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Hbobier
Anonymous Poster
hbobier@gmail.com
Mar 2, 2009, 6:05 AM
Post #1 of 12
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Hi-
I'm a first time car buyer and I'm so intimidated by the process! I'm a recent college grad so I want something cheap that will last me. My question is, what will last me longer, an older car with fewer miles or a newer car with a lot of miles? I'm planning on buying a used Honda Civic, one is an 02 with 194,000 miles and one is a 97 with 132,000 miles. They're both right around the same price. Which am I better off getting?
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Heidi
hbobier@gmail.com
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 2, 2009, 6:35 AM
Post #2 of 12
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Re: Car Buying Help!
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Hi Heidi,
I think you posted the miles opposite for the years listed. Either way that's a lot of miles. Also either way it will matter a lot if you are considering cars that old to really know how well they have been cared for and a complete history of what's been done.
With any used car I strongly suggest a thourough inspection independant of the seller. Get a full estimate of costs to put it in top shape AND find out accident history if any. Condition should rule. Repairs are costly and quickly eat up savings of the car up front so it may be more beneficial to pay more for a better car right away.
Car dealers are hungry right now and there should be good deals on newer used Civics or similar type cars with warranty protection for you too.
If you can - take your time and be picky as it's a buyers market. Lower miles and "turn key" condition would be nice IMO.
There's always some gamble in used cars and also IMO new car dealers will sell the "cream of the crop" for used and you'll pay a bit more for it too. Beware of hidden expenses with dealings, extended warranties, add ons that you didn't specify up front to be included,
T
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Mar 2, 2009, 7:01 AM
Post #3 of 12
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Re: Car Buying Help!
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Thanks for the advice. I didn't post opposite miles, the 02 really has 194k miles on it!! (It's so cute, but I'm hoping to have enough people tell me it's too many miles and I shouldn't buy it) I'm planning on having a mechanic once-over any vehicle before I buy it. How do I do that? Do I just find a mechanic and ask if they will look at it at the dealer? Or do I have the dealer find me someone?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 2, 2009, 7:17 AM
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Sorry - eyesight isn't always a strong suit of mine! I thought it said 92.
2002 with 194,000 is still a ton of miles! How many do you think a car should last without major issues? It's not clear to those of us in the trade but the 200K mark is up there for sure. With intense care cars can go over the 200k mark without major troubles but they aren't made to last forever. You will hear of cars that went lots further but it's not really that common.
Price should plummet for that high mileage too. It's not just an engine - the whole car has gone that far, transmission, door locks, windows, seats - you know.
Your call but it should be priced commensurately,
T
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hbobier
Anonymous Poster
Mar 2, 2009, 7:28 AM
Post #5 of 12
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The 02 Civic has been priced accordingly to account for the high mileage. But even though it's inexpensive now it will likely cost me more in repairs, right? How do we feel about a 00 Civic with 107,000 miles? Or is it still too many miles to purchase with over 100k miles? I'm clueless, thanks again for helping!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 2, 2009, 7:41 AM
Post #6 of 12
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OK: I'm kind of going out on a limb but miles over 60,000 better have some good history of proper maintenance for my money!
It's still an opinion but I think car makers target for a trouble free 60k or so and doing better than that is chiefly how well they are cared for both maintenance and how they were used - also consider any accident history!
Used is used for the most part unless you knew that specific car and it's care from new. There are risks and repair can easily wipe out any bargains.
Expect routine items like, tires, brake, and an assortment of listed periodic maintenance. Many 4 cyl vehicles also use a rubber timing belt that should be done on time and well documented. This is likely one of those and that belt alone is usually a 60-65,000 mile routine replacement item. Not surprised if just that preventative job alone comes to a few hundred dollars with no problems exhibited but you really have to keep up with those on schedule.
Learn as much as you can about any car you consider new or used. Check all book values. The big ones are KBB.com, NADAGuides.com, Edmunds.com and more. When a car passes 100k they sorta stop differentiating the values as it's all about the exact car and care after some point - both age and miles. Keep at it,
T
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hbobier
Anonymous Poster
Mar 2, 2009, 8:02 AM
Post #7 of 12
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What do we think of buying cars that say "Rebuilt Title?" What does that even mean? That it was totaled and rebuilt anyways? Will it be okay because rebuilt means that it has new parts, or not okay because, well, it had to be rebuilt?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 2, 2009, 8:16 AM
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This could be a state by state or country issued designation. Here it's called a "Salvage Title" which means the original was a total loss and the car/vehicle is repaired and now all info on it is AYOR! It can be ok if you really know what you are doing but for most I would suggest avoiding those.
If a car with a Salvage title is lost or damaged later or traded in later it will no doubt be devalued for that - so beware. I understand new car maker's liability for those is over also. No more recalls as the car is essentially not theirs anymore.
Do understand that tagging a car totalled is usually an insurance thing. Even the worst wreck or disaster a vehicle might have sustained it still has a value if only for metal! Insurance will figure cost to repair, the lower value of the fixed car, and what it's worth as it is for salvage or parts and pick the least costly way out for THEM! No surprise there
Some of the "Blue Book" valuation will include a deduction for that type of title. It definitely will show when you try to collect for a loss on it!
If you really like a car with one of those then is needs a serious professional inspection that all is proper with it and still should be priced accordingly,
T
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hbobier
Anonymous Poster
Mar 2, 2009, 8:24 AM
Post #9 of 12
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How do I get a serious professional to look at it? Just find a mechanic and have them go to the dealer and look for it? Or how do I find a mechanic that will check it out for me?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 2, 2009, 8:42 AM
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I'd seek out a real shop or dealer and ask for a total car check out depending on the car considered it could cost some real money. Get a written report on what was found, and known good or needed, emissions test, pull all wheels and check brakes and all other safety items and decide on whether an engine compression test is called for on certain cars you are considering.
Specifically ask about the body and if it's original or repainted, any new panels or bodywork noted too. Almost always the car is better with it's original body and paint than repaired - IMO! Very popular cars have body parts available made aftermarket which really don't fit or last as well as original parts - again my opinion and observations.....
T
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hbobier
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Mar 2, 2009, 9:04 AM
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Okay, thanks Tom. You've been extremely helpful, hopefully I'll find a good car! I'll probably be back on here with additional (probably dumb) questions, but thanks again for all the advice--It's greatly appreciated!!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 2, 2009, 10:34 AM
Post #12 of 12
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Heidi,
Thanks for the kind words and do come back with any questions. I'm not alone here either and others may have all sorts of ideas and help for you with car stuff.
You aren't asking dumb questions! Dumber is NOT asking! A car is a colossal expense and you'll find that out. It way more than just the purchase with all kinds of things you should be doing with a big ticket item in almost everyone's budget.
Best of luck to you in the venture,
Tom
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