Is this a bad idea if I can talk them down to like 5500?
Posted by DERRZx17@reddit | Autos | View on Reddit | 26 comments
I’m looking at getting a cheap car in cash and I have like 6k not counting taxes for a car. I found this 2011 Honda accord coupe for 6k not far from me. You can see a lot of the story from the 2 pics I sent. The inside is in amazing condition. Much better than someone detailing it which makes me think the owner really took care of it. All of the service records or just minor things like fluids and such. Is this a bad idea. It’s kinda sporty ish but still reliable cause it’s a Honda and fuel efficient since gas prices are insane right now. Would love to hear all opinions.
EconomistDeep4347@reddit
Offer them 3k
Skrakeon@reddit
You should wait on something better. I look at roughly 6000 dollar cars all the time and that’s only because sometimes I want to stretch a budget for something unique (but still reliable).
I guarantee you can find way more options with less miles and maybe even a cheaper price overall. I’d say pass for sure
DERRZx17@reddit (OP)
I’m not seeing a lot around me for under 180k miles and then you’re talking at a minimum of 20 years old. And up here we have the rust issue.
Skrakeon@reddit
What’s your rough area? I’m in northwest Indiana so I understand your pain with the rust lol
DERRZx17@reddit (OP)
Im in MA near Boston. So old cars get killed by rust. Which is why I was considering a high mileage newer car. Hopefully that should help limit the rust
cbear013@reddit
If you have the means to travel a bit to investigate/deal, I would suggest expanding your search to include the south shore/new Bedford area as well as southern NH. Used cars are hella expensive in the Boston area and metrowest.
Skrakeon@reddit
Ahh yes in the rust belt and by the ocean. I totally understand. Honestly might not be the worst idea then if you can talk them down a bit. As long as all the major maintenance has been done I bet it would still run for quite a while
Maysock@reddit
Stop looking at dealerships if you're looking at cars under $15k.
Marketplace and Craigslist are your friend. Some solid stuff on eBay motors.
Every-Big650@reddit
I sold my dad’s 2012 accord with 208k for 4,500 last year. That felt like a fair price to me, but maybe I let it go too low. Who knows..
KinkyMonitorLizard@reddit
220k miles is a hard pass for 6k IMO.
DERRZx17@reddit (OP)
Okay what mileage should I be looking for for under 6k in MA, USA?
elgiov@reddit
Depends on the car, but most have very expensive services around ~120k, so I’d say lower than that to at least use it without having to spend a bunch of money in servicing the car.
DERRZx17@reddit (OP)
I’m not seeing a lot around me for under 180k miles and then you’re talking at a minimum of 20 years old. And up here we have the rust issue.
darkfuryelf@reddit
Why are you looking at dealerships for $5500 cars? You're gonna get toally fucked over on it
WolfColaCompany@reddit
Finding a car that isn’t flood damaged or wrecked for under 6k and under 75k mileage is a pretty big ask these days unfortunately.
DERRZx17@reddit (OP)
Im also pretty handy so I can do most of the work myself. Just major things like trans I would pay someone.
LV_Devotee@reddit
When I am buying used cars I won’t exceed 10k per year so on a 2011 I won’t buy it with more than 150k.
mechshark@reddit
Dear ends what has been replaced probably pass tho that’s a lot of money for a non diesel
el-gato-volador@reddit
We genuinely live in the worst timeline. 10 years ago a 200k mile beater would be $600
LV_Devotee@reddit
OP should look at public auto auctions, in the last 4 months I bought a 2001 Volvo V70 with 138k and a 2005 Audi A4 Quattro with 200k. I paid less than $1500 each.
csbsju_guyyy@reddit
Yeah but the big issue with those public auctions are they're similar to copart in that it's "as is" and you could still get turbo boned
Maysock@reddit
If they start and drive, you can't really get turbo boned if your investment was $1500. Even if you immediately flip for scrap when the timing chain guides implode and kill your motor or whatever, you're still only out $1k at most if you sell literally nothing from it in the part out.
TurkishSwag@reddit
Price seems a little high for the miles. I know these cars can run forever, so I would easily take a well maintained one with 220k over a neglected one with 120k but I would pay like $4k.
DERRZx17@reddit (OP)
Yeah if the price was closer to maybe 5 I would jump on it. I’m thinking of just checking it out and seeing if I can talk them down. It’s close so it’s not really out of my way
TurkishSwag@reddit
Worth a shot, worst they can do is say no.
DERRZx17@reddit (OP)
I’m totally okay with walking out. So I’m not afraid to try and grill them. It’s also been on the lot for almost a month with now price changes so it makes me think I might be able to get it for lower