Used Cars for < 6000 $ (apartment, insurance, buying)

[Ripan5]

Hello,

I would like to have an opinion from the locals here that what car should I go for if I want to buy an used car just under 6000 $, specifically for commuting to UH (roughly 7-10 miles / day).

It should have a decent mileage & be reliable. Looks matter but not while comprising the above factors.

So are there any specific recommendations for a student?

[texas7]

You might try carmax. If buying from an individual, make sure you know someone who can log into to carfax and get you a report. If you buy from a dealer or carmax, ask for a carfax report. They aren't foolproof by any means but it is somewhat useful info.

[cheryjohns]

Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic would both be inexpensive and have good gas mileage.

[Ripan5]

Originally Posted by texas7

You might try carmax. If buying from an individual, make sure you know someone who can log into to carfax and get you a report. If you buy from a dealer or carmax, ask for a carfax report. They aren't foolproof by any means but it is somewhat useful info.

Yeah, but any recommendations for any specific car or brand ?

I have a few options (provided by my friends) :

Honda Civic Sedan
Toyota Corolla
Hyundai Elantra
Nissan Altima/ Maxima
Mazda3


But most of these used 2005 or above models costs a lot. And craigslist is fully loaded with scams where a '99 model can cost 12K while a 2007 can cost as low as 3.5K

Anyways, can any1 let me know about the insurance that I have to get ?

[ethanw]

Find a car with full maintenance records. Maintenance on any car is the most important thing. If you have the dealer recommended maintenance done regularly a car can and will run forever. If a car is abused and beat up without any maintenance records, expect surprises.
It may be hard to find a car with full maintenance but stay persistent.
We donated my wife's little Honda to her brother and 8 years later is still running strong with 200.000 miles on it. But we were religious about the dealer recommended maintenance items and schedule. Japanese cars are best from a reliability and maintenance perspective and no offense to anyone with this statement.

Lastly, find someone who knows cars, friend, relative, pay someone. It will be worth having someone who knows a thing or two about cars.

Originally Posted by Ripan5

Hello,

I would like to have an opinion from the locals here that what car should I go for if I want to buy an used car just under 6000 $, specifically for commuting to UH (roughly 7-10 miles / day).

It should have a decent mileage & be reliable. Looks matter but not while comprising the above factors.

So are there any specific recommendations for a student?

[Ripan5]

Originally Posted by ethanw

Find a car with full maintenance records. Maintenance on any car is the most important thing. If you have the dealer recommended maintenance done regularly a car can and will run forever. If a car is abused and beat up without any maintenance records, expect surprises.
It may be hard to find a car with full maintenance but stay persistent.
We donated my wife's little Honda to her brother and 8 years later is still running strong with 200.000 miles on it. But we were religious about the dealer recommended maintenance items and schedule. Japanese cars are best from a reliability and maintenance perspective and no offense to anyone with this statement.

Lastly, find someone who knows cars, friend, relative, pay someone. It will be worth having someone who knows a thing or two about cars.

Thanks for the advise.

But I'm rather looking for a direct answer rather than any advise, sorry to be rude but I'm in a hurry get done with my apartment & car.

[ethanw]

Hmm, you just changed your mind from an "opinion" to a "direct answer" Not exactly sure what you want anymore. Best of luck to you mate....

Originally Posted by Ripan5

Thanks for the advise.

But I'm rather looking for a direct answer rather than any advise, sorry to be rude but I'm in a hurry get done with my apartment & car.

[Ripan5]

Originally Posted by ethanw

Hmm, you just changed your mind from an "opinion" to a "direct answer" Not exactly sure what you want anymore. Best of luck to you mate....

"Direct Answer" as in what "SPECIFIC" car would fit my criteria.

[texas7]

I would go Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. While Hyundai Elantra's have been good the past 2-3 years, models older than 2009 might be less reliable as the brand was still evolving into quality.

[cheryjohns]

You have had several tell you the same cars - are you wanting 99 people to say the same thing? 199? 299?

Are you wanting us to go find your car for you tomorrow? Look in the paper and call about those cars Sunday.