Author Topic: 4000-5000 car budget  (Read 6245 times)

doneby35

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4000-5000 car budget
« on: January 19, 2017, 08:10:44 AM »
My wife and I were sharing a single car because she was stay-at-home but she just got job offer that requires a vehicle.
I was thinking somewhere around 4000-5000 for a good condition used car off of craigslist. What would be a good option? or is that too low of a budget?
Few small cars I was thinking about: 2009-2010 honda fit, honda civic, chevrolet spark... not quite sure yet.

lbmustache

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2017, 11:00:08 AM »
2006-2010 Elantra
Any year Civic, Corolla, Camry, or Accord
Any year Yaris (Fit is a good choice and a bit more spacious but usually has more of a price premium over the Yaris)

KMMK

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2017, 11:33:39 AM »
Accent as well. I'm quite happy with mine.

KBecks

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2017, 11:35:40 AM »
Private sale Honda.

neo von retorch

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2017, 02:54:33 PM »
http://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/3615259005001/chevrolet-spark-2014-2015-quick-drive/

Quote
The Chevrolet Spark tries to make cheap economy cars less bland by bright colors and a fancy stereo. But the car is loud, noisy, slow and uncomfortable. Fuel economy isn't that impressive either.

Given the above, I would not include this car in your search.

Make sure any 2009-2010 Fits have their airbag recalls serviced, and personally I prefer the 2007-2008 Fits if you can find them :)

doneby35

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2017, 02:56:54 PM »
Ok chevrolet spark removed. What would be considered way too high for mileage? I could be wrong but I would think disregarding anything above 100,000 miles?

neo von retorch

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2017, 02:58:27 PM »
No, in your budget I think up to 125k-130k is reasonable. But just for example, yesterday I saw a 2007/8 Fit Sport (auto) with 94k for only $4400. So if you can snag one like that and it doesn't seem all beat up, it's probably a good buy!

ketchup

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2017, 02:59:22 PM »
Accent as well. I'm quite happy with mine.
Same here.  My '09 was only a thousand bucks last year with high miles (250k) and a bad heater core (which I fixed).  A coworker for mine though got a 2010 with 40k on it in perfect shape for less than five grand.

EDIT: Keep Nissan in mind too.  My dad got an '07 Sentra a couple years back with 80k for $3700 (I think).
« Last Edit: January 19, 2017, 03:02:26 PM by ketchup »

Kevin S.

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2017, 02:59:54 PM »
I would try and find the lowest mile prius, fit or 1st gen xb.

Good luck !

HPstache

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2017, 03:36:54 PM »
I'm a pretty big fan of the manual transmission 1998-2000 Honda Civic HX.  You can pick one up for $1000+ or so below you budget.  40+ MPG
« Last Edit: January 19, 2017, 03:40:27 PM by v8rx7guy »

doneby35

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2017, 03:59:22 PM »
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Metric Mouse

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2017, 01:52:37 AM »
I'd look at Honda. I'm sure nothing on the list would be a terrible choice though.

Davids

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #12 on: January 20, 2017, 08:20:50 AM »
A 2006 Corolla with 100k miles should go for $4K if it is in very good condition. That would be a solid choice.

Greystache

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #13 on: January 20, 2017, 08:29:27 AM »
Pontiac Vibe. It is the same as a Toyota Matrix (same drive train, instrument panel, etc. and built in the same factory).  Because it has the Pontiac nameplate, it typically goes for less than a similar Toyota.

Kevin S.

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #14 on: January 20, 2017, 09:24:14 AM »
Pontiac Vibe. It is the same as a Toyota Matrix (same drive train, instrument panel, etc. and built in the same factory).  Because it has the Pontiac nameplate, it typically goes for less than a similar Toyota.


be careful on the transmission on those ! I have seen quite a few take a dump early in it's life cycle.

Motor is solid but likes to drink oil after a while.

I really wanted a vibe/matrix - due to space, mpg, Toyota reliability but then I started seeing them come in to the old dealership I worked at.

OP just find the newest, safest, low mileage - Honda, Toyota or the like that you can find.

Also the Suzuki sx4 that my brother in law had was reliable during his ownership of 100k / 10 yrs


khangaroo

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #15 on: January 20, 2017, 03:46:28 PM »
Look for a Civic or Camry. These have been the easiest cars to maintain in my opinion. I have a 99 Camry with 174k miles and still drives like a dream.

I would also ask your friends first too if they're looking to sell their cars. I got a screaming deal from my gf's aunt on her BMW 330xi for $4k and I didn't even know she was selling it! The car was a steal. So reach out and get that family/friend discount!

Greenly Spirits

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #16 on: January 24, 2017, 12:06:10 PM »
In that price range, we've bought 2 Kia Rios and a Hyundai Accent, all with less than 90k miles on them (and standard transmissions). The Accent was totaled that same month we bought it, so I can't really comment on how it was. We've had an 05 Rio for almost 6 years and an 09 Rio for 3 1/5 years. They've only ever needed routine maintenance. Both now have about 110k miles on them and I expect them to run a long time still. I think the mpg could be better and the road noise in the 05 is a bit loud, but I'm not a car person and don't really care much beyond cost, mpg, and easy to park.

EconDiva

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #17 on: January 24, 2017, 02:40:58 PM »
Look for a Civic or Camry. These have been the easiest cars to maintain in my opinion. I have a 99 Camry with 174k miles and still drives like a dream.

I would also ask your friends first too if they're looking to sell their cars. I got a screaming deal from my gf's aunt on her BMW 330xi for $4k and I didn't even know she was selling it! The car was a steal. So reach out and get that family/friend discount!

Hey now!

I think I got bashed last time I mentioned wanting to buy a BMW for around that price...not very mustachian in the world of repairs I guess :(

Metric Mouse

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #18 on: January 25, 2017, 01:04:14 AM »
Look for a Civic or Camry. These have been the easiest cars to maintain in my opinion. I have a 99 Camry with 174k miles and still drives like a dream.

I would also ask your friends first too if they're looking to sell their cars. I got a screaming deal from my gf's aunt on her BMW 330xi for $4k and I didn't even know she was selling it! The car was a steal. So reach out and get that family/friend discount!

Hey now!

I think I got bashed last time I mentioned wanting to buy a BMW for around that price...not very mustachian in the world of repairs I guess :(

I think is it very fair to bash if pictures of these cars are not posted. :D

Villanelle

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #19 on: January 25, 2017, 01:44:23 AM »
I am still in love with my 2000 Toyota Echo.  It's fairly bare-bones (not electric locks or windows, for example), but gets great gas mileage, and has given me no problems.  I'm not driving it right now because I'm overseas, but when I get back in 2019 and get it out of storage [paid for by not-me], Edwin the Echo will go back in to service. 

Mr. Paws

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #20 on: January 25, 2017, 06:46:27 AM »
I had a similar budget to you and I looked for about 6 months trying to find a corolla or civic or something similar.  I checked all the popular car sites and really struggled to find anything that was at least ok quality and less than 150K miles under $5,000.  I once saw a corolla pop up for 4,500 with 100K miles and contacted the guy immediately.  He said he already had several calls and already made a deal.  It was really frustrating but I wasn't desperate so i stayed patient.  I eventually got a 2006 civic for 5,200.  Its in really good condition for its age and has brand new tires.  It may not of been the best deal possible but I was comfortable with it.  Especially since i will keep the car for a long time.

I did test drive a few corollas that were about 10 years old and in the 130K - 150K mileage range.  They were all over $5,000 and were in much worse condition than advertised. Also, i live in a pretty low cost of living area.  Not sure if that matters much on used car pricing though.

Laura Ingalls

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #21 on: January 26, 2017, 06:40:43 PM »
Pontiac Vibe. It is the same as a Toyota Matrix (same drive train, instrument panel, etc. and built in the same factory).  Because it has the Pontiac nameplate, it typically goes for less than a similar Toyota.


be careful on the transmission on those ! I have seen quite a few take a dump early in it's life cycle.

Motor is solid but likes to drink oil after a while.

I really wanted a vibe/matrix - due to space, mpg, Toyota reliability but then I started seeing them come in to the old dealership I worked at.

OP just find the newest, safest, low mileage - Honda, Toyota or the like that you can find.

Also the Suzuki sx4 that my brother in law had was reliable during his ownership of 100k / 10 yrs

I have had great luck with my 2004Vibe.  No tranny problems and has never used any oil. 198k in mileage.

aspiringnomad

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #22 on: January 26, 2017, 10:37:31 PM »
Take a look at the Mazda2.

doneby35

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #23 on: January 31, 2017, 02:40:13 PM »
What about a 07 prius hybrid with 120,000 miles. Found one for $5000 in very good condition. The KBB price is set to 4500 for it though so I'm not sure if that's something that's accurate.

Slow&Steady

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #24 on: January 31, 2017, 02:58:18 PM »
What about a 07 prius hybrid with 120,000 miles. Found one for $5000 in very good condition. The KBB price is set to 4500 for it though so I'm not sure if that's something that's accurate.

I have an 06 Prius with almost 300,000 miles and an 08 Prius with just under 100,000 miles, so I might be biased but I would not be afraid of a Prius with over 100,000 miles.  However, I probably wouldn't pay over KBB for it unless they could give me some really good reasons.  That generation of Prius is one that may or may not need the big batteries replaced, so you might ask some questions about the hybrid battery on the car and research the cost to replace it (if ever needed).

davef

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #25 on: January 31, 2017, 03:45:33 PM »
Are you near Oregon? I have 09 Nissan rogue I am about to put up for sale? It is black, awd, 98k miles excellent mechanical condition, good interior and an exterior in fair condition (it was in 2 fender benders), everything works, runs perfectly. I was planning on listing it for 5k in February. as soon as my wife gets around to replacing it. Not as good of gas mileage as some of the other cars mentioned, but 24 city 30 hwy mpg. We did a 7400 mile road trip last summer ant it cost less than $500 in gas.

MattC

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #26 on: January 31, 2017, 04:39:45 PM »
No offense davef, but I think the Prius would be a good option if you can get the price right.  The Rogue is good if you need the interior space or ground clearance, but it is going to cost you more per year to run.  Call the seller and ask if he or she would sell for the kbb price (or the edmunds price, etc).  Maybe it has some features you're not factoring in.  Or maybe it's in excellent shape, not very good.  And I don't think it's uncommon for people to list a vehicle at $5k but sell for $4.5k or less. 

doneby35

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Re: 4000-5000 car budget
« Reply #27 on: January 31, 2017, 04:55:03 PM »
yeah, he's not budging on the $5000. It's in excellent condition.
I also am looking at a 2010 hyundai accent with 72,000 miles, the lowest they'll take is apparently $4000.

I'm in AZ, not oregon.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!