What should I consider when purchasing a car?

Question

I'm a first time driver, looking to purchase a second-hand car. I realize I will need to take into consideration the make and model of the car, which will play an important role in determining the insurance I pay. I am ready to spend around $4000.00 for the price of the Car. A friend recommended a Honda or a Toyota. What would you recommend and what model?

Answer 1

Shopping for a car in your price range forget Make - Model - Year or Miles, the main factor is CONDITION buying something that will outlast your investment.

When you think you found the car thats worth the bucks, go to this link on my web page http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html it will teach you how I appraised value in cars for 30 years, I dont expect you to become an expert overnight, but at same time dont expect a lemon in your driveway

Answer 2

Hondas and Toyotas are good cars and they have a good track record for reliability and dependability. To save on insurance, it's a good idea to get a car that isn't turbo or supercharged, and even a color that doesn't stand out like white, blue, or green perhaps. If you got a Toyota, I'd say get a Corolla, they have been one of the most reliable cars over the past decade or so. However, if you decide to go with Honda I'd recommend the Civic, very popular and the name has around 25 years under its belt. Each of these cars, if you get the base model, will get great gas mileage too and they should be relatively inexpensive to insure.

Answer 3

durability of the vehicle is a first choice,

horse power as in an underpowered car will require more

fuel for short trips where you want to get there at the speedlimit.

ability to fix things that go wrong, modern cars are getting to where you have to pull the wheel to change the battery or service the thing.

also, does the vehicle have any problems.

don't act like a guy and get a hotrod. if you are buying used, buy wisely, don't get something previously abused.

look for a vehicle that was a fleet vehicle, they are maintained, newer and usually in decent condition, and the above posts still apply and are sound valid advice

I have found stratus and intrepid to survive what other vehicles could not. my intrepid was stolen in DC involved in a highspeed chase, a shootout with cops, and a rival gang and ditched after being striped. It feels different than when it was stolen, but it is still solid and gave the crooks the horse power to be bad...Wish I could shoot them !

Answer 4

everyone these days recommend Honda,s or Toyota,s,but actually there's lots of good cars out there,Nissan's and dodges are good cars also,Honda,s are good but way over rated,and way over priced also,if i was you id look around ,there a lot to choose from,when you buy one get the newest car with the least amount of miles on it,this way you,ll get some good driving from it,i always go by that rule,low miles newest model,it helps when buying a good used car,for 4 k you should be able to get a pretty good car,good luck on it.

Answer 5

What ever you pick, if you are unsure of the mechanical side of cars, take it to a trusted garage for them to look it over. Many times they will do this for free. If the seller will not allow you to take it for an inspection, I would walk away from the deal.

Answer 6

I think your best bet here is going to be a honda. they are well built and get good mileage...also they hold the highest resale value of any on the market..I would go to a dealer with certifide use cars, to be sure and get a dependible one.

Answer 7

Chevy cavaliers make a good first car.Two and four door models good MPG and eazy to fix.Cavaliers are fun to drive and last a long time.Best of luck with your choise.

Answer 8

well, honda accords are really great. i have one and it is 10 years old and running fine. they get pretty good gas milage and an older one will not be too expensive. toyotas are good too, i dont have any exprience with them but they mite be a bit more expensive. if price isnt the comparison, check gas mileage...

Answer 9

i agree with your friend, a honda or toyota. i would take the car to a mechanic have him look at the engine and especially the transmission. transmissions are more prone to going out in cars befor the engine.