Help buying a used car

[Jenson71]

I know you veterans can offer me some words of wisdom...

Here's what I found in today's paper:

'97 Ford Contour GL, one owner, 149,000 highway miles, outstanding shape inside/out. $1,900.

Any thoughts?

[unothadeal]

You DO know the draft is on, right?

[KC2004]

Kelley's Bluebook says:

Shape:
Excellent $2,215
Good $1,890
Fair $1,525

[Jenson71]

You DO know the draft is on, right?

:D It's alright, I can wait.

[bsp4444]

Can it play left tackle?

[Bwana]

A '97 Ford Contour with a buck forty nine that still runs, WOW! $1500 cash.

[Frazod]

I would not buy a Ford with that many miles. It might look good, but it could die at any time. I understand that you're probably pretty limited on what you can spend at your age, but if you're going to get something that old with that many miles, you'd be better off getting a Toyota or a Honda.

[blueballs]

Contour are cheap for a reason
tranny 1 prob I nkow of

[Brock]

Buy a high mileage honda, not a ford.

[38yrsfan]

Carfax

Bluebook (as mentioned)

checked by mechanic friend.

It is a lot of mile for a domestic model but for the price, who knows ......

[SLAG]

I bought a 85 Suburban with 90k Miles clean int. Tow Package, EX-L Gas tank, for 1200...

[Brock]

I bought a 85 Suburban with 90k Miles clean int. Tow Package, EX-L Gas tank, for 1200...

How many gallons per mile you get?

[BigMeatballDave]

How many gallons per mile you get?-5

:)

[Jenson71]

Good information, I really appreciate it. I will keep my eyes open for a Honda or Toyota. Hopefully they come that cheap.

Okay, here's one:

1995 Honda Accord LX
Green, 2 door, 118000 miles, CD, runs good, good cond. $2,700/offer.

I can't go any higher than $2,500 really. Maybe they'd take that offer?

[Phobia]

I had a new 95 Contour for a while. It was the nicest model they manufactured. It ran strong and fast. Handled really well.

But it fell apart and wore badly.

I wouldn't recommend them.

[StcChief]

FORD Found On Road Dead. don't do it.

that car is wore out 10years old @15K a year, city or highway not sure about religous they were with oil changes, tranny fluid changes etc.

Don't do it.

[Bugeater]

Good information, I really appreciate it. I will keep my eyes open for a Honda or Toyota. Hopefully they come that cheap.

Okay, here's one:

1995 Honda Accord LX
Green, 2 door, 118000 miles, CD, runs good, good cond. $2,700/offer.

I can't go any higher than $2,500 really. Maybe they'd take that offer?
That's a really good deal with only 118K on it. I'd be all over that.

[Miles]

Good information, I really appreciate it. I will keep my eyes open for a Honda or Toyota. Hopefully they come that cheap.

Okay, here's one:

1995 Honda Accord LX
Green, 2 door, 118000 miles, CD, runs good, good cond. $2,700/offer.

I can't go any higher than $2,500 really. Maybe they'd take that offer?

Looks like a pretty good deal but I would leave that opinion up to some of the more experienced like bwana. One thing about used cars is you don't really have to expect to pay what they are asking. So long as you can have cash/certified check to back up what you offer you should assume that you can knock down the price a bit.

Wonder what used mid/early 90's Acura Integras are running these days? You might want to look around on autotrader in your area for Civics, Integras and Accords. I am a bit biased since I have always liked Honda and own an Acura.

[Jenson71]

1995 Dodge Neon

4 door, 4 cyl, black, 145000 miles, good condition, 25mpg, mech sound, new tires. $900.

I'm really leaning towards this one. I know the miles are really high for the Neon. Maybe I can get 25,000 more out of it?



Or


1994 Chrysler Concorde, 98000 miles, good condition, $1600.

Last one:

1993 Chevy S10 Blazer 4x4, 90K miles, looks and runs good. $1695 obo.

[Saulbadguy]

Buy the first vehicle you can find for $500 and drive it until it dies. Then buy another. Repeat.

[Lzen]

I would go with the blazer.

[Simplex3]

I'm with the guys saying to go Japanese. You might also see if you can find a VW Jetta or something, those seem to run forever too.

[Simply Red]

I'm with the guys saying to go Japanese. You might also see if you can find a VW Jetta or something, those seem to run forever too.
That's what I was thinking. Or even a Golf.

[Simplex3]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=222323883&dealer_id=6490330&car_year=1995&model=&num_records=&make3=VOLKS&make2=TOYOTA&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=14&search_type=used&distance=100&model3=&model2=&make=HONDA&color=&min_price=0&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=66226&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=2500&cardist=24

I had one of these and it was mechanically fantastic. The particular color I had (gold) had issues with the clear coat coming loose from the paint (thanks, DuPont).

[Simplex3]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=222625972&dealer_id=1064709&car_year=1986&model=&num_records=&make3=VOLKS&make2=TOYOTA&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=14&search_type=used&distance=100&model3=&model2=&make=HONDA&color=&min_price=0&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=66226&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=2500&cardist=42

There's your winner. It's even a diesel. 45mpg and fuel is $0.30 per gallon cheaper.

[Saulbadguy]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=222625972&dealer_id=1064709&car_year=1986&model=&num_records=&make3=VOLKS&make2=TOYOTA&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=14&search_type=used&distance=100&model3=&model2=&make=HONDA&color=&min_price=0&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=66226&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=2500&cardist=42

There's your winner. It's even a diesel. 45mpg and fuel is $0.30 per gallon cheaper.
$2,450 for a 20 year old vehicle? Yikes. I would not feel comfortable with that, however I wouldn't feel comfortable buying a 10 year old American vehicle with over 100k miles, either. I'd try for somewhere in the middle.

[Simplex3]

$2,450 for a 20 year old vehicle? Yikes. I would not feel comfortable with that, however I wouldn't feel comfortable buying a 10 year old American vehicle with over 100k miles, either. I'd try for somewhere in the middle.
Yeah, I wouldn't give the guy $2,500 for it, but if you could talk him down significantly it *is* a diesel. Check with some car guys and find out the reliability of that particular model, but generally diesels will run forever (except freaking Oldsmobile).

Barring that, just get the cheapest POS you can find and expect to replace it every year or two. For $2,500 you can buy 5 $500 cars, so you have lots of chances to get it right. :)

[BIG_DADDY]

Got 2 trucks lately and now I'm set.

I bought a GMC Z-71 4WD with a 4 inch lift, 22" custom wheels, new leather interior and bed liner with a California Customs job done on it at 149k. It looks brand new. I got it for $4,800. I already have been offered $6,800 and that was just out of left field I'm not selling it.



Got a 99 GMC Yukon with 78k miles with a little custom work. It looks brand spanking new as well and was always garaged. 10k

Pretty happy with both of these deals.

[BIG_DADDY]

Before getting these I found deal after deal on Toyota Camry's. They will go forever.

[crispystl]

Looks like a pretty good deal but I would leave that opinion up to some of the more experienced like bwana. One thing about used cars is you don't really have to expect to pay what they are asking. So long as you can have cash/certified check to back up what you offer you should assume that you can knock down the price a bit.

Wonder what used mid/early 90's Acura Integras are running these days? You might want to look around on autotrader in your area for Civics, Integras and Accords. I am a bit biased since I have always liked Honda and own an Acura.
I bought a 91 integra with 119 k and in pretty good shape for 1800 in January.

[El Jefe]

Dont buy an old Ford, any old Ford. Especially the countours, explorers, taurus, they are all crap (transmission wise), Ford is 1/2 of our income. no joke. Explorer is one of the worst transmissions I have ever seen, taurus isnt much better. Dont buy a VW, they are junk. I would go with an older Honda or Camry, you can drive the wheels off of them. I am a GM guy myself, but for money old hondas are great most of the time. I have a 92 T-Bird (I know GM guy buying a ford lol), because I didnt have a lot of money or options at the time and needed something reliable. Well its a 2 door, paint is very good, interior is very clean, I bought it from my Unlce. He sold it too me for 1500 for the amount of parts he put on it. He put a new radiator, new cap,plugs, wires, new brakes, and he kept up on the maintenance. He bought it and was fixing it up for his daughter, but she didnt want it so for the money I was all over it. It only had 132k on it, now has 135k on it and no problem, had too put some new shoes on it for 260, and front rotors, he didnt replace then when they did the brakes, so like another 90 in parts, I did the pads while I was there. Since my dad owns a transmission shop, I get all my parts for wholesale through him which is nice, but still expensive.

[BIG_DADDY]

You should buy a motorcycle Jenson.

[Jenson71]

You should buy a motorcycle Jenson.

I know I'd fly off and die within a week. Plus - I live in Iowa, and go to school in the winter.

(And they're loud)

[Bwana]

Good information, I really appreciate it. I will keep my eyes open for a Honda or Toyota. Hopefully they come that cheap.

Okay, here's one:

1995 Honda Accord LX
Green, 2 door, 118000 miles, CD, runs good, good cond. $2,700/offer.

I can't go any higher than $2,500 really. Maybe they'd take that offer?

If you can find something like that for that for that price, that's a hell of a deal. Just make damn sure you do the T belt, because if it breaks, you can toast the top part of your engine.

Also, before you buy anything, take it in for an inspection. If you were around here, you could bring it over, and I would look at it for you. Don't take the chance on pissing your money away on something that is about ready to explode.

[Fairplay]

1995 Dodge Neon

4 door, 4 cyl, black, 145000 miles, good condition, 25mpg, mech sound, new tires. $900.

I'm really leaning towards this one. I know the miles are really high for the Neon. Maybe I can get 25,000 more out of it?




Jenson. Do not buy that Neon. After 100,000 miles the engine or anything will go on it. I know from people driving those things. I call them 100,000 mile cars. They are good till then, then watch out.

[Phobia]

If you buy that Neon, don't give them more than $400 - that way you can get your money back when you take it to salvage next month.

[Jenson71]

But the Neon is sooo cheap! :(

[Phobia]

But the Neon is sooo cheap! :(
So are KMart sneakers but you wear Nikes don't you?

[Frazod]

But the Neon is sooo cheap! :(

It's a pure crap shoot. That car may last a couple of years - it may die next week. A Neon with that many miles on it is running on borrowed time.

But the price is right.

It's really risky, but it's your call and your money. Good luck.

[Miles]

But the Neon is sooo cheap! :(

I echo what Fraz said. Its a gamble and dealing with a breakdown is not fun at all. If you want something that you can depend on while driving out of town I would look at more reliable transportation.

[Jenson71]

Couple more today:

BTW, this is my last post asking your opinions about specific used cars. I appreciate all the responses.

1994 Chevy Blazer, V6, CD, a/c, automatic, full power, $1,966

1994 GMC Jimmy, 4dr, 4x4, 4.3 V6, cheap as a mop, $1738

[NJ Chief Fan]

Dont buy American!

[Brock]

If you'd just buy a ten year old Honda, the next 100,000 miles of your life will be very uncomplicated. Most of the stuff you're talking about buying is junk.

[Simplex3]

Couple more today:

BTW, this is my last post asking your opinions about specific used cars. I appreciate all the responses.

1994 Chevy Blazer, V6, CD, a/c, automatic, full power, $1,966

1994 GMC Jimmy, 4dr, 4x4, 4.3 V6, cheap as a mop, $1738
High mileage American car = walking.

[Simplex3]

Get yourself a beat up, ugly looking Honda or Toyota. Find one without options or one where the options are broken. A broken A/C is perfect for you in Iowa, it's rarely unbearably hot up there. You can probably get a car further down South (even KC) with busted air for a lot less.

Take it from someone who's bought cheap cars with lots of options: Don't do it.

[Buehler445]

My GF drove a Contour for awhile. Don't waste your time. You will be back in the same position in 9 months. If all you have to spend is $2500, I would look for the lowest mileage. Also, if you have to go with an older car, a V6 is probably a better deal. Most old 4 cylinders don't last as long.

[Jenson71]

Okay, a lot of the advice is pointing towards Honda or Toyota. I'll hold out and find one under $2200 even if I can't get it soon. Again, thanks for all the advice

[Bugeater]

Get yourself a beat up, ugly looking Honda or Toyota. Find one without options or one where the options are broken. A broken A/C is perfect for you in Iowa, it's rarely unbearably hot up there. You can probably get a car further down South (even KC) with busted air for a lot less.

Take it from someone who's bought cheap cars with lots of options: Don't do it.
Wrong. It gets as hot there as it does down in Missouri.

[Simplex3]

Wrong. It gets as hot there as it does down in Missouri.
It rarely gets unbearably hot in Northern Mo or KS, so what's your point? You might also try and find out what part of Iowa he's in. You know, the Northern part is right up there by Minnesota. They don't put A/C in some of the houses up there. There's a reason for that.

[Bugeater]

It rarely gets unbearably hot in Northern Mo or KS, so what's your point? You might also try and find out what part of Iowa he's in. You know, the Northern part is right up there by Minnesota. They don't put A/C in some of the houses up there. There's a reason for that.
It's entirely possible you have a different definition of "unbearably hot" than I do. 95 or above with the humidity is miserable IMO. Hell I start using my AC in my house any time it breaks 80.

[BigMeatballDave]

If you can find a Honda, Mazda, Toyota, or Nissan with 150,000 miles on it, chances are you will get atleast another 50,000 miles out of it...

[BIG_DADDY]

High mileage American car = walking.\

But they're cheap to fix. I like Chevy's and GMC's.

[Simplex3]

\

But they're cheap to fix. I like Chevy's and GMC's.
...assuming you're doing the repairs yourself. However, I doubt that will be much consolation to Jenson if he misses a final because he car was broken down, but who knows.

:shrug:

[Fairplay]

Dude, check this website on the POS 1995 Neon product.

http://www.epinions.com/auto_Make-1995_Plymouth_Neon/display_~reviews