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Smart Shopper Used Vehicles Best Values
948 messages, Last post on Aug 11, 2009 at 11:51 AM
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I always recommend late model, low mileage domestics such as Taurus, Impala, etc. These models have low resale values and can be bought at very good prices. They are also reliable enough to give many good years of service. See also: Galant, Mazda6, etc.
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What do you guys think are good used values for entry-level luxury or luxury cars? How about Infinity I30/35 or last model Acura RL? I noticed 2002 RLs with less then 40000 miles can be bought for not much more than $20k.
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Replying to: greenice (May 31, 2005 9:13 am)  Personally, my money is on a Volvo in this case. A few years back, I purchase my (then) 3-year-old off-lease S70 T5 with 30K miles for $20K. That's not much more than half its original sticker. These days, its still similar dealings on S60s. The 2 you mentioned aren't bad deals, either, but it depends on what you're looking for. Based on my personal preferences, I'll most likely be looking for another used Volvo when mine dies. |
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Replying to: benderofbows (May 31, 2005 8:14 am) Only thing is (and this goes for the Volvo i just mentioned, too), you gotta like the car because even buying it 2 or 3 years old does not exempt you from suffering harsh depreciation in the coming years. |
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A used Hyundai or Kia, because they depreciate like a rock and I think they made the warranty transferable now- not sure about that. I always like to recommend the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Mitsusbishi Galant, Infiniti I30/I35 (although resale on those are fairly high) the Saabs (sure, after a while they develop problems, but if you can find one with low miles, it can be a cheap, prestigious, fairly luxurious automobile) and Volvos. I try to tell people to stay away from Lexus, Honda or Toyota. Resale on a ES330, Accord or Camry is outrageously high. Especially on a Lexus. The local Lexus dealer had a CPO 2004 ES330 with 25,000 miles on it for $31,000. Why would I even consider a year old one with high miles when a brand new one can be had for just $2,000 more?! I always say, if you want a Lexus and are looking at used ones, ask yourself, can you afford the extra $2,000-$3,000 for the brand new one? If the answer is yes, then get the brand new one. |
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I personally like used Hondas, Toyotas, and Mazdas, because even though the first two cost more than other used cars, I have a lot of faith that they will be reliable over the long haul and cost less over time than others. There are also lots of choices among dealers and independent mechanics because people are familiar with them. Subarus, Saabs, and Volvos are more iffy when it comes to good service and cheap parts ( not even a possiblity with a Volvo!). Pay money up front or down the road, it's a choice.
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Replying to: suydam (Jun 01, 2005 5:58 am) Based on maintenance costs of the particular jobs I've done or had done on both my Volvo and Honda, the Volvo has been cheaper.
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Replying to: qbrozen (Jun 01, 2005 7:01 am) |
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Replying to: qbrozen (Jun 01, 2005 7:01 am) You are kidding...right? I see the repair bills from the Volvo dealer on some of the Volvos we take in as trades! With a Volvo, it seems like something is ALWAYS wrong and it's usually something electrical. Check engine light on, ABS light etc. When they need brakes, they usually need rotors etc... Nice cars to drive to be sure but as they age they can become big time money pits. At least that's what I see.
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A used VOLVO 10+ years old might have been a good solid used car a few years back. However, some of the repairs on some of the under 5 year old Volvos that I have had in the fleet have been quite expensive. DITTO for the Saabs. They also can be real money pits. I have a real bias against these vehicles as the one in my fleet has been in the shop seven times before 25k on mostly minor issues and it also chews up tires. If you are looking for a Honda or a Toyota under 2-3 years old, you are almost better off buying new. Many private Honda owners ask for stupid money on their used cars ... and occasionally get it. I think that the quality is better than some of the domestics but the margin is shrinking. If you are looking for solid transportation, I generally like the fleet vehicles as they can be had for a very reasonable price. My personal favorites at this time are the Chevrolet Impalas, Buicks, and the NEW Chevrolet Malibus (not the old style which is an inferior car). The Escorts are pretty reliable. Most of the Taurus models post 2000 are fairly reliable. And we had some good luck with the Intrepids and Concords that we have had. Personally, I look for the best car I can get with $6-7k which is a 3 year old domestic that is $4-5k less than the comparable Honda/Toyota and invest the difference for any major repairs. |
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