r/UsedCars Aug 28 '18

Guide [Guide] What used car should I get for what budget?

553 Upvotes

[04/07/2024 UPDATE]

The prices on the 2022 dashboard are still fairly accurate. You may squeeze a couple model years newer but for most models, it's not gonna make much difference. Let me know if you think the prices are off. They are based on the U.S. market (specifically So-cal area).

The only key difference I want to make on the upcoming change is removing all Kia/Hyundai models due to a theft epidemic on these cars. Please do not consider them (look up Kia boyz on Google).


I've finally made the dashboard that will show the most optimal used cars for budgets under $5k, $10k, and $15k.

The dashboard is hosted in Tableau Public so everybody can freely look at it without creating an account. Just use the slide down menu on the right to select a body style and the radio buttons at the bottom to adjust the budget. To see which brands you want to pay closer attention to, hover your mouse over the logos. The numbers on the right side column represent Priority where 1 represent the more optimal choice than 2 and so forth.

Link to the dashboard (Last updated 04/07/2024):

https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/han.solo8717/viz/UsedCardashboard/Main

Since I have been seeing many of these questions pop up here (and other Subreddits), I'm willing to sacrifice some time I have left before I need to sleep to hopefully give you answers and make your search a little bit easier.

These prices are based on the following condition: You're buying from an individual OR a licensed (not franchised) dealer, the car has a clean title, mileage per year varies from 12.5-15k (Unless it's an older car), is in GOOD condition (by KBB standards), no modifications, base model or similar, and is able to run and drive with LITTLE* to no problems (Windows may not work, seats may be ripped, glovebox is loose, etc.)

These cars & prices reflect the U.S. Market.

Second and beyond choices are honorable mentions in case if you are opting for another car.

Choice is based on: Reliability, value, safety, ride-quality and cost of ownership.


r/UsedCars Oct 24 '24

YSK: How not to get screwed when buying a used car.

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17 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 31m ago

2021 chevy blazer

Upvotes

Looking to get this chevy blazer with low miles is this a good car been getting mixed reviews


r/UsedCars 44m ago

ADVICE Is AAA decent?

Upvotes

I have an old 2006 car that broke down a couple weeks go. We think it's the alternator or battery. Either way the car will have to get towed to get looked at. I'm out on the east coast, and the car is currently parked in my university lot.

Will AAA cover this?

I've seen lots of mixed reviews on whether or not AAA is good, sometimes the insurance doesn't cover it, or they tow it to a mechanic that doesn't do a good job. It's hard to get a grasp on whether people like it or not, or if they're just picky

I'm debating buying it specifically for this tow, I don't care about wait times, I'm just trying to save on a tow that could be up to 40 miles depending on the autoshop I haven't found yet.


r/UsedCars 1h ago

Buying What car should I buy?

Upvotes

Hi everyone, looking to buy a used luxury suv. I have around 45,000 to spend (cash). What would be my best option? I was deciding between Q5 s line vs X3. Open to other recommendations in terms of finances or car models.


r/UsedCars 2h ago

ADVICE Cars like fiat 500x ?

1 Upvotes

I'm in the UK, England. I hope this is the correct place to post this, I'm not too great at finding the best subs. I need to get a different car, I currently drive a manual fiat 500, it's my first car, I've had it since 2019 and there's nothing wrong with it but my health demands I change. Following a covid infection I have nerve damage and other issues in my left leg, which is making driving a manual very painful and sometimes dangerous. I sometimes cannot get out of my car, either, which is horrendously embarrassing. Of course having a small car does not help with these problems. I really like the 500x, I viewed one but unfortunately inside was mouldy and there were so many problems I left in quite a hurry but overall the size, ease of getting in and out and the comfort were a win for me. The feel of the car is not much different to my 500. Finding an automatic 500x within my budget is proving to be far more difficult than I expected. I'm looking at £7-8k for a car, and searching through Google is just causing me quite a stress because I cannot find unopinionated, straight up advice about similar cars. If anyone has any recommendations on cars similar to the 500x that are automatic I'd really appreciate hearing about them, and I'll look into them.


r/UsedCars 2h ago

Buying To BMW or not to BMW

1 Upvotes

I'm looking to get a 2020 330e M sport, there's quite a few where I live for a decent price in my budget. Friends have said BMW is expensive to maintain and high mileage (around 80-110k km) is even worse.

I don't really care about the electric bit, it's small for short trips to the shops but for my road trips it's the engine I want.

Am I right to worry? Is the maintenance not just costly but also often? Is 100k km too much (note that these are authorized BMW resales)?

I've always wanted a BMW but I don't want my fanboy side leave me in a financial and technical hole


r/UsedCars 12h ago

Under 5k

5 Upvotes

Is it feasible to find a daily runner that costs less than 5k? The most affordable cars available on CarMax and Carvana exceed 10k. How can someone earning a minimum wage afford a car? I require a vehicle capable of traveling 15 miles daily.


r/UsedCars 3h ago

Buying 2021 QX80 - 37k

1 Upvotes

I’m needing to get another car for hauling kids and gear around. I’ve recently found a 1 owner 2021 QX80 w/29k miles.. based on the listing (dealership).. I think I could get it for 37k. I know there are mixed feelings on Infiniti.. but for the purpose of what I’m looking for and (big, reliable, 4wd, NOT a van, low mileage), this seems like a good deal. Any reason I should look elsewhere?


r/UsedCars 6h ago

Buying Signed a contract but nothing has been exchanged

1 Upvotes

I signed a contract for a used car yesterday. I was pre approved for a loan at a certain percentage rate with my bank and told the dealership I would finance with them if they could beat it. I have tier 1 credit. They couldn’t beat it because the ltv was too high. My bank is literally one dollar from being too high ltv. Everything has been signed, but nothing has been exchanged. It’s bothered me that I’m paying too much and I want to renegotiate. The financing guy admitted the issue was over the price of the car and if I was buying new I’d qualify for their best rate. Am I obligated at this point?

Yes this us my fault. I’m tired of the world turning to shit and didn’t want to argue with a total stranger over the price. Lesson learned and next time I need to argue.


r/UsedCars 6h ago

Honda’s Acura Covid used car bait and switch scam

0 Upvotes

Warning: Be careful shopping for a car on Honda and Acura’s websites. Some of the best priced cars were never available.

Check out this twitter thread 🧵 👇:

https://x.com/bachnerrobert/status/1872454740862550132?s=46


r/UsedCars 10h ago

ADVICE Clutch vs. Traditional Dealers: Need Suggestions and Advice!

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 16h ago

Selling Does anyone have experience selling their car to driveway.com?

2 Upvotes

I’m considering selling to them, but they want me to mail my title to the vehicle to them before payment. Does anyone have experience selling to them? Thanks!


r/UsedCars 13h ago

Buying Make it make sense

1 Upvotes

Shopping online for used cars and always check the report summary. Ran across this just now...

Vehicle History: 1 accident reported - No damage reported. Salvage title -Significant damage reported

Are vehicle reports not accurate??


r/UsedCars 21h ago

Buying what car would you recommend?

5 Upvotes

Looking for something under 15k, something reliable and wont die.


r/UsedCars 20h ago

Wreck

3 Upvotes

I got into a wreck yesterday during the winter storm. A man hit me. He had dealership tags on his vehicle. I called the accident in but due to the storm they asked we exchange information and file a report later. The man gave me his name, phone number, but would not give me his insurance and also not let me see his license but gave me a number….i got his tag which was a dealership tag. I called his number and tried to get his insurance and the number he gave me was correct, but had yet to respond or answer me. Is his vehicle registered with dealership tags on it? Are they going to be able to find this man?


r/UsedCars 14h ago

ADVICE 2022 Hyundai Tucson

1 Upvotes

Hi all - I'm the most naive used car buyer in the universe. (Pleased to meet you.) I found a pretty nice Hyundai Tucson at a dealer - the "out the door" price is $25,425. It's AWD, with 19" wheels, a moonroof, and about 14,000 miles.

Can any kind soul out there take pity on me and help me figure out what I should reasonably offer, and what I should reasonably accept as a final deal? Edmunds' "Dealer Retail" appraisal is about $25,450.

I'm embarrassed at my lack of experience with this but I hate the idea of completely getting ripped off. Any help I can get would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ...


r/UsedCars 16h ago

Buying Honda Odyssey, car has accident on side and title looks clear

0 Upvotes

Honda Odyssey, car has accident from the side and title looks clear. Can someone tell me if the title is clear. Want to be sure, its not rebuilt or salvage title.

Not sure why title has new issued date, can anyone tell me if its a good buy. Its cheaper about 5k compared to market price.


r/UsedCars 16h ago

Buying Subaru Baja vs Lexus e300

1 Upvotes

Looking to buy an older used car, which would you recommend?


r/UsedCars 16h ago

Buying looking for safety and durability

1 Upvotes

what would you recommend for a used car, specifically between about 2010-2020 that has great safety ratings along with low maintenance costs? i want something that will keep me going for a while without racking up repair bills, and also something that i can feel comfortable in while on the road with all these crazy drivers lol. i’ve only ever had a honda civic and a buick century, both 2000, so i think i’d like another sedan but that’s really my only stipulation along with preferably under 15k. also something that will do well in a cold and snowy climate!


r/UsedCars 18h ago

Buying Is $24,000 CAD ($17,000) worth it for a 2021 Mazda CX-5 GX FWD?

1 Upvotes

Looking into buying a used 2021 Mazda CX-5 but the price feels a little steep. It has around 60,000 KM on it and no accidents or recalls. There are some small paint scratches on the hood of the car. All in all, it’s in pretty good condition. Is it worth it for the price?


r/UsedCars 22h ago

ADVICE What type of car is best?

2 Upvotes

What car under $10,000 has these features? Something good in snow, reliable, cheap to maintain, not too low to the ground, plenty of head room, good gas mileage, and big enough for a family?


r/UsedCars 20h ago

ADVICE Is Kia any good?

1 Upvotes

I am looking at buying the 2015 Kia Cerato S Premium, and I'm just wondering what are people's thoughts on the car. I only need a relatively cheap, small used car. Thank you!


r/UsedCars 21h ago

ADVICE Duplicate title fraud

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 21h ago

Going (by myself) for my first ever test drive

1 Upvotes

Hi, as title says, please hit me up with suggestions of what I should talk about with the dealer once I do my test drive.

Thats the car : https://www.goldenstatenissan.com/inventory/Used-2023-Mazda-CX--5-2.5_S_Premium_Package-JM3KFBDMXP0191539/


r/UsedCars 23h ago

Buying Looking for recommendations

1 Upvotes

Hi all, I have around 15k I want to spend on a used vehicle. I have been looking on Carvana a lot and I see a lot of Hyundais for sale on there.. I need something that is reliable and maintainable. I don't mind a vehicle that is around the 2017 year range. i just need some recommendations., Purchasing my first vehicle in the US


r/UsedCars 1d ago

ADVICE Check if LoJack actually installed

1 Upvotes

I recently bought a used car that I wa made to pay for LoJack on. I was unhappy about it and aware it is a dealership tactic to advertise lower prices but the price was still a good deal even with the up charge so that was ok in the end. Because I was made to purchase it of course I wanted to use it so tried signing up to LoJack and my details weren't in the system. I contacted the dealer about it and they said that the LoJack needs "to be calibrated to be activated" and that I need to return to the dealership for them to do this. Is this a thing? I think that it was never actually installed to begin with. Does anyone know how to find it in the car? We had a little look and coil t find it anywhere