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If you have $3,500 to spend on a car, look for ones that are advertised for around $5,000 - $5,500. You'd be surprised how negotiable some people can be. The worst thing that can happen offering a low price is to be told no.
The last car that I bought was originally advertised for $8,000, then reduced to $6,000. It was on the market for a while. When I inspected the car & checked out the maintenance records, I could see that it was a well maintained vehicle with a reasonable asking price.
Rather than insult the seller, I told him that his asking price was fair but all I had was $4,000 cash & I understand if he rejected my offer. I drove away with a bargain that's still going strong 3 years later. (It's a sports model & I was recently offered $8,000 from an enthusiast)
As suggested, a mechanic inspection is a must & well worth the money. Check out all maintenance records.
Many cars in your price range have already had lots of money spent on them as they age, which is often what prompts sellers to upgrade. If this is the case the seller will have receipts.
Get blue book prices so you know what a cars worth.
Do you have a male relative or friend who can help you inspect, test drive & negotiate?
You could tell us exactly what city you live in. We won't stalk you. Someone will find a car for you. These people are insanely helpful. lol
Quote:
Originally Posted by amusing_chaos
Thank you all. You've all given me a lot to think about. I pulled out of considering any of the cars I mentioned in my original post. I'm still searching but I'm trying to be more discerning about it. And to answer one of the posters a few messages up... no, two hours doesn't put me in Tucson, it puts me in Globe/Miami lol
Again, thank you everyone and I will update if I find anything else I need to get an opinion on.
I already did. ^^ see bold text ^^
To give an update, I am test driving a 2000 Mercury Villager atm. It runs very well, and has all the room I could ask for. It's $1,700. Plus I have a 2006 Ford five hundred being offered to me for the same price. Haven't had the opportunity to drive it or see it yet. I will let all know what the final result will be.
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