Car got totaled, need a new car.

[Komm Suesser Tod]

I got in a small accident about two weeks ago, but I guess there was some damage under the hood I didn't realize, and the car is being totaled by my insurance. I'm getting back about $4k, and I'm not sure if I want to buy some used car I can find for that, or use part of it as a down payment on a slightly nicer car.

So, basically I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for finding a good used car, or where to look for the best deals on a used car.

Thanks in advance.

[Klutz]

Google.

[Pikarya]

Huffy, 2010 model. Preferably with shocks.

[Klutz]

Huffy, 2010 model. Preferably with shocks.

Oh you!

[Takedown3]

pics?

[Heavencloud]

bg needs to learn how to drive!

[Klutz]

I'm a good driver. I only failed my license paper test once!

[volcanicweather]

Failed twice and graduated college 2 years early!

<- geeneus

[Jefe]

4k? Maybe a Nissan Sentra or Honda Civic. Those last for a hell of a long time, definitely you'll get your money's worth. Furthermore, if something unfortunate would/should/will happen you can buy used parts really cheap.

Stay the heck away from US cars, pieces of crap.

[Elesirdur]

What kind of car did you have before? What are your needs for the vehicle? 2 doors or 4? Car or pickup?

Need some more info OP.

[jinkazama]

I'll sell you..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...285_345984.jpg

ran over a grave plot today so I'm fairly sure whoever drives it next is going to hell!

....See bent rims thread!



but no in all honestly I'd save the 4K and put it to something a little nicer, that is if you have a job and dont mind the payments. Cant go wrong with a honda

[Klutz]

Spoiler: show

I'll sell you..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...285_345984.jpg

ran over a grave plot today so I'm fairly sure whoever drives it next is going to hell!

....See bent rims thread!

but no in all honestly I'd save the 4K and put it to something a little nicer, that is if you have a job and dont mind the payments. Cant go wrong with a honda

Not gonna lie, I saw this coming.

But I still lol'd.

[Callisto]

Yeah depends what kinda payments you're looking for, if you want something cheap or something mid-range(if your insurance totaled your last car out at 4k I'm assuming you aren't accustomed to driving ritzy shit). In all honesty I was looking at something like a Focus soon myself, Ford's come a long way in terms of the reliability and quality of their economy-grade cars and the prices are pretty low. That or a Honda as stated...you can probably get a Toyota for pretty cheap now too with all the bad press they got, aside from those borked ones that had to be recalled they're typically very good cars.

[jinkazama]

He just totalled a car! stop offering the man a Toyota!

[Komm Suesser Tod]

It looks worse that it is, it was mostly the hood that got messed up, but I guess the repairs on that alone were enough for it to be totaled.

I'm looking for a small car with good gas mileage, that's comfortable to drive and at least a basic cd player. My old car had 4 doors, but the back seat was so small I could barely ever have anyone sit in back.

[tyven]

get a dodge stratus

[Klutz]

Well at least your car is still aerodynamic. Gotta save gas "broski", if that's what you males are calling it nowadays.

[Wulfgang]

Kelley Blue Book; type what you're looking for and you can get an idea of price in the private market and also listings of similar cars in your area. That said, anyone hoping to get full KBB value will likely be waiting a while.

Carmax is actually good for the selection combined with the fact you are relatively protected against getting a lemon.

[Mojo]

Well, you seem pretty casual about what kind of car you own, so it really depends on how much money you make and what you can afford. If you want a nicer car go for it but think about how much the monthly payments will be (including full coverage insurance.)

[Elesirdur]

Oh yeah, something I learned in my present job: Whenever buying a piece of personal property (car, boat, etc) spend the $20 and get a lien search done. I think in the US lien searches are included in some general "background" checks on vehicles by running the VIN through motor vehicle registries. These checks might include accident reports, etc. but the real important thing financially is the lien or financial encumbrance check. Throughout Canada lien searches can be done separate from insurance checks for damage or accidents, and it's well worth the small amount of money for the due diligence on your part as a buyer.

The last thing you want to find out when you've just purchased a piece of personal property is that it had an undisclosed financial encumbrance on it. And, as the current owner, that encumbrance - like a lien - now defaults to you as the owner. So what might have seemed like a good deal could cost you thousands because the previous owner(s) didn't pay off their banks or lenders and now you are stuck with the legal obligation to pay off those liens.