Author Topic: Student Car help (Read 27867 times)

CyberNick · « **Reply #20 on:** March 28, 2008, 10:43:33 pm »

http://forums.tdiclub.com/

Serniter · « **Reply #21 on:** March 29, 2008, 09:49:39 pm »

Much as I am a fan of VW cars, recommending one to a first time buyer I cannot. Especially one with 280000 kms. I know diesels last long, but the rest of the car must have taken a beating by now. For budget purchases, a Toyota seems like the best bet. Some of their engines are non-interference type too.

airbalancer · « **Reply #22 on:** March 30, 2008, 07:43:12 am »

Quote from: CyberNick on March 28, 2008, 10:43:33 pm

http://forums.tdiclub.com/

Thanks

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 30, 2008, 11:21:20 am »

I would stick to an Accent/Echo/Corolla/Protege type car.

A low mileage Cavalier/Sunfire is cheap enough to still be useful too.

TacoTaco · « **Reply #24 on:** April 01, 2008, 04:42:06 pm »

my budget has been reduced. My tuition fee has increased has well as my rent. Here's the deal. I now have $3000 for a car.. and with this budget I'm thinking to go private or buy a car at an auction.

Just a few minutes ago a phoned a nice lady that was selling her used 2000 Focus SE with 187KM for $3000. She said she's will provide me with a used car package and car maintenance history as well. She also pointed me out how to do everything. since this is my first car and my dad is away for a business trip.

Anyone care to explain me how the private buy works? She mentioned a bunch of things I just want to make sure she's telling me the truth. I myself know nothing about all the paper work for my first car.

what about that focus SE?

Cortina · « **Reply #25 on:** April 01, 2008, 05:05:10 pm »

Avoid Ford Focus up to 2002 after 2002 they are fine.

I find Kijij good for cheap cars. They are a few scams but they easy to spot.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #26 on:** April 01, 2008, 05:38:35 pm »

SirA had some good recc's. I've been tempted by early Ford Focus's too, as the used prices are very good, but a little research shows they are very prone to problems (which is why the price drops so much). Carsurvey.org is a good place to get an idea of a vehicle's reliability.

TacoTaco · « **Reply #27 on:** April 01, 2008, 06:48:54 pm »

I am looking for those recommended cars but I just can't find one below 3000 with less than 250 000KM. Those Civics and toyotas are expensive and sometimes they sell you the name. I believe a car's reliabilty has to do with how well its owner takes care of it.

The few civics below 3000 were all driven the heck out of them by 18 year olds, racing them and so on.

this is frustrating...seriously. It is driving me crazy. I don't know what to do. Can anyone help me out by showing me exactly a good vehicle at $3000? I've really tried but this just isn't working.

buying a used car that's worth the effort, with a budget of 3000 is 1000 times harder than flying a plane!! anyday!

rrocket · « **Reply #28 on:** April 01, 2008, 07:03:24 pm »

Have a look at some Suzuki Esteems. I hear they are ultra-reliable. There's a 1999 Esteem wagon with only 139,000kms on it for $2500 on Trader.ca

TacoTaco · « **Reply #29 on:** April 01, 2008, 09:52:15 pm »

that looks good except its a wagon...if I can't find anything else I'll go for that one

I was reading a website and i found an article saying that if you buy privately in Canada you don't have to pay gst only pst. Is that right?

I don't have 10 posts so I can't post a link it was wheels.ca

One more question what about a 2002 hyundai accent hatchback for $2500 and 101,000km?

dr_spock · « **Reply #30 on:** April 01, 2008, 09:55:28 pm »

Here's how to buy and sell a used car in Ontario:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/used.htm

You don't have to pay GST but you'll still have to pay PST.''

rrocket · « **Reply #31 on:** April 01, 2008, 10:14:27 pm »

Who cares if it's a wagon. You are making concessions on price, therefore you have to make concessions on the type of vehicle you end up with. Geez....

TacoTaco · « **Reply #32 on:** April 01, 2008, 10:16:41 pm »

I guess you're right...

rrocket · « **Reply #33 on:** April 01, 2008, 10:17:42 pm »

Read up on the Esteem. They come in Sedan too. But they are supposed to be VERY reliable and offer great fuel mileage.

Used car review here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/cc/96-02esteem.htm

dorin · « **Reply #34 on:** April 02, 2008, 12:45:45 am »

Quote from: martindh2005 on April 01, 2008, 09:52:15 pm

that looks good except its a wagon...if I can't find anything else I'll go for that one

Dude, you should be happy it's a wagon! Seriously, as a student you're going to move and you're going to have friends who move and a wagon is almost worth its weight in gold when you have to move stuff. You're also on a tight budget and you should be looking for reliable, economical and practical transportation first. That Suzuki wagon seems to fit the bill on all accounts.

Leviathan · « **Reply #35 on:** April 02, 2008, 11:43:58 am »

Two words: Shaggin Wagon

mrthompson · « **Reply #36 on:** April 02, 2008, 01:37:03 pm »

I have a 2000 Focus SE sedan. It currently has ~110k kms. I purchased it 3 years ago with ~60k kms . In that time I have changed a rear wheel bearing, brakes (shoes,pads, rotors), wheel cylinder, and front springs. The front springs had rusted to the point where one had broken. Other than disappointment with the requirement for new springs, I'm happy with the car.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #37 on:** April 02, 2008, 03:10:49 pm »

You are right its not just the model. How the car was driven (some really nice people are very hard on vehicles for some reason), accidents in its history, and how well it was maintained are also big things (maintenance and repair histories are gold). I have always had good luck with cheap vehicles from friends and family.

The success you will have with an old car like that also depends a lot on you, how you drive it, maintain it and your mechanical ability (or ability to find a good cheap mechanic). Old cheap vehicles do not have the forgiveness that new ones do.

If you are not mechanical you can end up like the fellow here with an old Accord recently, it looked like he had no mechanical ability at all and small problems quickly turned the vehicle into a pile of rubbish after costing him a bunch of money. A good cautionary tale.

TacoTaco · « **Reply #38 on:** April 02, 2008, 05:21:02 pm »

bad news again. I phone the guy driving the Suzuki and the car has been sold. This is the 4th time I find a car and call the owner but the car was sold.

any more recommendations? what about the Hyundai accent at $2500? This is one is froma dealer so I don't think its sold already

rrocket · « **Reply #39 on:** April 02, 2008, 06:00:35 pm »

Did you look at trader.ca? There were 4 or 5 Esteems for sale...