I am trying to find a car that is about $3,000. I know that Toyota's are good card and Honda's, but does anyone else have any ideas what other cars are good? Also, what should I look for in getting a car? Thanks for your help!
2006-11-01 04:47:21 · 5 answers · asked by The one who knows 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Buying a car at that price is a real gamble. Your going to get a car with high miles on it and about 10 years old or more. Your going to want to stick to Japanese cars. American cars from that era aren't nearly as reliable as Japanese cars, and yes, Toyotas and Hondas are reported to be the most reliable cars by Consumer Reports. Reliability should be all that your concerned with. Nissans, Mazdas, and Mitsubishis are fairly good too.
Look for oil leaks. Find out if the timing belt was changed on schedule (at 80K-100K miles depending on the vehicle). Look at the color of the exhaust. If it's really white it could have a blown head gasket. If it's dark, it could be burning a lot of oil. Test drive it and check to see how tight the steering is and whether it pulls to one side or not. Make a hard stop to test the brakes.
If you really want to be careful have a mechanic check it out. Ask him to check the engine compression and the wear on the brakes. He/she will have several other points to check into as well.
2006-11-01 05:05:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check in e-bay under motors. Select by price and distance from you and see what is available. This will also give you ideas on average pricing. Always try to buy a new car trade-in from a reputable dealer, and try to get some kind of free warranty. Never buy a vehicle from a dealer that does not sell the same brand, new, i.e., don't buy a Ford from a Chevy dealer-etc. Never pay the price the dealer asks and make sure the price you decide on includes the tax, title and all other costs. Look at styles of vehicles that are not in high demand, and before purchase have the car checked by a mechanic or someone you trust that knows about cars. Don't be in a hurry and keep an open mind. For an example, Oldsmobile's are not made anymore, and older Chrysler's are also usually a bargain. They're still fine cars and reasonably priced.
2006-11-01 14:11:26 · answer #2 · answered by llewintx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1993 Acura Integra
1993 Honda Accord
1998 Nissan Altima
1995 Toyota Camry
Stay away from domestics and Mitsubishi, Isuzu & Suzuki and other unreliable Japanese makes.
2006-11-01 13:34:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a look at Subaru as well.
Check the body for holes or rust. and for collision damage.
Check all lights and electrical functions.
Check under the hood for belts and hoses being worn and cracked and loose. Check all fliuids, if the engine is too clean wonder why?
Check the under carriage for holes and the exhaust for leaks and noise.
Check the transmission see how it shifts.
Check tires and brakes for wear.
2006-11-01 15:10:48 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mazda too. Stay away from Nissan they learned from Chevy to make junk. I'm a Nam Vet but ashamed of my country Cars.
2006-11-01 14:47:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋