What advice would you give someone who has never bought a car buying preowned for thier first car?
Posted by Trashyishita@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Hello! I am trying to buy a car likely pre-owned as my absolute budget cap is $25000 I would like to be under $20000 ideally. I don't need anything flashy or fancy. Reliable, easy and cheap to fix and insure. I have a little bit saved for a down payment but would likely be financing \~70%
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Best Brands to consider
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Best Models to consider
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Year range to consider (I want cameras and bluetooth I don't need much)
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Mileage Range
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Where to buy/search
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Any other tips you may have
j-christopher@reddit
Most people don't properly assess all of the costs, like interest on the loan (amount paid to principal isn't an expense), depreciation, repairs, insurance.
On the identical make/model, a new car might be a better value depending on ownership window.
Many statements that include the words "always" or "never" aren't strictly true. Don't automatically dismiss leasing every new car as more expensive (especially when properly accounting for all costs), if you have a lot of vehicle flexibility and know how to shop for a lease.
Get insurance quotes on any model you are considering before spending an inordinate amount of time shoppig for one.
Easy-Yogurt-9618@reddit
You should get a Lexus, they’re great and will last you. Models you can get an ES350 for reliability. If not go for Toyota or Honda Civic(I say civic because they’re cheaper to repair if stuff goes wrong and is reliable). Though I bought a cash 2014 Toyota Camry SE for 6k with 108k and it’s running good. Just stay aware from American brands and and Korean Nissans, Kia’s and Hyundais, they often have leaks or a problems early
Philodendron69@reddit
Have someone go with you if you are going to a dealership
Roddman57@reddit
For 25k, I would search low mileage Honda Accords or Toyota Camrys and have a trusted mechanic look it over before you pull the trigger, or at the very least get certified used. Also, maybe a civic si or Toyota rav 4.
BrimzNKickz@reddit
Just be careful with 2018-2022 Accords With 1.5L engine. Just look up head gasket issues.
SnooRecipes781@reddit
Honda or toyota but not just because they are reliable, their resale value is strong so when you might one day want something fancy you can get a good chunk back. 😏
FourCats44@reddit
Best brands - typically Japanese, think Honda or Toyota.
Models - that depends how big you need it to be? Do you need a little hatchback like an Aygo or do you need a pickup truck or something in between?
Years - modern cars tend to not be an issue. Under 5 is great, under 10 is still pretty good. Anything under 1 you are paying a lot for the newness which will depreciate quickly.
Mileage - generally speaking lower the better. Under 50k everything will be fine, under 100k it'll show a few signs but nothing super painful. Anything above and you start getting into more expensive territory.
Where to buy I can't help you - different country.
Other tips - test drive it. Make sure you are comfortable (reaching pedals, visibility, etc) and there's no obvious bangs or pops or thuds as it's going down the street. Avoid anything heavily modified and anything that is ex-police (tend to not be high mileage but have spent a lot of time idling). You can absolutely bring a friend with you to look at cars if that makes it less overwhelming (or if they are knowledgeable). Try to limit financing i.e. don't put unnecessary financial burden on yourself if you don't need to. Try not to rush in to the first car you see. It might be exciting and tempting but make sure it's the right decision.
happy_Amphibian_88@reddit
For under 20k 2023 to 2024 Toyota Corolla LE, under 50k miles, does 30 plus mpg and 400 plus miles of range. Simple transportation, will last over 250k mile easy with regular maintenance.
just_cows@reddit
I speak highly of my experience with carmax (quality of the vehicle I got and the financing). Check out the website and use the filtering feature for your price range and the features you want, then sort by price low to high. I even ended up having mine shipped from out of state to their nearest dealership and got exactly what I wanted (shipping was $399).
michaelyup@reddit
We had a good experience with Carmax too. Mom had never bought a car, so I went with her. She got a year old Nissan with 8k miles. It had been a program car, most likely a rental. Great price, affordable payments, no big hassle. She’s had it a few years now, no problems, it’s paid off already.
I will probably go this route instead of financing a new car next time I’m buying a vehicle.
probably_poopin_1219@reddit
I recently purchased a 2024 Toyota Corolla at a local dealership. First car purchase ever. They gave me 4.99% financing and after my 5k DP my monthly rate is just over 300. It was a long tedious process but I just said no to all the extra bullcrap, stayed patient and drove away happy. Knowing your credit score and just being adamant about what you want and how much you're willing to spend made it pretty easy. People told me not to divulge how much I want to spend each month, but I did, and then got that amount sooo yeah idk lol good luck.