Im buying my first car - HELP!?

Question

Im buying my first in a matter of weeks but im really worried im going to get done over in the process! I don't know anyone who knows anything about cars and I dont about as much about cars as i do flying a plane!

Any tips for buying a used first car?

Thank you :)

Answer 1

Here are the websites essentail to you buying your first car:

1) Safety Ratings: http://www.safercar.gov/

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx  

(remember 3 stars or less is bad) (buying used with crash test depending on side airbags is bad because there is no way to even know if they still work)

2) Reliability Ratings: http://autos.msn.com/home/reliability_ra...

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/ratings/rati...

3) Fuel Economy: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/sbs.htm

4) Prices: http://www.kbb.com/

5) Places to shop for cars: http://www.autotrader.com/

http://www.cars.com/go/index.jsp

http://www.carsdirect.com/home

http://www.carmax.com/

Oh and for those who suggested some used cars here is the research on them:

1) 1998 Acura CL has a 5 out of 5 on MSN's reliability test, 20 to 22 mpg according to fueleconomy.gov, however the problem is that this car is not crash tested and you should never a buy a car that has not been crash tested.

2) 1998 Ford Mustang has a 5 star frontal crash test but a 3 star side crash test so it's definetely a death trap, other than that the fuel economy is 18 to 20 mpg, and it gets 5 out of 5 on MSN's reliability test.

3) 1998 Honda Civic has a 5 out of 5 on MSN's reliabilty test, 28 mpg, but a 2 star crash test on the 2 door version and a 3 star side crash test on the 4 door version so it's not safe and you shouldnt buy it.

4) 1998 Honda Accord has huge transmission problems according to MSN it can cost up to $3500 to repair a frequent transmission problem, but on the other hand it does have a 4 star crash test from all aspects and 22 mpg.

5) 1998 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder - as a rule you should not buy SUVs without stability control and these SUVs dont have stability control.

6) the 1998 Subaru Impreza has huge engine issues it can cost up to $1200 to repair a frequent engine problem, plus it's not crash tested and you should never buy a car without a crash test, but on the upside it does get 23 mpg.

7) 1998 Subaru Legacy provided you dont buy the 2.5L engine you should be 5 out of 5 for reliability, and you will get around 24 mpg, but the side crash test is 3 stars with a high likelyhood of pelvic injury.

8) 1998 Corolla has a 3 star side crash test, 1999 - 2000 also have 3 star side crash tests when not equiped with side airbags, and buying a used car with a safety that depends on side airbags is a very bad idea, so just on sefety they all fail, but on the upside it does get about 25 mpg and they are all 5 out of 5 on reliability.

9) 2000 Echo has an engine problem that can cost up to $600 to repair, plus it's not crash tested, but it does get 30 mpg.

NEW (2008)

1) Honda Fit - 30 mpg, 5 star all around crash test except for rear which is 3.

2) Mazda 3i - 25 mpg, but a 3 star side crash test so it's a bad idea.

3) Hydai Elantra - 28 mpg, and 5 star frontal 4 star side crash test, this is probably the only accaptable one from the new cars suggested to you.

In sum, what I can say is check all these web sites and do your homework before buying a car it could really save you a lot of money and trouble in the long run.

Answer 2

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

these are all reliable and will last longer than other cars in this price range.

new?

1. Honda Fit (base) - $15,385

2. Mazda 3i Sport (sedan) - $17,205

3. Hyundai Elantra SE - $17,945

Answer 3

Not many people will tell you about problems and if they do they normally minimize the issue. If you have a mechanic most will look over the car for you, some for a small fee and others will do it for free if you have used them for a while.

Never take asking price, look up the NADA website and enter the information about every car you look at and it will give you an idea of the value. I recommend the NADA over Kelly Blue Book because NADA is what dealers use.

Be firm and don't settle for anything you are not very comfortable with.

Good luck

Answer 4

Lots of people don't tell you about problems!  You could always get a carfax report, that will tell you the history of the car.  If it has been sold repeatedly that might tip you off to something.  Also, is there not a local independent garage that has a mechanic you can trust to give the car a once over?   Of course, he can't spot ever problem, but he may notice stuff you will miss or not know to look for.

Answer 5

Go onto google and search "buying used car tips" or something along those lines.  There are sites that will tell you what to look for (eg. certain colours of oil or whatever) that could be problematic.  They also tell you how to test drive it so you know if it's really good (what speeds, stopping, etc.).

Don't rush into it, and don't let anyone pressure you into buying it.

No, don't assume.  Lots of people will put that so you'll contact them and then they might tell you, or they just may not even tell you at all.  Don't assume anything, and make sure you find out for yourself (from looking on those sites).

Before you buy it, see if the owner will let you get a safety inspection done before you purchase (even if you have to pay for it-it'll save money in the long run)...or maybe they'll already have had one done.

I guess mostly I can just stress do your research, take your time, and buy it because you want it and think it's the right one, not because someone pressures you too.

Answer 6

I guess you should also check insurance quotes for the car before buying one, for example here: http://carinsurance.deep-ice.com

1st time drivers usually have much higher rates than others. And it depends from car.

Answer 7

most people don't tell you about the cars problem you should get a mechanic to check it out if you don't know anything (side note: check the serial number on the car matches the one on the car also the everything else is up to date inspection etc. just in case you didn't know)

Answer 8

Why don't you locate a mechanic shop nearby and tell them you are in the market for a used car and would like them to check it at.  Find out how much they will charge to do this.  I'd say $100 is fair.