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- Nov 27, 2014
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My grandson is 17 and I am planning on buying him a car. I'll expect some consideration from him so it will not be entirely a gift. He's a good kid and I'm happy to help. My budget is $5,000 but I'd be happier if I could spend less. It's just that in looking at cars online and doing some research, I don't see me getting something I'd be happy with for much less than $5K.
The help I need is to give me your thoughts on a few things that have come up in my "research". Also, any advice on how to fine a nice used car is appreciated.
I know the price is based on condition, age and miles. How would you balance those things? Keeping the price set at $5K, if the car has under 150K miles on it, it's going to be an older year. I've even seen some cars under 100K miles but they're closer to 20 years old. The newer cars seem to be near or above 200K miles if they're asking $5K. Would you get an older car with less miles or a newer car with more miles? The newer car is likely to be in better looking condition, but with over 200K miles on it, is there much life left in it?
Then there is brand. I'm more familiar with GM and Ford - something like a Malibu or Focus or maybe even an Escape. I wouldn't mind getting a Camry but for $5K, those will have 250K+ miles. His dad had a Honda Civic, but I just am not seeing many of them.
I'd appreciate your thoughts as I start to get serious about this. Thankfully, I'm in no hurry but it would be nice to get him something for this summer.
The help I need is to give me your thoughts on a few things that have come up in my "research". Also, any advice on how to fine a nice used car is appreciated.
I know the price is based on condition, age and miles. How would you balance those things? Keeping the price set at $5K, if the car has under 150K miles on it, it's going to be an older year. I've even seen some cars under 100K miles but they're closer to 20 years old. The newer cars seem to be near or above 200K miles if they're asking $5K. Would you get an older car with less miles or a newer car with more miles? The newer car is likely to be in better looking condition, but with over 200K miles on it, is there much life left in it?
Then there is brand. I'm more familiar with GM and Ford - something like a Malibu or Focus or maybe even an Escape. I wouldn't mind getting a Camry but for $5K, those will have 250K+ miles. His dad had a Honda Civic, but I just am not seeing many of them.
I'd appreciate your thoughts as I start to get serious about this. Thankfully, I'm in no hurry but it would be nice to get him something for this summer.