Car for a student

[SALTY3142]

I'm looking to buy a car, preferably new. Thinking about financing possibly? What cars are worth looking into? I'm a student so moneys not the best but got enough saved to buy something decent(i think lol). Need something efficient mostly, but extras would be nice. Im totally new to all of this so any advice/tips are greatly appreciated! THANKS!

[MP3_SKY]

Tell us your budget to spend on the car payment (rather lease or finance)

Gas is standard cost and insruance is depends on which car.

[SALTY3142]

I could afford a downpayment of max $5000 but would like something lower if i can. Monthly could afford up to $500. hope this helps!

[masterballer]

I could afford a downpayment of max $5000 but would like something lower if i can. Monthly could afford up to $500. hope this helps!

thought about insurance? u can get a nice car ...

[MP3_SKY]

5000$ down and 500 per month?

You got enough to finance a 25000$ car for 60 months.

Mazda 3 GT? Matrix? Ralliart, Impreza....

[SALTY3142]

geesh didn't realize how far that much could go financing wise. Lets say 2500 down? what does the downpayment change? and yeah I've taken insurance into consideration, got some general quotes from my company.

[Supershyguy]

wow. you can basily afford 75% of the car on the road.

good job on your savings.

but if you just need a car from point A to point b.

I would get a corolla or civic for sure. maybe even a used one.

saves you money to get a better car when you finish school.

[SALTY3142]

Yeah, parents are kind of urging me to stay away from used cars because their's is a money pit. Would like to have some $$ left over if possible, what could a $2500 deposit and sometihng like 200 a month put me at?

[Sylvestre]

I'm looking to buy a car, preferably new. Thinking about financing possibly? What cars are worth looking into? I'm a student so moneys not the best but got enough saved to buy something decent(i think lol). Need something efficient mostly, but extras would be nice. Im totally new to all of this so any advice/tips are greatly appreciated! THANKS!

if you are a student, I strongly advise not buying new. IT's a bit more leg work but buying used saves significant cash.
Don't think moneypit (cause that implies >10yrs old). you can easily get 2-3yr old cars now that are in excellent shape. usually coming off a lease or something. definitely the best price point for cars now.

[Pete_Coach]

Yeah, parents are kind of urging me to stay away from used cars because their's is a money pit. Would like to have some $$ left over if possible, what could a $2500 deposit and sometihng like 200 a month put me at?

That is an interesting comment from your folks, because their car is a money pit, so would yours be?
A two year old car (lease return or other)will potentially save you 30 to 50% percent of new and even if it is a "money pit" you can sink a lot into it before you get close to the cost of new.

[SALTY3142]

The strongest point they made was regarding the warranty. Thanks for all the pointers everyone! Any make/model reccomendations?

[curtis]

Dude, I thought the title was 'Car for a student', not I have $$$$, what car should I buy?

IF I was still a student, I would be looking at a 2001/2002 Corolla. Not a fan of the Civic's (had an 01 EX, brand new, nothing special)

Budgetting $250/month for student insurance, $100/month on gas, and say $50/month on wear and tear (tires, etc..) You're looking at $400+$500 (your monthly payment) = $900/month on a car!

How many students can afford $900/month on a car??

[MP3_SKY]

I'm sure his parent will help him out for the payment and such.

2500$ at 200$....means 0$ down and 179$

Accent, Elentra, Aveo, Corolla, Fit, Cobalt, basic Mazda 3, Sentra 1.8S, etc....



For a used...maybe a Protege 5, RSX, Celica, etc...so much choices...
Those are like 2-3 years sold...but still under short period of warranty.

Another factor for buying used is cheaper on insurance andpay less tax (if buying private)

[Evil Techie]

look into Nissan Versa, Yaris, Fit as well
those are great student cars, so versatile

[curtis]

Anyways, I was looking for a beater car, something good on gas, and the Toyota Yaris (not Hatchback) is pretty cheap. $14,530 base, ~$18k loaded + taxes and stuff.

Less than the Honda Fit.