Buying a car... ugh

[locolala]

So we've realized that I need to get a car. I can't drive stick because I don't have the coordination to do it (left leg issues from injury then MS) so it needs to be an automatic. We're on a budget, we can't afford to spend any more than 200 a month in payments. We already have DH's car payment at 350 a month so if we can get my payments as low as possible, I'd be ecstatic.

What I need... a SAFE SAFE SAFE car (baby will be riding in it if all goes well), decent gas milage, easy to repair. I'm thinking a Honda Civic or Camry, a Nissan Altima.. somethign along those lines. I'd love to get a used Subaru because we love Subies in our family, and when we move to Alaska having another Subaru will be great.

Any hints on where to check out?

-Sorry if this doesn't make much sense, my night time meds make for interesting typing.

 

[Cindy B]

It really shouldn't be a problem to find a non stick car. In my area, manual cars are the exception.

I have a 2010 Camry that I got during the summer with Cash for Clunkers and I love it. With that trade, and a bunch of cash down my payments are only about $200 per month. I've been prepaying quite a bit and my payments are now only $60 per month.

First for you, find out what amount of money you can afford (ie, 10,000 or whatever) instead of what you can do monthly. That helps with budgeting and gives you a real number to work with instead of a monthly figure. Do not forget about tax, taxes and insurance so that payment may go higher.

Check your local dealers, online and other places. You should be able to find something.

 

[MAH4546]

If you are okay with leasing, Subaru has a deal on the Imperza sedan right now for $189 a month for 42 months and $1,488 down or the larger Legacy for $219/month for 36 months and $1,918 down.

 

[Shmily1]

I would look on autotrader. They are everywhere and have local individual and dealership ads. Most of the time, there are several pictures so you're not wasting your time looking at cars that don't match up to the ads.

Good luck and thank you to your family for your service!

 

[wmharley]

Look in autotrader.com, craigslist and cars.com for a used car.. probably like a 2006-2008.

I bought earlier this year a Mazda3 hatchback (2007 with under 20K on it) for less than $14K.I financed about $12K and my payment is $220. Dealers were selling same model for $16K+ and a new sedan was 16K out the door so I got a good deal.

forget a newer model if you want to stick with $200 unless you put $$ down and/or lease.

what car is your other car? do you need a bigger car, or can a smaller one work?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

What about a Toyota Carola. My hubby has one and it is a great car. Gets 36 miles to the gallon, very safe.
I drive a Chevy HHR it is great on gas too I get 32 mpg. My payment is $214 a month. Can haul a lot of things easily.