Need some advice buying a used car

Jan. 3, 2006 | Alouette

[Alouette]

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[al baby]

Buy a Honda Prius

[trillabodilla]

Toyota, all the way.

[samadams2000]

Im a big fan of the 1-3 yr old used, less than 30K miles buy. But if there was ever a time to buy new its now. Specially ifn you want to buy merican. You can walk into a GM showroom, roll a bowling ball and never hit an employee. Take the sticker and waive 75% in their faces, then start walking towards the door. Commit to owning it for 5 years, get a top of the line sedan,,,Caddy, Bonneville, Impala, sumtin....

[BigTex5]

The wreck doesn't look that bad. Mostly side damage. The left side tires are straight and there doesn't look to be frame damage. That's probably 3-4k in repairs which is a reasonable offer. I can't believe the insurance company would offer less for your car. They seem to be scamming you.

Was the body shop provided BY the insurance company?

[BigTex5]

You can't go wrong with a Honda either. I have a 1991 CRX that is still running strong.

[HeadOn]

Be VERRRRY careful. Lots of FLOOD cars (Katrina) out there right now. Go somewhere that offers a warranty, if you must buy used.

[furquhart]

3-4K?

That'd be only for the cosmetic damage. Who knows what sort of shape the frame and the rest are in?

Write off @ Black Book.

[kingu]

My suggestion, for which you should be getting a flood, is to pick out five models to look at, then call up the various car rental agencies in your area. Look to rent them. Give them a day of driving; see if they'll work for you. Sometimes it is rather cheap to rent them over a weekend; it gives you more time to try it out, see what the mileage is like, see if the car fits you well.

[Defendingliberty]

First....Check the papers. Don't buy a used car that has a rubber timing belt. if it has 50 -60 thousand it will need a new one $$$ or when it breaks more $$$....If the insurance co. gives you $3500 take the money and run $2000 or less look for a back alley body shop. call your local junk yard.

[big'ol_freeper]

Buy a Mac!

Oops..sorry, I post that on Windows threads.

[ToddBush]

Carmax is the way to go. Got my car with them about a month and a half ago.

[Alouette]

The body shop claims there was major frame and undercarriage damage and that the vehicle can't be repaired for less than 8K. The body shop belonged to the dealership where we bought the car.

The passenger side, front and rear look perfect.

I loved that car.

[Maximus of Texas]

I think PaulaB and I can make some suggestions.

[TexasCajun]

Watch out for them hurricane bargains.

[TexasCajun]

Sorry, forgot to ask if you are OK?

Hope no one was hurt. ...looks like a good lick.

[BigTex5]

Its almost hard to find a newer car that doesn't have a rubber timing belt. But they normally last 60-90k miles. And its not that expensive if you change it time, now if you don't when it snaps it will probably bend the valves.

[TNCMAXQ]

Everyone says Toyota is great but I don't think I would buy from them after they sold out to Jesse Jackson.

I have a Saturn L series vehicle and am underwhelmed by it. I would recommend against a Saturn but I do know a lot of people who like them.

[afnamvet]

I agree. Take some pictures and check some honest body shops.