I don’t want car payments so I’m planning on paying cash for a used car. I saw a 1999 Mazda 626 with 156,000 miles. It’s $2,000. I haven’t gone to test drive the car yet. Does this car seem like a good buy? I don’t know much about cars which is why I am asking.
Also, I’ve been reading books on buying cars so I can become more knowledgeable!
PARIS
Comments
just make sure u buy a good car
Mazdas are pretty reliable, but this is high mileage.
Since you admit not being expert see if you can take a friend or relative who knows a lot more to check the thing over.
I would avoid anything that has more than 12k miles per year (so 1999= 9 years x 12k = 108,000miles).
And it’s actually possible to find cars with lower mileage, engines and gearboxes are getting pretty tired by 100k, axles, driveshafts, braking equipment and all the steering linkages are worn.
Tires need to have a good tread on them and be matching, so at least you have (say) two BF Goodrich on the front and two Dunlop on the rear.
Pull up the carpet inside to check for rust (or even holes!!) do the same in the trunk, make sure your spare tire is good and you have the jack and wheel brace.
If your State has a vehicle inspection, make sure the car has passed it and has a current sticker/certificate.
If you do buy, join AAA, it will save you a lot of grief…
Good luck!
it has really high milage,
i would stick to something with 50k or less
you can get a good golf 02/2003 for $2,000/3,000 with low miles and good for money
i had one and i miss it…
The Consumer Reports Used Cars Buyers Guide would be an excellent reference for you. It covers the techniques of taking a test drive, negotiating, financing, and most other aspects of buying. It also provides a review of over 250 models with detailed reliability history for each model. Might find it at your library or it can be ordered from CR’s website for about $12 including shipping.
Knowledge is your greatest asset when buying used vehicles. You are on the right track. Good luck!
for $4,000
look for
98 Acura CL, 98 Ford Mustang V6, 98 Honda Accord or Civic, 98 Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder, 98 Subaru Impreza or Legacy, 98 -00 Toyota Corolla or Echo 00
these are all reliable and will last longer than other cars in this price range.
for around $6k an Acura Integra 98-99 is a great car.