Within the next few weeks to few months I'll be looking at buying my own (used) car for the first time. It will be driven 50 miles per day (24.1 each way to my university) between Long Beach and Fullerton four days a week through the semester, and maybe once a month will be driven 93 miles each way back home for a weekend (One way of which will be up the steep Cajon pass section of the I-15 freeway).
The way I figure, I would be buying no more than $1500 of gas per year on a vehicle that averages 25 mpg. With this in mind, I will have roughly $3000 to budget toward a car. I can wiggle that number further if need be, the most of this will be coming from student loans that I have to pay back so the less I need to spend the better.
I feel particularly partial to classic Volkswagen Beetles.
Based on various ads I've seen, ones in running condition sell fairly close to around my price range. In well-maintained condition, their mileage should at least meet my 25 mpg average requirement. Reviews I've seen indicate they are fairly cheap and easy to self-maintain (though require it frequently) compared to other cars. Early/Pre-70's models have the advantage of not needing to pass a smog certification to be registered in California.
And everywhere I go, people will be punching each other, which is always a plus.
I know though that it's hard to find an air conditioner for them, which would be a problem in the warm seasons, but I can make do having the windows down. And the low engine power may have some difficulty when I drive up the hill.
In all, I know that if I find a cheaper, uglier car that works and has okay gas mileage, I should go for that. But I've never known a lot about cars and have no idea what specifically to go for or look for. So I'm asking for advice, either in general or about any specific cars, about buying used. Anything I should particularly watch out for? Questions I need to ask, or common problems I may encounter?
The way I figure, I would be buying no more than $1500 of gas per year on a vehicle that averages 25 mpg. With this in mind, I will have roughly $3000 to budget toward a car. I can wiggle that number further if need be, the most of this will be coming from student loans that I have to pay back so the less I need to spend the better.
I feel particularly partial to classic Volkswagen Beetles.
Based on various ads I've seen, ones in running condition sell fairly close to around my price range. In well-maintained condition, their mileage should at least meet my 25 mpg average requirement. Reviews I've seen indicate they are fairly cheap and easy to self-maintain (though require it frequently) compared to other cars. Early/Pre-70's models have the advantage of not needing to pass a smog certification to be registered in California.
And everywhere I go, people will be punching each other, which is always a plus.
I know though that it's hard to find an air conditioner for them, which would be a problem in the warm seasons, but I can make do having the windows down. And the low engine power may have some difficulty when I drive up the hill.
In all, I know that if I find a cheaper, uglier car that works and has okay gas mileage, I should go for that. But I've never known a lot about cars and have no idea what specifically to go for or look for. So I'm asking for advice, either in general or about any specific cars, about buying used. Anything I should particularly watch out for? Questions I need to ask, or common problems I may encounter?
