Buying my FIRST CAR a little HELP here plz?

Question

My research found this:

#1) 1998 Nissan Maxima:

21 mpg (fueleconomy.gov)

4 star all around crash test except for rear (safercar.gov)

5 out of 5 reliability (MSN Autos)

#2) 2002 Hyundai Sonata v6 (2.7L or higher)

20 mpg (fueleconomy.gov)

4 star all around crash test (safercar.gov)

5 out of 5 reliability (MSN Autos)

These 2 guys Ruin and Chucksright keep posting this answer:

for $4,000

look for

98 Acura CL, 98 Ford Mustang V6, 98 Honda Accord or Civic, 98 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder, 98 Subaru Impreza or Legacy, 98 -00 Toyota Corolla or Echo 00

And I thought about buying one of them but then I did my research and found out they are all bad cars.

But I want more than just these 2 choices do u guys know any cars not mentioned here that are safe, reliable, and fuel efficient my price range is $5000 and down?

Answer 1

You didn't mention how many miles each choice had on it. That's a huge factor in choosing a car. I would recommend a VW, Toyota, or Honda for the fuel efficiency and reliability. Also, a car from this century would be preferable. I just finished paying off a 2003 Jetta TDI and I LOVE it. Since it's diesel it gets 40mpg (up to 50mpg on a road trip) and will run basically forever as long as it is given it's scheduled maintenance. So far it has nearly 200,000 miles on it!

Answer 2

im not going to say whihc one of those for you to get because it is your choice. my advice however is to get a car with a lot of milesand is safe. dont get a super nice one because chances are you will dent/scratch/crash/break it in some way within the first year. get a car that runs and one you can deal with having for a couple years. wait for a nice high priced car for when you are older and are a more experienced driver.

Answer 3

When you guy a used car, do your own research - TRUST NOBODY (even if the car is being sold by a friend, etc.)  That way you know what the car is like REALLY.  

Full info is good for business and friendship.  Nobody can blame nobody later.

Here's some rules you should consider when buying a used car

(1) don't get sold on the paint job = meaning cars having good exterior, fancy CD radio, etc.

(2) look for car with sound ENGINE + TRANNY + SUSPENSION.

(3) test every button, k**b, switch, slider, etc.. Ex: even in the summer test out the heater & even in the winter test out the AC (if you can).  Slide the AC/heater to fan1, fan2, fan3, etc.  then slid the vent to defrost, front, bottom, etc.  Test the high beam, low beam, etc.  Test (flip) the visor.  Test the alarm.  Test all 4 doors.  Test the rear defogger.

  *****   TEST EVERYTHING.

(4) BEFORE the first start, open the engine bay and see if the engine is already warmed up.  Many engines starts well when already warmed up, but may have problems when cold (or cold start).

(5) test drive with the sound system off and window down. Listen for weird sound coming from the wheels & suspension.

(6) Look inside the engine bay to see if you can see see leaks, etc.  It is normal to see some oil and grease.  But too much means that the car is leaking oil somewhere. Too clean (really clean) means they just wash the engine bay - possibly hiding some oil leaks.

(7) check the engine oil dip stick. If the oil is BRAND NEW CLEAN, the seller MIGHT be hiding something.  If the oil is jet black and /or smells like gasoline (or burnt), you might have engine problem).

(8) once you are satisfied with the above - you can NOW take it to the mechanic for the engine + tranny + suspension inspection.  He won't find everything, but he will find the obvious.  Take it to a mechanic EVEN if you are buying from a used car dealer.  They cars are NO better than cars you buy from ebay and craigslist.com.  Just more expensive.

good Luck...

Answer 4

honda accords and civics are really good first cars.

as is a Toyota Avalon or Corolla.

i wouldn't look at an Echo, those are caskets on wheels.