Advice on Getting a Car

[Chip NoVaMac]

Don't know what your budget is - so there is quite a bit of potential variation.

A Honda or Toyota hatchback or stationwagon will probably do the trick, although you won't win any awards in the sexy dept.

My thoughts exactly. Toyota is rolling out the Yaris, and Honda the Fit. Both under $15K US well equipped.

Knowing the budget is important for this thread.

As for how much you might spend on gas - impossible to say exactly. Still a rough average would be $3 (cost of a gallon of gas in CA) for 20 miles (averaging fuel consumption to 20mpg).

Given that we are now seeing $2.75US for a gallon of gas here in the DC area - and that is before the high summer driving season - I would suggest looking at gas prices of $3.50US as an average. Too bad that these prices means profits for oil companies as opposed to tax revenue in European nations.

Just saw the post about $2000US, that limits gas savings and reliability IMO.

Maybe some of the California members can provide advice on the issues of owning and registering older cars that don't meet emissions standards.

 

[job]

not to high-jack this thread, but I'm also in the market for a car, I'm just wondering what's a reasonable amount of time to be paying off a car? I'm looking at financing options and they've got everything from 24 month to 60 months and more.

The sooner the better, as long as you can afford it.

The longer the time period, the more interest you'll be paying instead of principle.

Conversely, the shorter the time period, the higher the monthy payments.

 

[devilot]

Maybe some of the California members can provide advice on the issues of owning and registering older cars that don't meet emissions standards.

It's such a pain. I think that for new cars you don't have to think about emissions for 3 years (I know someone will correct me if I'm wrong) otherwise, I think you do it every year? I know that there is a visual test (engine bay as well as whether or not gunk is spewing out your exhaust) as well as an actual diagnostic of the stuff coming out. Sorry... not that helpful, but it's all I know. :shrug:

 

[blitzkrieg79]

Ahhhh, cars, one of my favorite topics. Anyway, I have never been to Japan but when I lived in Europe you could've easily live without a car. Public transportation is definately developed there. I assume Japan is similar.

Unfortunately here in USA you can't get by without a car (maybe except large cities such as New York). And if you want a car do a little research at sites such as http://www.cars.com or http://autos.yahoo.com/

If you are on a limited budget you can get a used Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, actually I am a fan of those 3 companies so I am biased I guess. Anyway, when buying a used car I would recommend ordering one of those vehicle history reports (http://www.carfax.com) and it should tell you if a given vehicle (vehicles Vin# is required) had any major technical issues or was involved in any accidents.

Another thing is car insurance, I live in New Jersey where car insurance prices are off the charts, really expensive, and when you are under 25 years of age all I can tell you is good luck. I don't know about the insurance prices in California but you can check out a few of insurance companies websites such as http://www.geico.com , http://www.allstate.com , http://www.progressive.com , or http://www.statefarm.com

Anyway, getting a car, especially for younger buyers, can get very expensive here in USA, it's good to do a little research especially on the car insurance side of things.

 

[adroit]

If you never owned a car and you would need it to go to school I would suggest that newer car probably would suit you best.

Honestly, unless you're a car enthuse or able to fix them by yourself I don't recommend anyone getting an older car, they're less fuel efficient, and probably would cause you more trouble fixing it in the end.

I also agree with people who said that a toyota or honda hatchback would do the trick.

 

[Takumi]

I don't recommend anyone getting an older car, they're less fuel efficient,

THe very firt Subaru, the Subaru 360 had a claimed milage of 45mpg

not bad for a car from the mid 60's

my 77 celica and 79 corolla get will over 30mpg when driven sencibly

Takumi

 

[job]

I'd be wary of purchasing older, used cars unless you can confirm that regular maintenance has been taken care of.

Often, you might spend more time and money getting something fixed on an older car, whereas the premium that you might pay on a newer, used car or a brand new one would be worth it, saving you the expense of getting things fixed.

Also, I'd also check crash ratings if safety is a concern for you.

 

[sjshaw]

1. Carmax is an excellent option from which to buy a used car. Buying at an auction or from a private party is too risky, IMHO.
2. Do not buy a used American car under any circumstances.

 

[Takumi]

Buying at an auction or from a private party is too risky, IMHO.

I bought my car at an international auction, runs fine since I put the new leads in it.

But I do agree it's best to get a mechanic to compression test it is you're a little uncertain.

Takumi

 

[iGav]

My 1989 Celica GT4 ST185 cost 188,000JPY at eh USS auto auctions. It has no mechanical troubles, no rust, leather interior, sunroof, 10 speaker CD player, electric drivers seat and climate control AC just to name a few.

Lancia's aren't Toyota's though.

 

[bousozoku]

Lancia's aren't Toyota's though.

Thank goodness, no. Whoever even suggested something wild at Toyota would lose their job for being insane. At Lancia, wild is an everyday occurrence.

 

[Takumi]

Lancia's aren't Toyota's though.

Quite correct, but the delta sell for the same price as the GT4 (condition pending of course)

the only reason I didn't buy one is because hey are LHD only.

takumi