Used Car ~ What Would You Do?
Discussion
Hello All. I’m looking for advice on buying a used car. Having a tough time narrowing down the models I should focus on. I’ll be paying cash and would like to spend no more than $10,000. I’m 55, single (seating for kids no longer an issue) and annual mileage will be less than average. I’m currently in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region of US.
I don’t have a lot of demands for this car but I have some things that I would prefer…power leather seats, sun/moonroof, and navigation system would be nice but these are not deal breakers. I might sometimes transport larger things and would probably benefit from big trunk space and/or back seatbacks that go down. I’m trying to think about cost of ownership/repairs in this decision along with purchase price, but I know nothing about cars really. I’ve read so much now that my brain is on overload and I really need to make a decision in the next couple of days!
In the past, I’ve owned Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and they were all fine cars that I would buy again. I’ve been looking at those but have also been considering older model/higher mileage (the only way to get in my price range) Saab, Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, Mazda, VW, Volvo, Nissan. I’ve never been drawn to American cars. I’ve gone back and forth with spending the most of my allotted budget (and maybe upping it to $12k) versus spending less (like $3-5k, or more depending on car) and going for something older with lots of miles (>100k). I think I would rather have a nicer older classy car (with high mileage) vs a newer cheaper car. Any thoughts on that? Recommendations for models to focus on, if it sounds reasonable?
I would be so appreciative if someone could help me figure out which way to go with this! I would also welcome suggestions for best sites to look for cars. Thank you....Sorry for the lengthy post, btw.
I don’t have a lot of demands for this car but I have some things that I would prefer…power leather seats, sun/moonroof, and navigation system would be nice but these are not deal breakers. I might sometimes transport larger things and would probably benefit from big trunk space and/or back seatbacks that go down. I’m trying to think about cost of ownership/repairs in this decision along with purchase price, but I know nothing about cars really. I’ve read so much now that my brain is on overload and I really need to make a decision in the next couple of days!
In the past, I’ve owned Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and they were all fine cars that I would buy again. I’ve been looking at those but have also been considering older model/higher mileage (the only way to get in my price range) Saab, Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, Mazda, VW, Volvo, Nissan. I’ve never been drawn to American cars. I’ve gone back and forth with spending the most of my allotted budget (and maybe upping it to $12k) versus spending less (like $3-5k, or more depending on car) and going for something older with lots of miles (>100k). I think I would rather have a nicer older classy car (with high mileage) vs a newer cheaper car. Any thoughts on that? Recommendations for models to focus on, if it sounds reasonable?
I would be so appreciative if someone could help me figure out which way to go with this! I would also welcome suggestions for best sites to look for cars. Thank you....Sorry for the lengthy post, btw.
I've owned many of the marques on the list, and time and again, I'm drawn to BMW. They are not cheap, not reliable, and sometimes not engineered that well, but I personally think they drive better than almost anything close to the price bracket. And most of them look OK to.
One thing I get increasingly frustrated with is the amount of electronic warnings. (For example, I don't care if I've left the electronic handbrake off - I know,I can drive), so I have actually picked a Volvo for my last car. It sits alongside a Saab. I like both very much, the Volvo is deeply reassuring, with very comfy seats. The Saab has comfy seats to, but is much harder on the suspension.
No kids - I'd have 2 cars, a 2 seater 6 cylinder petrol BMW, and a Volvo estate. (And a decent size maintenance fund)
One thing I get increasingly frustrated with is the amount of electronic warnings. (For example, I don't care if I've left the electronic handbrake off - I know,I can drive), so I have actually picked a Volvo for my last car. It sits alongside a Saab. I like both very much, the Volvo is deeply reassuring, with very comfy seats. The Saab has comfy seats to, but is much harder on the suspension.
No kids - I'd have 2 cars, a 2 seater 6 cylinder petrol BMW, and a Volvo estate. (And a decent size maintenance fund)
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