Welcome back to Sage & Mint: Car-Buying Edition. Once again, Car Guy Husband is here to help. In the last car post, we figured out how much to spend on a car and a payment plan. Now, let’s figure out more specifics: a few car suggestions and how to find your car.
Picking your car is definitely the fun part, and you probably have a few in mind. Let’s go back to Car Guy husband, because he knows a lot about cars.
Car Guy Husband: I eat piston rings for breakfast. Then I read auto blog, and then I spend 8 hours a day working in the automotive industry. I wuv cars.
Sage & Mint: Ok, so let's say you had to recommend three affordable used cars to people in their twenties who don't want to pay a whole lot but still want some practicality and dependability. Whatcha got for us?
Car Guy Husband: (visibly cringing) That’s a tough question; people have different needs and wants. But, if you just want a box on wheels to carry you from point A to point B (cringing again), here’s a few of the most reliable used cars from 5 years ago according to Forbes:
- Acura TL
- Ford Fusion
- Honda CRV
- Toyota Highlander
Plus a few others I would recommend in the same price range:
- Hyundai Elantra
- Honda Accord
- Subaru Outback
There are a ton of cars out there, so do your homework! Read consumer reports and other reviews on how the vehicle holds its value, what commonly breaks, and cost of ownership. Ask friends and family what cars they’ve had good luck with, and make the best informed decision possible. Remember, the used car business is still like a surprise egg at times, so just do your best. Don’t forget, this is supposed to be fun!
Sage & Mint: Ok, one last lineup. Can you give us three husband-approved used cars for 20-something folks that are affordable ($8-$12K used), fun, and have a little more personality?
Car Guy Husband:
- Subaru Impreza or Subaru WRX
- Mazda 3 (Kara you should be jumping for joy)
- Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner (these are all basically the same car and can be a good small utility vehicle)
- Infiniti G35 Sedan or Coup
- Jeep Wrangler (A fun car, but make sure it fits your needs analysis)
These are just a few cars that are more than just a “box on wheels” that I personally like. It doesn’t mean they’re the best cars, or they won’t break. Every car has a fan club and a list of enemies. You and your neighbor might have the same car with very different feelings about it.
Now let’s talk about the actual purchase process:
My suggestion for a 20-something who doesn’t know much about the car industry would be to find someone who loves this stuff (basically your version of Car Guy Husband) to help you. I wouldn't recommend Craigslist unless you have someone with a LOT of used car knowledge and experience helping you, and you’re ok with taking a higher risk for a better deal. I understand this is your chance to show you’re capable and independent, just don’t get screwed over in the process.
Sage & Mint: I’d like to interject here, we have both bought and sold cars on Craigslist, so we’re not anti-craigslist, and don’t personally have any horror stories to report (but some of our friends do). It’s just a riskier move, and if you’re a first-time car buyer, there are safer routes. Back to you Car Guy.
Car Guy Husband: Right, so if your life is lacking in car buddies, the best route is to buy a “certified pre-owned” car. And then add some car buddies to your life, because they’re great people. Anyway, certified pre-owned means you’re buying a used car from a dealer and you'll get a car with factory-backed warranties (so if it breaks, they'll fix it most of the time, but always read your contracts so you know what’s covered). Lots of dealers offer their own “warranties” which range from great to not so great. Going with a factory warranty (Toyota, Ford, GM) is a little clearer about what is covered.
Sage & Mint: Then what?
Car Guy Husband: You can look for a car online, or you can visit a dealership in person (again, I would look at online reviews or get recommendations of good dealerships). Find a few you’re interested in, go for a drive, sleep on it (highly recommended to prevent impulse buys). Dealers may even back the price down if you’re getting up to leave, but still sleep on it. Then you should make a decision. If it’s a go, there’s plenty of paperwork to fill out. Read it, understand it, have a friend read it too. Then you buy! Say hello to your new car!
Sage & Mint: Any other tips for us?
Car Guy Husband: Yep!
- Stay away from anything that says “rebuilt title.” You’ll find these often on Craigslist.
- Haggle. Haggle like you're at a mercado in Mexico. The car business was set up for haggling.
- Don't be afraid to walk away. This is not the best deal you’ll ever find on a car, even if the dealer tells you otherwise.
- For repairs, find a reputable shop that won't rip you off (use yelp or that knowledgeable car friend of yours).
Sage & Mint: Thanks Car Guy Husband for all of your knowledgeable help!
Car Guy Husband: You are welcome. Now go forth, and find your set of wheels. I personally suggest a celebratory drive to the nearest ice cream shop (not to be eaten in your new car, of course), to follow your transaction!