% of income to pay for a car

[Gruntina]

I had several used cars in the past... most did not last more than 5 years. It’s pretty hard to find a used car in the Bay Area with decent mileage around $5000. It’s the norms to drive between 1-2 hours commute around here. Most used cars here within 3 years old already has roughly at least 40-50 thousands miles on them and cost around $15,000 or more. Also we must pay 8.25% sales tax on used cars as well.

But in Montana, used were a much better deal and had a tendency to have less mileage as everything is localized instead of spread out.

I recently brought a used newer vehicle but needed something specific with the lifestyle that I had and tried my best to finding the best price. It took a few months but I am happy with my purchase and feel at peace with it.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Gruntina

I had several used cars in the past... most did not last more than 5 years... Most used cars here within 3 years old already has roughly at least 40-50 thousands miles on them and cost around $15,000 or more.

I can see where that would be a problem. Doesn't work that way around here fortunately.

I have a 1998 Toyota Camry. I bought it in August 1998. It was a dealer demo and had 11,000 miles on it. I saved about 5K by getting it used.

My wife has a 2000 Toyota Sienna that we bought in September 2002 with 34,000 miles. We probably saved about 8K or so by getting that used.

My car now has 96K and hers has 85K. We have no immediate plans to replace either one, but when we do, I'm sure we'll find similar quality and value with other used cars.