<p>Okay, well I'm saving up for a car so that i can get one around January. Im thinking ill have around 2000-2500 saved up if things go as planned. what would be the best option for me...paying for a cheaper car in full, like a $2000 car, and not have to pay monthly payments? (would a car for this price be reliable or good?) Im actually thinking my best option would be to use my money saved to pay for a down payment( +insurance down), sales tax and registration and then do monthly payments for however long. Im thinking a year2000ish car, maybe a ford or something (not honda or toyota, too expensive really). 4 door, as well. What would a down payment for a car like this be, i was thinking 1500-2000, is this realistic? And then I really need the montly payment to be no more than $200. Ive also heard that sales tax is 5% in Mass,and Im not sure how Id have to pay down for insurance, a lot?
I'd really appreciate some feedback, Im really somewhat clueless about this process. And sorry for its length, I just needed to include all my questions, lol</p>
<p>My dad has worked around cars his whole life. (i'm in a similar situation as you are, as far as buying a car around that price etc.), and this is his advice.</p>
<p>First: do you have to pay for insurance? (if yes, take that into consideration).</p>
<p>second: buy a toyota corolla. spend the extra 500$. you will get it all back when you go to sell it, and it wont fall apart on you. You can easily get 200k miles on them (if you treat it well).</p>
<p>While everyone loves the civic (esp. those 20 yr olds that hop 'em up, they drive up the price).</p>
<p>ford= Fix Or Repair Daily lol jk. but there's a reason why the jap cars demand higher resale $$$. The extra cash in a newer domesitc isnt as good as an investment (for your future resale) or as far as durability/quality goes as putting it into a jap car.</p>
<p>would i be able to get a good car with a down payment as low as like 1500? like the aforementioned toyota?</p>
<p>Get a Civic or a Corolla.
Best Friend has a Corolla, pretty old don't know how many miles (110K+), runs great.</p>
<p>I have a 1994 Civic, 214K Miles, runs perfectly (sorta).</p>
<p>Resale value of both are great. Since I dont know much about cars, go with Chase's suggestion since he seems to know a lot more about cars.</p>
<p>Just chipping in my 2 cents about cars.</p>
<p>You can easily search the current used car market in your zip code online. Have you tried this to see pricing and availability? Have you become familiar with the laws on sale of used cars in your state? That is your starting point.</p>
<p>I was just involved in the private sale of an Acura Legend Luxury Edition with pristine condition. ['94 125,000mi]with full repair record and single owner for approx. $3700 cash. Sold it to move to another city where cost of parking wasn't worth it. Does that give you an idea? Sold it to a young guy. He was all smiles. Great car.</p>
<p>why not just get a used car</p>
<p>ummmmmm???i AM getting a used car, did you literally not read my post? lol. i mean, obviously if im looking for a car from like 2000 it's not going to be new haha. but yes, this is the plan.</p>
<p>My first car was a Corolla. Poop brown color. The car was an absolute beast. It got hit multiple times. Ran over a few curbs at 30mph. Basically, what a first car needs to be. Of course, don't expect the ladies to be fawning over the car.</p>
<p>
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why not just get a used car
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</p>
<p>thread over.</p>
<p>used 300 zx t-top for 2500 cash.</p>
<p>'tis sweet</p>
<p>snagpoint, i dont see how that is thread over. im asking which is the better option, get a cheaper used car and pay for it all at once or do payments in order to get slightly more expensive one that would be more reliable? I, from the very beginning, was planning on getting a used car. My whole family drives used cars, lol.</p>