Thinking about buying a used car, good or bad idea?

Question

I'm really just looking for something to get me around with school and work nothing special, something cheap. I've had my eye on a 99 pontiac grand am, with about 114,000 miles @ about $5,000. Would this be ok just to get me around for a few years or not.

Answer 1

Don't do it. It's not worth more than $2500.

For $5000, you can get something more reliable, refined, fuel efficient and has high resale value.

2000 Nissan Altima
1996 Acura Integra
1999 Toyota Camry
1998 Honda Accord
1997 Lexus ES300

Answer 2

I wouldn't spend $5,000 on a Grand Am with 114,000 miles. It will be a money pit due to the never ending repairs. If you have $5,000 to spend, then get a Corolla, Civic or Accord. You're going to school. You can't afford all the repairs to rebuild the Grand Am. You'll be able to purchase a decent car if you look at ads in your newspaper and on-line in your town. Look to purchase from someone who is a little more mature and lives in a nicer area of town. Why? Because if they are reasonably affluent then they most likely maintained the vehicle. Also, 114,000 miles on one of these vehicles is less than half of the vehicles' expected life span.

Answer 3

That price sounds a few thousand high. Frankly, unless it were a gift, I would avoid it. They are very unreliable, and the design was old even back in 1999. Spend your money on a Honda or a Toyota. I kinda sounds like a less than reputable dealer has marked this car way up and will let you finance it as well. Do not do it. They are basically worn out with this many miles, and the resale is maybe $2000 at best on it.

Answer 4

There are pros and cons Pros: rental companies usually take care of their fleet. Its their bread and butter. So oil changes and regular maintenance have been done, and if a customer reported an issue, it was looked into and corrected Cons: You never know who rented it or how it was driven. Honestly, that is not that big of an issue. ANY time you get a used car you run that risk. I have sold hundreds of prior rental cars. I look for them at auction whenever I can. They tend to be reliable, and a decent value for the $

Answer 5

That's a ripoff. I wouldn't buy from a dealer as they really screw you over. Car dealerships make their money on used cars not new ones. If you want a used car buy from a private owner. Use the website I listed below to see what kind of deal you are getting.

Answer 6

that seems expensive for an 8 year old car. however, i think used cars are the best. especially if you don't need it for much. look in the paper for good deals! good luck!