i need a clunker... Not a crapper

[SandrA9810]

So what are the first things I should do when looking for a car?? I don't have a credit history, so going to a dealer probably isn't the best option. And I don't want to go to one of those side of the road "no credit needed" to pay insane interest rates or insane weekly payments out the nose. I have 1500 that i can pull from my 401k. Not a great idea, but having wheels is going to be more important. And yes, i do understand the penalties for withdrawling early.

i'd like to stick with a little pick up. It's what i've been driving for the past 5 years and i feel comfortable in. Plus pick up don't retain value very well, so there's a lot listed for 3-4 grand that are 2000 model or newer.

So how do I keep from buying a crapper?? What should I look out for.

 

[rock_doctor]

Tough to answer your question. Keep an eye out for a toyota. They are notorious for lasting forever if not abused. Call around to some of the dealerships in your area and tell them what you are looking for and if they get anything in trade they should give you a call. Personally, i think you are SOL. One of the *major* problems with the 'Cash For Clunkers' was it took so many potential good used cars and destroyed them. So that is over 250,000* used cars that are not available to be bought by people who need a used car. The exact same problem happened when Germany did the same exact thing. Good luck. No matter what you do spend the money to have it looked over by a mechanic. A few dollars up front may save you everything in the end.

*http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/aug2009/db2009085_823256.htm

 

[SandrA9810]

My brother in law is a mechanic, and has actually gotten a couple cars for nearly free, but needed a couple months worth of work. So I would use him for the initial check over. Then I would use the guys at Car Care to help me out with routine stuff.
And I've been driving a 2001 ranger, so I know how it should run. And most the maintance that needs to get done on it. I'm also not afraid to get under the hood if I need to. I'd rather go with that, then a different car that I have no idea how it should run.

There are a few on craig's list that seem to be pretty good condition. And decent price range. Kari's truck is pushing 160,000 miles or more on it. And there hasn't been any severe repairs (like transmission or engine) done on it.

 

[Golf4food]

Make a contract with the seller that makes the sale contingent upon the vehicle passing an inspection by a mechanic of your choosing. Have someone hold a deposit in escrow until the inspection - if it passes pay the rest of the money, if not return the vehicle and get back the escrow.

If you are not already you should look into joining (free) a local credit union (instead of a monster mega bank). Credit Unions are much more user friendly and most have programs for people with little or no credit history to help you with things like buying a car and most credit unions are members of car buying services where they can help you find a vehicle.

 

[SandrA9810]

Well as of the moment, I am a member of a Credit Union. My only problem is the bank is located in south florida, and I can't get down there easily. I also can't open a new account without being there in person. I'd like to stay a member, since I have been for several years now, but I just don't know how to play it all out.

There's always special "car financing" promos on the bank's website, but I've never really paid attention to them. And I know a couple times a year they do a big sale deal where they partner up with a dealership to sell used cars.

I don't know if I change banks if my luck would be any better or any worse.

Can craig's list be that bad?? I've heard some good stories on here. And comparing what I can find on that to say something like car max... craig's list is by far cheaper.

 

[tinatark]

Craigslist is fine. If it seems too good to be true, it is. Don't use an escrow service or send $$ if you don't have the car. We have bought 2 cars off craigslist in the past few months - we did take them to the dealerships for pre-sale inspections ($100 but worth it). Just realize that a $1500 car will be - a $1500 car, not in perfect shape, but should run well. Around here, cars in that price range will be parked in people's yards with for sale signs in the windows. Maybe you should drive around and look some.

Don't even bother with dealerships - the "buy here pay here" places have overpriced junk, and larger dealerships were overpriced, also - we were looking, first in the $4000-5000 range, then after we got a great deal and that car was totaled a month later, in the $7500-8000 range. We ended up buying both from craigslist sellers - the first locally, here, the second, when we were in FL over Thanksgiving.

 

[SandrA9810]

Thanks Tina.

I just don't want to get a car then turn around and need to put in a new transmission or something, you know? I know how costly repairs can be, and I don't want to sink more money into it than what I have. I need something that will get me from point A to point B.
My sister has bought cars from buy here, pay here places... I couldn't believe the amount of money she was spending on it. On top of that, this will be "my" first car, and I've never had insurance coverage for myself. And I know if I go through a dealership, then I'd need full coverage till the car was paid off, and I know I can't afford that. I've looked at progressive and other insurance sites to get general estimates, and non seem out of range for monthly payments.
It's all so overwhelming. I know what I need to do, I just don't know how it's going to get done. And I'd rather not have my g'mother keel over tomorrow to get an inheritance. I'd like to think I'd win the lottery before that happens (and I don't play the lotto).

 

[Lisa_M]

I think you need to consider finding a job first. What bank is going to give a loan without income? How will you pay the monthly loan payments plus insurance?

If your BIL is a mechanic, let him help you get your truck in shape so you can find a job and afford a better car without withdrawing from your 401k.

Since you have this person with extensive car knowledge in the family, utilize it and then work your way out of needing to worry about a clunker versus crapper.

 

[SandrA9810]

I have a job, but the truck is not mine, it's kari. So I can't drive it to work and back. As of right now it takes about 3hrs to take the bus to work. Thankfully I haven't been scheduled for opening at like 9, but for the lunch rush. If I go in at 11, I have to be up by 7am, then I don't sleep because I constantly feel like I'm over sleeping. I'd also be out of luck if I got scheduled to close, because closing time is around 11 and the last bus leaves at 10:30. Sorry I haven't kept a personal update on the budget board...

I haven't touched the 401k yet. I just know it's there if I need it. And if I want decent hours at work, I need to have a vehicle. It's like a never ending circle, can't have one without the other. So if I can use my 401k as a jumping point, then I be that much better off.

 

[StephMK]

We almost went through with a CL sale and this is what we did. We had a pre-sale inspection set up w/our mechanic - $44 and would have taken 1-2 hrs. It sounds like you have a good contact for that. We were going to run a carfax report off the VIN which would show any accidents, recalls, etc. If your mechanic has contacts at a dealership, maybe they would run it for you? Otherwise, it would have been $33 for one report or $43 for 5 - if you needed to shop a little.

When we looked at models, we googled it or checked edmunds to see what other owners said about that model & read the reviews. We found one that someone was selling to move out of state. I emailed with her enough to be comfortable that she was legit. She easily gave me the VIN and was fine w/the inspection request. It was definitely cheaper than a dealership. We ended up getting an offer of a family car so we didn't go through with it.

Good luck!

 

[Poohlovr]

Find out if any of the charities in your area sell used cars. My daughter's friend (much in the same shape as you, if I'm reading your posts correctly) bought a nice car from them. It was not new-it was a 2002 or 3. It looked good and ran well and only cost her $600. Silly girl traded it in at a buy here-pay here lot and had nothing but trouble with the "new" car she got.
She got hers at St Vincent DePaul.

I found this on the Orlando St Vincent DePaul website-

Once we have determined what the needs are, we will work on assisting in practical ways. This may include financial help with bills, food, education, transportation, spiritual & emotional support. If we do not have the resources to assist clients we will do our best to refer the client to an organization who may be able help.

It won't hurt to talk to them.

 

[Poohlovr]

A quick Google search turned up this in Longwood Fl

http://www.800charitycars.org/whocanapply.htm

Our clients include:

Victims of domestic violence
The medically needy
Victims of natural disasters
Families transitioning from public assistance to work
Families living in transitional living shelters
The working poor
Non-profit organizations
Military Families

 

[Poohlovr]

And, one other idea-a car auction. Some of the cars here go for cheap. Take your B-I-L with you to check out the cars.

Here's a local one for you, open to the public.

Bee Line Auto Auction LLC
Auto Auction open to the public. Auctions are held every Saturday at 11:00am. No dealer license required.
Location: Orlando, FLORIDA
http://www.beelineautoauction.com

 

[SandrA9810]

thanks poohlvr. I'll look into it when i get home. I dont know if how i got into this situation would allow for charity, but i wouldn't turn down a 600 dollar car.

Does any one know how a car auction work?? Is there a pre listing for the cars to pull a carfax report?? How much time would my BIL have to check over the car?? I don't want to walk away with a great deal on a dud. I know a few thousand dollars isn't going to get much, but i want at least a decent engine and tranny, and the rest i can slowly replace as the funds come in to make it a worth while car. Maybe in a few years they'll do cash for clunkers and i can make back what i put unto it. HA HA...

 

[C.Ann]

If your BIL is a mechanic, I'm sure he could find a decent vehicle for you.. Maybe even one that he worked on and then the owner didn't have the money to pay for the repairs..

I think I'm a little confused that you have someone who has a good deal of knowledge in this area, yet you are taking on the sole responsibility of finding "something" and then hoping the BIL says it's reliable..

Back in 2005, my mini van got wiped out in an accident (an elderly lady slammed into the drivers side of the car while I was stopped).. My Dson-in-law (who also knows cars inside and out) was able to find a vehicle for me from a private owner - while I was away visiting my sister in Florida.. He called, told me the price, and because I knew that he had checked it out from top to bottom, I told him to go ahead and buy it - even though I hadn't seen it.. The guy wanted $1200 and I "think" (if I remember correctly) we got it for $900.. I drove it for a year and a half (until my house sold and I was able to pay cash for a 2005 mini van) and resold it (privately) for $700..

You "can" get something halfway decent for $1500 - through a private owner - but I think you need to rely more on the knowledge and capabilities of your BIL then you currently are..

Good luck!

 

[seashoreCM]

When you go look at the car and test drive it, it should work and run perfectly. Windows roll up and down. Wipers spray washer fluid. Parking brake hold it still on a hill. Etc. Go through the instruction manual and try everything out.

Do not accep the word of the seller that something needs adjustment. The seller should have tuned it up first, adjusted it right first. Unless he is trying to hide something like a major needed repair.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[SandrA9810]

i have talked to my sister to ask him about keeping an eye out for one. But i'm not expecting him to hunt down the car for me. Plus we live two hours apart. I can't expect him to be here for every car that might peak my interest. So i need to be able to do my own look over to see if the car is worth it in the fist place, you know??