Buying Used Car- Less than 11K out door

[schutzk21]

Hello everyone. So I am now in the market for a used car as my wife's car was just totaled. We are looking for good fuel economy and something reliable. Does anyone have suggestions for a car that I can possibly get for 11K or less out the door? Please list year and model. I really appreciate your help as this is a very stressful time!

[CorradoJr]

We need more specifics. Sedan, Coupe, SUV, minivan, pickup truck, etc?

What "size" do you need? Small, medium, large?

What was the old car and what did you like/dislike about it?

[dm200]

The annual issue of the Consumer Reports Buying Guide has many suggestions. I believe you could probably review a copy at a library.

[schutzk21]

Sorry about that.

Preferably a sedan or small SUV. Possibly a medium sized sedan. The old car was a Kia Forte. I just liked that it was great on gas. Honestly the biggest thing for me is gas mileage and reliability.

[schutzk21]

I apologize for the double post, but what does everyone think of this car?

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p ... tner=GAZ_0

It is older but has very few miles. Is this a worry? Seems very reasonably priced.

[Watty]

Take a look at rental car sales, you should be able to find a MUCH newer car for about that out the door price that still has a lot of the powertrain warranty left. There have been some recent threads on buying rental cars.

Here is a 2016 Yaris with only 24k miles for $9,500(plus tax) at a Hertz sales lot near me.

https://www.hertzcarsales.com/vehicle-d ... n-14853500

[bubbadog]

If the biggest thing for you is gas mileage and reliability, I have an answer for you. Toyota Prius!

[traveltoomuch]

Look at the Hyundai Elantra. I'd expect to get a 2012-14 model year in your price range, though I'd be content to buy anything fourth generation (2006-10) or newer. Fifth gen will have better gas mileage. Private party is likely to be the highest value; I'd check craigslist.

The Corolla you posted: rubber & plastic bits like strut boots, CV boots, engine mounts, and the rubber bushings on the sway bar links may all need to be replaced consistent with their calendar age, not mileage. Tires are especially prone to this. If they're more than ~4-5 years old, expect to replace them. If they're the original tires, just replace them immediately. I don't see a price at the Carfax link you provide, but I'd expect ~$4-5k to be reasonable. I've bought a garage queen like this before, and I did not regret it. There were definitely surprises (e.g. how bad old tires can be, even with low mileage on them), but it felt like I was driving a new car while paying a used-car price. My Boglehead pride was reinforced every time I got in the car. I would not buy a car this old unless you have a trustworthy mechanic, though. The bills won't necessarily be high (or frequent), but you want someone with good judgement re: whether or not to replace those cracked rubber and plastic bits.

[schutzk21]

I really am starting to look into the Prius. What year and version of the Prius is ideal? We may be able to spend a bit more. Probably up to 15K.

[JMacDonald]

Here is a website that may help you make a decision: http://www.carcomplaints.com

[dm200]

I really am starting to look into the Prius. What year and version of the Prius is ideal? We may be able to spend a bit more. Probably up to 15K.

The 2017 Consumer Reports Buying Guide "Reliable Used Cars for Every Budget" Under $10,000 has the 06-08 Prius. $10,000 - $15,000 has the 09-11 Prius and '12 Prius C. In $15,000 - 20,000 are the '12 - '13 Prius and '13-'14 Prius C.

[dm200]

I really am starting to look into the Prius. What year and version of the Prius is ideal? We may be able to spend a bit more. Probably up to 15K.

The 2017 Consumer Reports Buying Guide "Reliable Used Cars for Every Budget" Under $10,000 has the 06-08 Prius. $10,000 - $15,000 has the 09-11 Prius and '12 Prius C. In $15,000 - 20,000 are the '12 - '13 Prius and '13-'14 Prius C.

I started keeping the annual buying guides to see even older cars that seem to drop off the CR lists due to age.

[schutzk21]

Thank you for that. Are there any other listed cars in the 10-15K range that are reliable with good gas mileage? Buying a used car is stressful.

[traveltoomuch]

Buying a used car is stressful.

Is the stress worth addressing separately? Perhaps a short-term rental will relieve some of the time pressure and, in doing so, enable to the process to be more pleasant?

[schutzk21]

In all honestly, I don't think buying a used car will ever be pleasant for me. If anyone has any advice about a good car to look for in say, the 10-13K range, I would really appreciate it. I just do not know where to start with the process. Should I buy a subscription to consumer reports buying guide?

[bubbadog]

Maybe you should look into Carmax if the car buying process streeses you. You may pay a bit more than a private party used car purchase but I would think it would be less stressful for you. Just and idea.

[schutzk21]

Thanks bubba. Yes, I thought about this as well. But then you can just see the difference and how much more Carmax charges. This makes me want to stay away. I guess it is just a vicious cycle and I have to make up my mind on what I want to do.

[bubbadog]

Private party purchase is not that difficult if you take some reasonable precautions. A pre purchase inspection might cost $100-150, but well worth it. I have been a buyer and seller in private vehicle transactions and have never has a problem. (knock on wood)

Good luck,

[gator1]

Get the Prius and call it a day. When I got mine I was patient and found a used one that had already had the hybrid battery replaced and had a warranty on the battery. The hybrid battery is pretty expensive to replace. I recommend finding one that comes with a warranty(including the battery) or one where they already replaced it. I got mine off a doctors wife, one owner. 50mpg on average. I'm a Toyota guy so recommend it for sure. I also like the Camry's.

[dm200]

Thank you for that. Are there any other listed cars in the 10-15K range that are reliable with good gas mileage? Buying a used car is stressful.

Yes - a lot of them. Get the book at your library.

[dm200]

Keep your ears and eyes open for friends or acquaintences that are selling (or plan to trade in) a good, reliable car. If you can find them, there are a lot of folks that either: 1. Buy a new car every few years, even if the one they have is good; or, 2. Drive only a few miles a year (perhaps 5 or 6,000), take good care of the car and buy a new one after 10-15 years.

Check with local repair shop to hear about such deals.

We bought a 1998 Toyota Camry from long time friends in late 2015 - and it only had 71,000 original miles.

I have not done this, but I understand that new car dealers sometimes get older (over 10 years) excellent trade-ins - but do not keep them. The car sales folks sometimes get wind of these and can intercept one before is is wholesaled.

[dm200]

Get the Prius and call it a day. When I got mine I was patient and found a used one that had already had the hybrid battery replaced and had a warranty on the battery. The hybrid battery is pretty expensive to replace. I recommend finding one that comes with a warranty(including the battery) or one where they already replaced it. I got mine off a doctors wife, one owner. 50mpg on average. I'm a Toyota guy so recommend it for sure. I also like the Camry's.

No personal experience, but friends of ours have a Camry Hybrid - and love it.

[schutzk21]

Thank you all for your responses. I am pretty sure we have narrowed it to to a Prius as the most important things to us with a car is reliability, great gas mileage (we drive a ton), and safety. We will be having a child soon, so this is extremely important. If anyone else has any suggestions as far as another type of car that has those three traits within the 10-13K range, please list them. I appreciate your help!

[Alto Astral]

Thank you all for your responses. I am pretty sure we have narrowed it to to a Prius as the most important things to us with a car is reliability, great gas mileage (we drive a ton), and safety. We will be having a child soon, so this is extremely important. If anyone else has any suggestions as far as another type of car that has those three traits within the 10-13K range, please list them. I appreciate your help!

I purchased my 2 year old (at the time) Honda Accord from a private party. Just carfax and no mechanic-inspection. Its been a decade and happy with it.

Is this your first kid? If you plan having more over the next 5 or so years, a minivan could be considered. In fact, I wouldn't mind it had I got an Odyssey at the time. Just did not think far ahead. Mileages are comprable to sedans.

[bubbadog]

With a 10-15k budget, you should be able to purchase a 3-4 year old Prius with less than 50K miles. I did a quick Craigslist search in my area and found several in that price range. If you do private purchase, consider getting it inspected at a local Toyota dealer prior to completing the deal. I would also check a Carfax.

[schutzk21]

This will be our first kid. Our plan is to only have one, so I believe we will be okay with the Prius. We were looking at SUV's as well, but the gas mileage is just not where we would want it to be. I have seen some Prius's in that price range, Bubba. Would you recommend the regular Prius or the Prius C? Does it really matter? I noticed theres a Prius C 1-4, but I think the 1 would be fine with us considering we don't need anything super flashy. We just want something that gets us to Point A to Point B. We aren't looking to impress anyone.

[dm200]

Thank you all for your responses. I am pretty sure we have narrowed it to to a Prius as the most important things to us with a car is reliability, great gas mileage (we drive a ton), and safety. We will be having a child soon, so this is extremely important. If anyone else has any suggestions as far as another type of car that has those three traits within the 10-13K range, please list them. I appreciate your help!

I suggest (if not already done so) test driving a Prius - and how having infant/child will work out (for you). Probably just fine - but different people have different opinions and experiences.

[schutzk21]

How does this one look? Edmunds has it valued at about 15K for private seller. It was a rental car, so that is a bit iffy.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... de1=PRIUSC

[bubbadog]

Schutzk21, you are not going to impress anyone no matter which Prius you purchase. I would not recommend the Prius c as a family vehicle as it is smaller than the "regular" Prius. There is also a Prius V that is a little larger and gets slightly worse mileage. The numbers refer to the option package of the vehicle and are usually 2-6 (higher the number the more options). For a family of three, a "regular" Prius or the V would work well. The Prius c does not get significantly better mileage and the trade off in size would not be worth it to me.

[sunny_socal]

I think that Prius C would be ideal for a single person but not as a family car

[rob65]

We are very happy with our Prius and I think it is a good choice. I agree that the regular Prius is better than the Prius c for a family.

In your price range, a Corolla can also be a good option. The mileage isn't as good as the Prius, but you can probably get into a newer model with fewer miles at your price point.

I'm biased towards Toyota. We're still driving our 2000 Camry with 279,000 miles, our 2008 Prius has 120,000 miles and is still in great shape, and our daughter's 2008 Prius is also still running great. YMMV (sorry about the pun ).

[Countermoon]

Another vote for a used Prius. I bought a 2012 last year for a little over $13K, 35K miles. I am still amazed at the gas mileage I achieve...in the summer, I often get 70 MPG on my morning commute.

[inbox788]

I think that Prius C would be ideal for a single person but not as a family car

Even a single person may prefer the regular Prius over the C. Compare them yourself to decide if the drawbacks outweigh the costs. Is the smaller size a benefit or drawback? The other main advantage besides smaller size is the better MPG, but not by much. Cost savings new is about 10% difference. Does this widen when used? I assume so, which makes the new Prius and used Prius C the better values and works against a new C.

Additionally, I just checked and while I recall the C had better mileage, the current listing shows worse mileage, so costs more in the long run in gas.

[schutzk21]

After talking to my wife, she decided she wants a 2014 camry. It just so happened that we were set up with that car for our rental and she fell in love. I rented consumer reports buying guide and it looks like a good option. It looks like I can get one out the door for about 15k for a 2014 SE model with about 27k miles on it.