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Unread 19-10-2011, 08:03
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JamesCH95 JamesCH95 is offline
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Re: What to get as a good first car

Forget anything German if you're going for low cost of ownership. No BMW, VW, Audi, or Mini (owned by BMW) etc. Some people have great luck with them, many don't.

Crown Victoria's are good first cars (my first car, as it were). I would also consider a Focus.

You're going to pay a premium in the used market for anything with "Honda" stuck to it, but it will probably be a decent car.

Mazda has several good offerings, but I would look at the large used Mazda3 and Mazda6 market.

As don suggested, keep $1k on-hand for repairs. You're saving money in the initial purchase price by going used, but you will spend more money in maintenance and repairs. It's just how cars work. If you're want to go the self-reliance route I would set aside $300-$500 for tools, like a jack, jack-stands, socket set, spark plug tool, oil filter wrench, torque wrenches, etc.
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