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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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...on this thread! A lot of folks really don't understand how much car they can get for $6k or so. I always lean towards the Camry/Avalon options at that price point, but my favorite ideas here are definitely the various Buick suggestions. I found a Regal for a client that looked, smelled, and acted as though it had never been driven, loaded up with everything, 47k, 2001, under $7k. Of course, this was a professional adult looking to make a different kind of statement than a 16 year old, but still...what a pleasure to find it!
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Replying to: movinmetal1 (May 15, 2008 3:35 am) |
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Replying to: plekto (May 14, 2008 6:02 pm) The buicks certainly have a softer ride than the impala and grand prix. The Impala and grand prix have more of a harder ride (sportier???). I actually liked the Impalas exterior look better (oh the kids around here trick them out and they look really nice with rims). Supercharged engines.. I would be REALLY careful with these. Somewhere in my research I found that these have some serious problems with the intake manifolds due to higher heat and the manifolds being made of some type of plastic material. I would stick with the base model 3/8l engine its got plenty of power for a 16 year old. Of course they could go get a Honda Civic that has about 120k miles on it thats about 10 years old and has none of the safety features for the same price. Kids want what kids want. I certainly can't judge because my first car was a Pontiac Fiero. Not exactly a old persons car. It was a great little car, cheap to drive, fun to drive, nice looking, it had 40,000 miles on it and it cost $1200 used. My how the cost of cars has increased, lol. Funny how I ended up with a car based on reliability, insurance costs, and comfort. ha
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Hey everyone, I'm a 25 year old male looking for some car shopping advice. I'm looking for a car (used) in the 14k-16k range that is reliable, fun to drive and relatively good on gas (26+ mpg). I've been looking very seriously at some 06 civic coupes, 04-05 accord coupes and some 03-05 rsx's. I'd prefer automatic for my daily commute, but I'll drive stick if need be. I know there are a ton of cars in this price range that are reliable and good on gas, but I'm looking for something that I can really enjoy driving when not commuting (so something kinda sporty). Also, if i can get it as a CPO that would be a huge bonus. Are there any other cars that I should be considering? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!! |
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Replying to: glc001 (May 15, 2008 12:59 pm) |
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Replying to: glc001 (May 15, 2008 12:59 pm) Any of the cars you mentioned, step up and buy it new. An '08 Vibe makes a good buy if you can still find one. The '09's might be OK, too. CIvics are good. Mazda3 maybe, but not so hot on gas. Corollas are great cars but not so much fun. For a good value used, you'll have the pick of the litter of late-model SUVs... -Mathias
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Replying to: steine13 (May 15, 2008 1:53 pm) A little too sporty/pricy for the economy crowd, but gets decent gas mileage and is a lot of fun to drive... A decent buy, because sporty hatchbacks are hard to sell.. As far as buying a Buick? Hey, he's 25, not 75!! 
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Replying to: kyfdx (May 15, 2008 3:24 pm) *** I'd certainly still love to have a GNX. Not *everything* GM makes is a retired person's land barge. My recommendation in that price range would be to get a used Lexus IS300. It's basically a poor man's 3 series. Just more reliable, less expensive, and far less heavy. It won't win on looks, but I've pushed the car into crazy tight turns at 40mph in 2nd gear(paddles on the steering wheel) and given the salesperson a severe case of being uncomfortable, And no tires squealing or feeling like I'm about to fly off the road. Automatic is good. Manual is better, of course, but it offers both. Pros: - Light weight for its size - just over 3000 lbs. - Small Inline 6 engine. Good gas mileage - about 25-27 highway. - Suspension is very much "European" in feel. - RWD. This car is a fun car as a result.  But there are lots of other choices as well. It really depends if fuel economy is a big factor to you. I mean, you can always get a little Miata or S2000...  Another thing to consider might be to get a basic Tacoma. Nothing fancy, 4 cylinder smaller engine, and 4x4. 18K new(Cars Direct, 4x4 regular bed, regular cab, 5 speed transmission). The thing gets a consistent 25mpg(real world 30 highway, no matter what the EPA is now saying) and yet is plenty powerful to get around town. 4x4 helps hold it's value to about 1K depreciation per year as opposed to the 2wd versions which nobody wants to buy used at any price. Another car to get is a Mini, just because it also depreciates so little. Fun car to drive, actually. I usually don't like new cars, but there are a few exceptions. |
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Replying to: mogal1 (May 05, 2008 7:07 am) Why would you want to get rid of an 80K mile car you own and swap it for a 120K mile car that you would have to pay another $4K for? If I was you I would figure out my break even point. You can put allot of gas in the car you have for $4K
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Replying to: joel0622 (May 16, 2008 3:14 pm) "I found an 04 Acura TL (I like this car)..." "I need something not too small, in the size range of an Accord or Camry or TL, but not an SUV..." I agree with the OP, I have no interest in her mini-SUV either. Around here they are basically the poster children cars for the most annoying people on the planet. Besides that, I'd have a lot more fun driving her TL than what she currently has. I don't know if the OP shares my opinion, but the RX just seems wrong. It gets 22 mpg hwy while advertising the fact that it's a guilded lily. Add to that the cost of lexus parts and count me out. I'd much rather drive a sedan or a minivan that doesn't try to shout "look at me", is fun to drive, gets better gas mileage, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to repair. Besides, I think we all deserve to drive something that we don't hate. |
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