Car for My College Kid < $6K

[ChileMass]

Is it possible to buy a decent, reliable, safe car for my college-age daughter for around $6K? Yes, she still needs some help, but she works hard during the summer and school breaks, so I want to give her a hand.

I never buy new cars, always buy them 1-2 years old, but I haven't been in the market for a really inexpensive car since I got out of college myself. I'd like to find a Japanese car with < 100K miles (less than 80K preferably). In the Framingham/Worcester area. $4000-7000 cash budget.

Anyone got one for sale or can recommend a reputable dealer in the area? Any advice?

Thanks -

 

[deadheadskier]

I've always used autotrader when purchasing/selling used vehicles

 

[campgottagopee]

Is it possible to buy a decent, reliable, safe car for my college-age daughter for around $6K? Yes, she still needs some help, but she works hard during the summer and school breaks, so I want to give her a hand.

I never buy new cars, always buy them 1-2 years old, but I haven't been in the market for a really inexpensive car since I got out of college myself. I'd like to find a Japanese car with < 100K miles (less than 80K preferably). In the Framingham/Worcester area. $4000-7000 cash budget.

Anyone got one for sale or can recommend a reputable dealer in the area? Any advice?

Thanks -

You may want to look at leasing her a new car, just an idea. Right now you can lease a new Sentra SR for 179/mo w/ first and tax due at inception, so over the course of the lease you's spend little over 7k. Yes, a little more than you're looking for, but no worries either. The used car market is CRAZY right now. Unless you get lucky (neighbor, relative) a used car right now in that 5 to 7k range is tough, darn near impossible w/o big miles.

Good luck.

 

[gmcunni]

The used car market is CRAZY right now. Unless you get lucky (neighbor, relative) a used car right now in that 5 to 7k range is tough, darn near impossible w/o big miles.

Good luck.

WOW, you ain't kidding. my honda lease is up in June so i've started looking for a used car and am shocked at the prices on the 3-4 year old cars i'm interested in. makes buying out my lease almost palatable.

 

[campgottagopee]

WOW, you ain't kidding. my honda lease is up in June so i've started looking for a used car and am shocked at the prices on the 3-4 year old cars i'm interested in. makes buying out my lease almost palatable.

Let me put it to you like this....3 weeks ago I bought 10 program Outbacks for our lot, 3 weeks ago....NOW, the same car is bringing MORE $$$$ than what I'm asking retail. It's a new car market right now for sure.

Buying your lease out, or leasing another one, IMO, would be the way to go.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

what about swapalease.com

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

still playing with the idea of selling the quattro

 

[campgottagopee]

what about swapalease.com

Have you ever done that??? I never talked with anyone who's had any luck, just curious.

 

[Puck it]

I would not lease a car for a young adult. My $0.02. They are kids and have friends.

 

[campgottagopee]

I would not lease a car for a young adult. My $0.02. They are kids and have friends.

That's just plain silly

 

[ChileMass]

That's just plain silly

Yeah, my daughter is pretty responsible for an almost-19-year-old.

So you think a lease could work within my budget and give her a much better ride? Not a bad idea. Most of the <$7K cars I've seen are old and tired. I've seen one Nissan and one Honda I thought might work. Again, focusing mostly on Japanese cars for now.

Are you in the car business? Thanks for the tip....

 

[campgottagopee]

Yeah, my daughter is pretty responsible for an almost-19-year-old.

So you think a lease could work within my budget and give her a much better ride? Not a bad idea. Most of the <$7K cars I've seen are old and tired. I've seen one Nissan and one Honda I thought might work. Again, focusing mostly on Japanese cars for now.

Are you in the car business? Thanks for the tip....

Yes, I've run a dealership since 1994 (Subaru-Nissan)

You'll be very close to your buget, maybe a bit over, but the peace of mind that would come in having your daughter in a new car may be worth it. I used the Sentra as an example b/c that's what I know about right off hand....look around, there may be something in your area that's cheaper.

All I know is we've given the same info to many parents in your situation and it works for them. Instead of shelling out 7k all at once spread it out in a lease. Another good thing would be to put your daughter on the lease to help build her credit rating.

Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[deadheadskier]

Guess you gotta know your kid. If my future children are anything like what I or my friends were like at 19, hell no on a lease. I'd end up buying anyways with how I used to beat on cars back then. I'll probably do what my dad did, "Want a car? Get a job and get a beater just like I did"

 

[ChileMass]

Guess you gotta know your kid. If my future children are anything like what I or my friends were like at 19, hell no on a lease. I'd end up buying anyways with how I used to beat on cars back then. I'll probably do what my dad did, "Want a car? Get a job and get a beater just like I did"

I hear you - thank God my kid is nothing like me, or at least hasn't shown any of it. The days of driving 80 mph around the Saratoga battlefield with the tap of a keg sticking out of the back window of my Dad's Chevy station wagon are thankfully way behind us......

 

[ChileMass]

Yes, I've run a dealership since 1994 (Subaru-Nissan)

You'll be very close to your buget, maybe a bit over, but the peace of mind that would come in having your daughter in a new car may be worth it. I used the Sentra as an example b/c that's what I know about right off hand....look around, there may be something in your area that's cheaper.

All I know is we've given the same info to many parents in your situation and it works for them. Instead of shelling out 7k all at once spread it out in a lease. Another good thing would be to put your daughter on the lease to help build her credit rating.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Good suggestions - thanks.

 

[campgottagopee]

I hear you - thank God my kid is nothing like me, or at least hasn't shown any of it. The days of driving 80 mph around the Saratoga battlefield with the tap of a keg sticking out of the back window of my Dad's Chevy station wagon are thankfully way behind us......

Think we may be from the same neighborhood

Good suggestions - thanks.

Welcome

 

[Puck it]

That's just plain silly

Why? Elaborate.

 

[campgottagopee]

Why? Elaborate.

Not all "kids" are imature....elaborate enough???

 

[Puck it]

Yes, I've run a dealership since 1994 (Subaru-Nissan)

You'll be very close to your buget, maybe a bit over, but the peace of mind that would come in having your daughter in a new car may be worth it. I used the Sentra as an example b/c that's what I know about right off hand....look around, there may be something in your area that's cheaper.

All I know is we've given the same info to many parents in your situation and it works for them. Instead of shelling out 7k all at once spread it out in a lease. Another good thing would be to put your daughter on the lease to help build her credit rating. Feel free to ask any questions.

What about things done to the car that are not normal wear and tear? Kids other then yours may not treat the car properly. My son has cloth seats in his truck and they are trashed. You will also have to carry full insurance on the lease. In MA, that is about $2k for a young driver and 3 years and no marks on license.

 

[Puck it]

Not all "kids" are imature....elaborate enough???

I agree but kids are kids. See below too. I considered a lease for my daughter but bought new since it made sense that it will be the only car I buy her. And the same is true for my son's truck which was used though but about they same cost. It has not taken care of it very well. My daughter is Ansley about keeping her car clean. Also, young driver are more likely to have accidents which could be problem at the end lease. Just things that have to be weighed. And mileage, too.