Know Nothing About Cars. Is This Used SX4 Worth Pursuing?

[The_Golden_Bee]

Hi,

I am buying my first car.
Budget around $7000.   

If you can believe it, I am over 30 and have never done this before! I know nothing about cars.  I've read the MMM used car guide and I know Suzuki SX4s have good gas mileage, are reliable, have AWD and are a little bigger than the Honda Fit, which I need hauling kids and gear around town.

These two options at local dealers have caught my eye.  Both are older but have low miles (in the mid 60's): https://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2008-suzuki-sx4-crossover/6355109764.html
https://www.peruzzitoyota.com/used-Hatfield-2008-Suzuki-SX4-AWD-JS2YB417X85105102

I know I could get a better price from a private seller, but as a woman going alone, I feel safer with a dealer and am willing to pay a little more for that security.

Now that Suzuki is out of the car business, would maintenance on these beauties get really pricey?  What do you car-literate Mustachians think?  Keep looking (I'm not in a rush), or make an offer?

KBB lists a fair purchase price at $5822

Thank you for your time!

[WhiteTrashCash]

Hi,

I am buying my first car.
Budget around $7000.   

If you can believe it, I am over 30 and have never done this before! I know nothing about cars.  I've read the MMM used car guide and I know Suzuki SX4s have good gas mileage, are reliable, have AWD and are a little bigger than the Honda Fit, which I need hauling kids and gear around town.

These two options at local dealers have caught my eye.  Both are older but have low miles (in the mid 60's): https://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2008-suzuki-sx4-crossover/6355109764.html
https://www.peruzzitoyota.com/used-Hatfield-2008-Suzuki-SX4-AWD-JS2YB417X85105102

I know I could get a better price from a private seller, but as a woman going alone, I feel safer with a dealer and am willing to pay a little more for that security.

Now that Suzuki is out of the car business, would maintenance on these beauties get really pricey?  What do you car-literate Mustachians think?  Keep looking (I'm not in a rush), or make an offer?

KBB lists a fair purchase price at $5822

Thank you for your time!

Automobile manufacturers are required to provide new parts for their vehicles for ten years after manufacture, so parts will not be hard to come by for this vehicle, despite Suzuki leaving the auto business. If you drive it a Mustachian amount, then you probably won't need many repairs anyway and you could probably do most of the maintenance yourself.

I have a friend who drove an SX4 for a long time and he was happy with it.

AWD isn't really useful and it reduces the fuel economy of vehicles, so that's something you might want to keep in mind. It's not the same as having 4WD.

[The_Golden_Bee]

Thank you!  I didn't know that about parts being available or the "non-benefits" of AWD.  I so appreciate your take.  Good luck on you FIRe journey -- what an inspiration is your story!

[Debts_of_Despair]

That price seems crazy for a 10 YO Suzuki.  I couldn't see paying more than $4500.  I would expand your search to other models.

[sequoia]

I know I could get a better price from a private seller, but as a woman going alone, I feel safer with a dealer and am willing to pay a little more for that security.

I am a guy who knows cars pretty well. imo unless you know someone trusted in that dealer that does not try to screw you, in my experience dealing with dealer is worst than private seller. My advice is to find an independent mechanic who you can trust (ask friend and family), and pay for pre-purchase inspection before you buy the car. If the seller (dealer or private party) do not allow you do to this, then you run away from that car :)

That sounds expensive for that suzuki, but maybe that is the going rate in your area.

[The_Golden_Bee]

@Debts_of_Despair and @sequoia 

Thank you so much for your take.  I hadn't considered asking our family mechanic to have a look.  Would I ask the private seller to bring the car to my mechanic, and then have him look it over?  That's a great idea, and it feels safer, too.

And I appreciate the feedback on the price.  Fortunately, I'm not in a rush.  I have the luxury of hunting for a really good deal.

[sequoia]

@Debts_of_Despair and @sequoia 

Thank you so much for your take.  I hadn't considered asking our family mechanic to have a look.  Would I ask the private seller to bring the car to my mechanic, and then have him look it over?  That's a great idea, and it feels safer, too.

And I appreciate the feedback on the price.  Fortunately, I'm not in a rush.  I have the luxury of hunting for a really good deal.

Most likely, if it is private seller, they will take the car to the mechanic themself - they probably wont just give the key to a stranger. You just need to arrange arrange the time that works for both the seller and your mechanic. If buying from dealer, they should let you borrow the car for a few hour, most likely just hand you the key. The few time I tried to buy cars from dealer, they encourage me to take it for a few days :)