Looking for Used Car

[ApS]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

The issue is whether to buy a car at that price with mileage that will basically make it a throwaway (and potentially less reliable) or spend a bit more to get something in the low hundreds, which would most likely be more reliable and have a tad bit of residual value in a few years...especially since "L'il" Buddy won't be driving a ton.

Even as a throwaway, it would have some value as a tax deductible donation.

For my first year at college, my Dad bought me a year-old sporty-car in order to make Christmas- and Thankgiving-trips from college. (I must have scared my folks when I bought a motorcycle--cheap).

Within six months I commuted the nine-hour trip homeward bound. During a heavy rainstorm, a sad-looking pickup truck crossed the median without looking. The T-bone collision wasn't bad for the pickup, but my car couldn't be driven.

So now, with the clock ticking, I was waiting for repairs and nine hours away from college. Fortunately, I was able to make the return trip without impacting anyone else's plans.

In short, inexperienced drivers shouldn't expect a pricy car.

[BroadHopper]

Just saw a 2004 Avalon for sale for 8K. 80,000 miles on the clock. Kept in a garage. Sounds like a steal! Avalons are big boats and Toyota tough!

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by ApS

In short, inexperienced drivers shouldn't expect a pricy car.

Agree 100%. But that's different than experienced overprotective parents wanting their kids to be driving a foam-lined vault.

If you choose the right car, it's not buying your kid luxury, it's buying him safety and yourself peace of mind.

[fatlazyless]

Hey there ........ www.aspiremotoringllc.com in Brentwood NH has 110 different uses vehicles, priced from $3500 to $14,999.

The lowest $3500 price is a 2004 Toyota Camry Solara SE Sport, 134,054-miles, 157-hp I-4 engine, manual 5-speed, fwd, cruise control, two door coupe, black outside, 12-photos, "Runs and drives great sold AS IS"

Insuring this with strong coverage probably costs $1000-1200/year, here in central N.H. or $100/month.

And who knows how many different items like wheel bearings, brakes, suspension, belts, hoses, this, that and the other thing will need replacing?

A test drive is free ....... so, who knows how good or bad this 21-year old car is? And does it come with a 30-day WARRANTY in case the ac or the cruise turns out to NOT work? No warranty is mentioned.

Ten out of the 110-vehicles have manual stick shifts.

And, just noticed there is a $3000 2000 Ford Mustang, 2dr fastback, V6, 5-speed, 169,644-miles, green/beige, rwd ....... huh ....... how's about this car? ..... ...... Does anyone buy a 25 year old car like this with 169,644-miles for $3000?

Maybe the Solara and this Mustang are due for a clutch replacement at $1500-2000 which is why they are now for sale? The Toyota being a Toyota Camry 4-cylinder seems like the one less likely to need lots of expensive repairs but you never know?

[ApS]

Another YouTube expert (besides Scotty Kilmer) suggested, among a few well-known others, that the Lincoln Town Car was a very reliable driver.

To me, it's a boat, but others might take to it. The good years crossed from the late 90s to the early 2000s.

Looks like a safe drive, but it's not for me.