Need help choosing a used car in Michigan. (vehicle, 2009, exhaust)

[choosecar]

I'm looking at Craiglist.

Could somebody DM me so that I could ask you if certain cars on Craiglist are good deal or not?

[Coldjensens]

No one can tell you that without looking at them, and even then it is a bit of a guess. Have a mechanic inspect the car and give our their opinion. It costs $100 but is money well spent.

[choosecar]

Anybody else willing to help me by DM?
Is it okay to post individual Craiglist listings on here to get advice?

[easy62]

Originally Posted by choosecar

Anybody else willing to help me by DM?
Is it okay to post individual Craiglist listings on here to get advice?

Try trading times newspaper., use to get them free at places like Big Boy don’t know if it’s still around though.

[unit731]

Originally Posted by choosecar

Anybody else willing to help me by DM?
Is it okay to post individual Craiglist listings on here to get advice?

Do a search of this forum. This same question comes up time and again.

Two most important items.

Find a friend or relative that knows something about cars and financing.

TAKE to an independent mechanic to get vehicle looked at.

[thriftylefty]

Make sure you check for rust in that part of the country.

[SoHoVe]

Originally Posted by choosecar

I'm looking at Craiglist.

Could somebody DM me so that I could ask you if certain cars on Craiglist are good deal or not?

Look up major service intervals for any specific vehicle you have found and ask for proof of vehicles service history. If major things like a timing belt have been skipped or are coming due you should factor that in to your offer.

Plenty of sites online offer average approximate values for used cars broken down by zip code (some vehicles have more demand in certain parts of the country and hold their value better in those areas).

[unit731]

Originally Posted by choosecar

I'm looking at Craiglist.

Purchased two cars off Craigslist this year.

One for myself and one for a neighbor.

Got a 2009 Nissan Versa (regular automatic transmission -NOT CVT). $2750 with two sets of tires/wheels.
No rust. No accidents. One owner. All service records. Runs drives virtually like a new car. 118,000 miles.

Got a 2005 Saturn ION 3. No rust. No accidents. One owner. All service records. Runs and drives virtually like a new car. BUT does need a new drivers power window motor. $1650.00.


BUT. It takes time and few/many short/long trips looking at junkers that sellers state are in "excellent" condition. Holes in exhaust system. Engine loud tapping sounds. Rust. etc.


Again, if you don't know how to look at a car - take a friend along. Part of buying a used car is to size up the seller. Do they appear to be honest? I never buy from a used car dealer. Sadly, on purpose or not on purpose - they know nothing about the used cars that they are selling. And most don't care. But they do know how to talk about how "great" the used car that they are selling. And ALL will state that they are "better" then all the other used car dealers.

[Vacanegro]

Originally Posted by choosecar

I'm looking at Craiglist.

Could somebody DM me so that I could ask you if certain cars on Craiglist are good deal or not?

Use KBB.com or NADAguide to find rated values for cars. Some websites will tell you if it is a good deal (like cargurus.com).


Remember all prices are negotiable. Use Autocheck or carfax to view ownership history and try to buy from the original owner.

[easy62]

I know it’s tough to choose in Michigan because the sure volume of vehicles here. And prices are a little cheaper than other states and getting parts is never a problem here. Ford Chrysler and GM have their parts distribution centers here.