Best bang for the car buck?

[poohbear2]

I am so upset! I think I put in about 700.00 into my car this year and tonight it started to smoke. I am not sure what is wrong with it;however, I am afraid I have to start thinking about getting a new car. I really can't afford to spend a lot of money. Would anyone be able to recommend a vehicle for around 12000? There is just myself and my 8 yr old son, so I don't need anything big. I am so bummed because I just got a raise and I thought I'd be able to start saving up a bit. Isn't that always the way! Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Try consumer reports. They list what cars to try & what cars to stay away from ..... and they do it by price ranges.

I know the info is available in their annual auto issues ---- but it may also be available on their website. I'm just not sure.

Good luck. I just picked up my "new" 2002 Subaru Forester today after much car shopping homework.

 

[faith]

Hi PoohBear. I don't know of any new cars for $12,000, but a new Ford Focus is available for about $15,000. Right now there are some rebates and no payments for 90 days...here in Michigan anyway. That should bring the price down even more. I hope you can get something new so you will have a good warranty. Good Luck!

 

[iluvdisney]

Better news on the Ford Focus but only available thru Sept 30th, I'm told, is 0% for 5 year purchase.

 

[doxdogy]

I think the Ford Focus just had some sort of recall. The low end Corolla would be a good choice. Ours was a little over 14000. It has just AC, radio and automatic transmission and I love it for a small car. The DD has a cavalier and she is pleased with it.

 

[tar heel]

By far the best bang for your buck is a newer used car. With the increase in leasing there are wonderful cars with very low mileage available at prices considerably below new ones. You can buy an extended warranty and have pretty much the same kind of coverage you would have on a new car. My dh and I have purchased two lease return vehicles, a three-year-old Toyota Camry with 23,000 miles and a two-year old Grand Caravan with 31,000 miles. These cars cost much less than new ones -- the Caravan was more than $10,000 less! If you decide to go this direction, remember the extended warranty is not a fixed cost -- you can negotiate. I got $175 off ours. We went this direction the first time b/c we had just moved into a new house with a much larger payment. We had always been new car buyers before, but now we're not sure we'll ever get another brand new car.

 

[tnkrbell]

Ill sell you a used 96 Grand Marque!!! lol
I would by another Toyota camry if I was to buy another car!!

 

[deno2]

We are currently driving a 10 year old Toyota Camary and a 3 year old Plymouth Grand Voyager. The Toyota runs many times better than the van. The only thing we have had to do to the Camary is change the oil, 1 new set of tires and a new muffler. We have tried Ford, GM and Dodge and and will never buy anything other than a Toyota again.

deno

 

[deno2]

We are currently driving a 10 year old Toyota Camry and a 3 year old Plymouth Grand Voyager. The Toyota runs many times better than the van. The only thing we have had to do to the Camry is change the oil, 1 new set of tires and a new muffler. We have tried Ford, GM and Dodge and and will never buy anything other than a Toyota again.

deno

 

[shep]

How about a Hyundai??
Don't have one, but hear they have great warranty..
Good Luck..

 

[DocRafiki]

By far the best bang for your buck is a newer used car.

Thank you! I thought that was common knowlegde, but I guess not.

 

[poohbear2]

Thanks for your suggestions. I ended up getting a Toyota Echo.
I love toyota's and I was able to get a 2002 model with lots of extras for under 13000.

 

[adamak]

Well, I used to have 91 Geo Metro. Bought that in 93 for $4000. Absolutely no problem for 10 whole years! Not to mention, 2 gallons take me from Chicago to PA.

So, there you go. That's the best bang for the buck car in the world.

 

[DocRafiki]

I don't know... $4000 for 10 years? My average is better. I had an '89 Accord LX that I bought for $3000 in the mid-90's. Three years later, I totalled it and got its value from insurance -- $2700. So, it cost me $100 a year plus regular maintenance, nothing out of the ordinary. Plus, I got to survive the wreck (probably not in a Geo! )

 

[SPAGo 98]

Honda Civic. starts at $13,010 (sedan), $12,810 (coupe). you could probably get it cheaper with rebates or something from a dealer, or maybe buy a used model.