johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,684
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Mar 5, 2019 13:30:19 GMT
Give it to me straight....are our expectations too high for a used car?
It's been a long time since we bought a used car and we've never tried to buy one so cheaply so maybe we're expecting too much.
Our budget is under $10k, we're looking at a larger mid-size sedan (or suv or even pickup, but those are unlikely and we know it). Thinking Hyundai Sonata (as that's what we had) or similar. 2011 or newer, around 120k miles. Oh, and we're in the midwest (SE Michigan/NW Ohio). We are specifically looking at cars that can handle higher miles since we're hoping to get something to last about 5 more years (or until ds is out of college or has a decent job and can buy his own car).
Here's what we're running into (these are all different cars at different dealerships):
1. The side mirror is literally being held on by duct tape.
2. Possibly massive engine problems (no antifreeze in engine, no explanation from dealer, our mechanic found it).
3. Someone ran it into something....possibly a snow mound and the bumper is cracked clear through on both sides.
4. Interior passenger side door handle is completely missing (this was a pickup, but still, why even list it like that?!?!?)
5. Flat tire. Really? You can't even be bothered to pump up the tire? And the paint was ridiculously dull/faded (this was a Chevy Impala).
Is it just us or is this crazy? We know we're not going to get a perfect car but some of this stuff is just crazy, right? Or are we crazy?
Also, if you have any other car models we should check into please tell me. We've been looking for over a month and I'm running out of options here.
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trollie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,580 
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Post by trollie on Mar 5, 2019 13:38:04 GMT
You will have better luck and get more value out of a private sale. You can still have a carfax ran on your vehicle (I believe), and of course, have a trusted mechanic check it out. If you can find a retirement community in your area, older people generally take a lot better care of their vehicles and a lot of times don't rack up the miles. You also need to allow some time. The last time we purchased a used vehicle, it too my hubby about a month to find the right one. Patience is the key in these situations.
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Post by lbp on Mar 5, 2019 13:38:14 GMT
The used car market here is crazy so, you may have to up your budget. When I was looking for a Subaru a couple of years ago, ones that were 2-5 years old were only about 5 grand less than a brand new one so I got the new one.
Good luck with your search, it can be frustrating.
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Post by Patter on Mar 5, 2019 13:55:30 GMT
Have you checked cargurus.com? Private sales and dealership sales are posted, and you can find some great things. My son-in-law found a 2016 Honda HRV EX with everything, 45K miles, for $16k. It was 2 hours away but worth the drive. The car is in like new condition! I know this is more than you want to spend but I saw many cars for $10k with what you are looking for.
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Post by myshelly on Mar 5, 2019 13:56:25 GMT
For under 10k, I think you might be a little unrealistic.
With that budget, you’re more likely to find something shopping on Facebook or Craigslist.
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kelly8875
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Posts: 4,407
Location: Lost in my supplies...
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Post by kelly8875 on Mar 5, 2019 14:03:17 GMT
I think 10k is kind of unrealistic. You might have to lower your standard some or up your budget. Cars just cost more than they used to.
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Post by mustlovecats on Mar 5, 2019 14:03:32 GMT
I found lots and lots of Hyundais and Nissans and other decent cars for under $10k on Truecar. They are mostly at reputable local dealerships. Granted I am in a city and we have tons of dealerships to choose from but I’m not having a hard time finding something I would buy for $10k.
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,161
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Post by Gennifer on Mar 5, 2019 14:04:41 GMT
Yeah, I think you’re expectations are off. You could get one with a branded title in that price range, but for what you’re expecting, I’d think it would be more in the $14-15K range.
ETA: We bought a car for our teens last fall. We needed something with 4WD, and wanted around 100K miles. Our original budget was $10k, and we quickly learned that wasn’t enough. We ended up finding one for $13K, but we literally bought it as it was being traded in, and there were multiple others in line after us for it. It’s a 2007, so a bit older than what you’re looking for, too.
SUVs hold their value. It wouldn’t be hard to find a car in that price range, but not an SUV.
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
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Posts: 7,956
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Mar 5, 2019 14:07:41 GMT
I have to agree that under 10k is a little unrealistic for a newer used well taken care of car. You pay for what you get.
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julie5
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,611
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Post by julie5 on Mar 5, 2019 14:13:51 GMT
I have to agree that under 10k is a little unrealistic for a newer used well taken care of car. You pay for what you get. Any suv under $10k would be what is considered a clunker around here. I got very lucky when I found my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2013. 100k miles, goo condition, $8000. This is why we bought a brand new mini van. Used suvs in good shape were just as expensive as a brand new van. I’m about value. |
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Post by lily on Mar 5, 2019 14:21:39 GMT
Frankly I feel like cars are NOT made to last 120K miles anymore.
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Post by Susie_Homemaker on Mar 5, 2019 14:39:59 GMT
Frankly I feel like cars are NOT made to last 120K miles anymore. My 2010 Toyota Highlander has 140,000 and still going strong. My DDs 2002 BMW has 120,000+ and is (usually) going strong, my other DDs 2002 Ford Explorer which was mine when the same DD was 2 has 150,000+ and is still going strong. My DH had a 2005 Ford Expedition with over 280,000 miles on it when it died. I think cars can last if you take care of them. |
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Post by nnnsmom on Mar 5, 2019 14:45:07 GMT
I'll second cargurus.com and add cars.com. Always look at the carfax to make sure the car hasn't been in any accidents or had flood damage. It may take a little while of searching, but there are some good/great deals out there. We recently got a one owner, all service done at the dealership (on schedule!) 2014 Toyota Camry with 72,000 miles for 11,000. It's very clean, has a sun roof, gets great gas mileage and will hopefully get DS through college (he's a HS sophomore now). We looked at a lot before we found this one.
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Post by workingclassdog on Mar 5, 2019 14:48:08 GMT
When I bought my car over the summer my original budget was 10K.. Couldn't find a thing that was decent. I decided to bump it up to 15K and it was a WORLD of difference. I got a 2013 Hyundai Azera, low miles, FULLY loaded (with stuff I have never seen before..lol), in perfect condition. I LOVE LOVE MY CAR... I went through my credit union's brokerage dealer.. I'm telling you that 5K difference was a total game changer.
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Post by mom on Mar 5, 2019 14:50:26 GMT
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 30, 2024 7:18:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2019 15:01:18 GMT
I will never do a private sale ever again. A guy tried to sell me a 2013 Prius with 89K miles. When I took it to the dealer to get it checked it was going to cost me another $8K for it to pass inspection. That was with a Carfax returning zero red flags and all basic maintenance being performed.
Up your budget (if possible) and go to a reputable dealer who can give you at least a 12 month warranty.
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Post by librarylady on Mar 5, 2019 15:12:06 GMT
I cannot emphasize that you check and determine if the car has been in a flood.
Many of the cars from the south have been moved up north where it is hoped the new owners will not realize the car sat underwater in a hurricane.
As others have said, for under $10K, you will find only "beaters."
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freebird
Drama Llama
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Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Mar 5, 2019 15:12:37 GMT
Frankly I feel like cars are NOT made to last 120K miles anymore. Actually, I think old cars were only meant to last 100k, now I see them lasting to 200k.
My old dodge neon (loved that car), lasted to 220K before we traded it in for a good rebate. I saw it a couple years later, still on the road.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,667
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Mar 5, 2019 15:39:35 GMT
Frankly I feel like cars are NOT made to last 120K miles anymore. We just hit 200k in our old 2004 Honda Pilot that we sold to my Brother (borrowed it back for a mountain trip). A friend has the same car/year and is at 250k. My dad's 1998ish Mercedes is over 300k and still going. |
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scorpeao
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Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Mar 5, 2019 15:44:40 GMT
under $10K for a pick up or SUV? You are dreaming. You can get a nice compact vehicle for that price. I recently went through pick up truck shopping with my partner. Anything under $10K is a hunk of junk.
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pancakes
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,002
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Post by pancakes on Mar 5, 2019 15:58:24 GMT
under $10K for a pick up or SUV? You are dreaming. You can get a nice compact vehicle for that price. I recently went through pick up truck shopping with my partner. Anything under $10K is a hunk of junk. I agree to some extent. But we got a 97 Land Cruiser for under $10K through a private sale, and this model series is arguably one of the best 4x4 (civilian) vehicles of all time. I would never trade it for a brand new Cruiser, either. We are definitely “car people” but it pays to know what’s worth it and what’s not. |
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Post by auroraborealis on Mar 5, 2019 16:15:42 GMT
While I would agree with the people on here who have been more in the market for cars, I have to say it definitely IS possible, but might take some creativity and a private sale (maybe a long drive to get it too). I would network the heck out of people you know to try to find someone selling a car. I can say it is for sure possible as we have an American SUV sitting right here from 2011 under 120K that we have been the only owner of, and don't want to bother with the hassles of selling. The price would be under $10, easily. You have to find someone like me who doesn't want to bother with selling a car, or feel like they are getting ripped off from a dealership.  |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 30, 2024 7:18:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2019 17:48:49 GMT
You may all thank cash for clunkers. I remember being able to buy a decent car under 50,000 miles for less than $10,000. I am afraid those days are long gone.
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Post by newfcathy on Mar 5, 2019 18:04:29 GMT
We got ds a used Yaris a few years ago for $7.5, it was a 2011, with 60k miles so that we got decent coverage under the original coverage policy.
I spent hours on CarFax. We ended up at the dealership to look at another car & this one had just come in.
It’s tough to find good used cars!
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,029
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Mar 5, 2019 18:44:34 GMT
This past weekend my dd bought a 2016 Hyundai Elantra with 50k miles from a dealership for $12,000.
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Post by Really Red on Mar 5, 2019 18:54:10 GMT
Look at older Volvo XC90 SUVs. They can go for 300-400K miles. I have a 2007 and a 2008 and they are stellar cars. I put about $1-1.5K in them annually (including tires - super $$$) and they are worth every penny. You can easily find one for under $10K.
Best car around.
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Post by hop2 on Mar 5, 2019 18:54:49 GMT
I got a 2013 Prius V 16 months ago for just under $13000 with mileage a little bit over 85,000. & I love it! ( it’s a station wagon basically )
I couldn’t touch a Camry or Honda Accord though. But a Hyundai shouldn’t be too unrealistic at that mileage. But I guess it’s supply & demand for your area.
What does carfax say for cars like you listed in your area?
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Mar 5, 2019 19:37:47 GMT
We bought our son's car from a mechanic. His business model is employing as many mechanics as he can. So he buys cars cheap, they fix them up, and then he sells them for a profit. We got a 2004(?) Volvo sedan that had 170K miles for just over 3K. So far it's been a fantastic car for a high schooler. I know that isn't what you are looking for. But maybe look around for someone doing that sort of business. I've noticed he has a pretty good turnover. And everything is reasonably priced.
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Post by Patter on Mar 5, 2019 19:49:44 GMT
Look at older Volvo XC90 SUVs. They can go for 300-400K miles. I have a 2007 and a 2008 and they are stellar cars. I put about $1-1.5K in them annually (including tires - super $$$) and they are worth every penny. You can easily find one for under $10K. Best car around. Yes, that! I sold my XC90 to my sister. I bought it brand new, drove it for 5 years (about 60K miles), then sold it to her. She STILL has it, and she got it from me in 2010! She LOVES it still. |
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Post by peace on Mar 5, 2019 19:51:17 GMT
You will have better luck with value on private listings- make sure you have it inspected prior to purchase.
But I am shocked about what you are describing. In order for us to sell a used car- we have to inspect it and it has to be running and safe. I will say that for a under $10K car, we won't put much money into it. We do get really great vehicles in that price range but it isn't often AND they sell quickly. You can get a great deal AND a great car but it takes time and patience. (I just looked and we have 5 in that range- only 3 I'd consider- only one I would actually buy.)
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