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Where to buy a cheap used car (3k and below range)

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Outlier, Aug 20, 2013.

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  1. Outlier

    Outlier Member

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    I drive a 1999 camry that's about to break down. Severe oil leak, tire axles messed up, etc. would probably cost a grand+ to fix the problems. I'd rather get a new used one than keep this. But i need something reliable, can last a year so i can save up to buy a better car. Anyone know where i can look? Craigslist seems to only have 4k and above. Thanks.
     
    #1 Outlier, Aug 20, 2013
  2. Mr. Brightside

    Mr. Brightside Member

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    Autotrader.com

    Search for below 3k price range.
     
    #2 Mr. Brightside, Aug 20, 2013
  3. Mr. Clutch

    Mr. Clutch Member

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    Get a Vespa or Scooter.
     
    #3 Mr. Clutch, Aug 20, 2013
  4. ling ling

    ling ling Member

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    what's the mileage on the camry?

    99 is not that old for the car. I'd fix it for $1K and drive it for another 100K miles.
     
    #4 ling ling, Aug 20, 2013
  5. mrm32

    mrm32 Member

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    Why spend 3k on another car when it costs 1k to fix the one you have? :confused:
     
    #5 mrm32, Aug 20, 2013
  6. Ubiquitin

    Ubiquitin Member
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    Buy a motorcycle
     
    #6 Ubiquitin, Aug 20, 2013
  7. DFWRocket

    DFWRocket Member

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    I agree - I bought my minivan in March by seeing it on Autotrader.com. You can search by car type, price, mileage, distance and more.

    I applaud you for buying used and not falling into the trap of financing or fleasing a new car, although I tend to agree with Ling Ling and mrm32 - fix it and save up for another, better car. You can get a pretty decent used car for about $5,000 that will last you several years.
     
    #7 DFWRocket, Aug 20, 2013
  8. RKREBORN

    RKREBORN Member

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    #8 RKREBORN, Aug 20, 2013
  9. mhch720

    mhch720 Member

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    This, but cars.com.
     
    #9 mhch720, Aug 20, 2013
  10. BigMaloe

    BigMaloe Member

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    I got a 2005 dodge neon with 86xxx miles last year at this exact time on craigslist.

    You have to be careful with craigslist tho, loss of scandals and crooks.

    I'll search cars, autotrader, and craigslist again since I'm considering trading up in the next months.
     
    #10 BigMaloe, Aug 21, 2013
  11. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum
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    How much you selling this one for?
     
    #11 Xerobull, Aug 21, 2013
  12. B-Bob

    B-Bob "94-year-old self-described dreamer"
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    The 99 Camry was a really good model, IMHO.

    Spending even $2k to fix it up and (as others said) drive it another 100k miles would be a better bet than whatever crap you will find used under $3k.

    Seriously. Used cars in the range you're considering are pretty scary unless you get one from a trusted friend or relative.
     
    #12 B-Bob, Aug 21, 2013
  13. gnozahs

    gnozahs Member

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    IMO, autotrader & cars.com are not that good anymore. Rarely anyone lists their cars on there anymore. It cost money while craigslist is free and is much more easier to navigate on. You can find cars less than 3k all day on craigslist.
     
    #13 gnozahs, Aug 21, 2013
  14. macalu

    macalu Member

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    it costs 1k to fix your car but you want to pay 3k for a used car hoping it lasts for a year? :confused:
     
    #14 macalu, Aug 21, 2013
  15. FTW Rockets FTW

    FTW Rockets FTW Member

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    Camry's will run and run as long as you maintain them. I have a 2000 Camry with 130K Miles running as great as ever. I want to upgrade but I realize that you're not going to get the value you deserve.

    Just fix it and keep driving it.
     
    #15 FTW Rockets FTW, Aug 21, 2013
  16. Outlier

    Outlier Member

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    Okay i've decided against buying a used car thanks to you guys. Gonna do all i can to repair my camry. Anyone know a good shop that won't empty out my pockets and are dependable? Preferably in the jersey village area. 290 and beltway 8.
     
    #16 Outlier, Aug 22, 2013
  17. HR Dept

    HR Dept Member

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    Spencer Road in Pasadena.

    And I'm being totally serious. For used cars that is.
     
    #17 HR Dept, Aug 22, 2013
  18. bigdaddy

    bigdaddy Member
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    Yea I know two yayhoos over there selling cars and I wouldn't buy a loaf of cheap bread from them rascals.
     
    #18 bigdaddy, Aug 22, 2013
  19. Grinds

    Grinds Member

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    Camrys and Accords are soldiers when you maintain them. Had a Honda with 265,000 miles.
     
    #19 Grinds, Aug 22, 2013
  20. Illegal Machine

    Illegal Machine Member

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    As someone who grew up on Spencer in Pasadena, I wouldn't send my worst enemy to buy a car from one of those lots.

    Everyone I knew was screwed by one of those lots at some point (including myself).


    As people said, take advantage of Autotrader. You can also run custom craigstlist searches using SearchTempest.
     
    #20 Illegal Machine, Aug 23, 2013
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