Clueless, buying a car in the US. How much is this worth?

vard

I'm clueless about cars in general, but I'm living in the US - just got a job - and I need a car. Something cheap and economical that will get me to X in one piece.

I'm looking for options - I've been talking with someone who's selling this http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4348895916.html

I figure it's overpriced, but I'm not sure what I should expect to pay. What would you say it's worth? Obviously I want to get away with paying as little as possible!

Really appreciate any advice,

Thanks!

Sobanek

Ford Crown Vic?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/4341025824.html

You can fill it up with Regular gas too, so not too bad to run.

Ninap

Hmmm. Maybe someone here knows US prices. Here, that would be way over priced, but I think in the US second hand prices are generally stronger than here.

MadYaker

That car would be cheaper in Ireland. But to be honest id say most posters on this forum haven't a clue about the second hand car market in America although I could be wrong.

SCOOP 64

O' it runs on Gas, should be cheaper then petrol.

bazz26

I'd say it's hard for people over here to know what it is really worth in the US as we don't know the used car market that well. You would have to compare it to similar cars being sold over there.

On a side note, if I was living State side I'd probably be aiming for something a little more interesting.

tony1980

This might help or join the forum and post the question, there are very active members in there on the US threads.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=620653

Joshua J

Use Kelley Blue Book.

Bigus

How many miles you doing and whats insurance quotes on bigger stuff ?


Convertable
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4331534738.html
Focus auto
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4358223968.html

This honda would be better than your first choice even with the higher miles
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4358209483.html


Corolla
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4339354090.html


Or for me a convertible reliable classic merc for similar money that could be brought home when your done http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4353924298.html

SleeperService

SCOOP 64 wrote: »

O' it runs on Gas, should be cheaper then petrol.

?
America plus 'gas' equals "gasoline".
Petrol as we know it here.

Preset No.3

From my experience of traveling and living in the US, 2nd hand cars are quite expensive for what you get. You will regularly see main dealers sell 10 year old cars with 250k miles.

If it's cheap you want, go for an American brand. Something simple like a VW Golf is still an import and go for big money.

Have a look at cars.com or eBay.

SCOOP 64

SleeperService wrote: »

?
America plus 'gas' equals "gasoline".
Petrol as we know it here.

Really?

spideog7

Joshua J wrote: »

Use Kelley Blue Book.

Yea use the Blue Book or edmunds.com any of the other multitude of website that will give you an idea. Also I'd pay out the $20 for a carfax report on it (and make sure the VIN matches. Craigslist is a haven for con-artists. By the way a quick search on KBB says about $4K.

Don't know your circumstances but make sure you can legally register the car. I don't know the laws in CA but over here you need a PA drivers licence to register the car (including getting the title in your name ie buying the car) even though you can drive without one (for a year). Also when you register it you have to pay sales tax (again that varies by state) but at 7% here that would add an extra $280 to the price, all things to be aware of.