Best car under 3000?

[itsmeamy]

Looking for my first car

Updates:

[NearlyNapping]

I used to buy and sell cars, but I haven't kept up with them. There are some general ideas you can go by though.

Brand matters with newer cars more than with older ones. With newer cars, you can expect the majority to have nothing wrong with them, except maybe some very minor things. So brand and reputation is all you have to go by.

With older cars, you want to go by condition more than anything else. Brand is slightly more than a tie breaker. If the cars are in very similar condition and price, then go with something like Toyota. A lot of people will say Honda, but they are very over priced in my opinion, especially in some places. (Prices and popularity can vary a LOT in different regions.)

But the number one criteria is condition. If you don't know much about cars, bring someone who does, after you get it narrowed down. Maybe even bring someone before then, because two heads are better than one. One person might pick up on something the other didn't. It might be worthwhile paying a professional mechanic to check it out.

One thing that's true that applies to both buyer and seller, is that no matter how much people say they want a car in good condition, the truth is that the vast majority care about appearance more than mechanical quality. I've seen this over and over and over again. People will almost always pick the better looking car over the better mechanical car. Even the color makes a huge difference.

So when you are looking, don't let a pretty face fool you. You have a limited amount of money and you want the car to last a while. The condition of the car should be the number one criteria.

If you are buying from a private party, there are a bunch of hints. But most people don't do that any more, so I won't go into it now.

[genericname85]

honestly it doesn't even matter so much. i'd say get a vw golf 3 or 4. those usually last you a good long time and spare parts are ubiquitous. plus they're smaller so easy to drive for a beginner. or a trusty old honda civic. i suggest german or japanese brands, cause the older models of those hold up better in general.

[Ceasar97]

Hey Amy, best of luck to you. Don't worry about your first car, it is always shitty lol. Mone was a blue minivan that I called "The Man Van" lol. Get something cheap and fuel efficienct. Hope I heled

[ohshee]

Just find one that have been taken care of i likr Honda's Toyata most cars well half the cares out there are good just depends on what you like

[blutwolfe]

What are your options? If you're in north America, best are American brands, parts and repairs will be cheapest and could be done by a novice.

[Magicstar]

See if you can scare up a 1986 used Yugo, orange. No one will steel it, it's disposable, and because they are obscure and cheep, you can save for a wicked car of your dreams to buy in 2037. Just thought

[humanearth]

Christine is perfect for you. But better get financing. Going to cost more than 3 grand

[GOOSEBOY78]

toyota corolla. yes not much to look at but will get you there when looked after.

if you want a V8. ford crown victoria/lincoln town car/mustang all the same 4.6 v8 under the skin.

[legalboxers]

depends where you are. Look on craigslist or car guru. Nissans are good, subarus are good as well

[Surely]

Don't get a gas guzzler.
Mileage on the odometer doesn't seem to matter much anymore. Most cars will last 200K if they are taken care of with regular maintenance and not all rusted out.
Up to you on what you like.

[HusamRocks]

I don't recommend to buy a cheap old car, you'll spend more money on maintenance and repairs

[Sevenpointfive]

you're better off getting someone to give you a car for free and buying a brand new engine for $3000

[TheRealQuestion2]

Under $3000? Look for a used one. Something that will last for a couple years and will get you to and from work. Then buy a newer one with your money from working (must save as much as possible).

[AskJonNsa69]

I’d definitely start with an Older Toyota or Honda. They last a long time and are inexpensive to buy and maintain. Great starter car

[PeterPan246]

I would recommend Ford Focus, but not sure you can buy them in the US..

[LowSelfSteem]

I bought my little round around for €1500.

[azeh21]

2003 Toyota Echo. won't ever let you down. Ever. If ot does ill buy you a new car.

[bangyourhead]

Any honda or Toyota will last a long time.

[Cannuck22]

Where are you located.

[jeffburns182]

I still have my sweats on I have to wrap my knee

[Farah-luna]

nissan micra 😂

[Massageman]

A used Honda or Subaru.