Help me buy a car for my girl

Geoforce

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Ok so my fiance needs a new car (or used!) ASAP. Her car which has been dying a slow death is now nearly completely dead. We are tired of fighting it. Time to go for a new one. I haven't bought a car in years though, and with the wealth of information, research, etc out there now what do I need to know? Here's some help:

1. We are probably looking in the range of 5-10,000 dollars.

2. We want a car with good gas mileage.

3. We want something reliable and long lasting that isn't going to require maintenance.

So what do I need to know? What models would you recommend? Should we spend more and go new? Just hoping to get a dialogue going and learn some things to help make a better decision.
 
jimbuick

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Ok so my fiance needs a new car (or used!) ASAP. Her car which has been dying a slow death is now nearly completely dead. We are tired of fighting it. Time to go for a new one. I haven't bought a car in years though, and with the wealth of information, research, etc out there now what do I need to know? Here's some help:

1. We are probably looking in the range of 5-10,000 dollars.

2. We want a car with good gas mileage.

3. We want something reliable and long lasting that isn't going to require maintenance.

So what do I need to know? What models would you recommend? Should we spend more and go new? Just hoping to get a dialogue going and learn some things to help make a better decision.
As much as I hate foreign cars it sounds like you want a civic.
 
punjabimunde

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image-1926227599.jpg

This is my car btw!! :)
 
cmitch

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Ok so my fiance needs a new car (or used!) ASAP. Her car which has been dying a slow death is now nearly completely dead. We are tired of fighting it. Time to go for a new one. I haven't bought a car in years though, and with the wealth of information, research, etc out there now what do I need to know? Here's some help:

1. We are probably looking in the range of 5-10,000 dollars.

2. We want a car with good gas mileage.

3. We want something reliable and long lasting that isn't going to require maintenance.

So what do I need to know? What models would you recommend? Should we spend more and go new? Just hoping to get a dialogue going and learn some things to help make a better decision.
Your definitely gonna want a civic. Corollas are good as well look for 05 or newer if you buy used off of Craigslist or anything like that take it In to a shop and have it compression tested. If you have any other questions on what to look for you can pm me.
 
Geoforce

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Your definitely gonna want a civic. Corollas are good as well look for 05 or newer if you buy used off of Craigslist or anything like that take it In to a shop and have it compression tested. If you have any other questions on what to look for you can pm me.
Let's keep this idea going guys.

What year of civic should I be looking around? 2006 and up? When buying should I really go off craigslist? That just seems so risky to me lol. I know a lot of people do it. Used car salesman advantages vs. craigslist, auto trader, or other online? Disadvantages?

Also, I know the Civic has gotten a lot of responses so far, but other ideas just in case she hates the Civic for some reason?
 
jimbuick

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Let's keep this idea going guys.

What year of civic should I be looking around? 2006 and up? When buying should I really go off craigslist? That just seems so risky to me lol. I know a lot of people do it. Used car salesman advantages vs. craigslist, auto trader, or other online? Disadvantages?

Also, I know the Civic has gotten a lot of responses so far, but other ideas just in case she hates the Civic for some reason?
I like the late 90's model for civics personally.

Like being used very loosely here.
 
cmitch

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Let's keep this idea going guys.

What year of civic should I be looking around? 2006 and up? When buying should I really go off craigslist? That just seems so risky to me lol. I know a lot of people do it. Used car salesman advantages vs. craigslist, auto trader, or other online? Disadvantages?

Also, I know the Civic has gotten a lot of responses so far, but other ideas just in case she hates the Civic for some reason?
Honda anything would be way good. They make a really good car. If you go with Honda all the way back to late 90's would be fine. If you want newer you're fine with any ford after 2006. Or Hyundai as well. Just make sure to go newer years with them.
 
Geoforce

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I like the late 90's model for civics personally.

Like being used very loosely here.
Yeah trust me this isn't a look at my sweet car type thread lol. My fiance needs a reliable point A-Point B car for the time being. We are a few years from getting something nice. That will be a different thread then. And that car will be for me :) I already have a decent car, but she needs one like yesterday.
 
ludbg

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If u want reliable:

Honda fit
Nissan sentra/versa
Toyo corola or 90s camry

If you want something really good on gas go with a vw golf or jetta TDI diesel. I got a golf tdi and get 650-700 miles per 12gal tank. has its cons thou
 
punjabimunde

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Nice bro this is my beast...

<img src="http://anabolicminds.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=73416"/>
Nice!!! That's not evo rite?? Evo is next on my list :D
 
Mack411

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heres my ride.
562 (640x480).jpg563 (640x480).jpg
 
Geoforce

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What is that? Honda what? I like the looks of it.
 
Geoforce

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Mercedes Benz white or royal blue BMW 328
Spark me a grant for those bad boys? Lol. Probably a touch out of our current price range :)
 
punjabimunde

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Geoforce

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its actually an 06 honda civic si!
Me likey.

Anyone else have suggestions on the actual buying of the car? Where to look? What to look for in terms of deals? Basically how can I avoid getting too screwed? I've got some checklists for used cars off the internet on what to look for with test drives.
 
jimbuick

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Me likey.

Anyone else have suggestions on the actual buying of the car? Where to look? What to look for in terms of deals? Basically how can I avoid getting too screwed? I've got some checklists for used cars off the internet on what to look for with test drives.
Look at Craigslist postings and compare with the bluebook.

As long as you have a little knowledge of cars you should be able to find some good ones once you start looking.
 
Geoforce

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Look at Craigslist postings and compare with the bluebook.

As long as you have a little knowledge of cars you should be able to find some good ones once you start looking.
So you would recommend buying from Craigslist and not from a certified used car dealer? I'm guessing Craigslist might have some cheaper prices as the markup wouldn't be so bad? Doesn't that have it's own risks however?
 
av6258

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My bro just got a 2012 hundayi sonata lease. $2k down under 150 a month payment. Really nice car man. Bluetooth, satellite radio. 4cyl great on gas. 3 year lease also!
 
jimbuick

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So you would recommend buying from Craigslist and not from a certified used car dealer? I'm guessing Craigslist might have some cheaper prices as the markup wouldn't be so bad? Doesn't that have it's own risks however?
I Would.

If you have any friends that work on cars I would just take one with you when you go look at them.
 
MIGUEL1J

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Spark me a grant for those bad boys? Lol. Probably a touch out of our current price range :)
I will always recommend a new car, no im not a car dealer, there's a lot of reasons. You could put 5g down on a nice new Honda accord or civic and finance the rest.

I know a dealer at Mercedes personally (if you know what I mean). I could get something (a few grand not to much) knocked off but you would have to come to NYC. On a day that my friend is at the dealer.
 
cmitch

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I will always recommend a new car, no im not a car dealer, there's a lot of reasons. You could put 5g down on a nice new Honda accord or civic and finance the rest.

I know a dealer at Mercedes personally (if you know what I mean). I could get something (a few grand not to much) knocked off but you would have to come to NYC. On a day that my friend is at the dealer.
Definitely less "risks" when you buy from a dealer but if you have a friend or know someone who knows a little bit about cars you'd be fine with buying off Craigslist.
 
bcazo

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My bro just got a 2012 hundayi sonata lease. $2k down under 150 a month payment. Really nice car man. Bluetooth, satellite radio. 4cyl great on gas. 3 year lease also!
I second this if you can swing the monthly payment. Just had one of these 2 weeks ago as a rental when my truck was in for body work (wife crashed my 2 week old truck!!!). The car really impressed me, great power for a 4 cyl. fully loaded and suprisingly big inside. I have 2 kids and the car seats fit with plently of extra room.
 
MIGUEL1J

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Definitely less "risks" when you buy from a dealer but if you have a friend or know someone who knows a little bit about cars you'd be fine with buying off Craigslist.
Most deff just make sure that your friend that knows about cars is a mechanic,
 
mstep

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What u mean u don't wanna do maintenance? Every car requires it but Honda and Toyota are what ur lookin for. If u go for somethin over 80k miles, make sure timing belt, tensioner and water pump were done or get it done urself
 
Piston Honda

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Here I am
 
Geoforce

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What u mean u don't wanna do maintenance? Every car requires it but Honda and Toyota are what ur lookin for. If u go for somethin over 80k miles, make sure timing belt, tensioner and water pump were done or get it done urself
I didn't mean I don't want to do maintenance I meant I don't want to get something that tends to break down a lot....something that is most known for being reliable. I'd prefer to JUST do maintenance or at least get cars that are most known for being long lasting :)

Good advice on the timing belt, tensioner, water pump.
 
mich29

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I didn't mean I don't want to do maintenance I meant I don't want to get something that tends to break down a lot....something that is most known for being reliable. I'd prefer to JUST do maintenance or at least get cars that are most known for being long lasting :)

Good advice on the timing belt, tensioner, water pump.
honda is the way to go for what your wanting
 
cmitch

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I didn't mean I don't want to do maintenance I meant I don't want to get something that tends to break down a lot....something that is most known for being reliable. I'd prefer to JUST do maintenance or at least get cars that are most known for being long lasting :)

Good advice on the timing belt, tensioner, water pump.
VW jetta Diesel would also be very good. if you can find one on craigslist from 06 or newer and can find one for 7 or 8 thousand get that. the pros outweigh the cons by far with this car.
 
Geoforce

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VW jetta Diesel would also be very good. if you can find one on craigslist from 06 or newer and can find one for 7 or 8 thousand get that. the pros outweigh the cons by far with this car.
What type of cons are we talking about?

Don't those get real good gas mileage as well?
 
cmitch

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What type of cons are we talking about?

Don't those get real good gas mileage as well?
Yes. They have a supercharged 3 cylinder engine. A friend of mine averages 50 miles to the gallon. The only con in y opinion is if it breaks down you have to take it to an "import shop" because its not American made. But I take my cars to the local high school and all I have to pay for is parts. Local colleges could probably do the same. Just look into it. But overall the Jetta is gonna be my suggestion. That's the only real con. And with regular maintenance I've heard of them making it well over 300k miles without any problem at all.
 
superbeast668

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Look into buying new. You get ridiculous warranties with hyundai and you can get them maybe a few g out of your price range. Maintenance costs will be next to 0 and gas will be cheap. Don't limit it there though, look at ford chevy and dodge, they've all got good warranties and excellent economy as well. My only complaints with ford are the focus has gay ass wanna be racing seats designed to fit the average 160lb man, not a 5'10" 230lb man. Quite uncomfortable.

Buying used usually turns out to be a hassle and my experiences say there's a reason why someone got rid of their newer car and there's a reason its for sale for so cheap. A lot of times there's an issue somewhere that will end up costing more money than its worth.
 
mstep

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or u could get the vw diesel with no supercharger. supercharger maintenance = $$$$$
 
cmitch

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Look into buying new. You get ridiculous warranties with hyundai and you can get them maybe a few g out of your price range. Maintenance costs will be next to 0 and gas will be cheap. Don't limit it there though, look at ford chevy and dodge, they've all got good warranties and excellent economy as well. My only complaints with ford are the focus has gay ass wanna be racing seats designed to fit the average 160lb man, not a 5'10" 230lb man. Quite uncomfortable.

Buying used usually turns out to be a hassle and my experiences say there's a reason why someone got rid of their newer car and there's a reason its for sale for so cheap. A lot of times there's an issue somewhere that will end up costing more money than its worth.
If you know what to look for you can get a relatively new car that will work fine. The only problem buying new is that the second you drive it off the lot it drops in value about 5 Gs
 
Geoforce

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If you know what to look for you can get a relatively new car that will work fine. The only problem buying new is that the second you drive it off the lot it drops in value about 5 Gs
Yeah, new cars depreciate so rapidly just when you get rid of that 0 on the odometer.

Keep the info coming guys, this thread has been gold for me and is really helping the process out. Hopefully others are learning some things as well.
 
cmitch

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Yeah, new cars depreciate so rapidly just when you get rid of that 0 on the odometer.

Keep the info coming guys, this thread has been gold for me and is really helping the process out. Hopefully others are learning some things as well.
Exactly why new cars aren't worth It unless you have money to blow. Which it sounds like you don't. Check Craigslist and your local classified adds for newer cars for sale. Chances are they are only selling it because they need money so most likely you have nothing to worry about. Just be careful buying anything older than 04 - 03 around that area anything after 06 is going to be golden and buying off clist will eliminate all the dealer fees an you can get the person to write down a ridiculously low amount of money on the title so you pay less taxes on the sale.
 
MIGUEL1J

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Exactly why new cars aren't worth It unless you have money to blow. Which it sounds like you don't. Check Craigslist and your local classified adds for newer cars for sale. Chances are they are only selling it because they need money so most likely you have nothing to worry about. Just be careful buying anything older than 04 - 03 around that area anything after 06 is going to be golden and buying off clist will eliminate all the dealer fees an you can get the person to write down a ridiculously low amount of money on the title so you pay less taxes on the sale.
Bear in mind that a car is and will never be an investment. You buy a car because you like it, you buy new because you want a guarantee that you'll have no head aches for a min of 5 years.
 
jimbuick

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Bear in mind that a car is and will never be an investment. You buy a car because you like it, you buy new because you want a guarantee that you'll have no head aches for a min of 5 years.
1960-70 MOPAR and old muscle are investments. And even older as well.
 
MIGUEL1J

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1960-70 MOPAR and old muscle are investments. And even older as well.
:) those are also classics and made with all metal. They are worth there price in metal, boy do I wish they made cars like that again. No airbags need there like a tank lol
 
jimbuick

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:) those are also classics and made with all metal. They are worth there price in metal, boy do I wish they made cars like that again. No airbags need there like a tank lol
I was just clarifying for OP because you said a car will never be an investment. And I've been looking at a couple of those investments recently (got my eye on a 72 skylark ATM just not sure if I have time for the commitment)
 
Geoforce

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I'll let everyone know what we end up getting. Not getting super serious about it until Saturday. This thread has been really great for us though guys, learned a lot. I knew AM community would come through, (that's why I asked) it always does.
 
Geoforce

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Well we ended up going higher than we initially though after discussing it. We got a 2010 Ford Focus SE with 55K miles on it for just over 10,000. I'm pretty satisfied. This should be good for her for a long time to come.
 
jimbuick

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Well we ended up going higher than we initially though after discussing it. We got a 2010 Ford Focus SE with 55K miles on it for just over 10,000. I'm pretty satisfied. This should be good for her for a long time to come.
The new focus seems to be an excellent vehicle.

Haven't spent much time under them so its hard to say for sure, but my buddy has one and he seems to like it.
 
Geoforce

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The new focus seems to be an excellent vehicle.

Haven't spent much time under them so its hard to say for sure, but my buddy has one and he seems to like it.
I think we got a pretty good deal. She's thrilled and now I don't have to worry about her car exploding every time she drives to work.
 

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