Purchasing a 'new to me' car

[raeoflyte]

We're looking to buy a new vehicle, and have $4000-$5000 to spend. (Not sure how much we'll get on the trade in. I'm hoping to use $0 from savings, but have $1000 allocated if needed).

Our most likely candidates are a 98ish subaru wagon, but my mechanic really likes toyota so I am thinking about a 95 4 runner as well.

We need to be able to fit us and 2 car seats, and either a couple dogs, or camping/baby gear. (Only 1 kid now, but we want more sooner rather than later, and don't want to have to buy another car).

What would you recommend/stay away from? I'm dreading the actual car shopping part. We haven't done that since 1999 and it was a pretty miserable experience.

[wodehouse]

personally, I'd stay away from the 4Runner. They are typically very rough riding in the back seat. I imagine the station wagon will be much more comfortable in the back seat.

Check out www.autotrader.com for your local car listings. very easy low-key way to shop.

[wodehouse]

by "rough riding", I mean "kidney killing". At least, that was my experience in my friend's 4Runner.

[raeoflyte]

I thought that was just friends driving!

[schildi]

For $5,000, you should be able to get a 2000 4Runner instead of a '95, at least that's what kbb says for private party value.
Toyotas are not the best candidates for used cars imo because they are so expensive. There may be some better deals out there for $5K on domestic cars. At that price point, you want to be good friend with the mechanic in any case.

[raeoflyte]

I have a great mechanic. Honest and well priced. He tells you what has to get done, and when it's time to ditch the car. I'll have him look at anything before we actually buy it.

I keep hearing that Toyota should last to 300,000 miles, and the subaru pretty close to it. I've never had anything last me that long, but this wouldn't be a commuter car. We would continue to drive our prizm to and from work (opposite shifts), and this car would stay with whoever had the baby.

[wodehouse]

I suggest even checking out several-year-old domestic vans. Lots of room. Cheap.

My car (bought new) is 11+ years old and I know that years and age and sun and cold have had an ill effect just as much as any miles.

[phil5185]

I keep hearing that Toyota should last to 300,000 miles, and the subaru pretty close to it. I've never had anything last me that long, but this wouldn't be a commuter car. We would continue to drive our prizm to and from work (opposite shifts), and this car would stay with whoever had the baby.

Earlier you mentioned your trade-in. And now you mentioned keeping the prizm. I'm not following - are you adding a car or replacing a car? As for the prizm - isn't that really a Toyota? How many miles on it?

[The J]

For $4-5k, you should be able to get a car built in this century.

[midjd]

I would vote Subaru over Toyota... DH and I were actually looking into upgrading our '97 Civic for something with 4wd and did some research into the Outback. It seems to be a really reliable car, it's still on our list. I don't have much experience with the 4-Runner (though Toyotas in general are pretty good) but I'd tend toward something built in this century (like J said) rather than a 15-yo vehicle, especially with little ones.

[Elizabeth]

I've heard Honda and Toyota are pretty good for lasting a long time. I wouldn't get a car from the 90's though. You may run into the issue of not being able to find parts if your car ever needs to be fixed.

[raeoflyte]

Phil--We're keeping our 2000 Chevy Prizm (which everyone says basically is a toyota engine). It has 88000 miles on it. We're trading in a 97 ford ranger.

Re: a 90's model: When I look on craigs list and kelly blue book it doesn't seem like we can get anything built 2000 or newer for the amount we can spend.

Would you recommend buying something newer with more miles on it, or older with fewer miles? I'm pretty sure the mileage is what makes the biggest difference, and I've been trying to get a lower mileage.

[SVT]

Feb 28, 2011 13:27:17 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

Phil--We're keeping our 2000 Chevy Prizm (which everyone says basically is a toyota engine). It has 88000 miles on it. We're trading in a 97 ford ranger.

Re: a 90's model: When I look on craigs list and kelly blue book it doesn't seem like we can get anything built 2000 or newer for the amount we can spend.

Would you recommend buying something newer with more miles on it, or older with fewer miles? I'm pretty sure the mileage is what makes the biggest difference, and I've been trying to get a lower mileage.

There are Ford Focus' that sell for $4-5k all the time.

ETA: I guess that might be too small...although they do have Focus Wagons.