AboutRay Paulsen Expertise confused buying new or used...buy with confidence from dealer or private...consumer fears...paying to much...getting a lemon...accident car...fair value for trade...negotiation process...etc...you simply want a fair deal...
Experience over 30 years in automotive industry, management, retail, wholesale, appraisals, auctions, vintage
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Question -
Eastern NC. Zip is 27858. My stepdaughter wrecked her car about 3 weeks ago. Older 280Z and it would be cost prohibitive to fix. We are looking for used car that will get her through college. She will be freshman in the fall.
We went to public auction and learned a lot but still I am not sure about sellars stratigies. We just observed the first two times and it seemed like not everything was fair.
What I want is to pay cash for the vehicle but as close to wholesale as possible. Good on gas, safe, dependable. Any suggestions?
Warm Regards,
Answer -
Hi Tina
What you want is for your stepdaughter to be driving something safe...good on gas and insurance...right...and within price range...
and trust me on this one...public auctions is not the place...
When you say older 280Z...must have been a Datsun before they changed the name to Nissan...
The 280Z was a sports car... are you looking for something along the same lines???
Tina... give me a budget to work with and at same time tell me what you hope to find...and i will be able to help you further...
Ok lets see if I can be more specfic. Yes her old car was not for long term it was a gift from a dear friend who passed away. What we would like to replace it with is exactly as you described. Our budget is 3-4K. I know it is not much but it can be done. We are not looking for a sports car! She would like a jeep but I would like her to have something Japanese or German maybe 4 door. NOT A FORD! NOT A HUNDAI! NOT A CHEVY! Thanks!
Answer Looks like your not much of a fan when it comes to domestic cars...buying Japanese on a budget i really like Suzuki...in a sedan it would be Esteem and SUV...Vitara or the older version Sidekick...the engines seems to go forever...and my other Japanase choice would be Mitsubshi...you will most likely end up with models from 97 to 99 on your budget...
If you manage to find something German in that price range, my fear would be mechanical breakdowns...very expensive...
If your dreaming like everyone else walk into a car lot and say...i would like a Honda or Toyota in the 4 to $ 5000. range...its not going to happen or satisfy your needs...
The key to buying a vehicle in the price range you want can be any make...knowing how to test the vehicle thinking i need but 2 to 4 years to be trouble free is the answer...
I still have an old website where i used to work thats still on... www.usedvehiclefacts.ca click on Take to Mechanic...Test drive... and accidents...that website i developed to answer the most asked Q when buying a used car...
Good Luck and i would really like to know the end of the story
Ray
