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My car has reached the point where I can no longer justify sinking any more money into it.
The need for a new water pump is the straw that broke the camel's back. Trust me, even if I pay for a new water pump to keep me going there are at least $1,200 worth of other repairs looming (per my very reputable mechanic). So I am now weighing my options and seriously considering buying a "new to me" used car.
My budget is tight (under $10K) and I'm leaning towards getting something like a used Toyota corolla or Honda civic.
Anybody have a recommendation on a good local used car sales places here in the Triangle? Any places to avoid? How's the local CarMax? I'm in Raleigh but am open to going to dealers in other towns. I will be scouring Craig’s list as well.
BTW, if anybody has first hand reviews or recommendations on other smaller cars that they like (maybe a ford focus?) I'm all ears.
If/when you check out CarMax, check out AuctionDirect across Glenwood. Both have inventory listed online
I've always been partial to the Mazda3 in the compact car class - even though I am a Nissan guy, I've always preferred the 2003-2005ish 3 to the Corolla, Sentra, Focus, etc.
Civics are good too - Civic and 3 would be my choice in that range.
CarMax is very hit or miss and once you are off the lot, service is usually pretty much out the window (in my experience). I am also very hesitant of men in tweed jackets so beware
In all honesty, you cannot go wrong with a Honda. It will be more expensive but it should last as long as it has been taken care of AND if you find yourself in the same situation in a few years, it depreciates at a much smaller clip than any other vehicle, MPG is great with civics and they usually have a pretty good amount of leg room etc. Good luck.
When I shopped for a used car, I wasn't impressed with Car Max. I ended up buying a used Suzuki from Southern States. It was a 2005 with 15K miles for $11,000 (loaded with extras). That was 2 years ago and I haven't had any problems with it.
I'd say any non-American car is good. I've owned and love my Hyundai's, but I like the Suzuki too. Any Honda, Toyota, etc would prob be a best bet
The last few cars I've bought new are base Corolla CE models w/o the gadgets. Just got an 08 Corolla for $12K after rebates. New, no miles, full warranty.
Used Corollas are selling high now. Sold my 03 to Carmax for $7,500 and they flipped it for $13K in 3 days. Car had 57K and a few cosmetic blemishes from hail but was well kept.
The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris might also be worth considering stripped but new.
Business is slow at dealers. Why take a chance on an abused rental car or camouflaged flood vehicle. Leave off the gadgets and buy new for less.
All the used cars I ever bought were from private individuals. That is where the best deals are. Just be sure to pay your mechanic to give it a good check up before buying.
I have always heard that the best place to buy a used car is from a new car dealer. Supposedly they only keep the best of the trade-ins on their lot and wholesale the rest. Not sure if that is true, and the prices are probably at the high end of the range.
I only know one person who bought a car at CarMax, and they had a lot of problems with it. Don't know if that was an anomaly or not.
My wife has a 2007 Focus, and it seems OK. Peppy. Could give better mileage, but it is about 25-26 MPG on her 12 mile commute to the Park.
It only has about 8,000 miles on it in 17 months.
We don't really take it anywhere else but for groceries, so I don't know what it will deliver on the highway.
Her sister has a 2005(?) Focus, and has much higher mileage on it, and likes it a lot.
Focuses have likely depreciated faster than the Corolla or Honda, and the price for a comparable vehicle may be lower. It may be a good value, if the car is in great shape.
I like Consumer Reports April Auto issues, which are full of car feature discussions, and reliability charts.
Last edited by MikeJaquish; 09-10-2008 at 03:16 PM..
The last few cars I've bought new are base Corolla CE models w/o the gadgets. Just got an 08 Corolla for $12K after rebates. New, no miles, full warranty.
Used Corollas are selling high now. Sold my 03 to Carmax for $7,500 and they flipped it for $13K in 3 days. Car had 57K and a few cosmetic blemishes from hail but was well kept.
The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris might also be worth considering stripped but new.
Business is slow at dealers. Why take a chance on an abused rental car or camouflaged flood vehicle. Leave off the gadgets and buy new for less.
I just shopped the corolla and never saw anything even remotely close to $12,000? Are you serious? All Corollas, even the base comes with AC, power windows and locks. The sticker price for an 08 is $16,300, minimum. How in the world did you pay $12,000. There is just no way.
I've had a recent great experience with CarMax. Go see 'Old cheap Paul' he's been there forever and was very nice to work with. Great price and a great warranty on our car. No problems at all, and even though it is against their policy we got four new tires installed because two were borderline and the car is all whell drive.
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