Teenage Cars: whats the best (and safest) you can get on a small budget?

Question

I'm a junior in high school with a limited car budget.
My parents won't just go out and buy me one because they want me to learn "the value of a dollar." I have been saving for a while, but I only have a couple thousand. My parents have offered to double whatever I save, but that still doesn't get me much. [example: $2,000=$4000 after their contribution.] I can't get a job because of all my after school extracurriculars, but I need a vehicle to transport me to and from home. Any suggestions for a savvy car buyer? What models/makes/years do you suggest for a budget-concious girl that needs a ride?

any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

As a budget concious girl, you are going to need a car that provides the comforts and amenties of a car you would hope to own one day, but at the same time the safety you need and the gase ileage you want. I'd be looking at Older model Mazda Protege's (1999-2000). They're brick and mortar in terms of overall reliability, and they're great on gas and fine for safety. You could also look at an earlier model Acura Integra (1994) if you want some sportiness. Other options include Nissan Altima's and Mid 90's Honda Civics.

Answer 2

I know what you mean. I suggest a used Toyata, or a Honda. Great quality cars you can get for a low price.

Go with a smaller car, close to the ground. Try a Honda Civic. If you go with a used car, make sure the brake pads work. Take it for a test drive. Do the wheels make skidding noises when you make even the smallest turns?Is the car equpped with seatbelts? Don't buy a flying death machine.

Still short on cash? The best way to get money is to quit one or more of your extracurricular activities so you can get a job; just until you have enough money for a car.

Answer 3

You can buy a decent car with $4000. Yes, it's used, but you can get a reliable one. You'll probably end up getting one in the middle to high 90s. (the year)

Good makes are Nissan (sentra), Honda (accord, civic), Toyota (corolla), etc. These are good cheaper but reliable cars. In my opinion, foreign cars are usually better quality and parts for the above makes can be easily found. You might want to get a job though to maintain a car. If you get a used car, there will be more problems with it but it will save you from having a huge car payment so early in life.

Answer 4

Used Honda Civic or accord or used Toyota Camry. Really reliable and doesn't cost a lot to maintain. Get one that has airbags standard and take a friend or relative that knows cars with you when you go car shopping. Also, get a good (preferably a friend) mechanic to inspect the entire car before you buy and try to get a car with good crash test ratings and definately get one with airbags.

You should ask your friends or have your parents ask their friends or relatives (first) if they have any used cars that they can sell you. I think its better to buy from a friend or relative. If none of them have any then go look at the dealer or in the ad.

Answer 5

$4000 is enough to buy a nice 1st car.

Mazda Miata (early 90s)
Acura Integra (1994-5)
Infiniti G20 (mid 90s)
Lexus ES300 (early 90s)
Lexus SC300/400 (1992)
Nissan Altima (1998)
Toyota Celica (1995)

Check autotrader.com, craigslist.com, cars.com and pennysaverusa.com for these cars.

Answer 6

Just remember it is not just the cost of the car, it is the cost of insurance, gas, and maintenance.

I recommend a Toyota or Volkswagon as a safe car. Take a male adult that knows cars with you to look used car lots. I say male because many car dealers treat women badly.

Answer 7

Perfect car for you: Any used Honda in that price range, great gas milage and low maintenece, get the oil changed every 3000 miles and it will run till you graduate college

Answer 8

you might consider looking at a late 90's Honda Civic...they're not bad looking cars and are very riliable. Plus they're pretty economical (not mega gas consumers). Good luck!

Answer 9

Try to find a decent Toyota or Honda. No Fords, whatever you get.

Answer 10

Save your money. Buy a bicycle instead. Those gas prices aren't getting any cheaper.