THoughts on used cars

EndersShadow

So I am looking to pick up a used car next year and am trying to figure out what I want lol. I know I want a 4 door sedan, nothing sport car like, under 15k with under 60k on it no older than 2009.

I am debating either picking up another VW like a Jetta or more preferably a Passat. Another option is on the total other end of the spectrum with a Chevy Impala. Also possibly a Toyota Corolla as well.

I am not a fan of the newer body styles of the Civic's and I dont see too many Accords within my price range.

I am hoping for thoughts, minor issues to look out for, etc with these cars as well as suggestions on other cars to look at.

I will pass on anything from Kia and Ford.

Thoughts appreciated.

P.S. this is just to start the process I will obviously have to go test drive all of these to find out which I like better lol...

seabeerob213

i rented a nissan versa about a year ago, great little car from what i experienced with it, very economical, seats 5, available in hatch or 4 door

sucks2beme

In the used arena, the Impala doesn't fare so well. The Honda or Toyota are good choices
if you can find one in your price range. They always priced high. VW? Also wouldn't be on my list.
why isn't Ford on your list? For the most part, far better used cars than anything GM (in front wheel drive)

decal

My favorite car is a truck!!!!!!!

EndersShadow

sucks2beme wrote: »

In the used arena, the Impala doesn't fare so well.

What makes you say that? We have Impala's for work cars and besides the HUGE blind spot on the drivers side (due to the body panels) they drive pretty good and get decent gas mileage.

sucks2beme wrote: »

VW? Also wouldn't be on my list.

Again with why? I have a 2000 VW Jetta GLI (stick) and am rolling at 178k on it without anything major problem wise. Got it with 107k on it 6 years ago.

Is there something wrong with the newer VW's?

sucks2beme wrote: »

Why isn't Ford on your list? For the most part, far better used cars than anything GM (in front wheel drive)

Because all the Fords I see I dont like the body style on (yes I realize I am being vain, but oh well).

adb3da

Maybe add Nissan Altima to the list, but might be above your price point.

Is there a particular reason Ford won't work for you? They have really improved their offerings by a long way. If you haven't driven a Ford in the last 5-7 years I think it would at least be worth a test drive. The Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan should fall in your range and are really nice cars.

I had a VW Passat for 10 years and I was happy with it in general. I loved the way it drove. I bought it new and got rid of it with ~150k miles. My only complaint is the cost of repair. After 75k miles I had a couple costly ones. If you can find a good non-dealer mechanic that knows VW then that can make a world of difference. I finally found a good mechanic but I relocated cities a couple years later and never found a comparable guy/shop.

I'd also take a look at Hyundai Sonata.

EndersShadow

adb3da@yahoo.co wrote: »

Is there a particular reason Ford won't work for you? They have really improved their offerings by a long way. If you haven't driven a Ford in the last 5-7 years I think it would at least be worth a test drive. The Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan should fall in your range and are really nice cars.

Fords just dont have the look I want and personally am just not a fan of them. Aesthetics do play a role here.

adb3da@yahoo.co wrote: »

Maybe add Nissan Altima to the list, but might be above your price point.

Had forgotten about that one, will take a look.

adb3da@yahoo.co wrote: »

I had a VW Passat for 10 years and I was happy with it in general. I loved the way it drove. I bought it new and got rid of it with ~150k miles. My only complaint is the cost of repair. After 75k miles I had a couple costly ones. If you can find a good non-dealer mechanic that knows VW then that can make a world of difference. I finally found a good mechanic but I relocated cities a couple years later and never found a comparable guy/shop.

Yup, thats where I am with my Jetta.

goofyGAguy

adb3da@yahoo.co wrote: »

I'd also take a look at Hyundai Sonata.

Very nice cars, but too similar to a Kia.

zingo

I love my 2008 Ford Focus for what it is. Never had a problem, doesn't require much maintenance, has tons of technology built in, and I can get 35mpg.

shawn474

Toyota Camry; very nice, reliable and affordable cars.

PolkGTI

While I absolutely love my 2012 GTI if I had to get a used car that was not a CERTIFIED one I would probably go with toyota or honda. Nothing wrong with VW's reliability they are getting better and they just get kind of a bum rap. BUT in terms of used, if you are trying to save money VW probably won't be the way you want to go because service and maintenance is going to cost more than the other cars you listed unless of course you have the hook up on a reputable VW mechanic

Erik Tracy

Do your research/homework, be patient and don't settle, and be ready to jump if a deal comes along. Then, have a mechanic check it out top to bottom.

ratster

Subaru outback. Plenty of room,great gas mileage,low mainteanance,low ins.,great resale.

EndersShadow

I should state here my wife is dead set on purchasing from CarMax so my hope/assumption is that any issues the car had should have been addressed prior to my purchase.

With that said they cant catch everything.

Polkie2009

I have to agree with what has been mentioned about VW's being great cars but maintaining them can cost ya. Besides the Toyota Camry having the recall on the accelerator pedal problem a while back, they are still a very reliable car. Another good pick was mentioned is the Nissan Maxima, 6 cylinders to boot. Personal all around fav. is going to be a Honda Accord, even if you have to look at a 2008 or 2007, DYODD, and find one that has low miles and if possible still has maintenance records and was garage kept. You'll know the one that's right for you when you see it and drive it.

seabeerob213

[QUOTE=

I'd also take a look at Hyundai Sonata.[/QUOTE]

hyundai, kia, and daewoo are identical cars for the most part,

tonyb

Hmmm...thoughts on used cars are about the same as thoughts on used women. More lemons in the bushell but occasionally you'll find a peach. Take your time, look for that used peach.

michael1947

I drive a 2009 Camry HYBRID and it has been just the best car I have ever owned including:BMW, Buick,Caddy,Chevy,Olds and a '52 Mercury with a flat head v8 and 3speed overdrive. My Camry has never broken and gets about 38mpg in the winter and 45 in the summer,best tank was 52.3mpg...and these are all tank averages,not the advertised "highway." I don't know anything about CarMax but I would ONLY buy this type of car from the dealer who sold it new and proof of all service. The Prius would be an excellent car and almost as much room and will likely be my next car. The Prius is 100% made in Japan but the Camry is made in Kentucky, and I believe Indianapolis is still the capitol of Kentucky, isn't it:rolleyes:
You have not mentioned a Prius however I know many owners and they are problem free, except for the occasional run-a-way w/break failure) one guy has 230k, no problems and original battery pack. My dealer is one of the largest sellers of hybrids in the mid-west and has yet to replace a complete pack, only an individual cell. If thinking Prius buy no older than a 2010 as there was a significant body change in 2010 and well worth the extra. Will probably cost 16-18k. Best of luck.:cool:

ken brydson

I recently bought a brand new Honda Fit for a couple grand more than your desired price. Surprisingly roomy for it's small size, great mileage and pretty fun to drive as well. Just my .02

goofyGAguy

EndersShadow wrote: »

I should state here my wife is dead set on purchasing from CarMax

Their prices are higher than a cat's back.

sandworms

Recommending cars is like recommending speakers or women, we all have different tastes, this may help

EndersShadow

@Michael: a Hybrid would do me no good .... I have a 2 channel car amp that would make it counter productive to own a hybrid. Same with a Prius, plus they just look a bit ugly...

ken brydson wrote: »

I recently bought a brand new Honda Fit for a couple grand more than your desired price. Surprisingly roomy for it's small size, great mileage and pretty fun to drive as well. Just my .02

May have to give them a looksee. Any car I look at needs decent room for a car seat now :biggrin: otherwise I would be all over a mini cooper .

goofyGAguy wrote: »

Their prices are higher than a cat's back.

Will keep that in mind, I forget what the wife's reason was for wanting to buy from them.... she kinda knows what the "right" prices are (she works with car insurance claims) so I am sure the end price would be right.... plus she's a tough negotiator....

sandworms wrote: »

Recommending cars is like recommending speakers or women, we all have different tastes, this may help

That actually was VERY helpful.

P.S. this purchase is a couple months out so I am just gathering data.

teekay0007

ratster wrote: »

Subaru outback. Plenty of room,great gas mileage,low mainteanance,low ins.,great resale.

This would be especially applicable if your wife were a ****. :eek:

thsmith

Too bad you ruled out Ford/Mercury.

I bought a one owner 2007 Mercury Grand Marquie in 2009 with 47k miles for $11.2k preowncertified from Mercury.

I have a 100K on it now and have only changed oil and tires and get 26-27 mpg on the highway in comfort and safety.

Beats your criteria easily but is a Mercury.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=105508254&listingRecNum=2&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20074%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D21223%26rd%3D30%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId%26zc%3D46201%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DDESC%26sf1Nm%3DmodelYear%26sf2Nm%3Dprice%26isDealerGrouping%3Dfalse%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national&listType=1

PolkGTI

Another car to look at is the VW Golf if you like hatches. I think its a world nicer than the Fit from fit and finish to styling. Hatches have a ton of room. Just the other day I was able to transport my NEW TSI400's, CS10, and PSW111 all shipped from amazon I didnt have to take them out of the big **** boxes and it will fit nicely with some room to spare!

My GTI (which is basically a sportier turboed Golf) is the main family car for me my wife and 13 month old kid. Car seat no problem. BIG **** Stoller no problem and can still fit a bag or two in the truck for a road trip anymore just fit in the back seat if its just the three of us. My car fits a lot more than my wife's Acura ILX..

But like I said earlier.. VW maintenance is pricer that others. So it really comes down to what you really want to do... My car is my other hobby so its not just some utility I use to get from A to B.. I love it because its versitile. Weekends - Family car.. Riding just me a lot of fun with the turbo and handling

PolkGTI

Also if your wife is a tough negotiater pass on carmax. they price their cars high and there is no room for negotiations. Go to a good dealership and haggle a price on a CERTIFIED preowned whatever car you decide to go with.

Go with carmax if you dont mind paying a little more and don't want to go through the whole back and forth of negotiating

my $.02

bobsauto49

sucks2beme wrote: »

In the used arena, the Impala doesn't fare so well. The Honda or Toyota are good choices
if you can find one in your price range. They always priced high. VW? Also wouldn't be on my list.
why isn't Ford on your list? For the most part, far better used cars than anything GM (in front wheel drive)

I disagree,respectfully! The 07-12 Impala's are an inexpensive nice,quiet riding,midsized(lots of room)fuel pinching vehicle,that requires little maintenence cost! The great part is,that for about 12g's u can get one only a couple yrs old,with about 40/50k miles om them! Very smooth,nice and quiet riding vehicle! Just my .02 worth! And yes,I have owned one! Never treated me wrong. All my customers who own one like them alot!

thsmith

sandworms wrote: »

Recommending cars is like recommending speakers or women, we all have different tastes, this may help

I worked for a company that won JD Power awards for service yet we were loosing customers because we kepy laying people off and hated our service.

I will never buy anything based upon JD Powers, They do not look behind the cutain or want to even know there is a curtain to look behind.

rooftop59

Just to add to the conversation, I have bought 4 used cars in the last 5 years, and all have been great purchases. All but one were from the owner, and again, all were great purchases. If you do your research and you are careful and reasonably intelligent (which I know that you are) then you can safely by from a person. Here is what I bought:

1. 2000 Honda Accord in 2007 with 16000 mls on it (yes that's correct - the elderly disabled owner had just passed away and I got it at the estate sale) for 10,500. Ran great, no problems, except the dumnass teenage girl on her cell that made a left in from of me in her civic. Both cars were totaled, no one was hurt.
2. 2006 Hyundai Sonata with 18000 miles on it in 2007 for 11,900 from a small dealer. Now has 54000 miles and not a single engine problem. I did just have to replace the struts and mounts which pissed me off because that shouldn't happen that early with a well-made car. Also, lots of little plastic things have broken whichis annoying. for safety and engine reliability its a great car (and fun to drive), but I can only recommend it with slight reservations due to the previous issues.
3. 2005 Honda Pilot EXL with 54000 miles in 2008 from the owner for 16,400. Now has 85000 miles on it, not a single issue. Nothing. The owner was a single grandma who had bought it for a second car when she moved to wyoming, she ended up coming back to Austin and didn't need it anymore. It was in great shape. its a honda that was taken care of, that's all you need to know.
4. 2007 Toyota Sequoia with 52000 miles on it purchased one month ago from the owner. Looked a two different ones recently, had a pre-purchase inspection done on both. The first had a lot more miles on it and had a number of problems. The owner was also sketchy. Pass. The one I bought was newer, passed inspection with flying colors, and the owner was not sketchy. Just drove almost 3000 miles round trip with 3 kids under five, and other than leaving the children in the woods halfway through, it was the most pleasant road trip I have even taken.

Basically you will get a much better deal if you by from a private party. Do your research. Follow major statistics and overall trends like the one above (which clearly shows that in your price range you need to look at Hondas and Toyotas mainly), buy the carfax for each one and have a pre-purchase inspection done, and use your brain and don't by from an idiot. Also, preferably buy from someone who has all or most of the service records. The other thing is, as mentioned above, you have to be patient but also be willing and ready to jump on a good deal when it comes, because it will get scooped up quickly.

Good luck!

rooftop59

thsmith wrote: »

I worked for a company that won JD Power awards for service yet we were loosing customers because we kepy laying people off and hated our service.

I will never buy anything based upon JD Powers, They do not look behind the cutain or want to even know there is a curtain to look behind.

That one piece of anecdotal evidence says nothing about the publication overall. And besides, the citation above referred to statistical analysis, which does not require one to "look behind the curtain." I will take stats over anecdotal evidence any and everyday when making a major purchase.

sucks2beme

There are databases out there that the extended warranty companies use.
You want to know what costs money to maintain? Go price extended warranties.
If it isn't reliable=$$$ to buy warranty. My opinions are based on five year old data,
so things may of changed. Son #1 had access to these databases, and
used to do extended warranty underwriting. You can't go by just car models, either.
You might have one drivetrain that was solid as a rock, and another be a POS.
Even Lexus had some turkeys out there. But Honda/Lexus/Toyota pretty much
come out above normal. JD powers shows Cadillac and Jag up towards the top?
Must be something new. I know a couple of die hard Jag fans. They spend more
to maintain a Jag than I ever paid for a new car.