A little help please?
By kazey901
@kazey901 (173)
United States
January 21, 2008 10:09am CST
I'm planning on using my tax return money to purchase a car.
I need some advice!
I plan to either purchase from a individual seller or a used car lot.
I should get back 1300$ (best estimate)
Should I finance, or buy one strait out?
I currently have no car, so no trade ins can be done.
What would you recommend I do?
I really need a new car, I haven't one in a year now.
5 responses
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
21 Jan 08
I would shop around and see what you can get for $1300. You may be surprised. I would take the time to check out dealers as well as individuals. The good thing about buying a car directly from someone is that they can tell you the entire history. Before you buy any car, make sure you get a car fax report.
1 person likes this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
21 Jan 08
You should also be checking you local newspaper as well as keeping an eye out when you leave the house. $1300 is not going to get you much, a decent used 1995 car. 2000+ cars - if well maintained and have decent mileage - usually go for over $3K.
If you cannot afford the financing, why don't you borrow money from a family member and pay them back over time (like $100 a month or something). If you could get an additional $1000 you could get a much better car.
1 person likes this
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
21 Jan 08
If you think you can keep up with the payments, get a newer car and finance it. The payments may be difficult, but you would be able to get a more dependable car. But if you don't think you can make payments realistically, you may want to avoid them altogether.
For $1300, you will not get as nice a car, and will probably have to spend some money on repairs.
If you do decide to pay cash in full, I would go with a private seller, since there is a retail markup when buying from a dealer. Take your time and shop around a little. Try to have someone with some knowledge of cars with you who can check out the car and see what kind of condition it is in. Look for leaks, rust, dents, and what kind of shape the interior is in.
1 person likes this
@kazey901 (173)
• United States
21 Jan 08
My dad will be helping as he knows a lot about cars. I'm just trying to save money. This car would only be used to go to work and errands. Not for going out or trips as that's what my fiances truck is for. I'm just tired of being a burden to him by having to work around his time and him the same. And plus I miss driving a bit. I feel like i'll wreck on the first time getting into one again haha. I found a checklist to take that helps you find out any damages that the dealer wouldn't want you to know about. So that'll help.
@cynicalandoutspoken (4725)
• United States
21 Jan 08
I used my tax return two years ago to buy a minivan. It is a 1998 and it had 94k miles on it when I bought it but it still runs great. But it cost me $4000 from a private seller and a comparable van was even more expensive at a dealer. I think to get a vehicle worth having you may have to finance some. If you just get a vehicle that you can buy outright now you may end up spending more on getting it fixed then you do on purchasing it.
1 person likes this
@fizz901 (10)
• United States
24 Jan 08
I know 1300 isn't much to buy a automobile in general but remember where you live.. I remember when dad got an ok car for $500 and he got those trucks for like only 1k or something and they have been working forever. I think you could find something for 1300 easy if you just looked in the right places.
