How to buy a used car? (1000-2500 US Dollars)?

if you wanna drive a truck get a ford f150... omg i swear those things never die. even over 100,000 miles they still keep going! if you get one from the early 90s you can probably find one for that cheap. and they are EASY to fix everyone i know can fix a damn ford truck. and parts aren't pricey either.

PAY OFF THE DEBT IMMEDIATLY! If you will save 3,000 dollars a MONTH by paying off your debt then do it! And in a month or two months he will be able to play around with his car. But it is completely foolish to use this unexpected money for anything other than paying bills because you are living paycheck to paycheck. If you don't have to do it, then don't. You both should be thinking of your family and your children first. You both work very hard and want gratification and I sat here and thought long and hard about what I would do in this situation and I know the first thing my hubby and I would *want* to do is buy a t.v., go on vacation, etc. But when you have children you have to do what you *need* to do and that's be responsible. He can still get what he wants, this play with the car money, he would just have to wait. It makes total sense. HOWEVER. So many people on a daily basis lose their cars or their houses or have to go to food shelves because they were living paycheck to paycheck without any money saved up and something happened. Think of this, any one of your family memebers could get sick, your house could burn down, etc etc etc. It doesn't matter what it is but something always happens to people who aren't ready for it to happen to them. And then you're left with an unexpected financial crisis. In my opinion, once you pay off the cars think about what you're doing before you *ever* take out any debt again. Make sure you have money put away. Make sure you *can* afford it. A new(er) car is just not worth the stress of trying to make payments. I have a used car because right now I cannot afford monthly payments and it gets me from point A to point B. I would love to have a new car but I also like to save money every week. I put whatever I can into my daughters college fund, even if it's 5 dollars because I know it will add up. I also put money into the savings account. And when my car broke down I didn't have to sweat it. I hope I did not sound judgemental at all. I used to be a mortgage broker and I used to be a financial advisor. And I experienced financial hardship myself, and saw it in so many of my clients. All I am trying to do is point out the easy ways you could be saving money and also preparing youself for anything that might happen. Have your husband read all these answers so he can see for himself. Obviously you have your head on your shoulders. But he needs a wake up call. Also if I could actually make one judgement. My hubby used to think that since he was the one who was working while I stayed home (I think we need better terminology for that because it's still working when you're staying home lol) that it was his money and he could dictate where and how it was spent. When I did some research and showed him how much he would be paying in child support, etc if I were ever (not that I would) to leave him, it was a big wake up call for him. We discuss the financial stuff together now, and make our decisions together. I really hope this helped you.

i would go with a toyota camry, or honda accord, just change the oil and other regular maintnence and that will last you a long time. I still see my moms 1992 honda accord driving around town. She gave it to my sister with 100,000 miles, and my sister put 60,000 miles ran it to the ground, and after paying like 1000 for a new carborator its it still driving and probably has well over 200,000 miles on it. I also know people with toyotas with over 200,000 miles on it. so maybe a 1995-1997 camry, or a 1994-1996 accord would be perfect for you and your kids. also try ebay some people are afraid to use that but i know people who buy cars off it and get god cars for god prices.

before you buy a car, search for a reliable mechanic. ask your friends, especially women, who they take their cars to and who they trust.

then go to that mechanic and ask his advice. they often have aybe he could search for you.

i just bought a car for $1500 and my trusty mechanic did $1500 work on it and now I have a reliable car.

you should always check the oil first, if it looks "burned" or black on the dip stick, it is a bad sign.

sometimes you can find a person who specializes in helping someone pick out a car. they often charge a flat fee but i don't know what the guarantee would be.

to find a car you can look on craigslist.com. you will get a cheaper deal from a person than a dealer (assuming you have your mechanic check it out). (i know i don't have to tell you this, but don't go to some stranger's house alone, make him meet you in a public place.)

P.S. go to www.kbb.com (kelley blue book) to find out the reliablility of any car you are looking at and if it has been wrecked. you can also look up the general price you should be paying for that car with that mileage.

good luck.

I personally never bought a used car, so I am not the one to advise you. But I can tell you my opinion. The car should be safe to drive. You're right on about that point. I would choose "Honda", because Honda is famous for making good quality long lasting engines. The other point is please go to the certified dealer which provides certain warranty, support and service in case of problems. Even you do not know anybody check the yellow book, give some calls. Yes, check "Consumer Reports Magazine" It has one issue about good used car to buy. We always used CR magazine as ou r purchasing guide for big ticket items & never gone wrong. Good Luck.

Find a toyota camry with miles, have a mechancic check it out, I drove my camry (and it is documented) that Toyotas last forever. For 300K miles. It was still in great shape. Prepare to pay about 2000 to 2500 for it. 1996 is a great year for them. good luck

ANY guys? Only knowledgeable ladies? :)

Anyway, I went to library and got consumer reports annual auto ratings. Then went to find that car exactly! They're hard to find b/c they're so reliable, but it'll be worth your while.

make sure the overall condition of the car should in good condition...check the history of the car? has there been any accidents involving with that car...make sure

the engine should run properly..etc..

check these websites for more infos:

http://www.roadandtravel.com/buyingausedcar/usedca...

http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=432

http://www.samarins.com/

Have you tried your local newspaper....or even a thrifty nickel?!!?

here : www.auto-trader.com