To make this as brief as possible: College student, student teaching next semester and need a car. Mom and I don't have a lot of money to spend on it. Don't want a loan.
With that out of the way, I need to find the cheapest car (that's cheapest to insure) as possible. I wish I had more money to spend, but I don't. I don't want to sacrifice safety and reliability to save money, but I don't want to go broke to get it either.
What are some factors that play into a car being cheap to insure (ie: 4 door, airbags)? What helps make insurance more affordable (ie: best years, specific makes or models (if you know any), colors, features, etc)?
Do you have any specific cars (or car companies) in mind?
If you live in the Philadelphia area, do you have any specific dealerships in mind that I should check out? (I don't want to buy from a random individual on the street).
If I buy a car out of state (NJ, DE) is it difficult to get it insured, registered, etc in PA?
Thanks!
2007-09-17 06:13:36 · 12 answers · asked by chica_zarca 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Do any of the following affect insurance cost?
-Number of seats
-Power locks, windows, etc
-Sunroof/moonroof
-Hatchback vs non-hatchback
-Stickshift/Manual vs Automatic
-Color of car (I've heard red is more expensive to insure, but I've also heard that isn't true)
-Type of seats (cloth vs leather)
-Spoilers
-etc.
2007-09-17 06:18:57 · update #1
My mom has Nationwide and I will be going on her plan, if that matters.
When she called them, they said Hondas and Toyotas are more expensive to insure (I'm not sure why).
I looked at Hondas and Toyotas that were only 2 or 3 years old, and they were well over $8000, and I just don't have that much money (and won't have that much for a long time to come, teachers don't make that much for the first come years).
I'm looking to spend less than $4000 if I can.
2007-09-17 06:25:03 · update #2
Police impound auctions is a good place. Where u live and the age is a factor of the insurance. Always take some one with you to help look a car over even if you know cars, sometimes you miss things. Better to take a person that is familiar to cars and repairs.
Honda's and Toyota's great cars and last a long time. More popular and because of it makes them a target to be stolen.
Honda Civic
Toyota Carola
Chevy Cobalt, Cavalier (2.2L is cheaper than 2.4L)
Dodge Neon
These is a few examples
What affects the Insurance?
# Doors
Size of motor (bigger is more and a tax break for environmentally friendly cars)
# of seats. Less is more.
Area of where you live
How many miles you drive (always tell them 5-10 miles)
Age and condition.
Security features
If it is garaged or not.
What features it has.
Safety factor on impacts.
How many ppl will be driving it (best to be only u and u can also watch the way it is treated and maintained.
Color only if it is a special color and payed more for having it. Red is not one.
Age and finally driving record.
2007-09-24 12:58:59 · answer #1 · answered by fl_camaro2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if it's domestics only- Ford Fiesta or focus, or a pre-new model Taurus, or the short-lived Taurus X Chevy Sonic (and there's the Impala but I didn't like the last one I drove) Dodge Neon Jeep Liberty (it gets good mileage if you are REALLY ATTENTIVE) There are some good bigger SUVs for families (the Ford edge and flex come to mind) but they sure aren't cheap. As many here have said, if you could do foreign your selection would really improve. Maybe foreign cars built domestically with us parts and labor would be okay? In that case, most any Toyota or Honda, and the Volkswagon Golf (unless they make that in Mexico now).
2016-03-18 07:33:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know someone who got some incredible deals at the car auction in Philadelphia. They were the cars the Police had impounded. I think he said they do it once a month. I don't have the phone mumber for it, but I believe they advertise in the local paper. I don't agree with those who are hung up on Toyota or Honda. I think you pay alot more for the name with those cars. Check out the cars with low resale value and you will get a nice car with low miles. As for insurance, Nationwide should give you a quote before you insure with them. Some cars cost more to insure because they get stolen more.Or have more damage in a car accident.
Do some reading on the web about how to buy a used car . It will help you to find one that's mechanically sound
2007-09-24 08:37:18 · answer #3 · answered by sccoast1700 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, cheap on gas and very reliable,,,,, they are very safe and are one of the best selling cars in the world. IF your young and want to go for a sport look, go wid one with a spoiler and tinted windows and a sunroof. doesnt matter if the car is 10 years or brand new , they all drive good (if you keep the car in good condition). I remember my uncle had a 95 Neon and it brown down 9 years later, and my dads car is still going good, but we will eventually get the 2009 Toyota Corolla when it comes out......
2007-09-17 06:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by Billy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After reading your question, Honda Civic pops in my head. The insurance is cheap on civic especially if it's used. they are very reliable. If you buy one thats maybe 2-3 years old, it will still run like champ for many years to come.
2007-09-17 06:20:45 · answer #5 · answered by jkim972 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
need a car cheap? take a mechanic and go to a local auto action you can find a good car there if you know what to look for. the only factor i seen that you listed far an insurance boost is the number of seats 2 will cost more also stay away from off road vehicles and buy cars off of the top ten most stolen list
.
2007-09-24 11:30:52 · answer #6 · answered by budda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honda Civic
2007-09-23 14:57:58 · answer #7 · answered by the answer is within you 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a used Honda or Toyota will be your best bet. Look for a Civic or Corolla that perhaps just came off a lease and has low miles. It will be affordable and will still have years of good use left in it.
2007-09-17 06:21:41 · answer #8 · answered by Louis G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
It just so happens I am a used car dealer in the Philadelphia area, we specialize in quality older cars at great prices. Check out my website, then call me. I'll be more than happy to help you in any way I can. www.mancinimotors.com
Hope to hear from you.
Jeff
2007-09-24 09:41:42 · answer #9 · answered by jefx1965 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the reason Hondas and Toyota's are more expensive is because they last longer and maintain their values. Color doesn't matter, airbags, antilock brakes, theft systems get you a insurance deduction. Try going to edmunds.com and do some research, it will also help you reviews and pricing.
Good luck
Carguy
http://buy-here-pay-here-dealers.com
2007-09-21 10:52:37 · answer #10 · answered by carguy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋