Hi, I was wondering whats an obtainable car working minimum wage part-time as a 16-year-old. I don't make much money, but I need a way to get around for a while. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Would a 2008-2011 Civic be in your budget?
Several routes to take, what's your planned vocation, if ya have one?
An old corolla or civic. I am not sure exactly what model years are best but I am fairly certain all the generations have been pretty solid cars. If it is in decent shape it will cost you nothing on repairs. You could probably use peanut butter as engine oil and they would still run. They are also very cheap to buy and are very commonly available cars. Parts are also cheap if something does go wrong, again they are very common cars.
Also remember it's older cars we are talking about so a late 90's early 2000's Altima or Sentra is also pretty bulletproof scotty had videos on it. The most reliable year of the Civic is 2008-2011 and avoid the 1997 and older Corolla's because of torque converter issues and the fact that they are just too old. 2006-2008 Corolla is the last year they were "over-engineered" as toyota is know for.
Note: Do not get a 2002 or older Civic Automatic because there aautomatics were absolte junk in those years.
A big mistake people make when buying a low-end used car is getting one that has good cosmetics but bad mechanicals. You would be better off with one with solid mechanicals but discounted cosmetics (dented quarter panels, torn seat covers, stuff like that).
Second thing is, as cars get older, the difference between a well-maintained car and a poorly maintained one becomes greater. For example, think of the guy who put 3 million miles daily driving a 66 Volvo. He maintained it meticulously, of course. But that doesn’t mean you can buy a 66 P1800 with 200k miles sight unseen off Craigs list and think “oh, it’s got 2.8 million miles left on it.”
Obviously I’m joking, but my point is that when you are looking at really low end cars, the best one is the one you can evaluate in person (and ideally by a mechanic, too) that you can verify has been properly cared for, regardless of make and model.
Last thing is to look for the least desirable car you can... not your “dream car”. You are not going to get a reliable GTI or Jeep in your price range. But if you are willing to look at a minivan or some other “grandma car” you will get a lot more for your money. Then you can save your money and trade up later.
Honda Fit
2008-2011 Civic
2006-2008 Corlla
2006 and BEFORE Toyota Camry
2006 and BEFORE Nissan Sentra (with the 1.8 not the 2.5)
I opt for the FORD 2001 and up Taurus. Parts are cheap even at the junkyard!
Go for a 2006-2011 Civic. You can get one for around $3k-6k. If you want something bigger like an Accord or Camry, you’ll probably have to get one that’s a bit older than that but look around some retirement communities. Old people’s cars usually have pretty low miles and old people also tend to sell their cars for a lot less than what the cars are worth. I bought my 2013 Civic a couple years ago from my 90 year old grandfather with only 10k miles on it for only $6,500. It was easily worth around $12-14k at that time. Make sure to stick to Hondas or Toyotas for the absolute longest longevity. Don’t try to be cool and buy a mustang or BMW or other “cool cars” and all that because it will be a nightmare. If I had a dollar for every person I knew who bought a used luxury car or sports car as a teen, and then blew them up after a year or less, I’d be rich. And the ones who do have them last are still spending their entire paychecks on maintenance to keep them from blowing up.
*****2007-2011
2006 had engine block issues thats why they are less expensive than the 07+ but are junk. The 07-11 is the most reliable year, and in MY opinion, the 2015 Civic is the best looking for the money.
None. Lol. I totaled both my parents car after I got my learner’s permit. Just my $.02. 🙂
What State is this in are you like in Alaska where you get a learners permit at 14 how did you manage to....?
I’m in Houston. Got my learners permit when I was 16. But I didn’t wait to get my parents permission to drive when I wrecked them. I’m glad I was able to buy my mom a new car later in life.
I wrecked my first car too, but I bought it with my own money. What a waste.
You are sixteen, have a part-time-job and desire for a car. You didn't say anything about how much money you have saved to buy with or even for a down payment and size of payment you will spend. With all the information you have given so far it sounds like you cannot afford any car, at any price or quality.
he said he's got a PT min wage job. So lets say 20h a week at around $10/h. Living at home I presume with few expenses, so after taxes that's around $600 of disposable income per month. Save up for 3 mo and he's got around $1,800. That's a pretty ideal budget for a first car! Especially if he can find a sweet deal from family or friends.
We really cannot guess at his debt or his savings. He may have started the job yesterday. Can we assume he saved for three months? Young money burns holes in pockets faster than older money.
I'm just giving the best answer with the information I have. He can either figure out the rest, or follow up with more info. But he does work, which means that eventually he can buy a car. Lets give him the benefit of the doubt that he's not an idiot, and he wasn't asking here if he didn't have some money to put into a car.
I'm sure he will do the best with what he has to work with. Whatever that amount is.
2003 Toyota Camry
2004 Honda Accord
The best car for any 16 year old is a bus pass.
