2 answers
Jasmine
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
4
Questions
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What are some affordable good cars to buy?
Best affordable cars to drive 2022? Looking to buy a car that is affordable and doesn't break down often. Help is needed and will be appreciated
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2 answers
James SARGENT
Machine opt
53
Answers
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Updated
James’s Answer
Toyotas are very dependable
Thank you so much for the advice.
Jasmine
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Jasmine,
If this will be your first car, I recommend you start setting money aside in an "Emergency Fund." Finance professionals recommend that we have enough to cover three to six months of our living expenses set aside, to cover - emergencies - car repairs, medical bills, job loss, etc. In this way, we can borrow from ourselves and pay ourselves back, rather than putting these expenses on credit cards or taking out loans. Because, ALL cars will need some sort of mechanical work beyond the basic maintenance. Even tires are expensive. I've had good cars that have needed water pumps, batteries, etc.
That being said, I have owned cars for 41 years. I just bought my fifth car. I have owned a Datsun (Nissan), Toyota, Volvo, Scion (a Toyota brand), and now a Subaru. I do not recommend a Volvo. Parts are too expensive, and not every garage knows how to work on them. All of my cars have been good to me (180,000- 200,000 miles) - and, except for the Subaru, they were all bought used. But, I took good care of them, got them regular oil changes, etc. When you go to buy a used car, it's not good enough that they have good reviews (such as through Consumer Reports). You need to try to figure out if they have been in a wreck (CARFAX), how many owners they have had, and what sort of preventive maintenance they have received over the course of their life. If they have been wrecked, there's a chance they have damage that affects the steering and alignment. This is more than a nuisance - it will "eat up" your tires faster than normal. Try to take the car to a reputable garage to get a 100 point inspection with a computerized printout. You will have to pay for it - but, it is worth it! You will then need to decide which problems you can deal with, and which ones mean you should not buy the car. Discuss the report with the garage.
Car prices are crazy right now, so, I feel for you as you try to navigate this process. I don't know what you mean by "affordable." If you can afford it, a "certified pre-owned car" from a dealer comes with a warranty. Just remember, the purpose of the car is to provide dependable, safe transportation from point A to point B - it's not an extension of your personality, and doesn't need to be flashy or come with all the "extras."
Good luck!
If this will be your first car, I recommend you start setting money aside in an "Emergency Fund." Finance professionals recommend that we have enough to cover three to six months of our living expenses set aside, to cover - emergencies - car repairs, medical bills, job loss, etc. In this way, we can borrow from ourselves and pay ourselves back, rather than putting these expenses on credit cards or taking out loans. Because, ALL cars will need some sort of mechanical work beyond the basic maintenance. Even tires are expensive. I've had good cars that have needed water pumps, batteries, etc.
That being said, I have owned cars for 41 years. I just bought my fifth car. I have owned a Datsun (Nissan), Toyota, Volvo, Scion (a Toyota brand), and now a Subaru. I do not recommend a Volvo. Parts are too expensive, and not every garage knows how to work on them. All of my cars have been good to me (180,000- 200,000 miles) - and, except for the Subaru, they were all bought used. But, I took good care of them, got them regular oil changes, etc. When you go to buy a used car, it's not good enough that they have good reviews (such as through Consumer Reports). You need to try to figure out if they have been in a wreck (CARFAX), how many owners they have had, and what sort of preventive maintenance they have received over the course of their life. If they have been wrecked, there's a chance they have damage that affects the steering and alignment. This is more than a nuisance - it will "eat up" your tires faster than normal. Try to take the car to a reputable garage to get a 100 point inspection with a computerized printout. You will have to pay for it - but, it is worth it! You will then need to decide which problems you can deal with, and which ones mean you should not buy the car. Discuss the report with the garage.
Car prices are crazy right now, so, I feel for you as you try to navigate this process. I don't know what you mean by "affordable." If you can afford it, a "certified pre-owned car" from a dealer comes with a warranty. Just remember, the purpose of the car is to provide dependable, safe transportation from point A to point B - it's not an extension of your personality, and doesn't need to be flashy or come with all the "extras."
Good luck!
Thank you, Kim!
Jasmine