$3000 Budget SUV? 2000-2006
Posted by ChilHeat@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 7 comments
Hi everyone, I recently graduated college and unfortunately a few months before finishing my 2015 Honda civic lx, was hit on the rear passenger side. I posted her online and believe I can get around $3k for her and plan to use that to get an older reliable car from Facebook or offer up. I have a trusted mechanic who will inspect any car I’m thinking of buying.
My civics damage is bad and I don’t have the capital to fix her and even though she runs the same as she did before the crash I still think it’d be best to sell.
I’ve been looking at 2000-2006 suvs like the Honda pilot, Toyota Highlander, Honda crv, and just wanted to ask if anyone had any advice for my situation.
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Most used 20-25 year old vehicles will require $3-$5k in catch up maintenance and wear out repairs. And about $250/month to keep them on the road going forward.
Doesn't matter what it is.
Good luck.
Competitive_Guava_33@reddit
You can get a car for 3k.
You can’t get reliable cars for 3k.
That’s why they are priced at 3k
Ciccio178@reddit
Get a part time job. Fix your own car.
You're not getting anything in the $3000 range that won't need a ton of repairs, maintenance or is a lemon. If you can't afford to fix your car, you will NOT be able to afford a $3k SUV.
ChilHeat@reddit (OP)
Hi Ciccio, the estimated repair cost is over $9k, should’ve mentioned this earlier. Is buying an older car let’s say even a Corolla or civic from those years really that risky? Even with a mechanic reviewing them before buying?
Ciccio178@reddit
Here's the thing. Your car may be old, but you know what maintenance has been performed, what quirks it has, what's wrong with it. Any used car you buy is a complete unknown. A mechanic can check only so much without pulling the engine apart. I'd trust my own car over someone else's $3k vehicle any day of the week.
ChilHeat@reddit (OP)
That’s very good insight, thank you honestly.
abductee92@reddit
If it is purely cosmetic damage, you likely won't be buying anything MORE reliable going older. I get that it sucks and proper repairs are expensive, but unless you NEED more space from an SUV this is a poor value proposition.