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
I am toying with the idea of buying a pick up truck. Not yet sure if I'd trade in my Hyundai Elantra & replace it with the truck as my sole vehicle, or, if I might buy an older, used truck as a secondary vehicle. I'd like to be able to haul things when I need to (which isn't real often), and, to throw a couple bikes in the back of my vehicle when I want to (also not often, but I really don't like bike racks). I love my stickshift Hyundai, which gets about 35 mpg, but I sure can't haul anything in it (I should have bought the hatchback!). With the soaring price of gas & the fact that I do commute about 30-40 miles per day, I would definitely want something very fuel efficient if it were my primary vehicle. If it were a second vehicle, that would not be nearly as important. I was hoping you might be able to suggest a few brands & models for either scenario: either a fuel-efficient new or late-modeltruck, or a significantly older, cheaper one as a secondary vehicle. And I'm not in a position to buy an expensive one in either case. I paid $12,000 two years ago for my new 2002 Hyundai. I'd like to stay somewhere in that same price range, if possible, if I were talking new. Used, maybe up to $2500. Oh, and my only luxury requirement would be functioning A/C. I enjoy driving a stick, but would consider an automatic if I had to.
Thanks!
Answer Hi Sue
I am really trying to read into your needs and wants...and it comes down to space...
Buying a used P/U in the $ 2500. range could be risky unless you get real lucky, and then you got to carry insurance on a second vehicle ( costly ) i dont think thats the answer...
You have a nice car now thats good on Insurance and gas...but if you really feel you must have the benefit of preferance...Then how about A chevy S10...Ford Ranger or Mazda 3000 as your only vehicle...
Regards
Ray
