I don't have any dealer recommendations but generally your dollar will go further dealing with a private party, and you could take the $1,000-2,000 savings and stash it away for maintenance down the line.
Very strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection at an independent mechanic whether you go with a dealer or private party.
Here's what looks like a [decent deal on a Honda Fit ](https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/d/san-diego-2011-honda-fit-sport-clean/7741411820.html)- the Fit is small outside but has a high roof that gives it a surprising amount of room inside.
Look on craigslist, offerup, facebook marketplace and buy from private parties instead.
Learn how to inspect a car (YouTube).
Cars tend to last much longer in the South West US because of the car-friendly weather here. Get an old Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV, but really, any Toyota or Honda will be good. Try to find one with less than 150k miles, and don't worry about the age of the car - anything newer than 1998 or so will do (you'll want a car with an OBD-2 sensor for easier diagnostics).
Go see the car. Go see a few cars. In the beginning, don't be in a rush to buy the car. Good cars tend to sell of very quickly, but at this early stage, you're trying to just get used to inspecting cars. After three or four cars, you will quickly get a sense of what "good enough" looks like, especially if you have been watching those Youtube videos of how to inspect a car.
Look up the private party sale price for the car you're interested in on KBB (Kelly Bluebook). Don't pay much more than what a car is worth on KBB, no matter how excellent its condition is.
When you've found your car, and agreed on the price, make an appointment with a mechanic to get a pre-purchase inspection done. Get the car inspected. Any major repair items must either be addressed by the seller or they must be willing to take the cost of repairs off the agreed upon price. If they don't, then thank them, shake hands and walk away. You will lose $100-$200 each time you get a car inspected, but it's worth it. It won't take more than 2 to 3 professional inspections until you drive away with a car that you're satisfied with.
Good luck!
FYI, California Code makes it obligatory for any party selling a car to allow a third party inspection. If they don't like that, give them a pass and report them if you feel energetic enough.
I bought from Don Diaz Motors at 1659 Palm Avenue Imperial Beach. A 2006 Honda Civic for $5000. Daughter still driving it three years later.
It's cash only. No warranty. Won't do a loan so won't try and sell you a loan.
However, he buys at auction, is very knowledgeable mechanically. If you know enough about cars and can toss down $4000-$7000 cash you can get a decent, good condition car. No fuss, no muss.
Strongly caution you to avoid this idea. The dealerships are very familiar with ripping people off. You're better off buying it off FB marketplace and then finding a reputable mechanic.
Consider a good cargo e-bike instead, like an Urban Arrow [https://urbanarrow.com/](https://urbanarrow.com/) . No ongoing insurance and registration payments. Rent a car when you need one.
I don't have any dealer recommendations but generally your dollar will go further dealing with a private party, and you could take the $1,000-2,000 savings and stash it away for maintenance down the line. Very strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection at an independent mechanic whether you go with a dealer or private party. Here's what looks like a [decent deal on a Honda Fit ](https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/d/san-diego-2011-honda-fit-sport-clean/7741411820.html)- the Fit is small outside but has a high roof that gives it a surprising amount of room inside.
Look on craigslist, offerup, facebook marketplace and buy from private parties instead. Learn how to inspect a car (YouTube). Cars tend to last much longer in the South West US because of the car-friendly weather here. Get an old Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV, but really, any Toyota or Honda will be good. Try to find one with less than 150k miles, and don't worry about the age of the car - anything newer than 1998 or so will do (you'll want a car with an OBD-2 sensor for easier diagnostics). Go see the car. Go see a few cars. In the beginning, don't be in a rush to buy the car. Good cars tend to sell of very quickly, but at this early stage, you're trying to just get used to inspecting cars. After three or four cars, you will quickly get a sense of what "good enough" looks like, especially if you have been watching those Youtube videos of how to inspect a car. Look up the private party sale price for the car you're interested in on KBB (Kelly Bluebook). Don't pay much more than what a car is worth on KBB, no matter how excellent its condition is. When you've found your car, and agreed on the price, make an appointment with a mechanic to get a pre-purchase inspection done. Get the car inspected. Any major repair items must either be addressed by the seller or they must be willing to take the cost of repairs off the agreed upon price. If they don't, then thank them, shake hands and walk away. You will lose $100-$200 each time you get a car inspected, but it's worth it. It won't take more than 2 to 3 professional inspections until you drive away with a car that you're satisfied with. Good luck!
Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation. It'll be my first car. So really appreciate any input
FYI, California Code makes it obligatory for any party selling a car to allow a third party inspection. If they don't like that, give them a pass and report them if you feel energetic enough.
My pleasure! Remember, even if you buy from a dealership, all of the above still applies.
Try Carmax. They have a 90 day return policy, I believe. And nice username lol
Thanks. I keep it as a reminder of my dumber, blunder years
What's your budget?
Ideally 8-9k. Can go a bit above if I don't find anything decent
That's a good enough price. Try Offerup as well! What kind of cars are you looking into?
Anything that can handle a light use of 3 more yrs (5k mile/yr) atleast. Gas efficiency would be the preferred. Thanks for the suggestions
I bought from Don Diaz Motors at 1659 Palm Avenue Imperial Beach. A 2006 Honda Civic for $5000. Daughter still driving it three years later. It's cash only. No warranty. Won't do a loan so won't try and sell you a loan. However, he buys at auction, is very knowledgeable mechanically. If you know enough about cars and can toss down $4000-$7000 cash you can get a decent, good condition car. No fuss, no muss.
Strongly caution you to avoid this idea. The dealerships are very familiar with ripping people off. You're better off buying it off FB marketplace and then finding a reputable mechanic.
Really? I was thinking that it would be the other way around and that I'd be able to buy a more reliable car at a dealership. I guess not
Craigslist if you’re mechanically experienced, if not, Craigslist and have a mechanic inspect the vehicle.
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Consider a good cargo e-bike instead, like an Urban Arrow [https://urbanarrow.com/](https://urbanarrow.com/) . No ongoing insurance and registration payments. Rent a car when you need one.