hikerbabe
01-30-2008, 04:44 PM
We are looking on Craigslist. My wish would be for someone to assist us in finding a great first car in fabulous condition for a good price. So far we're using Craigslist. Suggestions please, much appreciated. And as for insurance just liability or comprehensive as well. Found a Nissan Maxima '95 for 5K with only 69K miles in San Rafael but have not gone to test drive. Really need some assistance on this purchase (not the Maxima but first car in general).... Thanks much.
Hummingbear
01-30-2008, 10:08 PM
We are looking on Craigslist. My wish would be for someone to assist us in finding a great first car in fabulous condition for a good price. So far we're using Craigslist. Suggestions please, much appreciated. And as for insurance just liability or comprehensive as well. Found a Nissan Maxima '95 for 5K with only 69K miles in San Rafael but have not gone to test drive. Really need some assistance on this purchase (not the Maxima but first car in general).... Thanks much.
I have a suggestion or two.
When a teenage boy gets his first car, it's a good bet that it will get wrecked before it gets another 50,000 miles on it. I'm not saying your son is irresponsible; it's just that we all need a learning experience, and most guys get it only upon impact.
Even if that pitfall is avoided, it doesn't make sense to spend a lot on a first car. As he matures, he'll want something that is more expressive of his personality--which you won't choose for him. So, it's the second or third car that's the important investment. The first is just to get used to owning a car, usually.
So, I would advise a cheap car. If $5k is cheap enough for you, fine. If you want one for $2k, there's no reason not to get something with, say, 150,000 miles in good running condition. (I have an excellent Honda Accord at that price, if you're interested). It will serve just as well, and be less cause for worry.
As for insurance: it's very expensive for young men (see first paragraph), and with an older car you don't get much back from collision damage, after deductibles. So it makes more sense to get a valuable car and insure the hell out of it (if money is not an issue), or get a cheap car and just be willing to take the loss if it gets wrecked.
Hummingbear