Buying a used car...

[SilentJay]

Hey guys, i'm looking to buy a used car for my dad - our Buick Regal has been super-low maintainance and extremely reliable, but it's getting on in age ('96) and is starting to need significant repairs. Now that i'm making a little money, I want my dad to drive a nicer/better condition/safer car into his older years.

I've looked through Autotrader, craigslist, kijiji, public auctions and a few other sources, and was wondering if anyone here has any other suggestions. A colleague of mine suggested that if I knew someone in "the automotive business" and was willing to take me with them, wholesale auctions are usually goldmines!

[PCLoadLetter]

I'm in auto.

A coworker (who I sold my old golf to) is actually a dealer and has access to these wholesale auctions. Want me to ask him when he's going next and if you can tag along?

[SilentJay]

Please do! :) Either if I can tag along, or even if he catches any good deals on malibus/impalas/luminas/LeSabres/Regals... you know, larger bodied GMs.

[Thrizzl3]

your dad is hooked on gm? why not buy him a hyundai sonata?

[PCLoadLetter]

your dad is hooked on gm? why not buy him a hyundai sonata?
The Sonata is a very nice car.

[Slipstream]

pmed you

[SilentJay]

Mom and dad have had 0 issues with larger-bodied GMs, so why change? They're comfortable with the size, power, and safety. They're also always cheaper, so that helps MY cause :chuckle I know the Sonata is a good car, but it's also pricer when I add my "list of wants" to the criteria.

Btw, thank you slipstream!

In essence, this is what i'm looking for - GMs fit the build too!

- Chevy, Buick (Preferred list: Impala, Regal, 2003+ Malibu, Century, LeSabre, Lumina)
- Would also consider 2003+ Ford Taurus
- Year 2002+
- 110k or less
- $5000 or less



Don't forget i'm trying to buy a house, so I can't break the bank :chuckle You can never repay your parents for what the've done for you, but this is a start :)

[jaimie08mazda3]

What about 97-03 GTP :chuckle... your dad can haul ass and be comfertable

[SilentJay]

:P Oh man, keep him away from speed/power.... He drives tanks for a reason :P

[jaimie08mazda3]

then 97-03 GT hahaha...
orrrrrr since you said GM
http://autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/HALIBURTON_Ontario_1985_CHEVROLET_CAMARO+_3021825. html?srcid=AVS9279654&source=25&pgno=2&srt=70&CompanyID=&r=ontario&ad-attributes=photos,, :chuckle
In all seriousness

2001 Audi A6 107K 5k
http://autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/TORONTO_Ontario_2001_AUDI_A6+_3061459.html?srcid=1 499747&source=24&pgno=2&srt=70&CompanyID=&r=ontario&ad-attributes=photos,,

[SilentJay]

^^^ Holy crap - is it just me, or is that REALLY cheap for what it is?

[jaimie08mazda3]

It aint you... that is freaking cheap!

[SilentJay]

Seems a bit too good to be true

[aris]

Seems a bit too good to be true

I think the audi one is a scam

[SilentJay]

It's got to be - no contact info. LoL - I was kinda tempted to get it for myself :chuckle

[SKYMP3]

It is a 9 years old euro. Usually Euro cars drop it's value a LOT when it's getting old, because all the maintenance and repairs gonna be very expensive. 5k is still a bit below market value, but it is not an impossible deal. I would suggest to get your parents a newer domestic cars since they drive one for that many years and no complaint.

[SilentJay]

^^^^ Yep, that's the plan. Now my only challenge is finding a newer domestic that matches my criteria :P

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

V6 Mustang

[SilentJay]

Something sensible for a 60-something year old asian guy :chuckle

[DumpInfo]

Something sensible for a 60-something year old asian guy :chuckle

So I'm guessing it'll be a Corolla or a Tercel. For there budget I'd suggest something like Ford Escort, Tempo, Taurus or something like that.

[SilentJay]

>.< Why is the choice of car changing? Late model, larger-bodied GM!


Tempo, escort!? The budget is $5k, not $500

[aris]

Have you tryed the auto trader???

[DumpInfo]

>.< Why is the choice of car changing? Late model, larger-bodied GM!


Tempo, escort!? The budget is $5k, not $500

Reason why I say a tempo/escort is because those car go and go. At least the escort did when my dad got one years ago. As for the $500 thingy :chuckle

+1 - Autotrader!

[PCLoadLetter]

Yo Jay have you gotten in touch with a dealer or anyone with access to auctions yet? I still haven't asked my coworker as I haven't seen him but wanted to know if I still should.

[ShortBus]

older than you want and maybe a little more than you are willing to spend but i'd suggest one of these,

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4372/19851987buickregalgrand.jpg

[RBoy8]

Jay, I know you're looking for a large bodied GM but have you considered a Volvo 850 or S70 that's non-turbocharged? Not too fast, very comfy and they're fairly reliable.

[SilentJay]

Sorry, it's been really hectic these past few days PCLL, major projects are due - I haven't had a chance :S

Is that a regal GS? :chuckle

[SilentJay]

Jay, I know you're looking for a large bodied GM but have you considered a Volvo 850 or S70 that's non-turbocharged? Not too fast, very comfy and they're fairly reliable.

I haven't actually checked that route out, thanks for the tip - I've never worked with any Volvos, and although I know a lot of older models are still running, I have no clue what the track record is, and how difficult/expensive it is to maintain.

[RBoy8]

I haven't actually checked that route out, thanks for the tip - I've never worked with any Volvos, and although I know a lot of older models are still running, I have no clue what the track record is, and how difficult/expensive it is to maintain.
Working on them isn't too bad. We've got five Volvos in the family and normally when things need replacing, we do all the work. The only times I've sent my wagon to the shop was to get an alignment and to get a Dynomax muffler welded on. As long as routine maintenance is done, they can be quite reliable. Cost of parts isn't that bad either.

I'd suggest looking at '98 or older. If you choose to look at '93-'95 850s, it's really really easy to check codes and clear service/check engine lights WITHOUT a separate code reader as they all have on board OBDI diagnostics computers.

Lemme know if you're really interested though and I'll send you a PM. I can give you all the info you need to what to look out for, where to buy parts and all that stuff lol. There's also a couple of good communities for maintenance.................................... and performance. :chuckle

[ShortBus]

Sorry, it's been really hectic these past few days PCLL, major projects are due - I haven't had a chance :S

Is that a regal GS? :chuckle

well basically yes but no, it's a buick gnx.

[SilentJay]

I think he'd wet himself if I got him a Grand Prix GTP... He's been lusting for that car since it came out :P

[PCLoadLetter]

I think he'd wet himself if I got him a Grand Prix GTP... He's been lusting for that car since it came out :P
Get him a GTP and leave a pack of depends on the front seat :chuckle