Dear Scotty. I’m a college student who recently had the engine in my old Honda lose compression, so my mechanic told me to look for a new car.
my budget is 5k and under because that’s what I’ve saved up from my part time and summer jobs. What car is gonna serve me the best for that price point? And is there anything I should avoid?
I appreciate the help guys. I ended up with a one owner 2003 Camry. It barely had 100000 miles and I got it for under 4K. I’m thankful you guys were so helpful
Congratulations!
nice work. Hope you enjoy it.
Great that is an excellent car hope you enjoy it and take care of it!
buick park avenue with 3.8L engine, civic, toyota, pre 2006 nissan preferably with manual
You got a ton of options under 5k, if you are looking for one that won't cause too many issues, get another civic or toyota. Avoid hyundai, kia, Nissan and chrysler, and benz. Besides that it's all personal preference. Just be sure to look up the most known common issues. And when going to buy said car, get an independent mechanic to check it out and haggle the price down lol.
Keep in mind that the car you should buy is going to depend on the choices available to you.
‘Keep in mind that the car you should buy is going to depend on the choices available to you’ - Best advice ever!!
it's a waste of time dreaming about a Lexus GS or whatever if there aren't any, right.
Exactly! I think this piece of advice should be the first question to anyone looking at buying a used car.
I mean if there are a ton of choises. Here are some good cars that you can look for
2008-2011 Honda Civic
2005-2008 Toyota Corolla
2002-2006 Toyota Camry
Buick Park Avenue 3.8
SUV's:
Many would reccomend rav4 but in that range i wouldn't since it would probably be old, burning oil, and in horrendous condition. But if you have to, just stay away frm the 06-08 because of their oil burning engine (have had experience with it, dont do it).
2005-2011 Honda CR-V is my choise
If you want something more luxurious:
Lexus ES
Toyota Avalon
Lexus RX330
I personally love the 05-06 Camry XLE with the V6 it is the last generation of the quality Camry very reliable and can find them low mileage in great condition for around 6000 bucks, which could be negotiated easily below 5 grand if you ask me.
Hope this helps!
I would stay away from Hybrid cars in that budget for repair, maintenance, and insurance reasons.
Electric car's I would also not reccomend but they are more reliable than the Hybrid's but most people dont have time for it to charge. But if you want them the Nissan Leaf is good can find them cheap and dont have the transmission problems a normal Nissan has.
automatkers to avoid at all costs:
GM (chevy gmc most buicks not including park avenue which is decent)
FCA (dodge ram jeep fiat chrysler, just dont do that to you rpocket they are garbage)
Nissan (gasoline cars garbage with automatic )
Acura (they are good cars but under 5k they usually are on last legs of transmission and are in horrible shape because they are more sporty rather than luxurious)
Kia/Hyundai (2005-2010 is the best years I own one but you still cant expect more than 150k miles out of it I would stay away)
VW, Audi, BMW, Merc-Benz
Volvo is good but its a risk so I wouldn't take it at that age