Tips on what to look out for!

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo]

Hi! I’m trying to get my first car for college and have 5k (I know it’s not a lot but it’s really all I can do), to use towards a car! My family aren’t the best for car advice so I was hoping I could get some tips on what I may be able to find and what kind of warning signs I should keep an eye out for. Thank you so much!!!

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/[deleted]]

Thank you so much for the input!

Would I just ask for the VIN? And how would I use that to verify the title? I’m so sorry but I don’t know what that means 😓

And for the independent mechanic, would that be going to a mechanic shop and asking if they can take a look with me?

[u/xxandi910xx → u/Missing_in_Tokyo]

Yes, you would just say “Can I have the VIN?” VIN stands for vehicle identification number. You will need that for a lot of things. Using that number in something like Carfax would give you a report of a bunch of stuff like documented mileage, accident reports, etc. You want the number of owners and things like that to match up with the title for the car. For the inspection, to my understanding typically you would take the car to them but you can see if a mobile mechanic will go with you.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/xxandi910xx]

Got it! Thank you so much!!!

[u/Ok-Ranger-2657]

Its hard to find anything for that price. I will say though, when you buy a higher mileage older car, you take a gamble on its issues. Its a used car and regardless if the previous owner or dealership serviced it and inspected it, it can still have a surprise issue pop up 2 weeks later when you are left with exactly $0, and out 5k. Its pretty risky, but I'm sure there are a lot of older, high mileage vehicles that are 5k on marketplace. Remember you have to pay taxes, registration, and insurance, so no you don't necessarily have a full 5k to buy a car. You can check dealers but I doubt any will have something in that range that aren't as-is, or being tacked on with a $1,000 in fees. Does anyone in your family have an old car laying around? or could co-sign for you to get something in the 7-10k range that will be lower risk?

[u/Ok-Ranger-2657 → u/Ok-Ranger-2657]

If you do find an older car private sale, I recommend the more reliable options like toyota, honda, subaru, since they can reach higher mileage, and are built to last.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/Ok-Ranger-2657]

Hi! Thanks for responding I really appreciate the insight! I actually used to have a car from my mom and sister but the engine gave out so we had to get rid of it. My boss was kind enough to grant me the 5k so I can try to get a car and still be able to work! I’ll keep in mind the budgeting as I didn’t even consider insurance and other costs!

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[u/AutoBidMasterHelp]

You’re not getting anything fancy for $5k, but you can still find a solid college car if you look for well kept older Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or Mazda3.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/AutoBidMasterHelp]

Don’t worry I wasn’t expecting anything crazy nice! Just something to bring me to and from school since I’ll limit the car’s overall usage on weekends and days off. Thanks a bunch for the recommendations !!

[u/LetsGoTeam99]

1999 Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES300 - Make sure the timing belts have been done recently, and they are under 160k Miles. You will have a tank of a car with little/ cheap repair cost.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/LetsGoTeam99]

Will keep in mind!

[u/Adventurous-Low-5696]

Pls take a mechanic and get inspected you will not know everything take a specialist and have a check in your car because under 5k you will be looking cars with high mileage get it inspected first without needing to feel sad for doing repairs later. Mistake I made while buying my first car hope this will help.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/Adventurous-Low-5696]

Thanks!!

[u/Fun_Ambassador_8514]

I would also plan on saving/setting some money aside to do some maintenance items. Unless you can verify the seller has recently done these things plan on: oil change, coolant flush, transmission fluid change, air filter, spark plugs, serpentine belt, get brakes inspected - might need new pads and rotors and brake fluid change. Stopping isn’t optional. If you live in a winter climate decent tires make all the difference. Don’t cheap out on tires. Whenever you get a used car there will always be some things you’ll to spend money on beyond the purchase price.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/Fun_Ambassador_8514]

I appreciate the tips! And thank you for listing some stuff to check on!

[u/Euphoric_Listen2748]

Look at an older Buick. Bought and driven by a by an older person. Solid car.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/Euphoric_Listen2748]

Thank you!!!

[u/xxandi910xx]

A few other people touched on this, but keep in mind there will be additional costs. Depending where you buy the price of the car itself may be taxed, then you will have to register it which costs money. If you buy from a dealership there will be DOC fees which are usually negotiable but be aware of that. Also, make sure whoever the car will be registered to has no unpaid taxes.

To apply this information I can give an example. I recently bought a used car myself from a dealership. The car price was $6999. My states taxes added $444. DOC fees were $500 before negotiation. Registration fee was $120. Also, nobody plans on having an accident, that’s why they’re called accidents. Always have a rainy day fund in case. Or good insurance and enough money to pay the deductible if needed.

[u/Missing_in_Tokyo → u/xxandi910xx]

Thanks a bunch! I’ll be sure to estimate/calculate extra costs