I need help picking the best "first car" (that's cheap yet still safe and reliable)?

Police impound auctions is a good place. Where u live and the age is a factor of the insurance. Always take some one with you to help look a car over even if you know cars, sometimes you miss things. Better to take a person that is familiar to cars and repairs.

Honda's and Toyota's great cars and last a long time. More popular and because of it makes them a target to be stolen.

Honda Civic

Toyota Carola

Chevy Cobalt, Cavalier (2.2L is cheaper than 2.4L)

Dodge Neon

These is a few examples

What affects the Insurance?

# Doors

Size of motor (bigger is more and a tax break for environmentally friendly cars)

# of seats. Less is more.

Area of where you live

How many miles you drive (always tell them 5-10 miles)

Age and condition.

Security features

If it is garaged or not.

What features it has.

Safety factor on impacts.

How many ppl will be driving it (best to be only u and u can also watch the way it is treated and maintained.

Color only if it is a special color and payed more for having it. Red is not one.

Age and finally driving record.

Well if it's domestics only- Ford Fiesta or focus, or a pre-new model Taurus, or the short-lived Taurus X Chevy Sonic (and there's the Impala but I didn't like the last one I drove) Dodge Neon Jeep Liberty (it gets good mileage if you are REALLY ATTENTIVE) There are some good bigger SUVs for families (the Ford edge and flex come to mind) but they sure aren't cheap. As many here have said, if you could do foreign your selection would really improve. Maybe foreign cars built domestically with us parts and labor would be okay? In that case, most any Toyota or Honda, and the Volkswagon Golf (unless they make that in Mexico now).

I know someone who got some incredible deals at the car auction in Philadelphia. They were the cars the Police had impounded. I think he said they do it once a month. I don't have the phone mumber for it, but I believe they advertise in the local paper. I don't agree with those who are hung up on Toyota or Honda. I think you pay alot more for the name with those cars. Check out the cars with low resale value and you will get a nice car with low miles. As for insurance, Nationwide should give you a quote before you insure with them. Some cars cost more to insure because they get stolen more.Or have more damage in a car accident.

Do some reading on the web about how to buy a used car . It will help you to find one that's mechanically sound

Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, cheap on gas and very reliable,,,,, they are very safe and are one of the best selling cars in the world. IF your young and want to go for a sport look, go wid one with a spoiler and tinted windows and a sunroof. doesnt matter if the car is 10 years or brand new , they all drive good (if you keep the car in good condition). I remember my uncle had a 95 Neon and it brown down 9 years later, and my dads car is still going good, but we will eventually get the 2009 Toyota Corolla when it comes out......

After reading your question, Honda Civic pops in my head. The insurance is cheap on civic especially if it's used. they are very reliable. If you buy one thats maybe 2-3 years old, it will still run like champ for many years to come.

need a car cheap? take a mechanic and go to a local auto action you can find a good car there if you know what to look for. the only factor i seen that you listed far an insurance boost is the number of seats 2 will cost more also stay away from off road vehicles and buy cars off of the top ten most stolen list

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Honda Civic

a used Honda or Toyota will be your best bet. Look for a Civic or Corolla that perhaps just came off a lease and has low miles. It will be affordable and will still have years of good use left in it.

Hi,

It just so happens I am a used car dealer in the Philadelphia area, we specialize in quality older cars at great prices. Check out my website, then call me. I'll be more than happy to help you in any way I can. www.mancinimotors.com

Hope to hear from you.

Jeff

the reason Hondas and Toyota's are more expensive is because they last longer and maintain their values. Color doesn't matter, airbags, antilock brakes, theft systems get you a insurance deduction. Try going to edmunds.com and do some research, it will also help you reviews and pricing.

Good luck

Carguy

http://buy-here-pay-here-dealers.com/