buying and selling used cars

[bjl584]

I've never understood why cars aren't priced as a flat amount. Just set a price and go with it. Saturn did that during their existence.

Saturn "sort" of had flat pricing. As does Scion.

The car price is the price. But, your trade in, the extended warranty, and extras and upgrades for the car are all up for grabs for negotiating.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I bought a used 2006 Hyundai sonata for $10k from a dealer in 2012. I sold it last month in 2015 private party for $5500. I can't say that it didn't depreciate, i certainly don't think I could have gotten $10k for it or close.

I wonder if the depreciation is just flatter per year but it still does depreciate during the time that you own it.

Since I am potentially car shopping again uggh. I need to figure out what makes the most sense.

[tripods68]

Since I am potentially car shopping again uggh. I need to figure out what makes the most sense.

How much is your budget? Are you looking use or new? Commuter, or SUV?

[Nutria]

Since I am potentially car shopping again uggh. I need to figure out what makes the most sense.

We're in the market too, for a used car to be shared by our teenagers.

Goals are:

• boring sedan 4-7 years old
• $10K max
• good reliability
• Electronic Stability Control
• good crash survivability.

[Spiffster]

We're in the market too, for a used car to be shared by our teenagers.

Goals are:

• boring sedan 4-7 years old
• $10K max
• good reliability
• Electronic Stability Control
• good crash survivability.

Im gonna sound like a hippie saying this but if my kids were old enough I would probably get them a used Nissan LEAF. As ugly as it is, its safe, <$10K on autotrader.com, and cheap as hell to run... with the added bonus that they could not get further from home than I would want them to be since range is like 50-70 miles. No need for a garage spot, just an extension cord from an outdoor socket .

[ua_guy]

We're in the market too, for a used car to be shared by our teenagers.

Goals are:

• boring sedan 4-7 years old
• $10K max
• good reliability
• Electronic Stability Control
• good crash survivability.

Most cars already come with ESC. As of 2012 it became standard equipment on all passenger cars by federal mandate.

NHTSA safety ratings need to be taken with a grain of salt, even though they are important.

NHTSA and other agencies rate crash-worthiness based on vehicle size. A 5-star rated Nissan Leaf means it crashes well for a small car, with a vehicle of the same size. They don't rate the outcome when a Nissan Leaf gets hit by a fullsize pickup of the same era. Mass will always win in those scenarios. Buyer beware!

[Nutria]

Most cars already come with ESC. As of 2012 it became standard equipment on all passenger cars by federal mandate.

But they cost more than we can afford. 2009-10 has cars in our price range.

NHTSA and other agencies rate crash-worthiness based on vehicle size. A 5-star rated Nissan Leaf means it crashes well for a small car, with a vehicle of the same size.

Very interesting.

[Spiffster]

Most cars already come with ESC. As of 2012 it became standard equipment on all passenger cars by federal mandate.

NHTSA safety ratings need to be taken with a grain of salt, even though they are important.

NHTSA and other agencies rate crash-worthiness based on vehicle size. A 5-star rated Nissan Leaf means it crashes well for a small car, with a vehicle of the same size. They don't rate the outcome when a Nissan Leaf gets hit by a fullsize pickup of the same era. Mass will always win in those scenarios. Buyer beware!

Speaking of mass, the LEAF weighs slightly more than a new Camry. Those batteries are heavy. Besides you're never going to be the most massive car on the road. If a semi hits you, you're pretty much screwed no matter what you're driving.

[tripods68]

We're in the market too, for a used car to be shared by our teenagers.

Goals are:

• boring sedan 4-7 years old
• $10K max
• good reliability
• Electronic Stability Control
• good crash survivability.

In that price range ESC, there are fewer cars selection but Nissan Sentra 2011-2012 model comes to mind with ESC. You might see prices around 8-10K depends on the mileage. Excellent in gas, very reliable, and definitely BORING!

[Nutria]

In that price range ESC, there are fewer cars selection but Nissan Sentra 2011-2012 model comes to mind with ESC. You might see prices around 8-10K depends on the mileage. Excellent in gas, very reliable, and definitely BORING!

A surprising number of 2009-10 Sonatas and Corollas in that range, or a bit over, have ESC.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Not sure yet. I am debating what we are going to do and praying my car will be repaired instead. I do know that we love our new Subaru Legacy with eyesight and all the safety features. Worth every penny. My DH feels more secure driving now and I'm happy he's feeling more comfortable.

As for me I'm reluctant right now to part with more money than I need. So who knows.

Although now I'm feeling more like I should be willing to spend more on safety features than before.