What would be considered in buying a used car?

Question

I am a brand new car seeker and wonder what would i be looking for in a good car. MP Gs, gas mileage, 2 cylinder-4cylinder?, etc. any info would help me out alot!

Answer 1

Primary consideration is price range.  Once that is known, the directions become clearer.

If the primary concern is mpg, then the Japanese cars seem to have the edge.

Long-term reliability:  In general the 4-cylinder Japanese cars again.

This is why you pay the premium for them for them on the new & used market.

If you're on a budget and you're looking for best overall price value then American cars.  In particular, I like GM products with the 3800 drive train, coming in 2nd is their 3100.

If you're buying used odometer miles can also be a factor.  I have no facts to base this on...this is a "made-up" fact, but I believe a good operating guidleine:

Japanese cars: Operational life expectency 175,000 - 275,000 miles (in that area)

American Cars (the more reliable ones) operational life expectancy

around 150,000-250,00.

So...someone offers you a 2000 Japanese car with 165000 miles...good car?  Assume you're getting it near the end of it's life (sweeping generalization).  You'll be awash with stories about my x*x went 545,000 miles.  You may also hear, on the QT, that someone elses x*x was dead-in-bed in his driveway after 20,000.

Very vague, I'm sure...but good luck

Answer 2

the most reliable and least expensive to own are

Hondas and Toyotas.

you can find cars from 1998 to 2000 for around $4,000.

these cars are selling at inflated rates due to high gas prices

if you can spend more around $6K to $8,000 your choices expand a lot.

Hyundai Elantra 04

Acura Integra 00-01

Honda CR-V 00-01