Best used car around $5k?

[Anonymous]

We are looking to get a used car to basically get my kids to and from day care, about 2 miles away, but also to run local errands, etc. We have a handful of reasons why we don't want to invest in a more expensive car which aren't relevant to the post.

Any advice on reputable sources for best values in this price range? Or advice on what cars in general?

[Anonymous]

I'm also interested in a similar used vehicle. Anything but a Corolla (never again).

[Anonymous]

Do you have time to look around and check things out? If so, I'd go with Craigslist. Find a type of car you like (Honda Accord, maybe?), ask to see the car and take it to a trusted mechanic. Spend the $80-100 to get it checked out thoroughly and, if whatever repairs are needed seem manageable, buy it. You'll get much more car for your money than you would with any used car dealership or Carmax

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have time to look around and check things out? If so, I'd go with Craigslist. Find a type of car you like (Honda Accord, maybe?), ask to see the car and take it to a trusted mechanic. Spend the $80-100 to get it checked out thoroughly and, if whatever repairs are needed seem manageable, buy it. You'll get much more car for your money than you would with any used car dealership or Carmax

We can make time to go check cars, but I wouldn't want to take too many to a mechanic. Looking for how to figure out a starting point for this price? And how many miles?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have time to look around and check things out? If so, I'd go with Craigslist. Find a type of car you like (Honda Accord, maybe?), ask to see the car and take it to a trusted mechanic. Spend the $80-100 to get it checked out thoroughly and, if whatever repairs are needed seem manageable, buy it. You'll get much more car for your money than you would with any used car dealership or Carmax

We did that 5 years ago. The car passed inspections by the State and a trusted mechanic, then had major issues on the 6th day. We couldn't even get the seller to respond to our emails, let alone talk about adjusting the price. It was a costly repair (1/3 the purchase price). In contrast, Carmax not only repaired my partner's car, but loaned him a vehicle so we weren't short a car.

[Anonymous]

You probably want peace of mind since you don't want to be stranded with kids in the car, so go to a place like Carmax. You pay a bit more, but the quality will be better. Generally, go for newer model year-wise, even if it's a lesser car. For example, you can probably get a base Corolla or Civic taht's only a few years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You probably want peace of mind since you don't want to be stranded with kids in the car, so go to a place like Carmax. You pay a bit more, but the quality will be better. Generally, go for newer model year-wise, even if it's a lesser car. For example, you can probably get a base Corolla or Civic taht's only a few years old.

Great advice. I hadn't considered this. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Ford Focus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ford Focus.

Its actually the car my husband drives. I wouldn't be opposed to two in the family but its probably in that range. His isn't that old but I remember him saying they hold their value quite poorly.

[Anonymous]

I bought an $8000 Toyota Camry over 10 years ago. Still driving it. I think Toyota will cost less than a Honda but last just as long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I bought an $8000 Toyota Camry over 10 years ago. Still driving it. I think Toyota will cost less than a Honda but last just as long.

I'll add that I'd rather have an older better car than a newer lesser car. You can get an extra 80000-100000 miles out of a Toyota or Honda and still spend next to nothing on maintenance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You probably want peace of mind since you don't want to be stranded with kids in the car, so go to a place like Carmax. You pay a bit more, but the quality will be better. Generally, go for newer model year-wise, even if it's a lesser car. For example, you can probably get a base Corolla or Civic taht's only a few years old.

Great advice. I hadn't considered this. Thank you.

+1 We've purchased three cars from Carmax, all in great shape.

[Anonymous]

Carmax Gaitherburg has a 95000 mile Ford Focus for $8600 30 day bumper to bumper

I have no affiliation with them but have bought several vehicles there

[Anonymous]

I would use CarGurus.com to judge value.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have time to look around and check things out? If so, I'd go with Craigslist. Find a type of car you like (Honda Accord, maybe?), ask to see the car and take it to a trusted mechanic. Spend the $80-100 to get it checked out thoroughly and, if whatever repairs are needed seem manageable, buy it. You'll get much more car for your money than you would with any used car dealership or Carmax

We did that 5 years ago. The car passed inspections by the State and a trusted mechanic, then had major issues on the 6th day. We couldn't even get the seller to respond to our emails, let alone talk about adjusting the price. It was a costly repair (1/3 the purchase price). In contrast, Carmax not only repaired my partner's car, but loaned him a vehicle so we weren't short a car.

Sorry that happened, pp. I'm the ppp (who you responded to). We've bought four cars this way and haven't had any problems with any of them. Do pay attention to the person that you're buying from. I bought our Prius from a nice family in McLean and everything was very smooth. We contacted them with questions later and they responded, we brought back something they have left in the car... it really was ideal.