I'm buying a second car for my household to use and want to spend $12-15. I want to make sure there are not a lot of repair expenses.
Not sure what make/model to get. Nor how old or how many miles.
Anyone with suggestions? How do you approach deciding on a used car?
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How big of a car/how many people or large objects are you planning on driving with?
Most cars get a whole new set of issues once they cross 50k miles. But, you're spending plenty to avoid that and get one with much less.
Any preferences of what you like in a car?Bpk likes this. -
Thanks for gettin' back, slick.
It'd mainly be used to drive to clients' houses. We have some very well off clients, and living in Los Angeles, appearances matter a bit, so it can;t be a total beater on the outside.
My previous car was an Accord V6 sports coupe. I liked that it was reliable (no unexpected repair costs), held its value, and still looked cool.
I love good looking cars, but I have to be practical, so I am trying to balance the two. Decent looks but reliable and not too old, ya know?
I don;t haul stuff and only two people in it at a time, generally, unless we go away for the weekend on a road trip and pack some clothes etc. If it has more trunks space and roomier inside, though, we wouldn't complain. -
I am currently looking at getting a Cadillac CTS. You can get a used one of the 2003 to 2006 models which all look roughly the same for about that much. They look great on the outside and even better on the inside (as long as it has wood on the dash, etc).
Bpk likes this. -
Sedans are more comfortable for sure. A bit heavier on gas. I don;t tend to drive aggressively in coupes. Just like the look. A nice sedan would be great too. I like the Nissan Altima, but don;t know it's reliability/repair expense.
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Any idea if they have more or fewer problems than Japanese cars? I used to work for Ford and it turned me off the reliability of US cars, unfortunately.
Though I love Lincolns, as they were our premier brand and had the least defects.
I feel like Caddy is a good build too , prolly. -
here your answer. Its what I have. I live in LA too and only paid 16k for my 07 300.
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I had a girlfriend that scored not one, but two used Mark VII's. She totalled the first one.
Both were not more than 4 years old at the time, both were in iimmaculate condition, and both were WELL within your price range.
If that's the type of car that flicks your switch, you should be able to get a CTS (Caddy), Mark 7, Acura, Benz etc etc for that type of money.
I would look to stay under 30,000 miles just as a rough rule of thumb.
Also, I havee always researched like crazy. Generally speaking, going through a dealership will include a very thorough checking over, and extended warrenties can be purchased.
Goof luck :up:Bpk likes this. -
You're not gonna get much for $12-15 :tongue2:
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That's a nice looking car, bud!
How is it for repairs?
I see some ratings services give it 7/10 for reliability. Since Civic only gets an 8, that's not much different actually.
And the 300 has much more luxurious styling and power. Hm. I'll look into it. Thanks! -
Thanks, Kenny! You know, I used to LOVE the Mark VII. I just looked to see if any are for sale in this area, and I can;t find any past the 1990's. I think they've been discontinued. I do like the Lincoln LS, but that's also been discontinued. lol I'm old.
I agree on the 30k mile threshold. Ideally, I'd love to buy a car that still had time remaining on an extended warranty. -
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lol. You'd be surprised. When you are buying used, in this economy, you can find lots. I've seen a few 2008 Civic Coupe EX's under 30,000 miles that I like.
I'd rather have a Tesla to be honest. -
Pretty much what I am finding, in terms of a balance of performance, reliability and still being somewhat new/low mileage.
Where I can get an 07 or 08 Civic Coupe, I'd have to get an 05 in some of the other types of cars (Mini Cooper, SUV Rav 4, Lincolns, etc) -
I like that too, here is what I got a couple of years ago 07 Charger and paid $14500. Had to search to find that price and drove almost 2 hours
Bpk likes this. -
You honestly might try expanding your search to the Phoenix area...lots of retirees who buy such cars only to pass away while cars sit idly :up:
Also, I would NEVER Goof you BaryBpk likes this. -
Why not!?! I'm goofable. Am I not goofable?
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OOOH! Charger! Never thought of that! AWESOME! Must be horrible on gas but what a deep roar that engine must have when she growls.
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I know you're kidding, but I get made fun of all the time for saying this. But I honestly think the Scion xB is a pretty cool ride. It's got it's own character, crazy spacious, and very customizable. I really dig it for a budget car.
No joke :up:Bpk likes this.