I want to buy my first car?

Question

Um any suggestions?

im thinking of about $1000-$4000

Im thinking of should i buy from a used car dealer or auction site?

Also is it really worth it with the fuel prices?

Answer 1

Don't buy from a dealer and NOT from auction either.

MSNBC had a news story on where is the best places to buy used cars. The used car dealers were on the BOTTOM of the list. They are pros at negotiations (and you and I are rank amateurs), they are pros at hiding problems on their cars, etc.

The private sales (newspaper, etc.) were the best places. The seller will not tell you all the problems, but they don't know how to hide them.

And a private seller are at MOST they are equal in negotiation skills to you and me.

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My 94 Civic can get 41 MPG (and I was doing 72 for the mileage test - so I can do even better at 55). The engine + tranny + suspension runs like new. It ain't no beauty but it is rock solid. If I had to sell it, I would not get more than few thousand dollars. This is the kind of car you want to look for.

Just take your time, as good old used cars are cheap but hard to come by.

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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 2

In that price range, look for a car that is not trendy.  A 1998 or 1999 Buick LeSabre is an excellent value.  They are well-constructed, and get very good highway mileage (upwards of 30 mpg).  Driven properly, they are decent with gas around town, as well.   Learn to use EBay Motors.  It offers the best selection, and the feedback system gives you an opportunity to see how the seller operates.

Answer 3

Hey,

If you are deciding to look at car auctions, here's a good place to start, it helped me a lot!

http://www.easycarblog.com/auction.php

I found a year old BMW 3-series through seized car auctions which was practically new.

Also I bought my wife a new Buick and I got 25% off with the help of this eBook called TopSecretCarSecret.

The link to this book is http://www.easycarblog.com/go.php

Answer 4

Well generally if your buying your first car i recomend a new car. On the otherhand if your interested in buying a used car japaneese ones will be in the best condition. A good website that was great help to me was Tradecarview.com. Its like ebay for cars at good prices the only problem is tthe cost of shipping and import taxes depending on where you live.

Answer 5

cargo-

http://omlogistics.in/

Answer 6

well for me gas is goin down a little bit

but i say no to used car dealer meaning a dealership because they will try to make you make a payment with interest but im not sure about auction site because i heard good and bad reviews because you dont really see the cars up close or get to drive until after(my experience)

my best advice is craigslist.org

check: a/c, heat, manual(if tranny grinds), leaks, motor(if steady and runs strong, if the car sounds weak, suspension, tires, primer black (was prolly used for racing at one point), listen to engine, engine check light, brake lights, and modifications (if was modified, check carefully because they couldve done something wrong to the engine/ cars), motor swapped (make sure they have papers for it and smogged).

good luck