Buying my first car...?

Question

I'm buying my first car, and I'm torn between buying a used foreign cars, or American cars. I don't want to spend more than $10,000 over 24 months.
So I like to know what are the things to put into consideration when you want to get a car? Would it be better to buy from a private seller or dealer? What would you buy? Please give me your honest opinion. I just want a car that will serve me well and for years.

I have been driving for a long time but since I just relocated I have to wise in purchasing a car because apart from purchasing a house, buying a car is another big decision one has to make.

Answer 1

ok.

Answer 2

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Buying a car is a serious, but often rewarding event. I think your best bet would be to look into 'certified' pre-owned cars. They usually meet/exceed certain standards set by the manufacturer and come with a warranty (usually the balance of the factory warranty or something like 12 months/12K miles). I am not sure what class of car you are looking at, but a car for $10K over 2 years (which will take into account finance charges) puts you into the compact arena. Take a look at a brand new Chevy Aveo. A base model starts at under $10K. Also, take a look at Hyundai Accent, they start at about $10K, but with incentives they can be had for less. If you want more car for your $, look for used cars. You can often get more for your money from a private seller, but you usually buy the car 'as is' and if it breaks a day later you are outta luck! Check out www.edmunds.com. Good luck and happy motoring.

Answer 3

Dude get yourself a Honda Civic 1.4 GL excellant first car, ultimate reliability handles like a proper car not like your American rubbish (sorry to say it) these cars can turn corners and they wont burn up the ozone layer half as bad. Fuel prices will double over next three years Jap cars are best on economy and performance. Hold there money better than any others Toyota Corolla another no brainer. Steer clear of the Chevy dealers and the vauxhalls!! Then get yourself down to yoour local magazine shop Jap Car mags and get modding..

Answer 4

I would recommend a domestic car.

With your budget, you will be buying an older car. Older card will require a certain amount of repairs. If someone tries to tell you foreign cars don't break down, don't believe it. Just look at some of the questions asked in the foreign car section of Yahoo! answers and you will see that they break down just like any other car.

My point is that you will find that a foreign car can cost up to twice as much as a domestic car.

Example. My son has a Mitsubishi with about 95,000 miles on it. We just replaced the transmission on it for $1500. Yes, we shopped around. I replaced the engine and transmission on my older GM back and forth to work beater for about $600.

His engine exhaust crossover pipe sprung a leaks in the three pieces of flex pipe in the part. Who would use flex pipe in an exhaust system. It costs $1000 for a new crossover pipe, which is only available through the dealer.

You will find that many of the common repair parts available through your local auto supply are only available through the dealer, usually at a much higher price.

A domestic car will be easier to keep on the road in the long run.

Answer 5

you need somthing reliable with a smaller engine to start off with.
hondas and volkswagons have both and its easy to get parts for these.
buying from a trader or private is much the same,its pot luck when you buy a second hand car.
i dont know if they have the same in the states but in the uk we can get a check done on the cars history and also have the car looked over by the rac to make sure its roadworthy.
but im afraid with a car you will always have to fork out for maintenance,tyres,wear and tear etc.

Answer 6

First things first TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE. Not just round the corner. See how it feels and i think its always good to take someone with you for a second opion. If it makes too much noise, if anything seems faulty, If you can see rust on its paintwork, check its mileage, check its paperwork. Previous owner. If you have trouble starting the car first time thats always a bad sign. Ive brought many cars, most from dealers and second hand. Touch wood ive not had any trouble as im lucky enough to take my dad along as he knows alot about cars and wot questions to ask.

Answer 7

buy a cheap car or small truck that will last you a few years, so that you can get some experience driving, that way if you have a accident,your fault or not, you wont have lost your favorite vehicle. This way you can save some money and have time to shop around for that perfect vehicle that you want. If your wanting to hop up your car, you need to shop around and see what the aftermarket parts are gonna cost for the differnt vehicles your interested in.

Answer 8

The best place to buy a car is from the CAR DEALERS!!!try not buy cars from private dealers because they offer you no gaurantee and once you purchase your car and say it breaks down 2hrs later its your problem!on the other hand if you buy a car from a car dealer you got a gaurantee and trust me..they'v checked it thouroughly before putting up for sale..here is a site in the uk for good cars www.autotrader.co.uk but type it in but just change co.uk to whatever yours is in the usa!the site will give you a list of cars in your area that are for sale nad how far they are from your address.


good luck!!!

Answer 9

I recommend leasing a car. This is what I do. I've got an 18 month contract on a VW Passat. It costs me £215 per month (around 500 US dollars I think!) and after 18 months I either swap it for another one or buy one! It makes sense to lease as you're always driving a new car and it's not losing money like it does if you own one! And the tax is included.

Answer 10

Buying a Honda or Toyota will give you the best trade in value when its time for a new car. Or if your not fussy you could by a brand new Hyundai pretty cheap and it would be covered under warranty for a long time

Answer 11

Do your research.... both edmunds.com and Kbb.com offer user reviews on used cars, and also reviews on new cars. I suggest you go to a dealer for your first car, but do'nt let them bully yo into anything, and don't be afraid to ask alot of questions (they should be able to answer them, if they can't LEAVE). Also ask for a Carfax report on any car you are serious about buying if it's used