Insane!! I do agree though that some older cars with high miles are just good cars that will last for years… just risky without the warranty that you won’t have compared to new.
I will check out the Spark mentioned.
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So cute! I checked it out at other dealers and the mechanics loved it. She got toasted marshmallow, a source of humor at Hertz. (I just realized it was Hertz not Avis!)
I would never buy new but we also pay up front without financing even though our income isn’t that high.
This is a terrible time to buy a used car, even though prices are down compared to a few months ago. You have my empathy. A dealer just sold our traded-in sedan with over 200k miles for 9k.
Do you know a friend or a relative who would be willing to sell your DC an old car directly? That time frame is very short for right now. Where I live, the desirable new cars still need to be ordered unless you are very lucky with your timing. I’d drive past dealerships and try to figure out which day they are accepting inventory. They will have a few unclaimed cars on each truck, but they go fast, so timing is everything. Be prepared to pay a little over MSRP for most new cars if you live near a city.
I have empathy with refusing to pay over MSRP on principle but you may not have a choice if you need the car. This is true no matter how you pay. I just paid cash for a new car and the dealer acted like he was doing me a favor by selling it to me. He was- two other dealers declined the deal because it was cash.
Good luck!
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Here is an example too- This is on Enterprise Car sales
2020 Nissan Kicks
$18,999
56k miles
New 2023 kicks starting at about 21k
Crazy…
Oh yea as most make money when you finance.
There was a similar thread several months ago for a student going to the West Coast. I think the parent found some good deals in long-term car rentals (e.g., three months).
Is there a “rent-a-wreck” type outfit that’s convenient for you and DD? Perhaps check out a longer rental. That might buy you some time, while you keep on the look-out for a car to buy. Car prices might be cheaper in January, which has (at least previously) been a dead season for car dealers.
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We almost always buy used certified cars (still a thing?) So you’re getting a used car, with some miles but also a better warranty package. Sort of the best of all worlds.
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In fact, if I recall correctly, in the other thread, I think the family settled on a rental from Turo. Generally, I’ve heard good things about them, although there have been issues with last minute cancellations etc.
That’s exactly what we do too. Our mechanic used to sell used cars, he was great, tell him what you are looking for and he’d find it. My son called him today to make an appointment and he closed down (we knew it was coming, 50+ years in business).
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I’ll check it out. Agree at leas tit buys us time so we aren’t impulse buying.
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Things have drastically changed since the pandemic. About 7 years ago, I did a rent a wreck rental for a decent car for a month, and it was only about $350/month. I used it until I found a good deal on a car purchase. But that was, figuratively, a lifetime ago regarding cars/car rentals.
In the Bay Area, we’re also seeing difficulty in securing rental cars, because a lot of them are being rented by Uber and food/grocery delivery drivers.
That said, keep scouring, and I am sure you will find something safe and reliable.
Also, check out Costco, as they now have a used-car purchasing program. I’ve had great luck with Costco new cars, but the backing of Costco gives you some solid assurance on used cars too.
Best of luck on that.
Basically, that can apply to any car without an RFID or similar chip key (i.e. mechanical turn key without chip). Low end Hyundai and Kia cars were some of the most recent cars without that, but if you go older, that type of key configuration may be more common. Chip keys first started appearing a few decades ago in higher theft models, but became more common over time. Many cars now have only the RFID or similar key without the mechanical turn key part for normal use.
I believe several state AGs have now forced Hyundai/Kia to issue a recall for these vehicles to equip them with immobilizers.
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Oh I never heard of Costco doing this. I’ll look into it
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My brother bought a used Subaru through Costco. Least painful experience ever.
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And check out new car leases, too. I don’t know if the finances will work out, but at least you don’t have to come up with a boatload of cash up front and get the benefit of a new car warranty. There again, Costco is great for new car leases.
Finally, we have car brokering services in the West Coast. I don’t know if they are all over the US, but I nearly used one recently when I was having an awful time finding a new car. Some of the ones here have amazing reputations, as they can source cars from all over the US. You pay a flat-fee (success-based) and they do the rest, down to the make, model, color, options, pricing etc, and will also help sell a used car.
When it’s time for us to get a new car, I will definitely use a car/auto broker, just to save time and make sure I get the best deal.
ETA: And what would any thread on CC be good for without rankings from US News & World Report , this one on “best” leases currently (and not on colleges!):
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-car-deals/car-lease-deals
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I have mentioned this in other posts, but Toyota Prii (yes, technically the correct plural) are excellent cars reliability wise. With the exception of needing to replace the hybrid battery around 150k to 175k miles ($1500 for a reconditioned one), they will get 300k miles with only minimal maintenence. They are not as much of a standout on gas mileage as they once were, but the 50 mpg is still realtively easy on the pocket.
I just looked on Philly Craigslist…there are several under $15k. One has 55k miles. Another is a touring edition (all the options) with 79k miles. Both are $12000.
If you investigate expected life of the vehicle and average maintenance costs, i think you will find these are a very good deal compared to many of your other options.
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We purchased used Rental cars, for both of our college students. I didn’t mind the high mileage, I was more concern getting cars with more recent safety features-tech, so about 2 years old, and at a decent price. (nothing decent about today’s car prices…). We just made the final payment on the last car. Cars were paid off soon after graduation for both.
I wholeheartedly agree. D21 drives one. I would only suggest that one buying a used Prius to install a “Cat Shield” or similar product to protect the cataylic converter.
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This was a timely thread, had to buy our last vehicle (2021 Kia Sportage) very last minute when my odyssey decided to die 2 days before vacation (we rent a beach house with my sister’s family, they fly in and we pick them up at the airport on the way). We have 3 vehicles but will have 3 adult children home for the summer. I am trying to be optimistic but they will all be working full time, I better get looking!