Need Advice For Buying First Car.

200STM

200STM

CAGiversary!
Hey CAGs this is 200STM here and right now I am now ready to get my first car! I am 22 and ready to get a car so I can use it to practice and such to get my license. I have 1,300-1,500$ and I am needing some advice on where to look and such. I also would appreciate some pointers and such on what to look for and what to ask. So far I plan to visit next week some tow-yards to check out what I can find there. My aunt says she will be fine sitting along with me as I get better at driving so I can take the test as soon as I am ready. Thanks for any advice CAGs and I know the amount I have is not a lot but its something.
 
Well craigslist is the obvious choice to go car hunting. But that also depends on whether that $1300-1500 is all you're willing to spend, or if you're interested in using it as a down payment toward something at a dealership.
Personally, I'd go private party , but I'm not sure how much you'll find with that much cash.
Private is nice because it is definitely cheaper than dealer and no tax, but you really have to investigate each car thoroughly (and that definitely includes getting a carfax or equivalent for each prospect), so be careful.

Oh, and do watch out for situations where you call about Car A, but it has conveniently been sold already, but sure enough, he's got Car B which is just awesome! It's a bait & switch used by many to get you in only to show you some other piece of junk (in my experience, something they bought cheap and fixed up themselves...or worse).

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.
 
I am using craigslist (Bakersfields) and I came across a 2000 Chevy Prizm but the lady had sold it already she was asking 500 for it, it did look good. I can save around 400 from each check to build near 2,000$. I am going to keep an eye on craigslist. I used to hate driving but now I am kinda excited to do this and finally get wheels. So thanks Koiji.
 
Not being a big car person, it's hard to give advice, but what I can say is this. If you have a friend or know somebody who knows cars, see if you can have them inspect any cars you're interested in before you actually buy them. Also see if you can get some kind of car history report from the person. If the person would refuse for whatever reason, I personally would stop doing any business with them.

Also, tell people you know you're looking for a car. Maybe they do and maybe you can somehow get a "friend discount" that way. Worked for me a year ago. Got a 1999 Ford Explorer (not my first choice but I was kind of desperate), for $800 when the guy was originally asking $1200 only because I knew him. And it never hurts to haggle either.
 
I have no additional advise to add on where to buy a car, but remember you will need to also have money for insurance and reregistration. Also note, that while you will pay no tax on a private sale when you purchase the car, I think most states will make you pay that tax when you register it. Just some things to keep in mind.
 
[quote name='biscuit']Also note, that while you will pay no tax on a private sale when you purchase the car, I think most states will make you pay that tax when you register it. Just some things to keep in mind.[/QUOTE]

This. I bought a car in Illinois off of a guy, and I live in Indiana. I didn't pay any taxes but when I went to get the title changed to my name/state and register it, I had to pay the 7% Indiana sales tax.

As for type of car, I'd probably recommend something with a 4 cylinder. My first car was a 1998 Ford Escort. I bought it for $1500 and it had quite a bit of miles on it (174k) It ran really well though. I would still have the car right now but my engine burned out because I was running it dry (I don't know how this managed to happen..) I had it for two years and it had 200k when it died. Sad but I'm pretty sure it would have ran a lot more had I looked more closely.

Last month I got a 2000 Daewoo Leganza. I got it for $1600 with 113k miles on it. I was a bit hesitant considering they don't have any dealerships here anymore. It's a really nice car though for the price and I'm hoping for the best. I've seen a few more Daewoo's on Craigslist for fairly cheap because of the parts being a bit hard to find. I can't really comment too much though as I've only had mine for 1 month so far but I really like it.

Basically with any used car though, how the previous owner drove it and maintained it is going to play a big role in the longevity. It is also up to you to keep up with the maintenance. Good luck!
 
[quote name='bigpimpin24']This. I bought a car in Illinois off of a guy, and I live in Indiana. I didn't pay any taxes but when I went to get the title changed to my name/state and register it, I had to pay the 7% Indiana sales tax.

As for type of car, I'd probably recommend something with a 4 cylinder. My first car was a 1998 Ford Escort. I bought it for $1500 and it had quite a bit of miles on it (174k) It ran really well though. I would still have the car right now but my engine burned out because I was running it dry (I don't know how this managed to happen..) I had it for two years and it had 200k when it died. Sad but I'm pretty sure it would have ran a lot more had I looked more closely.

Last month I got a 2000 Daewoo Leganza. I got it for $1600 with 113k miles on it. I was a bit hesitant considering they don't have any dealerships here anymore. It's a really nice car though for the price and I'm hoping for the best. I've seen a few more Daewoo's on Craigslist for fairly cheap because of the parts being a bit hard to find. I can't really comment too much though as I've only had mine for 1 month so far but I really like it.

Basically with any used car though, how the previous owner drove it and maintained it is going to play a big role in the longevity. It is also up to you to keep up with the maintenance. Good luck![/QUOTE]

Problem with Daewoo (or car from smaller companies) is that the parts are expensive to get. With Honda or Toyota there are so many on the road it isn't hard or expensive to find parts. I hope you can get rid of it before you run into problems.
 
Bought a few cars myself, all private party. Some things you definitely need to do:

1. Inspect the car yourself (lights, leaks, interior, etc.) and do a driving test. Check the tires levels before you go, as most folks have under-inflated tires. Some cars start high in RPMs and then settle down at the 1k level, so make sure to let it sit for a minute before putting it in gear. While driving it, find a nice straight stretch of road, center the car and the wheel, and let go of the wheel for as long as you feel comfortable - at least 5 seconds, hopefully more. You can see how well aligned the car is. If it drifts left or right, that's usually the sign of an accident.

2. Ask to see the service records on the car. Hopefully your seller kept track of oil changes and repairs, timing belt changes, etc.

3. If you're still interested in the car, get the CarFax.

4. Negotiate a price, SUBJECT to a mechanic inspection. Meet the seller at a 3rd party mechanic (not a friend of his or yours, though obviously skew towards yours!) and tell him/her the situation - you're thinking about buying this car and want to have it checked for leaks, previous damage (bumpers, chassis, etc.), brake pad levels, tire wear, shocks, struts, filters, emissions levels, etc.

*Be aware* - while this will cost you some money, probably around $100 (call a few local mechanics first to get a rate), it puts you in a powerful position to negotiate a lower price, based on repair costs and such - which you can elect to do post-sale or not. Because you've already agreed on Price A "subject to the inspection," you can say "well, it's got x, y and z wrong with it - how about Price B instead?"

As has been mentioned, stick with manufacturers for which you can get relatively cheap repairs - that is, companies still doing business in the United States. Try and stay away from niche manufacturers, as the money you save up front will kick you in the ass later.

Good luck on your endeavor!
 
[quote name='biscuit']I have no additional advise to add on where to buy a car, but remember you will need to also have money for insurance and reregistration. Also note, that while you will pay no tax on a private sale when you purchase the car, I think most states will make you pay that tax when you register it. Just some things to keep in mind.[/QUOTE]

Totally forgot about this. It depends on the state, but at least for PA, if the car was a "gift", you don't have to pay tax on it when you register. While I knew the person I bought my truck from, we agreed to do it as a "gift" when registering the car and then just paid the guy privately.
 
[quote name='200STM']You can buy a vehicle without a license.[/QUOTE]
Sure you can...but not if you intend to be the one driving the car like you said you're going to. You won't be able to get insurance without a license and I'm pretty sure you need to have insurance in CA unless you plan on using the car for display only.
 
I am having somepony else register it then and I have a cousin whos a mechanic he will be helping me out in my car choosing process! More details at a later date!
 
Here's a GREAT tip, go to the forum of the car brand you are looking at before buying.

You looking at a Chevy? Go to the chevy forums and look up issues with the year + model of the car you're looking at. Checking out a Kia? Go to the Kia forums and look up issues with the year + model of the car you're looking at. Scouting a Nissan? Well, you should be able to figure out what to do from there...
 
Random tip that applies the same to both cheap ass gamers and cheap ass car hunters: the best deal isn't always the first one you see. While $1500 is a bit low, you can find something fairly decent if you have the time and patience. Look for a great deal on something with low mileage. While not a guarantee, you're more likely to have a car in better shape at low mileage than high mileage. I recently had a 2001 Dodge Neon. Not really a prestigious model. It was a 10 year old car that was cheap back when it was new. BUT, I got it at 35,000 miles. Obviously not something I would have wanted, but it was the best deal at the time by far.

Also, when you first look at the car and note all the problems it has, don't just notice them to try and get a price break. Actually think about them and be real with yourself. Will you get them fixed? I have a friend who has a habit of buying cheap older cars with high mileage, but then doesn't fix them. As a result, he seems to not have a working car at least once a year.
 
Wow, I am gonna be honest. You are fucking this up like a typical 22 year old. There is no reason to have a car if you dont have a license period. DO NOT fucking let your brother cousin, friend, baby mama register it in their name. Why are you jumping through hoops to illegal attain something that can be easily attained legally? I grew up in the hoods of Detroit and this is what stupid hood people do. Your adding potential problems that can really screw you in the long run for no reason.


Not only will you have to pay transfer fees twice (ones from the owner then again from your cousin when you want to "own" it) you then have to worry about everything he does. He gets a ticket its linked to that car and can be impounded if he doesnt pay it, he hits someone, the insurance is going up, it gets stolen or broken into while you are driving it they are going to wonder why the hell a unlicensed person is driving a car that is registered to someone else which means your insurance will probably not help you. There is a multitude of problems that you are adding to a very simply process.

I know this is going to sound harsh but its the best advice I can give you. Stop thinking like a 22 year old kid. Save if your money, learn to drive, get your license, then look for a nice mid size car with great gas mileage. Also lets not pretend that a 22 year old who technically bought his own car isnt going demand access to it with the old "I bought it I can do what I want" and then drive it illegally several times to impress the ladies or his friends. When you can caught as a unlicensed driver with a car registered to someone else you will be screwed for years to come.


Jesus dude talk about jumping the gun, you are already in the bar celebrating before the race even started.
 
I agree with Soodmeg. This sounds like a bad idea.

200STM - does your aunt have her own car? Maybe it would be better if you used her car to learn, then purchase your own car, in your own name, when you have a license.
 
The OP obviously has everything figured out, so stop worrying guys!:lol:

Getting arrested, fined, and having the car impounded is something they can handle...as well as any potential lawsuit from a car accident from lack of insurance.
 
make sure you get something that runs good on gas........ a great area to buy vehicles from is around military bases as they move often and ditch cheap cars
 
My aunt has a jeep liberty I am going to be using it to take the license test. Well I know you cant drive without a license and I know how to drive already somewhat. Well I am not that stupid to be driving without a license. I will say that I'm not the smartest 22 year old but I know some things. I was initially just asking advice for buying a car and some people did give some good advice and others fired pistols at random cans. Thanks for the advice I'm still going to get a car and with the words of wisdom some of you said I will remember it. I'm sure plenty of you started practicing without a license and driving with someone elses car and such but for me when I got a job it was one of my goals to get a car and now I feel I should do that. I know its better to wait and such but whos going to help me? My cousins when I visited them in Salinas last summer did a whole lot to help me more than my own Dad in fact my Dad told me that he was never going to teach me how to drive despite my uncle passing his 1986 Chevy Nova to me what he did was take that car and sell it so he can use the money to help pay off the house. He told me that I didn't need to learn how to drive at 16, 17, and 18. I got to admit I got angry when he did that I told him like i give 2 shits anyway he was going to have me do a bunch of errands for him anyway. I held off driving because I made myself think that there is no point for me to drive I lived near the college I am going to, and there were places closeby to apply to work where an easy walk or bike ride can be done. In fact another relative of mine offered me one of his extra cars for my 20th birthday a 1998 Mazda Millenia but I told him that I wasn't interested because I didn't have a job or anyway to pay for it and maintaining it. I didn't learn to drive because of the money factor but when one of the greatest things to come in my life came in september of last year a minium wage job came in I decided that this was the time for me to go on wheels and finally have a car and be able to pay for the insurance and such for it so this is why I am looking for a car. I know not to get cocky with I paid for it blah blah blah bullshit and I know not even to do the hey let me do an old fashion tire burn out. I am just wanting some wheels. Gracias I went a little personal with that. Umm time to kick ass and save some cash?
 
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Did you find a good deal on a car yet?

I would really test drive a car from a 3rd party and perhaps have a mechanic look at it or take one with your when searching for a car from another person.

Find a local dealer and check your credit score, especially if you have a job, which will help.

Sometimes it takes one day to make a decision, other times it will take weeks.

Do you know how to drive a manual car?
 
[quote name='200STM']Hey CAGs this is 200STM here and right now I am now ready to get my first car! I am 22 and ready to get a car so I can use it to practice and such to get my license. I have 1,300-1,500$ and I am needing some advice on where to look and such. I also would appreciate some pointers and such on what to look for and what to ask. So far I plan to visit next week some tow-yards to check out what I can find there. My aunt says she will be fine sitting along with me as I get better at driving so I can take the test as soon as I am ready. Thanks for any advice CAGs and I know the amount I have is not a lot but its something.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='200STM']I am having somepony else register it then and I have a cousin whos a mechanic he will be helping me out in my car choosing process! More details at a later date![/QUOTE]

[quote name='200STM']My aunt has a jeep liberty I am going to be using it to take the license test. Well I know you cant drive without a license and I know how to drive already somewhat. Well I am not that stupid to be driving without a license. I will say that I'm not the smartest 22 year old but I know some things. I was initially just asking advice for buying a car and some people did give some good advice and others fired pistols at random cans. Thanks for the advice I'm still going to get a car and with the words of wisdom some of you said I will remember it. I'm sure plenty of you started practicing without a license and driving with someone elses car and such but for me when I got a job it was one of my goals to get a car and now I feel I should do that. I know its better to wait and such but whos going to help me? My cousins when I visited them in Salinas last summer did a whole lot to help me more than my own Dad in fact my Dad told me that he was never going to teach me how to drive despite my uncle passing his 1986 Chevy Nova to me what he did was take that car and sell it so he can use the money to help pay off the house. He told me that I didn't need to learn how to drive at 16, 17, and 18. I got to admit I got angry when he did that I told him like i give 2 shits anyway he was going to have me do a bunch of errands for him anyway. I held off driving because I made myself think that there is no point for me to drive I lived near the college I am going to, and there were places closeby to apply to work where an easy walk or bike ride can be done. In fact another relative of mine offered me one of his extra cars for my 20th birthday a 1998 Mazda Millenia but I told him that I wasn't interested because I didn't have a job or anyway to pay for it and maintaining it. I didn't learn to drive because of the money factor but when one of the greatest things to come in my life came in september of last year a minium wage job came in I decided that this was the time for me to go on wheels and finally have a car and be able to pay for the insurance and such for it so this is why I am looking for a car. I know not to get cocky with I paid for it blah blah blah bullshit and I know not even to do the hey let me do an old fashion tire burn out. I am just wanting some wheels. Gracias I went a little personal with that. Umm time to kick ass and save some cash?[/QUOTE]


Is English your first language?

Please say no.
 
I haven't found anything yet. I have a cousin who has offered me a running old 1966 chevy 1500K pick up but that thing is a big time gas hog though he says his friend has worked on it and such. I am leaning towards something like a honda or toyota more likely a toyota because I know hondas are always broken into and such but then again not all cars are safe from thieves. Well I am a single guy, not big on power cars or suvs preferring a small compact vehicle. I did find a coworker who has a 1994 toyota corolla which he says is in a good operating condition and is asking 800$ for it. I'll let you guys know more later.

@blindinglights I don't speak english only spanish but I type in english haha. I can tell you like me we are going to be great friends!
 
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