Purchasing new (used) car, need help!

M

Moxio

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I'm looking for a car that would be a good first car for a teenager. His father and me are going to buy it for him, and I'd like to get some CAGpinions before we get one. What I'm looking for is personal experience with special cars or haggling techniques or any other information you'd like to provide.

Budget: ~$10K

What I have in mind right now is an '02 Hyundai Sonata. From what I see it looks like a good car... 20/27 MPG, handsome silver look, etc.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...g|Q-descending|X-popular|Z-98198&aff=national

What do you guys think? Other cars we are interested are Nissan Altima, or maybe Toyota Corolla. We're in ZIP 98198 if anyone has any other cars that are good.

EDIT! I forgot to mention: is purchasing from private sellers a good idea? Are there any risks to look for or ways I can be cheated?

Thanks so much for any feedback!

-M
 
That Hyundai looks great and under your budget. I would go check it out and give a test drive and really good look over. If it looks good I'd say it's a winner!
 
Stay away from the hyundais as i just mentioned, nothing but trouble from those cars. Horrible build quality and most of the materials are very cheap from those years, only in the past years have those two factors started to improve. I would try and get a decent RSX for your son. 20 mpg is not good, he will be spending at least 40 bucks a week to get around, trust me dont settle for under 25, and get a 4 cylinder you wont regret it.
 
Ive only driven one Hyundai, dont remember what it was but it felt like driving a tin can. Felt very cheap and unstable.
I would stick with Toyota or Honda. They'll be more expensive but IMO youre getting better quality and a higher resale value in the long run.
 
I agree, Hyundai used to suck ass, but recently (last year or 2?) I have heard they have changed big time. Maybe they still suck ass, but the local office car enthusiast who keeps all us non-car people informed on the autos at work, thinks they are now great cars at a great value. He travels all the time and rents many cars, so he gets a good variety of vehicles to tryout for a length of time.
 
[quote name='b3b0p']I agree, Hyundai used to suck ass, but recently (last year or 2?) I have heard they have changed big time. Maybe they still suck ass, but the local office car enthusiast who keeps all us non-car people informed on the autos at work, thinks they are now great cars at a great value. He travels all the time and rents many cars, so he gets a good variety of vehicles to tryout for a length of time.[/quote]

Old Hyundai sucked really hard, but they have seriously turned it around in the last couple of years. I remember seeing that they got some initial quality awards for recent models, but I don't remember where.

I remember thinking at the time that Hyundai was shit and if they had gotten that much better, they should have changed the name of the company so that people like me don't think that they are still shit.

TBW

PS For used cars (not trucks), don't buy anything American....they don't last as well as the imports. Flame on, if you feel the need, but you're not changing my opinion on this one. I am selling my Chevy and it will be the last American car I probably ever own (trucks, as I mentioned before, is a completely different thing all together).
 
If you are going to buy an older Sonata, stick with the V6. There were a lot of problems with the four cylinder engine in that older body style, mainly a bad vibration that would develop and would cause the steering wheel to shake.

If your budget is $10k, you should be able to get a newer one (03-04) that will still have remaining bumper to bumper warranty (5/60,000).
 
$10,000 budget for a teen's first car? Holy shit, spoiled....unless he's payin it back with interest. My first car was a crappy CRX I got for $800...now I feel bad... =(
 
[quote name='Moxio']EDIT! I forgot to mention: is purchasing from private sellers a good idea? Are there any risks to look for or ways I can be cheated?

Thanks so much for any feedback!

-M[/quote]

http://www.carfax.com/

Using the car's VIN you can get a Carfax report that helps identify the history of the car. I got one years ago with my first car. Nothing is foolproof but this can help when you purchase used.
 
[quote name='TheBlueWizard']
PS For used cars (not trucks), don't buy anything American....they don't last as well as the imports. Flame on, if you feel the need, but you're not changing my opinion on this one. I am selling my Chevy and it will be the last American car I probably ever own (trucks, as I mentioned before, is a completely different thing all together).[/quote]
Even better, I just bought a new Civic that is 97% American (built in East Liberty, Ohio) - best of both worlds!

It kinda depends on the goal of this car too. Is it something he plans on keeping for a while, or a pre-college car, or what. You can afford to spend less on a crappier car if it will only be heavily used for a few years.
 
I'm actually looking for my first car, looking for stick, something with good gas mileage, and thats cheap.

I've found 2 potential cars, what do you guys think?
1990 Toyota Camry
1992 Mazda MX 3

potential issues:
- is insurance higher for sportsy cars like the mazda?
- the camry sometimes "slips out of 5th," is that a huge issue?

--sorry for the thread jack;)
 
[quote name='LiquidNight']I'm actually looking for my first car, looking for stick, something with good gas mileage, and thats cheap.

I've found 2 potential cars, what do you guys think?
1990 Toyota Camry
1992 Mazda MX 3

potential issues:
- is insurance higher for sportsy cars like the mazda?
- the camry sometimes "slips out of 5th," is that a huge issue?

--sorry for the thread jack;)[/quote]

Don't quote me but i would think insurance would be higher. But its also a 15 yr old car, so the difference might not be that much.
 
[quote name='LiquidNight']I'm actually looking for my first car, looking for stick, something with good gas mileage, and thats cheap.

I've found 2 potential cars, what do you guys think?
1990 Toyota Camry
1992 Mazda MX 3

potential issues:
- is insurance higher for sportsy cars like the mazda?
- the camry sometimes "slips out of 5th," is that a huge issue?

--sorry for the thread jack;)[/QUOTE]

Alright, now THOSE are great first cars. The car I have now is only slightly better than that Senata in the OP, and I blew almost everything I had on it.
 
I'd go with a used Scion tC. GREAT cars. My friend has one. Everything a kid would want.
 
Mad%20Max%20v8%20interceptor%20%282%29.jpg
 
[quote name='SMMM']Alright, now THOSE are great first cars.[/quote]my thoughts exactly, although I'm not sure which of the 2 I should go for.

the Camry -
Pros: cheaper, has higher mpg
Cons: clutch sometimes slips ot of 5th, no radio (is it illegal to drive while listening to an mp3 player?), older

the MX 3 -
Pros - < 100,000 miles, free (although mostly useless) stuff, younger
Cons - lower mpg, more expensive, insurance might be higher due to it being a sports car

which one do you guys think I should go for?
 
Heh cool.

Luckily I'm not paying all of this (we're splitting it) so I guess I have the same amount as you. Haha.


Anyways, about the 3.0 CL: any pros and cons? Things to look out for?
 
[quote name='LiquidNight']my thoughts exactly, although I'm not sure which of the 2 I should go for.

the Camry -
Pros: cheaper, has higher mpg
Cons: clutch sometimes slips ot of 5th, no radio (is it illegal to drive while listening to an mp3 player?), older

the MX 3 -
Pros - < 100,000 miles, free (although mostly useless) stuff, younger
Cons - lower mpg, more expensive, insurance might be higher due to it being a sports car

which one do you guys think I should go for?[/quote]

Talk to an insurance agent about the insurance difference, they'll be able to compare the two side by side. I don't see mileage listed with the Camry, and not having a radio is simple to remedy, but I do believe it is illegal to drive with headphones (you could listen to an mp3 player with one ear though, as long as you pay attention to traffic noises. Still, I'd stay away from the Camry - it has a new clutch, but slips out of fifth, so they either installed it poorly, or there is something potentially more serious (transmission?) wrong with it. Of the two, based on the descriptions, I'd go with the MX 3.

To the OP, I can't imagine anyone saying to themselves, "I've got $10,000 to spend, I think I'll buy a 5 year old Hyundai." As mentioned, they have gotten a lot better recently, but you can get a much better car for that kind of money without even trying really hard. The Acura may be a good suggestion, they are very nice cars, but be sure to keep the cost of maintenance and repairs in mind. Can you/he afford to fix the car if something goes wrong? Can he even afford scheduled maintenance visits? It might make sense to buy a slightly less expensive car, and put the rest of the money in a "maintenance" savings account.
 
[quote name='guessed']
To the OP, I can't imagine anyone saying to themselves, "I've got $10,000 to spend, I think I'll buy a 5 year old Hyundai." As mentioned, they have gotten a lot better recently, but you can get a much better car for that kind of money without even trying really hard. The Acura may be a good suggestion, they are very nice cars, but be sure to keep the cost of maintenance and repairs in mind. Can you/he afford to fix the car if something goes wrong? Can he even afford scheduled maintenance visits? It might make sense to buy a slightly less expensive car, and put the rest of the money in a "maintenance" savings account.[/QUOTE]

Hmm I suppose that is reasonable logic. Any cars in mind? Here's a list of cars I have saved on AutoTrader that I'm somewhat interested in. If anyone could give any insight, I would appreciate it.


99 Acura 3.0CL $9K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...price=1&end_year=2007&start_year=1996&lang=en

98 Acura 3.2TL $7800
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...price=1&end_year=2007&start_year=1996&lang=en

98 Audi A4 2.8 Sedan Quattro Sedan $9K
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/model...100000&only_price=1&drive=&color=&ref=#vdptop

98 Audi A4 2.8 Sedan Quattro Sedan $9K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&body_style=SEDAN&doors=Four+Door&fuel=&lang=

02 Dodge Neon $6K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...in_price=&end_year=2007&start_year=1997&lang=

02 Dodge Neon S $6K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...make=DODGE&advanced=&max_price=&model=DODNEON

98 Honda Civic LX Sedan $7K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...price=1&end_year=2007&start_year=1996&lang=en

00 Honda Civic $7K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...price=1&end_year=2007&start_year=1996&lang=en

00 Honda Civic LX Sedan $7K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...price=1&end_year=2007&start_year=1996&lang=en

02 Hyundai Sonata $7700
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...g|Q-descending|X-popular|Z-98198&aff=national

01 Hyundai XG300 $7500
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ax_price=10000&advanced=y&only_price=1&color=

98 Mazda 626 $6K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&max_price=&advanced=&search_type=used&model=

99 Mazda 626 $6500
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ax_price=10000&advanced=y&only_price=1&color=

98 Mazda 626 $4650
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...price=12000&advanced=&search_type=used&model=

02 Nissan Altima $10K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...rice=&advanced=&search_type=used&model=ALTIMA

02 Nissan Altima $10K
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ress=98198&advanced=&end_year=2007&max_price=

01 Nissan Sentra $6300
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ax_price=10000&advanced=y&only_price=1&color=

00 Toyota Corolla VE $8500
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&max_price=&advanced=&search_type=used&model=

00 Toyota Corolla LE $6500
http://my.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...lang=&make=TOYOTA&advanced=&max_price=&model=
 
As much as I love my dad's audi and audis in general, theres no point getting a cheap one. Any damage at all is going to cost more than the car itself in repairs. The parts are a bitch to replace. This is why I didnt get the 05 A4. Parts, and insurance is high as hell. Good thing too, both accidents (not my fault) wouldve been at least double in price.
 
I'd stick with a Honda/Acura or Toyota personally. You can find a lot of great Accords, Integras, Civivs, Camry's etc. in your price range. They offer good fuel economy and unbeatable reliability for the money. They also hold their value very, very well.
 
My wife and I drive an '02 Hyundai Elantra GT. It's held up just fine over the years. My only problem with the car is that it doesn't get anywhere near the MPG Hyundai claims, and I've heard similar complaints from the few Hyundai owners I know personally.
 
Mine is supposed to get 25-26 City and 31-32 Highway, and I rarely see anything above 27 on long trips. In the winter it's especially bad, usually down around 20-22 combined. I keep the car regularly serviced, too, so it's not a "dirty" engine or low tires thing.

I realize it's only 5 MPG, but it's one of those things that nags, especially seeing as how a big criteria for me was MPG performance. The other owners I know are also seeing performance that just seems a little "off" as in my case.
 
Would you say the quality on your Hyundai seems cheap? Members here are saying the 02 Sonata I'm looking at may be be "Pre-Hyundai Revolution" in terms of quality.
 
[quote name='Moxio']Would you say the quality on your Hyundai seems cheap? Members here are saying the 02 Sonata I'm looking at may be be "Pre-Hyundai Revolution" in terms of quality.[/QUOTE]
Well, I paid next to nothing for the car, so saying that it is "cheap" isn't necessarily pejorative in this context.

However, I think the car I bought (2002 Elantra GT -- the hatchback -- for $13K flat) is of a relatively high quality for $13K. I got a full compliment of options on the car at that price (moonroof, ABS, full airbags, etc) that would have cost me quite a bit more had I gone Toyota or Honda. Like I said, aside from the MPG, the car has held up really well: nothing's busted or jerry rigged, and my wife and I don't exactly baby the car. We just drive it, fill it up, put air in the tires occasionally, and take it in for regular service when the dealership tells us to.

From what I understand, though, the Elantra was the car that Hyundai wanted to break into the US market with. I got the car with the 100K/10 yr warranty, which was a pretty bold warranty at that time. I'm just getting around to saying that the Sonata and Elantra may be entirely different beasts in terms of quality (to support other members' claims). However, if Hyundai gave their '02 cars "Revolution" treatment across the board, then I would expect that the 2002 Sonata you're looking at is comparable to my 2002 Elantra GT in terms of quality. And for what I paid, I'm very happy with the quality of the car.

I don't know what the other members know about 2002 Hyundais, but from my own experience I feel like they have as much quality in them as an equivalent model 2002 Toyota or Honda (at least at the $20k or less price point).
 
heh, as expected, it was too good to be true.

the guy told us the car is in the UK and that he would send it to us for $2500 shipped for a car that's KBB value is ~$15,000 :roll:
 
[quote name='Moxio']Heh cool.

Luckily I'm not paying all of this (we're splitting it) so I guess I have the same amount as you. Haha.


Anyways, about the 3.0 CL: any pros and cons? Things to look out for?[/QUOTE]


pros:
tight steering,comfortable ride,very roomy for a coupe,its picks up pretty quick,and its a very durable car.

cons:
i really cant think of any cons...i think its a solid car all around but i bet there are some that i dont even know about.

i just looked at some stuff on cars.com about the car...27 mpg for a 3.0 200bhp 6cyl isnt that bad i would think..
 
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