First off, I should point out that I know nothing about cars. I only figured out how to add wiper fluid a few months ago. Long story short, I grew up in NYC, never owned a car, but needed a car for grad school two years ago. Got a new car then that I share with my gf, but our schedules are different now and we need a second, cheap car.
I've never purchased a used car, much less one off craiglist. I'm aiming for something reliable below $6K. I had a few questions...
1. I see a lot of dealers on CL in the private seller section. Googling their phone number shows that they've sold several cars. Is there any reason to avoid these people?
2. I will probably get an unlimited CarFax/AutoCheck account. Is there anything else to check?
3. At this price point, cars have over 100K miles. Any cars to avoid with this many miles? Any cars to favor? I'm leaning toward subarus, hondas, toyotas.
4. How long of a test drive is appropriate? Are sellers generally against allowing buyers to bring their cars to a mechanic?
5. Anything else I should be aware of?
Before I get flamed for not knowing my way around cars, I completely admit that I should know more. I would love to know how to work on cars. I enjoy working with tools, performing repairs, etc. But school has been too intense right now, so learning how to work on cars will have to wait until after I'm done with school.
Thanks for the responses. Be gentle.
I've never purchased a used car, much less one off craiglist. I'm aiming for something reliable below $6K. I had a few questions...
1. I see a lot of dealers on CL in the private seller section. Googling their phone number shows that they've sold several cars. Is there any reason to avoid these people?
2. I will probably get an unlimited CarFax/AutoCheck account. Is there anything else to check?
3. At this price point, cars have over 100K miles. Any cars to avoid with this many miles? Any cars to favor? I'm leaning toward subarus, hondas, toyotas.
4. How long of a test drive is appropriate? Are sellers generally against allowing buyers to bring their cars to a mechanic?
5. Anything else I should be aware of?
Before I get flamed for not knowing my way around cars, I completely admit that I should know more. I would love to know how to work on cars. I enjoy working with tools, performing repairs, etc. But school has been too intense right now, so learning how to work on cars will have to wait until after I'm done with school.
Thanks for the responses. Be gentle.