter=0

[Lockecole7]

Yeah I googled her email also, and she seems to be selling multiple cars like that....looks like she made out pretty well in that divorce haha. Also one of the example emails of scams from craigslist involves the whole "I got a car when I divorced someone and have no need for it because Im a woman." Im pretty much going to figure that noone will sell a 38,000 car for 12,000 and ignore that.

Soooo noone seems to think the Nissan is a good deal? It's got a lot of bells and whistles, and 20k+ less miles than the BMW, plus it'll be cheaper to maintain when anything needs to be fixed, correct?

Is the Beemer going to cost me an arm and a leg when it inevitably needs to be maintained, considering it has 110,000 miles. How much more can I drive it before a transmission or something super expensive goes. I'm not too car savvy, and yes it does seem like it was well kept. (not sure how you drive a car 110,000 miles and it still looks like that...maybe I just beat my cars up living in the city.)

[Weeks]

Nissan Maximas are fantastic cars. I've driven three of them and loved every one. I've had a WRX for the past five years and as much fun as it is, they just aren't well-made cars. Lots of minor structural things crop up.

[Anakron]

I tend to stay away from heavily modified cars, and those 22" wheels are pretty excessive IMO. Also, if tints aren't done perfectly, you'll get lots of bubbles in the future.

If I were looking for a car in the 20s range, I'd put serious thought into a new Mazda or Mazdaspeed 3, or an Accord Coupe (the Honda V6s are much more refined than Nissan's VQs, otherwise I would consider the Altima Coupe also).

EDIT: Also, what kind of situation are you in family-wise? The Maxima is a pretty big car for anybody without kids.

[*Shinzon*]

The maxima is a sport sedan, so it's really not that big, not by much compared to a bmw 3. Also the Maxima was modded by someone who looks like he went to a local shop and bought all the chrome he could and put it on, that's just my opinion though. If there's nothing wrong with the car and YOU like it, take a look at it. Personally there's very few used cars I would buy simply because I have some attachment to them.

Check out the Ford Fiesta if you're looking for a city car/beater. 10-15k brand new and great gas mileage. May not be the greatest looking car, it looks good, but it'll be under warranty and would be durable.