Used Cars for < 6000 $ (about)

[DanielWayne]

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.

Lots of people on this forum are also in a hurry to for whatever reasons (jobs, families), but they are taking the time to try to assist you. Besides, how is a 3 sentence reply versus a 1 sentence reply going to really impact overall success in finding a car and place to live?

[studiobtm]

The problem with Honda or Toyota is that the resale value is so high they cost too much used. You are better off buying one new. I would look for a Ford with good service records. Chevy Impala is also a good choice. Contrary to popular perception, the quality difference between Ford, Chevy and Honda isn't much. It depends more on the model than the make. But used, you can get a lot more Chevy or Ford than Honda or Toyota.

[Watchful]

Go to the library and find the April '10 issue of Consumer Reports - on page 78 there is a list of "higher reliability cars" in the $4K to $6K category - also take a peek at the $6-8K category because this list is almost a year old. It give several options...good luck!

Although it seems like it was something you did not want to hear, do not ignore the advice about choosing a well-maintained car (regardless of specific model).

It would not hurt to pay for a full inspection before finalizing your purchase...may save money in the long run. GO COOGS!

[Ripan5]

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by studiobtm

The problem with Honda or Toyota is that the resale value is so high they cost too much used. You are better off buying one new. I would look for a Ford with good service records. Chevy Impala is also a good choice. Contrary to popular perception, the quality difference between Ford, Chevy and Honda isn't much. It depends more on the model than the make. But used, you can get a lot more Chevy or Ford than Honda or Toyota.

Thanks guys for the appropriate reply.

[kreeyax]

Originally Posted by Ripan5

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 ?

IMO a Honda or Toyota will just be too old with too many miles compared to what you can get a Mazda3 or Altima for. Either one of those would be a really good choice. I'd find one for sale by owner and have it checked out by a mechanic before buying, rather than paying dealer or carmax prices.

[Ripan5]

Originally Posted by kreeyax

IMO a Honda or Toyota will just be too old with too many miles compared to what you can get a Mazda3 or Altima for. Either one of those would be a really good choice. I'd find one for sale by owner and have it checked out by a mechanic before buying, rather than paying dealer or carmax prices.

Yeah, my friends owns a Mazda3 & Altima 2001 & he recommends me the same.
But I'm slightly more into buying a fuel efficient car like Civic or Corolla or even an Elantra, cause none of the newer models of Altima comes within my 6K budget

[Ripan5]

By the way, any idea about how's Toyota Prius as for driving, irrespective of its fuel efficiency quotient.

[Ripan5]

???????????????

[renorich1950]

I doubt many Priuses have depreciated to your price range. Those that have would be very high mileage and probably ready for an expensive battery replacement.

[Ripan5]

Originally Posted by renorich1950

I doubt many Priuses have depreciated to your price range. Those that have would be very high mileage and probably ready for an expensive battery replacement.

I know that, but I have seen a few ads on Craigslist in around 6500-7500 (which I believe must be fraudulent).
Just wanted to know how are they actually in terms of driving not the mileage