What kind of car can I get for $3000?

Question

I'm 16 trying to get my first car. I plan on it being used and I'll have about $4000 in like november but only wana put 3000 on da car itself, so what years of cars should I be lookin at and what models are cheap but reliable?

Any advice would be good though.

Answer 1

98 Acura CL,

98 Ford Mustang V6,

98 Honda Accord or Civic,

98 Subaru Impreza or Legacy,

98 -00 Toyota Corolla or Echo 00

.

Answer 2

If you shop around you can get something little bit ugly (dented, etc.) but EXCELLENT mechanical condition.  At that price range you cannot get everything (good looking, good paint, good stereo, good engine).  You have to focus on your engine and tranny.

When you look for a used car, you really have to expand your list of choices and get what ever you can get (at the time) - as long as the used car is mechanically sound.  Some people get focused on just getting a Civic, or Mustang, etc. and end up getting a crappy Civic or mustang because that's all they found at the time.

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.

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My 94 Civic runs like new.  But it is little bit ugly.  But better ugly than broken down.

good Luck...