I am looking for a good dealer to go to for a car priced under $5,000 for my GF.
I have worked at both Northtown and West Herr, so I know to never buy what they market as a “value car” (West Herr) or “pre auction vehicle” (Northtown Auto). These vehicles shouldn’t even be sold at auctions in most cases.
I also wouldn’t ever advise her to go to “buy here pay here” dealers. High milage cars with high financing. And don’t get me started on Auction Direct USA.
Upon research I’ve marked off some that I would’ve looked at. Ex) Jim Mazz Auto (horrible sales practices) - Corey Auto Sales Inc (very rude and shitty cars).
Ideas? Privately is an option as well. It’s just hard to find something not beat on such as a Civic around here. And the Celica’s I’ve seen are too overpriced and many need the lift bolts or synchros done.
My list of options:
Toyota Camry
Honda Civic
Toyota Celica
Acura Integra
Basically anything that will be fun to drive and reliable- either stick or auto (preferably auto).
I recently sold a Impreza 2.5RS that would’ve been perfect BLAH
Additionally, if this car is for a girl…out of your list, you might as well strickly shop for the toyota. All the other cars you’ve listed have a MUCH greater chance of having been owned/beaten on by some punk kid who thought it was a sweet tuner-car. A toyota camry is likely to have been owned by some housewife-tunred-secretary that drives 20miles a day max and takes it to the dealer for regular service.
Buy private party, and finance through a local credit union. Rates are in the 3% range right now, can’t really go wrong.
Yeah that is what I thought as well. Only thing that I hate about private sale is no lemon law or anything- “as is”. I would have her take the vehicle to a mechanic to check it out of course.
My brothers Camry has 256K and is still going strong. And yes, credit unions are the best I belong to Summit Federal.
Over at Northtown I remember this Jeep Cherokee we sold, the oil plug was rusted so bad you couldn’t get it off to change the oil.
EDIT: I think she could pay cash for a vehicle privately even after taxes and reg. fees.
Guess what, you’re buying a $5000 car. Either suck it up and deal with the fact that you’re buying as-is or double your budget. Find someone who’s mechanically inclined and have them go with you when you look at these cars. The most warranty you’re going to get at a dealer in that price range is 30 days anyway. Most mechanics can look over a car and be pretty confident it’s going to go 30 days without issue.
At under $5k you should really just be watching craigslist with cash in hand ready to jump when a good deal pops up. Not shopping dealers and expecting warranties.
why? your logic sucks. for a young person that needs a decent vehicle that wont break every other month a 5k car is great. finance it for a few years and have a payment around 150 a month. my first loan was 4500 for a used car. helped me build credit and i got a good car that never left me stranded while still being able to afford going to school with no student loans. might have had to do some repairs here and there but really no big deal.
op you are much better off going private party. youll be hard pressed to find what youre looking for at a dealership.