Buying a used car

**Christy** · 01-20-2012, 05:27 PM

Has anyone ever bought a used car?

It seems to be almost more complicated than buying a new car! Do you think buying a certified pre-owned is the way to go or do you just take a chance and get one one from a private party on craigslist?

I tried to buy a VW Jetta on Monday, and the car drove fine, a family friend mechanic took it for a drive and a brief inspection (didn't hook it up to computers or anything), and said it was a good car. As I was signing the contract they couldn't get the car to start so after 3 hrs haggling at the dealer I have no car. I was going to skip purchasing the warranty $1755 for a 3 yr, so luckily the car died on the lot and not my driveway!

I'm thinking of getting a civic now, and taking it to a mechanic who does more rigorous testing. Any used car advice?

**Doug** · 01-20-2012, 05:36 PM

I had very good luck with the last used car I bought in 2004. I'm still driving it today and it hardly ever has any problems at all and it's got over 200,000 miles on it. It's 1995 Toyota Tercel. I guess if I were to offer some advice, I would say to go to a reputable dealer -- not just a rinky dink place -- one that also sells new cars -- and buy Japanese! I always get Toyotas.

**techpro** · 01-20-2012, 09:20 PM

I recently got a 2006 Toyota Prius ( 50 miles per gallon so far) from a craigslist's seller for half the price of the dealer. The down side is that you have to pay cash or have a certified check for the funds.

Buying one from a dealer is also a great idea

The seller got the Carfax report for me or you can get it yourself by noting the VIN number during your test drive.

The card has performed very well. Well you know how got Toyotas are

.

**Jess** · 01-20-2012, 11:31 PM

I second Doug. Always buy Japanese.

**fredgarvin** · 01-21-2012, 05:18 AM

consider used car auctions from the rent-a-car companies.

I bought my KIA there and its been great, for a fantastic price. They also usually include a generous warrantee!

**Mario** · 01-22-2012, 08:42 PM

VW isn't that great. They've gotten plenty of bad reviews lately. I heard the ones sold in Europe are much better (looks like we get the lemons).

First thing you should do is RUN, far away from that dealership. Was it a small independent dealership? It's a million times better to buy from one associated with a manufacturer.

**Christy** · 01-23-2012, 10:13 AM

No, it was a large dealership that sold new VW's and used. Techpro, that's great gas mileage and great that you paid half the price buying from a private party. I think after what happened to me I'm going to do the certified pre-owned...it's just too risky the other way. Plus we had a lot of flooding in my area, so I could end up with a car that's been flooded if I buy from a private party..

**Largo** · 02-02-2012, 01:21 AM

Indeed it takes a lot of work, more than buying a new one, because you have to take into account more variables.

I bought a used Hyundai from a small dealership 3 or 4 months ago and so far I've been lucky as it hasn't given me problems. I did have to change the timing belt and water pump, and later get new tires, but now I just have to worry about regular maintenance and I'll drive it until it dies, hopefully not before the next year and a half or so.

**acky85** · 02-02-2012, 10:20 AM

This post totally hasn't lived up to my expectations of America, I thought you all drove 5litre V8's not KIA's and Toyota's haha.

America might be different but I cant think of that many people that own brand new cars, most are second hand of various ages

Mario is right (even as a VW enthusiast) 95 - early 2000 cars all had lots of common faults on them. BMWs were the same from my experience. From what I have seen the newer cars are better.

I'm not sure if they are available in the US but Seat are one to look out for, the Seat Leon is the same as a VW Golf, same chassis interchanegable interiors etc. Just badged up different with different shells and are therefore a bit cheaper, atleast in the UK.

The non starting Jetta could have been something as simple as a dodgy ignition coil and incompetent mechanic.

**Mario** · 02-02-2012, 02:56 PM

Well if you go to other parts ofthe South and the midwest, you find plenty of people that drive big pickup trucks and SUVs, even if they don't work in construction.

When it comes to Sedans for middle class buyers, the split is between Japanese (Nissan, Honda, Toyota) and American (GM, Ford). Many retirees buy Buick and Lincoln.