My guess is, for those prices, all those vehicles have over (or close to) 100k miles on them. Make sure to factor in maintenance costs to any regular payment.

Boc @ 25/6/2018 19:55

Definitely would go with used rather than new tho. Even if it's just a lightly used car, still a way better investment than buying something that's gonna depreciate by $1000+ by the time you've driven it home

However, with dealer financing what it currently is, you can actually get new for a lower interest rate and lower payments than something a couple years old with 10-20k miles on it. Plus, depending on the dealer, most new cars come with 2-3 year free maintenance.

Spin @ 25/6/2018 20:13

Boc @ 25/6/2018 19:55 Definitely would go with used rather than new tho. Even if it's just a lightly used car, still a way better investment than buying something that's gonna depreciate by $1000+ by the time you've driven it home However, with dealer financing what it currently is, you can actually get new for a lower interest rate and lower payments than something a couple years old with 10-20k miles on it. Plus, depending on the dealer, most new cars come with 2-3 year free maintenance.

On this note, if you are considering buying, look into leasing as well. It can lower your payments initially, and after 2-3 years, you can decide if its the car you want (and basically buy it used), or just walk away, and find something different.

Havo @ 25/6/2018 20:56

I owned and operated an auto maintenance shop for 13 years. So take this for what it’s worth. Honda, Toyota and Nissan are usually good options. When you narrow it down to 2 or 3, test drive each and run the car by a reputable fast oil change place. (Yes, there’s a few out there). Ask them to look it over for you. Check the oil and transmission fluids especially to see if it looks or smells burnt. Ask them to look the bottom side over for leaks. ESPECIALLY look for a rear main engine seal leak. Anything more than sweat here is a no go. Have check CV joints for torn rubber. That’s another bad sign. Tell them you’re considering buying it and ask their opinion. Most places will be happy to look it over quickly for free. I used to do this all the time. Only takes a few minutes. Avoid Volvos, Saab’s, Chrysler’s, pre 2010 Jeeps, and NEVER, EVER buy a Volkswagen. Ever. Just don’t.

I'll start this with: I'm sure you ran a great maintenance shop.

That said, after being screwed over by 3 or 4 different fast oil change places in college, I refuse to go to one ever again. I get my maintenance done at the dealership, where I know the person working on it, and I know they'll do quality work (plus, they have a vested interest in keeping me happy, so I buy more cars from them in the future).

Curtis @ 25/6/2018 23:29

Josh @ 25/6/2018 23:51 i can't picture you driving any of these cars what do you picture joshua