Getting a car

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 03:23:19 PM

In a rare nod to modernization, my parents decided against the 1991 Prizm I'd posted earlier as a suitably safe car. My sister just got her license and took over the Sedona, so I'm getting a car of my own.

The parents are paying, but the price ceiling is a firm $5,000, preferred under $3,500. The car will likely be whatever's available closest to this in the next 2-4 weeks:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/1088209548.html

Woohoo!

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 03:25:27 PM

A focus would be ideal.

Maybe an SE or ZTS if you like more creature comforts. A 1996-2000 Civic is also a good choice, not as roomy as the focus (or cheap) but great on gas.

Congrats, I hope to be joining the first car club.

Eye of the Tiger · March 23, 2009, 03:26:55 PM

Fucus good. SVT better.

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 03:28:34 PM

Quote from: NACar on March 23, 2009, 03:26:55 PM
Fucus good. SVT better.

$3,500 SVT Focus? First owner totaled it and it has yet to be repaired.

Eye of the Tiger · March 23, 2009, 03:29:36 PM

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 03:28:34 PM
$3,500 SVT Focus? First owner totaled it and it has yet to be repaired.

No, don't get a totaled one. Stolen ones are usually in much nicer condition.

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 03:31:23 PM

Quote from: NACar on March 23, 2009, 03:29:36 PM
No, don't get a totaled one. Stolen ones are usually in much nicer condition.

Hmm...I'm not seeing an option on AutoTrader to show stolen cars. I can just pick between private sellers or dealers.

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 03:33:06 PM

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 03:31:23 PM
Hmm...I'm not seeing an option on AutoTrader to show stolen cars. I can just pick between private sellers or dealers.

Any local auctions in your area? You could get more bang for your buck, although it can be risky.

Eye of the Tiger · March 23, 2009, 03:35:31 PM

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 03:31:23 PM
Hmm...I'm not seeing an option on AutoTrader to show stolen cars. I can just pick between private sellers or dealers.

No no, you have to use craigslist

There are not Foci at the moment, but here is a G35 for $3500

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ctd/1088630672.html

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 03:39:52 PM

Quote from: NACar on March 23, 2009, 03:35:31 PM
No no, you have to use craigslist

There are not Foci at the moment, but here is a G35 for $3500

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ctd/1088630672.html

No good, I want a manual.

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 03:41:20 PM

Quote from: 2o6 on March 23, 2009, 03:33:06 PM

Any local auctions in your area? You could get more bang for your buck, although it can be risky.

That may work okay for nearly-new used cars, but I wouldn't trust the cheapest cars there. A lot of the local auction places list their cars online anyway, and then they just auction the ones that haven't already sold.

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 03:43:18 PM

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 03:39:52 PM
No good, I want a manual.

Mileage is a bit high........

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1088526070.html

2nd Gen Neon R/T?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/ctd/1087763757.html

This focus is cheaper.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1087441125.html

This Focus looks really nice!

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ctd/1080924317.html

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 03:44:26 PM

It doesn't really matter what's around right now.

NomisR · March 23, 2009, 03:45:45 PM

This is the perfect fit for you!

It's your dream car

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1087829332.html

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 03:46:08 PM

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 03:44:26 PM
It doesn't really matter what's around right now.

Oh.

Your decision is made then, no?

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 03:41:20 PM
That may work okay for nearly-new used cars, but I wouldn't trust the cheapest cars there. A lot of the local auction places list their cars online anyway, and then they just auction the ones that haven't already sold.

Hmmn. The auction nearest me allows you to inspect and start your car before you bid on it.

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 03:49:02 PM

Quote from: 2o6 on March 23, 2009, 03:46:08 PM

Oh.

Your decision is made then, no?

No, it's that every used car on sale now will be gone in 2-4 weeks.

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 03:49:49 PM

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 03:49:02 PM
No, it's that every used car on sale now will be gone in 2-4 weeks.

Oh.

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 03:58:11 PM

Hey ifcar, what about a Forenza? It's at the very top of your budget, but they're cheap and easier to persuade your parents to buy since it's newer, safer, and larger inside than a comparable Focus.

NomisR · March 23, 2009, 04:02:09 PM

Sedonas! Korean and Minivan.. you get Utility and affordability.

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 04:05:06 PM

Quote from: 2o6 on March 23, 2009, 03:58:11 PM
Hey ifcar, what about a Forenza? It's at the very top of your budget, but they're cheap and easier to persuade your parents to buy since it's newer, safer, and larger inside than a comparable Focus.

It's shit.

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 04:07:43 PM

Quote from: ifcar on March 23, 2009, 04:05:06 PM
It's shit.

It's not THAT bad.........ok maybe it is.

I thought it was just thoroughly mediocre?

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 04:09:41 PM

Quote from: 2o6 on March 23, 2009, 04:07:43 PM

It's not THAT bad.........ok maybe it is.

I thought it was just thoroughly mediocre?

It gets gas mileage in the low 20s and it's not old enough to be cheap. Plus it doesn't drive well. I'd have no reason to be interested.

My parents were only concerned enough on the safety front to pass on the 20-year-old car with no airbags. It's not a high priority.

SVT666 · March 23, 2009, 04:35:49 PM

Focus ZX5

Vinsanity · March 23, 2009, 04:41:38 PM

You should buy one of the Chrysler minivans in Madman's shed thread so you and your sis can have a van driver competition like in Top Gear

NomisR · March 23, 2009, 04:44:58 PM

Quote from: Vinsanity on March 23, 2009, 04:41:38 PM
You should buy one of the Chrysler minivans in Madman's shed thread so you and your sis can have a van driver competition like in Top Gear

You know.. if I ever had a daughter, I don't think I'd ever let her drive a van.

2o6 · March 23, 2009, 04:46:52 PM

Quote from: NomisR on March 23, 2009, 04:44:58 PM
You know.. if I ever had a daughter, I don't think I'd ever let her drive a van.

She'll come back with a little girl named "Sedona".

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 04:48:51 PM

Quote from: HEMI666 on March 23, 2009, 04:35:49 PM
Focus ZX5

Too expensive.

ifcar · March 23, 2009, 04:51:02 PM

Quote from: NomisR on March 23, 2009, 04:44:58 PM
You know.. if I ever had a daughter, I don't think I'd ever let her drive a van.

She doesn't drive manual. The van's is the only automatic in the family.

Raza · March 23, 2009, 05:26:36 PM

Focus is going to be your safest bet, it seems. But while fun, frugal, and practical( In ZX3/5 form especially), it all seems too safe.

Perhaps a 325is?

SVT666 · March 23, 2009, 05:38:12 PM

Quote from: Raza link=topic=18134.msg1025957#msg1025957 date=1237850796
Focus is going to be your safest bet, it seems. But while fun, frugal, and practical( In ZX3/5 form especially), but it all seems too safe.

Perhaps a 325is?

He's right. I can't find a ZX3 or ZX5 under $5000 on autotrader.com. Although he should be able to find one on craigslist. In fact, if he could spring for a ZX3 or a ZX5, then he could afford the SVT. That's fucking nuts.

cawimmer430 · March 23, 2009, 06:03:20 PM

How about a W123 300D Turbodiesel?