Recommendations for a $6k or less car

[Anonymous]

My poor car was totaled. I had a 2013 Nissan rogue with $100k miles on it. Insurance is cutting me a check for $6500 after my deductible. Normally I would use this money as a down payment but I’m actually moving overseas next year so I don’t want to get into a loan. Can someone recommend a super cheap car that only needs to behave for a year or less?

[Anonymous]

Do you absolutely need a car all the time for this year or can you use public transit and just rent when you need it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My poor car was totaled. I had a 2013 Nissan rogue with $100k miles on it. Insurance is cutting me a check for $6500 after my deductible. Normally I would use this money as a down payment but I’m actually moving overseas next year so I don’t want to get into a loan. Can someone recommend a super cheap car that only needs to behave for a year or less?

Nobody can recommend a car based on your recommendations. You must just look around to see what's available in your price range obviously.

You might find an older truck, or a newer sedan, or anything in between. If only keeping it a year, might want to consider a lease.

[Anonymous]

Older Camry is where I would go for this. Most of DCUM isn’t aware cheap cars exist. But a Camry often will drive several hundred thousand miles and there are parts everywhere so easy to fix, something you want to take into consideration. Don’t get something more rare…it will be difficult to find parts. No Saturns or anything discontinued either.

[Anonymous]

Small to medium size toyota or honda is where I'd look - Camry suggestion is good, Corolla, Accord, Civic, and small Mazdas.

[Anonymous]

The problem with a car that cheap is that at any time, you could get a substantial repair bill. I’d look for a basic trim level Honda or Toyota. You could even expand your search with a newer car but with high miles. You’ll have to do a little leg work to see if the car was maintained well. Thats the key at that price level.

[Anonymous]

Do the math. You probably don't need a car. Invest the money instead.

[Anonymous]

Do a long term rental. Lots of options

[Anonymous]

You might have to cough up another $3K or so to get a used, decent car. Then, with $9500 in hand, try out some cars at CarMax in your price range.

[Anonymous]

I like Honda Fits, they are relatively cheap and reliable. It is possible to find one for $6500 if you don’t count dealer fees and taxes, which is another $1500.

[Anonymous]

I just sold my Acura TSX 2010
To carmax for 4700. Still in perfect running condition.

[Anonymous]

You can take your car overseas. Done this many times. It just cost a couple grand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem with a car that cheap is that at any time, you could get a substantial repair bill. I’d look for a basic trim level Honda or Toyota. You could even expand your search with a newer car but with high miles. You’ll have to do a little leg work to see if the car was maintained well. Thats the key at that price level.

I want to amend my answer. I think you should also consider an older “luxury” car. Some of them are built really well and will last a long time if properly maintained. I’m referring to Lexuses and Acuras.

[Anonymous]

Can you lease something until you leave? That way you don’t have to deal with resale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you lease something until you leave? That way you don’t have to deal with resale.

Could also consider a lease takeover that doesn’t have too long left.