Re: Best Place in NOVA to Buy Cheap Used Car
Posted by:
goooodluck
()
Date: October 21, 2017 04:13PM
Craigslist. Used to be you could get a decent car for 5k - now you have to be very careful. Buy 'one owner' locally kept vehicles only and pay to get the Carfax. I would only buy a make and model I knew well in this price range and my choices would be Merc e320 1999-2003; Volvo v70 AWD 2004-2005. That is because I know exactly what goes on those and I also know they have rock solid engines and transmissions. Other good choices are Camry, Accord, Avalon,Civic.
The lots in manassas sell lots of vehicles but they dont do anything to repair or service those vehicles. You might go out to test drive and the battery is dead or a check engine light is on.
Avoid buying from 'curbstoners' - car dealers that sell off the street. When you look on Craigslist pay attention to the pictures, length of time on craigslist, Grammar, syntax, diction. You want to buy from someone that can write in English very well. Lookout for ALL CAPS or BS stories. Look for photos taken in driveways and residential neighborhoods not warehouses and mechanics bays. Look for a picture that includes a current license plate (that shows the car is currently being driven).
Finally, I like to buy in a decent neighborhood nearby and in good neighborhoods like Burke, Fairfax, McLean, Great Falls, Fairfax Station. By owner only.
PS you will be driving an older high mileage vehicle so plan to spend some money each year in repairs.