Overhaulin'

19 year old looking for ways to buy a cheap used car?

I can't save all my money just to buy a car its hard. Im 19 years old. I been working at the same job for a year and 5 months and been paying a phone bill on time for 6 months. What's the best ways for me to buy a used car?

Public Comments

1. You need (1) money OR (1) good credit (2) and good job OR (1) good co-signer === My suggestion is to save enough money. You can get very good car just few thousand dollars. It just take lot of hard work to search it out. MSNBC had a news story on where is the best places to buy used cars. The used car dealers were on the BOTTOM of the list. They are pros at negotiations (and you and I are rank amateurs), they are pros at hiding problems on their cars, etc. The private sales (newspaper, etc.) were the best places. The seller will not tell you all the problems, but they don't know how to hide them. And a private seller are at MOST they are equal in negotiation skills to you and me. === My 94 Civic can get 41 MPG (and I was doing 72 for the mileage test - so I can do even better at 55). The engine + tranny + suspension runs like new. It ain't no beauty but it is rock solid. If I had to sell it, I would not get more than few thousand dollars. This is the kind of car you want to look for. Just take your time, as good old used cars are cheap but hard to come by. Good Luck... =========== Here's some rules you should consider when buying a used car (1) don't get sold on the paint job = meaning cars having good exterior, fancy CD radio, etc. (2) look for car with sound ENGINE + TRANNY + SUSPENSION. (3) test every button, knob, switch, slider, etc.. Ex: even in the summer test out the heater & even in the winter test out the AC (if you can). Slide the AC/heater to fan1, fan2, fan3, etc. then slid the vent to defrost, front, bottom, etc. Test the high beam, low beam, etc. Test (flip) the visor. Test the alarm. Test all 4 doors. Test the rear defogger. ***** TEST EVERYTHING. (4) BEFORE the first start, open the engine bay and see if the engine is already warmed up. Many engines starts well when already warmed up, but may have problems when cold (or cold start). (5) test drive with the sound system off and window down. Listen for weird sound coming from the wheels & suspension. (6) Look inside the engine bay to see if you can see see leaks, etc. It is normal to see some oil and grease. But too much means that the car is leaking oil somewhere. Too clean (really clean) means they just wash the engine bay - possibly hiding some oil leaks. (7) check the engine oil dip stick. If the oil is BRAND NEW CLEAN, the seller MIGHT be hiding something. If the oil is jet black and /or smells like gasoline (or burnt), you might have engine problem). (8) once you are satisfied with the above - you can NOW take it to the mechanic for the engine + tranny + suspension inspection. He won't find everything, but he will find the obvious. Take it to a mechanic EVEN if you are buying from a used car dealer. They cars are NO better than cars you buy from ebay and craigslist.com. Just more expensive. good Luck...
2. call my friend Car-L , He has some starting at 500 bucks. Greenwood,ny area 607-225-4372
3. Auto auctions are a great way to obtain a used car, However I highly recommend you bring along someone who knows about mechanics so prior to the auction beginning they can help you get a good deal not a lemon. Another option is to look in the Senior Citizen communities, you are bound to get a decent car that has low miles and is very well maintenance. However Saving money is the key as a new car on very good credit with a 3 year payment plan can cost you 500.00 monthly for car payment, around 300.00 for annual tags and registration renewal, not to mention gas costs, maint. costs and insurance will be high due to the car being new and you being young. For an easier route used may be much more financially wise.
4. You could scour the airports for people who want to dump their cars quickly, lots of great deals to be made there but time consuming and you need to have the cash on you which could be hazardous. Online there are also some great resources, even though you might have to pay a small fee to become a member, this could save you money, time and give you a whole lot more choice. http://pinurl.com/cheap_cars http://pinurl.com/car_auction Hope this helps, good hunting!
5. Go to a car auction. You can get a car there for less than what you would pay at a dealership. Good luck!
6. I guess you should also check insurance quotes for the car before buying one, for example here: http://carquotes.fateback.com Young drivers usually have much higher rates than others. And it depends from car.