Buying a Used Car: What do I look for? Has to be automatic?
I don’t know manual cars so that is out of the equation. I need help in preferably learning which model cars are the best as used cars anywhere from ,000 – ,000.
The used car has to be able to drive me from an apartment to college to work to appointments. I want something I can customize later (taillights, inside (red seat covers, etc) and possibly tint 3 back windows.
I drive a 96 Corolla now and it’s my mom’s. I can’ t use it anymore and let’s not delve into details as to why I’m moving out.
I am looking for safety, good gas mileage, and something that lasts as reliable as older Toyota engines. I’d like to buy a Ford or anything American made but I know nothing about models. A LOT of people on my campus have Jeep Liberty’s, Grand AM’s, Ford Focus’s and Honda Civics but it’s out of my price range I think? My friend has a 184,000 mileage used Honda Civic that works just fine.
I’m asking here because I’d like user advice/opinions.
One Response
don r
03 Apr 2010
Look for another Corolla or a Honda. Corollas are made in Fremont, California, (until yesterday) if you want an American made car. If you want a Ford, it was built in Mexico or Canada. If you want a Jeep, get really cozy with the repair shops. They are hunk-a-junks that break down a lot, but they are popular. A Grand Am is not a reliable car at all, but you can probably find one for your lower price range. You’ll spend the rest of your texbook money on repairs. Check Consumer Reports’ auto guide and don’t follow a brand just for popularity. Look for reliability and economy. Forget customizing. It’s a waste of money, which will be pretty short during college.