My nephew is stationed in Ft. Cavasos (Hood) and is looking for his first car for under $8k. Now, being in his 20s and getting his first car, I imagine he's looking purely for appliances. The current appliance recommendation is a Prius, amirite? Any years or options to look out for?or avoid?
Sent you a private message about a car I found on another forum that might be a good fit.
Can I assume he's a soldier? Hence, he's gong to be moving around a bit so something reliable with good parts availability anywhere in the country that also has room to carry everything you own from one site to another. As a 20-something there's no way I'd be looking at a mini-van, however..... As now a not 20-something, something like this?
As a young man in my 20s, the last thing I wanted was an appliance. I wanted something cool. Things may have changed in terms of what kids want, and what's cool. I'm out of touch.
My 21 y/o daughter wants cool. My 18 y/o daughter doesn't care - as long as it runs.
If a military base, just outside the base will be preditory used car lots looking to get young servicemen, with some new found money, into significant debt. Proceed with caution.
With a limited budget like that, I think it just comes down to buying a car in the best condition he can find. Make and model are secondary.
Given his age and industry, the stereotypical objects of desire are likely a lifted F-150, a Wrangler , or a Tacoma.
$8k will buy you one, maybe just not a good one.
If those are the objects of his desire, I highly recommend sticking to two-door versions. Rear doors on all these choices significantly increases the price.
Look at the Nissan Frontier as a way to avoid the Tacoma tax.
Even more savings possible if he sticks to the small engine and rwd versions. So, to come full circle, the appliance versions of this class is likely a V6, full size, single cab, shorty box, rwd or a 4cyl, rwd Frontier. None of which get stellar mpg but the don't get the possibly horrific mpg of their big engine, 4wd counter parts. These still offer endless accessories and custom-ability that is the lure of this age to this category.
John Welsh said:If a military base, just outside the base will be preditory used car lots looking to get young servicemen, with some new found money, into significant debt. Proceed with caution.
Reminds me that a friend of mine has a 20yo son in the Marines, recently stationed in Japan... he just bought a Kei truck.
Thanks, y'all. I should have mentioned that he was thinking Camry before I suggested Prius. Thoughts on one over the other?
Motojunky said:My 21 y/o daughter wants cool. My 18 y/o daughter doesn't care - as long as it runs.
My 21 y/o daughter asked me the other day (one year of college left); how much money do I need to make in order to afford a Porsche? I didn't know what to say....
In reply to Datsun240ZGuy :
You say "my work here is done".
P3PPY said:Thanks, y'all. I should have mentioned that he was thinking Camry before I suggested Prius. Thoughts on one over the other?
Yes, I recommend Prius often but I should caveat that my Prius recommendation is to GRM'ers. What I mean, is if you are willing and capable of fixing the car yourself, the Prius is a great value. As an example, the dead dashboard problem...
I bought a Prius for $500 once because the dashboard lcd was dead. The dealership charges $2k for this repair. Too expensive for the owner so they offloaded the car, cheap. Self fixed it is 3+ hours teardown of the dashboard to resolder in a new capacitor. A $0.69 capacitor!
DIY a Hybrid battery refurb and you'll have $100 to $300 into the job. Dealership charges $3k.
So, DIY= cheap but retail repairs = $$$$. The dealerships rape on repairs and small shops don't want to learn or deal with what they see as complex.
So, if he will be paying for repairs at retail then Camry/Corolla (non Hybrid) over Prius.
The whole world wants SUVs these days. High demand = High prices.
But, no one or far less people want a sedan. Lower demand = lower prices.
If he stays away from common SUVs he can likely buy more car for less money. This makes the Camry and similar a great choice.
In reply to John Welsh :
Oh!! That is very pertinent info, thank you!
Big fan of older low mileage Lexus' for this job.
He wants a 2nd or 3rd gen Honda Fit.
Versatile, frugal, dependable, entertaining with a manual.
You'll need to log in to post.
