Which one?

[Jen]

So I'm looking to buy a cheap car (max $2000), since it's for temporary use. I'll be test driving 2 cars this weekend:

The first one is a 97 Suzuki Esteem (I didn't even know they made cars... ).
It has 98.000 miles, tires are 11 months old. It has a clean title and it was recently smogged. It has a dent on the passengers door (not that visible) The guy is asking $1450. (KBB $2000)

The second one is a 91 Explorer Eddie Bauer. V6, 166.000 miles, clean title, power everything, roof rack, moon roof, AC and leather interior in great condition. The only problem is a big dent on the passengers side (rear end). I could care less about that, since it doesn't affect the car mechanically.
He is asking for $1300 (KBB $2500 in good conditions).

I will, obviously, be taking the car to a mechanic before making any decisions and I will also get a carfax. My question is, what exactly should I look for when buying an used car? What questions should I ask the owner??? I know NOTHING about cars so any help would be greatly appreciated.

PS: I will be buying one of those 2 no matter what (I need to have a car by Monday!), so don't advise me to look for something else.

[One-Way]

Re: Which one?

The Ford sounds like a good deal, but you don't wanna go with a Ford. It's nothing but problems. I deal with cars every day, and Explorers, especially, keep coming back.

Take them both to a mechanic if you can, have them see what's wrong. Find out what they last did a tune-up, a scheduled maintence service.

The first one is probably the best choice. Less miles, newer tires, and it passed a smog test. But honestly, Ford's are horrible. Especially at high mileage.

[Fedayeen]

Re: Which one?

out of those 2....the Esteem

take someone with you who knows cars

Just completly forget about the ford

[Sip]

Re: Which one?

The Ford sounds like a good deal, but you don't wanna go with a Ford. It's nothing but problems....

Very true! Stay far away from the Exploder ... it isn't even worth the space it's going to take up. Not sure about the Suzuki ... I haven't had any experience with those before.

[Sip]

Re: Which one?

PS: I will be buying one of those 2 no matter what (I need to have a car by Monday!), so don't advise me to look for something else.

I know in LA one can rent a car for something like $15 a day (for over 25 and near LAX airport). So you might have other options if you need a car right away but not sure how much rentals go for around your area. Buying a used car in a hurry is typically a recipe for disaster.

[Siggie]

Re: Which one?

If I was going to buy a used car, I'd get a Honda or Toyota. They have the best longevity, I think. Sip makes a good point... It would be faaar wiser to take your time. When you buy used, you're buying as-is.

[Jen]

Re: Which one?

I know in LA one can rent a car for something like $15 a day (for over 25 and near LAX airport). So you might have other options if you need a car right away but not sure how much rentals go for around your area. Buying a used car in a hurry is typically a recipe for disaster.

I have been renting cars already...the rental itself isn't expensive...the problem is the insurance...I know it isn't mandatory to get it, but you never know...I'm always afraid something will happen and I will have to pay oodles of money...

I've been trying to buy a car for the past month and a half. The problem is that I have no time to go test drive them, since I've been working all the time. This Sunday, I have the morning off, and those are the only cars that are still available...most Toyotas and Hondas sell really fast... I really wanted to get a Celica, but those are either too expensive or they sell WAY too fast...

As far as tune ups, the Suzuki had it's last tune up at 78K, when the timing belt and the water pump were replaced. Two front axles/CVS boots, two front brake disks/pads replaced in 2005. The guy has all the paperwork from previous work done on the car.

I couldn't get a hold of the guy from the Explorer to find out about the last tune-up.

I only need a car for 6 months, so I was wondering, even if I choose to go with the Explorer, do you guys think it would cause me problems during that period of time (assuming there is nothing wrong with the car)...

[Siggie]

Re: Which one?

With a private seller you can call them and make an appt to see and drive the car in the evenings. They're gonna be working too.

That seems like a lot of work on the Suzuki... he may have done it, but is that typically necessary for a 9 yo car (or whenever he had it done)? I had a Toyota Camry that I drove until it was 11 years old and all it ever needed was timing belt at just below 100k which is also part of the usual maintanence.
There are lots of cars listed online and in those magazines etc... I can't believe that you can't find either one.

[Jen]

Re: Which one?

With a private seller you can call them and make an appt to see and drive the car in the evenings. They're gonna be working too.

That seems like a lot of work on the Suzuki... he may have done it, but is that typically necessary for a 9 yo car (or whenever he had it done)? I had a Toyota Camry that I drove until it was 11 years old and all it ever needed was timing belt at just below 100k which is also part of the usual maintanence.
There are lots of cars listed online and in those magazines etc... I can't believe that you can't find either one.

The problem is that I work til 10:00pm most of the days. Another thing is most of the ppl selling their car (through Craig's List) will do so for the first person who shows up with money in hand. I've tried setting up appts, but by the time I'd call to confirm if I could come over or not, the car was sold already.

Also, all the Toyotas and Hondas that are within my budget have either way too much mileage on them and are very old (late 80s) or need to have work done. I definitely wouldn't mind driving an old car, as long as it is reliable, but then again, because they are cheap and are good cars, they go really fast.

My problem would be solved if I got 1 or 2 afternoons off from work, but unfortunately I can, and I'm booked up til mid october...can't wait till then to buy a car...

[Jen]

Re: Which one?

The Ford sounds like a good deal, but you don't wanna go with a Ford.

The funny thing is that in Brazil, Fords are considered GREAT cars...(probably because they are manufactured there)...that's why I'm a little more inclined to the Ford...