Looking to buy a affordable used car in Los Angeles (rental car, sales)

[tigerprint456]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could please give some good referrals for buying a used car in LA. I have tried Craig's List, Carmax, and a couple other dealers but I refuse to pay more than the Kelly Blue Book value (Official Kelley Blue Book New Car and Used Car Prices and Values). Most of the cars I have seen in LA were listed at way above Kelly Blue Book value and I do not like that. I have a car so I am not desperate but just looking for a reputable dealer or car place that sells good used cars without being ripped off. I am willing to drive up to 100 miles away for a reputable seller with a good variety of cars. Thanks.

[highlanderfil]

I have had an awful time buying rental cars from dealers in L.A. - actually, I haven't had a great time buying from private sellers, either, because quite often small-time "dealers" will buy up cheapo cars and then re-sell them. While not a problem in and of itself, the types of cars they usually get (and the reason they are so cheap) aren't what I'd consider top-notch. There used to be a few weekend used-car lots where owners would park their cars and then either hang out there or be on call, available to show their vehicles. Those used to attract the good kinds of sellers as they weren't free, but their cars weren't necessarily cheap. I would say keep scouring CL, just look for the listings that hit the right spots (one owner, maintenance records, low miles, etc).

[jm1982]

Another thing to keep in mind is that asking prices are generally negotiable. They might be asking kbb or above but will take less to get rid of it . Have you made any offers or just looking at listings ?

Not sure with carmax.. But definitely craigslist .. I would be a bit worried about the car flippers trying to resell cheap cars that are cheap for a reason . Might be a good idea to have a mechanic check them out especially if you don't know too much about mechanics .
I have heard good things about carmax and seems they offer some money back guarantees for 5days and some kind of limited 30 day warranty .

[thelopez2]

autotrader, you have to pay to list your car, so the sellers are more serious. It makes a difference on the lower priced cars.

Carmax is true market value since they have a nation wide network. I'd consider Carmax's value more accurate than KBB, so I don't think you'll get a 'deal' there, but you get other things.

[midnightfapper]

the only accurate/reliable source of information is edmund's true market value, it's based on real-life used car sales (registration information from the dmv).

http://www.edmunds.com/tmv.html

kbb is just asking prices, edmunds is what people are really paying.

you gotta negotiate, i got a smoking deal on a bmw 325ci a while back, guy was asking $10k for it, had an airbag light that would periodically come on (seat sensor on the passenger side, it was a $7 fix), flakey sunroof (just needed cleaning and re-greasing of the tracks) and oil light was on (slightly low, no leaks). everything else was flawless.

ended up getting it for $5,900 cash. you gotta grow a pair and haggle bro.

[tigerprint456]

Originally Posted by midnightfapper

the only accurate/reliable source of information is edmund's true market value, it's based on real-life used car sales (registration information from the dmv).

http://www.edmunds.com/tmv.html

kbb is just asking prices, edmunds is what people are really paying.

you gotta negotiate, i got a smoking deal on a bmw 325ci a while back, guy was asking $10k for it, had an airbag light that would periodically come on (seat sensor on the passenger side, it was a $7 fix), flakey sunroof (just needed cleaning and re-greasing of the tracks) and oil light was on (slightly low, no leaks). everything else was flawless.

ended up getting it for $5,900 cash. you gotta grow a pair and haggle bro.

That's a great price for a 325. I can definitely negotiate. If you don't mind me asking where did you find your car at? I'm looking for a good deal too. Ideally I would like to buy a car within the next 3 months.

[tigerprint456]

Originally Posted by thelopez2

autotrader, you have to pay to list your car, so the sellers are more serious. It makes a difference on the lower priced cars.

Carmax is true market value since they have a nation wide network. I'd consider Carmax's value more accurate than KBB, so I don't think you'll get a 'deal' there, but you get other things.

Thanks I am going to check out autrotrader. I went to two carmax locations and both times I left with a bad feeling. I think Carmax was only good for checking out a variety of cars but IMO their asking price was too high and the sales people acted like there is no possibility of negotiating.

[thelopez2]

Originally Posted by tigerprint456

Thanks I am going to check out autrotrader. I went to two carmax locations and both times I left with a bad feeling. I think Carmax was only good for checking out a variety of cars but IMO their asking price was too high and the sales people acted like there is no possibility of negotiating.

That is their model, no negotiating, what you see is what you get. You don't even need to go to a carmax dealer, all of their inventory is online and they'll ship cars across stores.

[Andyvass1991]

[url=http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/4688802393.html]2001 Nissan Altima GLE[/url]

2001 Nissan Altima $3500

[BeatAngMoh]

You are best off looking for a private sale and teaming up with your mechanic to do some due diligence on the car before actual consummation of any transaction. I assume you have a trusty reliable local mechanic. If not, all bets are off the table.