New car. Suggestions?

[shiarua]

The time has come where I need to buy a new car. This will actually be the first car I am buying for myself. I have had the privilege in the past of using a vehicle my parents bought for cheap which got totaled last March (drunk driver rear ended me at a stop light). Since then I've been using my mom's old van since she bought a new Subaru in the fall. It's pretty much on its last leg and I don't want to invest any money into it to get it fixed.

I'd prefer buying a new car, but only looking to spend around $10-15k. I know that isn't going to get me much, but my plan is to buy lower end now and save for something better for a few years down the road. I'd buy a nicer car now but I don't want to take out a loan.

Advice?

[SephYuyX]

If you want to by new for that price, your going to get a shit car. If you buy new used at that price, youre going to get a great car.
You can get '10s under 30k miles for $15~20k, and '09 and earlier for under $15k easy.

Never buy a new car unless you feel like wasting money; go around and look at used lots, and even better buy from local mechanics or people selling in their yard. There's a local mechanic here that pretty much my whole extended family has bought cars from; theyreinexpensive good cars with low miles, and known to be good since he's already looked at them.

[TheTaru]

I'd prefer buying a new car, but only looking to spend around $10-15k. I know that isn't going to get me much, but my plan is to buy lower end now and save for something better for a few years down the road. I'd buy a nicer car now but I don't want to take out a loan.

Advice?

Basically everything Seph said. A brand new car that costs $10-15k is very likely going to be a piece of shit.

What are you looking for as far as model, etc.? Craigslist can be a good place to start looking if you want an idea of what you can get for your money locally.

[*Shinzon*]

You could get a very base VW jetta at that price, 15k starting so 16k if you get no options after taxes and shit. Tbh with summer coming, unless you need a car, you could always check out potentially buying and learning properly to ride a motorcycle saving your car for bad weather and stuff. You'd also save money on insurance costs and gas. I'm not into buying used cars much, especially anything modded because you are usually buying someone else's problems unless the person was very detailed with service records and stuff.

[Omniyoji]

Here's an older thread from last year w/ some suggestions:

http://www.bluegartr.com/threads/932...e-a-first-car?

[Bockage]

When I got my car a few years back I got it from a rental car company dealership. The cars aren't new, but you can most definitely find something in the 10-15k price range. I've had my car for about 4 years now and I'm very happy with it.

[tyven]

seph is spot on. you could get a really nice preowned vehicle for that much. like a silly altima

[Jak]

Yah, going with Seph (like everyone else). I got my car back in 2002 ('96 Honda Accord LX) from a local individual and I'm still driving it to this day. And I swear it looks better than half the new cars nowadays.

[Skidz]

If you do insist on buying new, VW is great. Never driven a jetta, but a golf (even the base model) is great imo.

[Heavencloud]

For 10-15k buy used. Better to get a used decent car than a piece of shit new cheap car.

[shiarua]

Thanks for the responses. Im a little wary of buying used, since there could be potential issues with the car and there are a lot of untrustworthy individuals out there (even dealers), but I'll look around.

[SephYuyX]

Simple: Dont buy used unless they can provide all documentation, are comfortable with you driving it around a bit, and are ok with you wanting it to be taken to a mechanic for inspection. Find a good mechanic near you by asking friends/family, and ask him what he'll charge for a buyers inspection.

[shiarua]

I actually have a mechanic I go to regularly, so thats no issue. Owns his own shop and employs 1-2 people.

[SephYuyX]

Makes it real easy then. Ask him keep an eye out for people who are trying to sell, hell he probably has a couple he wants to get rid of atm. And since youre on decent terms with him, he'll probably give you a good deal on the cars he'll check for you.

[Elesirdur]

If you're okay with compacts, a year or two old VW City Golf, Toyota Yaris HB, Honda Fit, etc. would be a good buy. I got a Yaris hatchback in 2007 and it's been a great car.

Seph's advice is good too. If you're willing to go back a few years you can definitely find some very nice cars for that price.

How are you planning to finance this purchase? Do you have a lender in mind for your quoted price range, or do you have cash somehow (family loan maybe)? If you know you'll be getting something new in a year or two why not lease? Sure, it's not always the best solution and you don't get anything to show for it beyond your credit report, but it could save you the hassle of paying interest and fees on a loan.

[shiarua]

Pretty much going to pay cash, or at least that's what I'd prefer. Loan/lease is less than ideal. I've managed to make it this far in life with no debt. Rather not get myself stuck paying off debt for a long time (ie I lose my job, economy gets crapier, etc)

[shiarua]

As far as leasing goes, I'm just looking at the pros/cons but the mileage restrictions are kind of turning me off to that option. I drive around 60 miles a day just getting to and from work. That would add up quite quick and I'm sure I would go way over.

[plue]

I've heard great things about the Nissan Versa. It's a cheap car, but it's roomy, fun to drive (had it as a rental once), and best of all it's not American.

[Anakron]

If you're looking to get something else in a maybe 3 years, I would avoid getting a new car because you'll get hit with roughly 50% depreciation. A CPO or a 1-2 year old vehicle should be relatively safe and under warranty for the duration of your ownership.

[Rahm]

If you have access to a military base, or know a friend that can get you on, most bases have lots where people sell their used cars. Normally I see 10' and 09' cars marked way down to sell fast due to people getting deployed. It's also really nice that these people are in a rush to sell their car so they're more willing to negotiate a lower price.