Used car buying suggestion

It is simple, really. Just run through the number for each options, and you can answer most questions yourself.
One thing is for sure, in my view, pay with cash! If you do not have enough money, wait and save. Simply by delay the consumption, you will be able to buy more in long run.

 

Coolness=complicated=$$$$$

 

It's not always simple... even coolness factor aside, we don't know what the price of gas will be five years from now. Or even a year from now.

I've lived without a car for the last ten months, largely by necessity, but also because it's nicer to the biosphere. The prius is kinder to the planet than most cars, and right now for reasons of cold and wanting independence, it seems necessary to me to have a vehicle.

Looking at the smart car as a more affordable option...

LG-VM696 ? 2

 

I would get a Civic or similar over a Smart. The Smart will get the same mileage, have much less space, and probably cost at least as much as a comparable "normal size" car. Unless the small size makes it much easier to park in your area, I would look elsewhere.

 

i've worked on smart cars, and driven them. i think they suck. a corolla or civic would be a better choice if you can't afford a prius.

 

Idk about a Corolla or Civic. They're great new, but used???? Lets think about the demographics of an older Civic or Corolla (young teen or twenty somethings who don't take great care of their cars). If you think about the demographics of a Prius owner, its typically an older person who takes great care of their cars. That should also be a factor to consider. I personally think the best deal out there for a used car is likely a Camry. They have been driven by an older demographic that likes to baby the car and take good care of it. They get decent mpg and are extremely safe and reliable.

A Prius is a close second.

 

plenty of older folks drive corollas, and not all youngsters abuse their cars. if its got a clean carfax, and you don't see things like moldy french fries under the drivers seat, and a stack of service records in the glove box, very likely to be a good car.

 

The older folks drive when new but pass down to the kids who tend to abuse. Of course there are exceptions to everything.

 

Good job!!!!.. I predict you will love it.

 

Woohoo! Sounds like a great deal. Please let us know how it works out.

LG-VM696 ? 2

 

I have an 04 but mine just hit 130k. Recently I've only been averaging 40MPG. Used to get 45 MPG when I got gifted the car at 45 the mileage dropped pretty abruptly in the last year. The 04 was the first year of this body style and there are a couple of recalls that you might want to make sure we're done. I like the 04/05 tail lights a lot better than the 06-09 style. Also it's nice not having to worry about TPMS sensors. It's kind of a toss-up but if the 04 is on its original battery it may be due for failure.

 

What is there to worry about tpms sensors?

 

Well good luck.
Sounds like you got what you wanted.
Now hopefully in a few months you still want what you got.