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I looked on Craigslist in my area (the SF Bay). I probably have more choices than someone who lives in a smaller city or different region... but literally every car I named, I plugged into the search box and set a minimum of $2k and a max of $12k and found multiple results before posting.
50k isn't high mileage unless it's a 3-year old car. 5 years isn't old. I guess it's a matter of perception at that point, but you can easily find plenty of great late-90's/early-00's that have been babied and are available for a song, especially with the economy being what it is.
Domestics, luxury cars, and some niche vehicles drop in value like tanks, so you can get outsized-good deals on them if you know where and how to look.
when i had $12,000 to spend on a car i bought a used Hyundai Elantra with 12000m on it and 3 1/2 years and 48,000m of warranty left. one of the best purchases i ever made and better then a Yaris by some measure. i love my car
$12,000 used luxury car? i just keep thinking of the woman who was in Discount Tires complaining about how she had to buy tires every 18,000m for her used Benz at a price of nearly $800 for a set of four. problem? she bought a "used" $70,000 car for $35,000 but couldn't afford to maintain a $70,000 car.
get the luxury car if you want one and can afford it. if $12,000 is all you really have for a car and that is based on your day to day budget, get something nice and new(er) imo
$12,000 used luxury car? i just keep thinking of the woman who was in Discount Tires complaining about how she had to buy tires every 18,000m for her used Benz at a price of nearly $800 for a set of four. problem? she bought a "used" $70,000 car for $35,000 but couldn't afford to maintain a $70,000 car.
it's about smart shopping. See the 19" wheels and tires on my used BMW 7 series? I bought the TIRES used, as well, for $50 each with 90% tread life on them as take-offs off a much newer 7 series that uses that size, stock. The tires were almost new enough to still have the nubbins on them, and balanced out and drive perfectly. 4200 for 4 high perfomrance tires ever few years is great.
I say get something fun. Just do a lot of research, ask questions and learn how you can take care of the car yourself. Even oil changes, brake jobs and so forth can be done DIY. You have the rest of your life to be practical and boring. Save it for when you get married, obtain a mortgage and start worrying about your kids. I have just ran the life out of my practical car that I have had for many years. The most I put into it was tires, oil changes and most recently a starter and timing belt. It has served its purpose well but it was never a fun car to drive. Besides aren't we all gonna die in 2012 anyway? It will be a lot more fun trying to out run the toxic volcanic dust cloud in your BMW verses your Yaris. he he he
Well, since I already have a daily driver that is serving me well, that $12K would go toward a low-mileage 1993 Mustang Cobra with a $2K loan to cover the rest. I'd drive it every once in a while during the summer, and the rest of the time would be spent in a garage appreciating in value.
I say get something fun. Just do a lot of research, ask questions and learn how you can take care of the car yourself. Even oil changes, brake jobs and so forth can be done DIY. You have the rest of your life to be practical and boring. Save it for when you get married, obtain a mortgage and start worrying about your kids. I have just ran the life out of my practical car that I have had for many years. The most I put into it was tires, oil changes and most recently a starter and timing belt. It has served its purpose well but it was never a fun car to drive. Besides aren't we all gonna die in 2012 anyway? It will be a lot more fun trying to out run the toxic volcanic dust cloud in your BMW verses your Yaris. he he he
Who said anything about me getting married and having kids? Marriage and kids are not for me. I will never get married and never have kids.
I'd buy a 3-4 year old Honda or Subaru of some kind. May be a little over 12G though since they hold their value very well. But I'd do that over buying a brand new base model of some tin Versa or Cobalt can.
People like you said that to me when I was 18. I am 34 and my choice to NOT do the wife and kids thing is stronger than ever. Shouldn't judge. That life is not for everyone. Sorry to hijack.
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