Car shopping recs

[HouseofWool]

So, between what I get from my car being totaled and what my parents are lending me on an interest free loan, I should have roughly 7-8K to spend on a used car. I would like to step up from the Kia Rio to something with a few more bells and whistles (like power windows I can lock so S can't open them).

I kinda prefer to buy from a dealership versus private party because there usually is some sort of short term warranty that comes with it. What I have found so far includes:

2006 Pacifica for $6999
2007 Kia Sedona for $6999
2006 Mazada 6i $7990

[diggitydot]

Do NOT consider the Pacifica. I used to work for the company that manufactures them and they are discontinued for a reason. They have a LOT of problems.

I'd vote for the Kia. They're reliable and have a good warranty if the mileage is still low enough.

I'm still driving a 2007 Kia Rondo and I heart that thing.

[spotty_dog]

We drive a 2009 Sedona, and the 2007 would be the same basic generation. Super easy fold-and-go seats in the back for amazingly versatile storage space, captains chairs for the kids, it is great for our needs. The dealers (unbiased, I know) told us that the Kia minivans equal the Honda and Toyota for safety, and far outstrip the domestic versions. I do like the minivan-ness of being able to carry family or friends as needed. Also, sliding doors plus kids is a surprising win.

I like to search edmunds.com for the make and model I'm interested in, then see how the design evolved over the years in order to pinpoint the features and when they were introduced -- especially safety features. Then I can rule out model years that had flaws that got overhauled the next year, or make sure to narrow the range to a time frame when the feature I want is standard or when a feature that's flashy but unnecessary is not yet introduced (which tends to make the car cheaper).

[HouseofWool]

Oooooh - good to know about the Pacifica.

My enter key had stopped working, so I rebooted, but there is also:

2006 Buick Rendevous - $6911 (who prices these things!)
2005 Ford Escape - $7990

[SoonerTexan]

How many miles do they all have?

I'm interested because I've found crap in that price range here. We are also looking. The 14 year old Taurus needs a $1k fix.

[HouseofWool]

Roughly 100 to 120k, anything higher than that, I automatically excluded.

[Thirteen]

Would you consider a used Hyundai or Subaru? The Hs seem to be popular, and the Ss hold value well/don't die...


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[Deebs]

I LOVED my Hyundai, but they do hold value better than they used to. If you find one in your price range, I'd really consider it.

[HouseofWool]

I'd absolutely consider either a Hundayi or a Subaru, but there aren't either available in my price range.

[Vanquisher]

I hope the insurance gives you more than expected. That's what happened to me when "butter van" was totaled. Absolutely submit for a new car seat.
I'd go for the lowest miles you can afford. 100-120k scares me. I know some cars will run well beyond that, but I worry for you about repairs on a car with that many miles.

[Vanquisher]

Oh and take someone with you who can haggle!

[HouseofWool]

I am not seeing anything for under 8K that has less than 100K on it. My mom gave me the name of someone who does private sales after he fixes up cars.

I asked about the car seat, but they said that since she was seated on the opposite side of the the car from the impact, that the would not be covering it.

[Deebs]

Kris, find your car seat manual (even if its online) and send your agent the page that says all seats in a crash must be replaced. It's the only way SF will replace car seats. Good luck finding a used car. The whole thing just sucks.

[corn poffi]

I don't know too much about cars, but I had a couple of friends get Mazdas post-college and none of them still had them five years post-college.

[peggyfromwastate]

They r blowing smoke on the car seat thing. Ridiculous. It should be covered-- I would not let that go.

I think the Sedona gets good reviews. Have you considered eBay?