What tips can you give me about buying a cheap (around $3000-$4000) used car?

Your best bet is the Japanese cars (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc) or the German cars (Benz, BMW). American cars shouldn't be a problem if they were well maintained, but not many cars are these days.

Questions to ask:

Service history/records

About miles (Highway/city)

Has it been raced or driven hard?

Would they mind if you took it to a mechanic to have it checked out (and if they say yes, run away fast!!!!)?

A personal recomendation, avoid Kia, Hyundai, older Subaru, Daewoo, older VW, and Dodge. Some people would fight me tooth and nail, but my personal experience has been bad for people that I know that have those makes.

First, check your local newspaper ads for car s inyour price range.

Then do research on the vehicle at www.edmunds.com. After a few searches you'll find out the vehicles you want to stay away from and the ones you will probably want to look closer into.

I've used Edmunds with every car I've ever purchased. It's an awesome tool. Especially the editor's reviews and the consumer reviews. They give you an overall picture of what you are about to buy.

After that, check out insurance and repair costs for what you are considering. You'd be surprised at the differences between models for what on paper is essentially the same car.

IMO, all cars brands are junk, and all car brands are great. Some have more or fewer problems than others, but it really depends on how the previous owner maintained the vehicles.

And once you've locked something down, have a mechanic check it over for leaks and overall mechanical condition. It will cost you to do this, but at least you'll know if the car is mechanicaly sound before you buy it.

Some are going to hate me for saying this, but an early 2000's Ford Taurus might be an excellent buy for you.

My husband and I bought our son a 98 Toyota Camry for $3900. It has a lot of miles on it, but Toyota is a very reliable car. My husband drives a '95 Toyota pick up and is approaching 200,000 miles on it without any major problems. You can get the car's information by paying about $25 at Carfax. We did this before buying the 98. Any previous damage to the car would be reported on this report and also show previous owners.

only buy Honda and Toyotas. Also for that price range you should not go to a dealership. Try to find a private owner. Look in the paper and when you call them make sure they are not in the business of buying, fixing up and selling. Also you should always check the kellys blue book price and the milage of the car. It is also good when the owner is an original owner.

basic, A to B car, cheap......the last Chevrolet Prism. For it is not a Chevrolet, but a re-badged Toyota Corolla. And will be up to $2000 less than its twin Corolla beside it, all due to name alone.

otherwise in that price range.....most will say get a Honda or Toyota. Sure they are good, but at that price, the miles will be high and the maintenance will hurt you over time.

Good car, that price....any old persons car. Older Buick, etc for the car will not be beat on.

Get the VIN # and do a CARFAX report on the car. Next bring it to a mechanic or garage and have them look the car over. It may cost 60.00 but could save you thousands in the future. Have them put it up on a lift and also have them look for any signs of accident damage or past repairs. They should also check all fluid levels, belts and engine.

Get a honda. Also check carfax. Never trust the dealer or seller to give you an honest answer about the history of the car.

vehicle vs baby on motorcycle, i could have accompanied him abode and made his mum and dad pay first of all. 2d you wont get a stable commerce in (automobiles no longer paid off and now an twist of destiny would be stated). EDIT: He reason 3 grand in harm? WOW, it somewhat is plenty for a baby on a bike

I'm actually selling my Ford Explorer now and I have enjoyed it for years. It never broke down or gave me problems. I guess it all depends on what type of vehicle you are interested in.

Honda, Toyota & Nissan ONLY... the rest are CRAP.

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