My Daughter Needs to Buy her First Car

[Jodi1980]

She has $2000 - should she look to buy a car from a car dealer or from someone selling in the newspaper?

 

[Microcell]

Is that the whole amount she has to spend? If so do you have a neighbor or a friend that will be getting a new car soon and could sell you thiers?
If it is a down payment then I would go to the Dealer. If you get stuck with a lemon there are laws to protect you, but I am not sure what you could get at a car lot for $2000.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

For $2000 I would go with your local "Trading Times", found at the gas station. Look every week and "get to know" the things in there for a long time then look for the deal.

 

[luvdisney81]

I have bought many used cars and you will get more for your money going private. If you go to church pass the word out, especially if you know any elderly people. They take very good care of their cars 99% of the time. Use Carfax or take it to be seen by a mechanic it will save you a lot in the long run. Honda Accords are great used cars because they go typically 200,000+. I have been told and found it to be true on mine that a Honda Accord who's VIN number starts with "J" is not a good one. Try to avoid them. I think it is a J but I will make sure, or ask around.

 

[orvilleair]

With $2000, it's best to go private sale and get a mechanic to check the car. Gas stations up here sell the Autotrader which lists cars for sale by year. They also have ads from the dealers, so it's the best of both. Comes out weekly. Internet site too.

FWIW. My 92 Geo (Chevy) Prism has over 200K miles and is still running fine. Consumer Reports also rates the vehicles based upon their repair history.

 

[Nutsy]

We are going through the same process for my DS. He has $5,000 but we will be helping towards the cost.

I'd tend to go with a Dealer unless you know the person you are buying from in a private sale. If you are not trading anything in against this car, then don't let them brow beat you. You tell them what you are willing to pay. We did, we don't have a car yet, but the one we did have our eye on for DS, after a thorough inspection it is not at all what it seems. It apprears to have a whole new front end on it. Obious as the car is 2 different colours, a creamy white under the bonnet & a pure white outside, plus it has a whole new motor.

So beware of the pitfalls & good luck

 

[CamColt]

What a coincidence. Im looking for someone to sell a car to. Ours is a little above that price range though.
Good luck to her!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I just bought a brand new Nissan Pathfinder and traded in my Nissan Sentra for $1,300 but the blue book value was $2,300. (Yes I am a huge Nissan fan) That would have been in your range, easily. I would go with a private party. I was going to try and sell my car, then realized I didn't want to go through the hassel and would take the lower price. Keep looking in the papers and don't settle, be patient and the perfect car will come to you.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Just make sure you take the car to a mechanic you trust before purchasing.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

double post