How much is enough to save for a car?

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HappinessCounts

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How much do you think is enough to save for a used car that is pretty new condition to pay cash? One that has low mileage and is in great condition. Is $10,000 good enough? Is $5,000 good enough for a car?

For me, it's important that I have a car in great condition that will last me for many years. I have to like and feel comfortable with the color and shape of the car when I see it, but an economic car is good enough for me. I don't need a new car every 3 or 5 years.

Do you think it's worth saving for a brand new car or have a down payment with a loan? The reason is because once you use it, the value drops several thousand dollars. Just want to know your thoughts.

Has anyone tried CarMax?

Where do you suggest are good places to find good cars? Any good websites about things to consider before buying a car?

Thank you!:ty:
 
can't help with where to buy but with new cars there are some cars that can be had for under 17,000. Used cars is trickier- depends on the year, make/model and wear/shape of the car. I'd say 5,000 is a starting point- have heard of cars being sold for around that or less. 15,000 would be the other end for used cars.

Really it depends on what you want in a car and the other points I mentioned above.

Caveat: I'm out of practice lol as I don't like car shopping. My car is 12-13 years old.
 
Might consider contacting car rental places to see if they have cars they're ready to replace with newer cars.
I bought one from a local car rental place plus there's a national car rental that has a sales lot nearby.
 
LoveBlue said:
Might consider contacting car rental places to see if they have cars they're ready to replace with newer cars.
I bought one from a local car rental place plus there's a national car rental that has a sales lot nearby.
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Like Hertz and Enterprise, right?
 
Tousi said:
Like Hertz and Enterprise, right?
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The one I bought from is just local, and was my husband's employer, so, yeah, I got a good deal. :)

The other one I've seen nearby is Enterprise, I think.

You gotta figure if it's a reputable car rental place that the cars are in good shape.
 
I have always arranged for a mechanic that I trust to really go over any used car I am considering buying. The one exception was when I got to buy a car the company I was bookkeeper for had coming off lease (the guy that had been driving it made sure he had anything he thought needed to be checked done very shortly before the lease ran out) and I had seen every bill ever paid for maintenance.
 
How much depends on what you want, and how much you can afford for future maintenance and upkeep.

Twice in the past I bought used Jeep Cherokees for about $5,000, and put about $2,000 into them (new tires, new headliners, fix AC, some other tweaks). So, for about $7,000 I had good, dependable transportation.

The only reason I had to buy the second Jeep was because some other person ran into me and totaled the first one.

My first car I bought (and taught myself to drive) was a classic VW bug, convertible, for $850. I put another $100 into paint and body work, and had a perfect running car (manual stick). Of course, that was 1973, and you're not going to get a price like that now. :lol:

Sadly, it's harder to find "basic" transportation cars anymore. Everything has added features which increase the original cost and increase maintenance and repair costs. Even if they don't need as many repairs, when they do need repairs it costs a lot more for parts and labor. Gone are the days when you could go to the junk yard for parts and do your own labor.

TCS found his work van on eBay, and it was the best bargain (and long running--still using it) ever. We found my first Jeep at a local used car dealership, and my second Jeep thru Craig's List. TCS bought his used trike thru Craig's List, and he is extremely happy with that purchase. Other used vehicles we bought in the past from people we knew.

Like Jane posted, have a knowledgeable mechanic check out the car.
 
just been looking at the james bond aston martin and that's all I be able to do..what sweet car HC I don't think you in that ball park as of yet
 
My mechanic, who is really honest and likeable...told me if I ever wanted to trade, he gave me 2 places to do so....said they were Honest and would work with you...
Feel "word of mouth" does get around for good places to buy a car, new or used...now-a-days it's usually $2,000 down, even for used cars.....(at least in my City)....
My son got a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe several months ago for $1500.00....private owner tho'....otherwise it most likely would have been $3,000 at a car lot. No problems at all....he was just lucky.
 
I hadn't thought of a rental place. It's awesome when you get a good deal from someone you know. Carmax doesn't haggle prices. They say they inspect to make sure all cars are in good condition. They auction the ones that don't pass their inspection, so maybe that's a good deal for no-haggle price.
 
You might want to check out edmunds.com for reviews on various models.

Like others are saying the cost depends on what you're looking for. Want a ferrari? 50 grand should get you started. But if you want just a basic economy car you could find one for as little as 5 grand but it won't be perfect at the price. As long as the engine starts and runs who cares if the body is not flawless.

And it goes without saying set aside some cash AFTER the purchase in case you run into issues. ideally, see if you can have a thousand bucks to take care of unexpected problems. Even if you take it to a mechanic and go through a thorough test drive you just never know 100% if there will be issues or not. When I bought my car I had no issues for about a year until I started having issues with overheating and had to get the radiator replaced. And this was a 2003 crown vic with only 56k miles and had a 1,500 mile warranty.

Hope that helps and good luck with your purchase!
 
HappinessCounts said:
Anyone driven a Smart car? I read they are good just for driving locally but not so much for highways.
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The way people drive in my city I would not drive a smart car . We have some very stupid drivers , they do not know how to stay in their own lane when making a turn.
 
whatdidyousay! said:
The way people drive in my city I would not drive a smart car . We have some very stupid drivers , they do not know how to stay in their own lane when making a turn.
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I'm glad you said that, because up here we stay as clear of those Massachusetts drivers as we possibly can. It's true folks, they are the worst drivers in the whole country. Truth!
 
Annie09Z said:
I'm glad you said that, because up here we stay as clear of those Massachusetts drivers as we possibly can. It's true folks, they are the worst drivers in the whole country. Truth!
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I was driving in the parking lot today and was in the lane to made a left turn into traffic and some young woman made her turn too hard and wide and had to hit her brake to avoid hitting my car . I was not moving b/c was waiting for the traffic to allow me to made turn there is no traffic lights to help you. The woman gave me a dirty look and I was in my own lane and not moving. She looked about 18 yo and thought she was some race driver driving into a parking lot. She came into the parking faster than 10 MPH which is the speed limit there. NH has some pretty bad drivers too , I try to stay away them. I have a good driving record for being a safe driver.
 
There's bad drivers everywhere in every state. I see 'em all the time on I-277 trying to get onto I-77.

Run for the hills!
 
DeafDucky said:
There's bad drivers everywhere in every state. I see 'em all the time on I-277 trying to get onto I-77.

Run for the hills!
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Yeah! U could google up "Road Rage Instant Karma" enjoy the video how idiot driver wrecked his truck PLUS.... he had been arrested for his stunt.
 
I agree a SmartCar is probably not the best option. It's probably okay for a slow driving location that is not busy if there is one lol.
 
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