It's nearly impossible to find a good used car under $20,000.

Started by Madman, August 29, 2023, 06:03:01 PM

Madman

Current cars: 2015 Ford Escape SE, 2011 MINI Cooper

Formerly owned cars: 2010 Mazda 5 Sport, 2008 Audi A4 2.0T S-Line Sedan, 2003 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T wagon, 1998 Ford Escort SE sedan, 2001 Cadillac Catera, 2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 2.0 5-Door, 1997 Honda Odyssey LX, 1991 Volvo 240 sedan, 1990 Volvo 740 Turbo sedan, 1987 Volvo 240 DL sedan, 1990 Peugeot 405 DL Sportswagon, 1985 Peugeot 505 Turbo sedan, 1985 Merkur XR4Ti, 1983 Renault R9 Alliance DL sedan, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon, 1975 Volkswagen Transporter, 1980 Fiat X-1/9 Bertone, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit C 3-Door hatch, 1976 Ford Pinto V6 coupe, 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe sedan

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CaminoRacer

Far too many are only $3k off of new MSRP it's insane. Some are the same as new MSRP, and the new car is available on a lot nearby! Who would be dumb enough to buy the used one?
2020 BMW 330i, 1969 El Camino, 2017 Bolt EV

veeman


veeman

Quote from: Madman on August 29, 2023, 06:03:01 PMI came across this article and found it interesting and thought some of you might be interested, too.

Looking for an affordable used car?  It's getting harder to find one these days.  I love sniffing out a bargain but they're becoming increasingly thin on the ground these days, as this article confirms.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a44773251/its-nearly-impossible-to-find-a-good-used-car-under-20000/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_rdt&utm_medium=email&date=080923&utm_campaign=nl32346403&GID=c248eeb17740425fe3364440ef5e4debe3aed01fd2e1ed09d4c01f560b9aa75e&utm_term=TEST-%20NEW%20TEST%20-%20Sending%20List%20-%20AM%20180D%20Clicks%2C%20NON%20AM%2090D%20Opens%2C%20Both%20Subbed%20Last%2030D



I think you can find a really good used compact for under 20 grand (base model, a few years old, less than 30 thousand miles on the odometer). Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, etc. 

SUVs outside of the Chevy Trax or Ford Ecosport, probably not. I like how the new Chevy Trax looks but haven't been in one. 

AutobahnSHO

We bought a 7yr old Civic with about 60k miles on it in 2022 for $15k. Had to put a battery and a couple tires on it a few months later but superb car otherwise.
Will

veeman

Quote from: AutobahnSHO on September 14, 2023, 08:21:03 PMWe bought a 7yr old Civic with about 60k miles on it in 2022 for $15k. Had to put a battery and a couple tires on it a few months later but superb car otherwise.

Yeah. Small cars, especially in base model spec, can easily be had in great condition for under 20 grand. My certified Veloster which I bought 3 years old with < 30 thousand miles was 15 grand. Yeah I understand there is probably not that much appeal to them when you share the road with brodozer pickups.