Where online to buy used vehicle for good price?

[Chrono]

I'm interested in a small hatch/sedan that'll save me on gas. So far I've looked at the obvious
fit, corolla, focus, civic, sentra, yaris, xD, xA, xB, etc. I've narrowed my choices to previous generation corolla/focus/civic. I'm aiming to spend 10k or less.

Where would be a good place to check? I've checked carmax.com, cars.com, edmunds, and craigslist.org to name a few sites already.

 

[PricklyPete]

ebay? Autotrader?

 

[SearchMaster]

Lemonfree.com? Though I've found there tend to be a lot shady deals on there (rental cars, etc.).

 

[Vette73]

Look for Saturn Astra as well.

But yea craigslist, autotrader, and eBay are the big ones that jump up. Also update your anandtech ID to list where you live.

 

[Chrono]

I just checked out the Astra. Not bad actually. For a 2008 model used it's about 10-11k. Edmunds.com consumer reviews rate it at 9.3.

 

[jlee]

I found my Forester on Craigslist and Autotrader (listed twice). ~$4k under NADA.

 

[Chrono]

Ok I just checked out the elantra... looks pretty good actually. I'm thinking 2007 model. I see 2007 GLS's going for pretty cheap actually.

 

[kornphlake]

There are a lot of good options in your budget. In my opinion the compact sedan is the strongest segment across the board, just about any compact sedan from any manufacturer will be pretty reliable and affordable.

I'd probably buy used from a new car dealership, a lot of the craigslist and autotrader ads make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up for some reason. It's probably paranoia on my part, I have no reason to believe that a dealership is any less likely to flat out lie about the condition of the vehicle than a private party or sleazy used car dealer. Regardless it is a good idea to have your mechanic look over the vehicle before you buy, even if it costs you $60. Regardless of what the seller may say you never know what reason the previous owner had for wanting to sell.

 

[RockinZ28]

Craigslist and a big forum for the brand or type of car you want, and look in the local classified section.

I found autotrader and eBay to be at least 2-3k more asking price in the 10k budget range than people on forums or Craigslist. The economy is crap and people are being forced to sell for a lot less than its worth in good times.

 

[angry hampster]

Previous-gen Elantras aren't the greatest looking small cars IMO, but they will run forever. Damn good cars for the money.


Also check cars.com and carsoup.com...don't forget your local newspaper's classifieds as well!

 

[soydios]

Carmax is really straightforward and easy, but if you're ok to haggle then you'll get a lower price elsewhere.