Overhaulin'

Car payment or buy a used cheap car?

I have no more than $2000 to spend. I am quite handy and can do most repairs on my own. Should I take on yet another monthly expense or should I spend the 2 grand and take my chances? If used should it be import or domestic?

Public Comments

1. normal car!
2. import all the way when buying a used heap....they are more durable
3. Get you a domestic, 2 g's is down payment for a pontiac GTO!!!
4. If you're good with cars, you will know that finding the right used car is important. It takes patience to pick out a used car but the benefits are worth it. Drive on!!!
5. it depends on where you gonna use the car.,
6. If repairs aren't a concern I would get a used car. import's will last much longer and require much less maintenance. Always get someone to FULLY check everything first. ebay is a good start, you can search for vehicles in your area at http://www.ebaymotors.com
7. well i say buy a used car and save the rest for gas or repairs
8. Nothing like a new car! I have a new mini cooper and its the best, there something about knowing the history of every scratch, every pot hole, every amazing roadtrip its been to. I've had a used car before it always felt wrong, like it was a rental car and not quite mine. Plus the logistics, better fuel efficiency, better life expectancy of the car and possible your self considering the improvements of most cars these days. You must figure that $100-200 even $300 that you might be spending monthly for a new car will pay for itself in the future with all of those previous benefits. New is best, just not the cheapest. If you do go used go import. They have a higher resale value and fewer mechnical issues to deal with.
9. It is difficult to find a drivable car for $2000. If a family or church member is willing to give you a break, it is possible. Barring that, I suggest an new car like the Toyota Tercel, which is well built and gets very good gas milage.
10. A good used car anything made be ToYota. They last 4 ever. Oh! Nothing to big like a SUV/Truck - remember gas prices.
11. That's a reasonable downpayment on a half decent car. Why not get a fairly new used car (like an end-of-lease) deal with warranty, etc., and decent monthly payments. To buy a used car for that, you're likely to be spending a lot in parts even if you can do the labour yourself.