Would you buy this?

[harda toenail]

Hey guys/girls

I'm a college student and I need a different vehicle. I plan to sell my car and motorcycle and get a decent car. I need something CHEAP. Budget of about 6500 max.

I found a few in my area. I really like the hatch. The best deal I can find is a yaris hatch 3dr, with 135xxx miles for $6000. There is also a sedan with 134xxx for $6000. I'm sure I could lower them a few hundred. What should I look for when buying a yaris with those miles?

So, would you pay $6000 for an 07 Yaris with that mileage? Also, do you think the car would last through my final year of nursing school? I'm decent at repairs. I've changed plugs and master cylinder and oil in my dodge stealth. Also a lot of maitnence on various motorcycles.

I can't afford to drop much money into a car. If I were to get a car for 6k, I would be able to put a couple hundred more into it but that's it. You all think I should get the yaris or look elsewhere? Cobalts can be had around here for 6k with under 90k miles easily.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Not sure if this is the right section for this or not. And finally, FIRST POST. Glad to be here. Been browsing and I see some nice cars around here!

[CTScott]

I'm sure you can find plenty of cars with less miles for less money, but $6K for a Yaris with 135K miles is not bad. We have a few members here with 300K+ on their Yaris with few or no problems, so 135K miles wouldn't worry me. I would try to find out as much as possible about the service history of the car to verify if it has had any issues and that oil changes were done at proper intervals.

[auxmike]

If they are sticks, find out if they have a new clutch.

[why?]

I agree the mileage is no big deal as long as they car has been taken care of. These things could last forever.

[Golddeenoh]

Toyotas are known for going beyond 500k as long as they are well maintained. Toyota also is known for their long lasting truck, just check out Top Gear and their attempt to kill the truck. Basically as long as it hasn't had any major damage you should be fine and obtain a decent car to last a while.

[Hershey]

Too much . Go lower . $4,500 ?

[fnkngrv]

You might want to offer to have an oil analysis made at your own cost with over 100K on it. I know that from now on when and if I purchase a second hand vehicle I will require that otherwise I will look elsewhere. Also other items of note if someone cannot provide a solid service history:

1) Clutch play (Manual transaxle only)
2) Serpentine Belt (Alt+AC+Water Pump)
3) Brakes (Pads and Rotor condition)
4) Ask of any TSBs were serviced on the vehicle
5) Transmission Oil/Filter servicing
6) Coolant drained and replaced (ever)?
7) Exhaust Manifold gasket replaced?
8) Were any engine additives used (Octane Booster, "heat", STP Products)
9) Injectors cleaned?
10) Spark Plugs changed?

[harda toenail]

Originally Posted by Hershey

Too much . Go lower . $4,500 ?

Really? I can't find anything cheaper.

Also, some good no so far guys. Anything helps! I'll be buying within the next few weeks. Not sure what yet. Really want a yaris for the reliability and gas mileage

[2o6]

A Corolla would also be a good bet, and although typically slightly older, a 2003+ Corolla gets about the same economy for roughly the same price.

[harda toenail]

Originally Posted by auxmike

If they are sticks, find out if they have a new clutch.

Are you saying a clutch in a yaris needs replaced at 130k miles or that of it was replaced the owner didn't know how to drive?

[auxmike]

It's very possible. 130k equal a pretty ripe clutch....

[jay cobbs]

I would recomend the route I went. Go to hertz used car sales web site and enter your zip code they show all at way below kelly and book price look for rent to own. yes their in the 11-12 k price but all have warranties and the major car dealers told me they buy direct from hertz always because of great mantinace records. I know its more than 6 k but think this way like I did for once. bought cars for 4-6 k used but always buying someone elses problems. use the 5-6k for a down at hertz the 2.9 finance...ain't bad even if you have a credit union. ask to drive any car you like for FREE on the 2 HOUR TEST DRIVE PROMISE hertz lots give. no salesman needed...thats cool. take it then to your mechnic and say... hows it runing. I take my cars to Big O Tires they can test the fluids breaks engine and front end at veryvery resoanable prices. get a print out and keep it. the one I picked off the lot scaned prefect on the all tests and even front and rear alinment was ...prefect. no suprizes no BS at hertz it a no haggle pricebecause its already very very good , remember they supply the cars to most toyota dealers in your area and others directly. has free warranty and return policy. try to get a 2010 yaris sedan or hatch or 2011. the sedan is awesome and drives like a camry with unlimited free test drives before you buy at 2 hours@ go for it. yaris has no recalls...sit inside. 12 k well spent once for a whole decade...not just a few years, maybe?.... check specs yaris is very much like a prius, I get 40-45 hwy miles in my sedan and purrs like a cheetah, ready to run. dont buy cheap fords or nissians because of price now.... remember thier cheap for a reason..... spend alilltle bit more and never regret it. AND No I dont work for toyota ! but after driving the yaris 2010 sedan it impressed me as a professional van driver of 15 years with the look and feel on the road. my wife loves it and wont let me drive ie now... proud to drive the secret love child of a camry and a prius, and love your, new car. too........good luck

[auxmike]

Great stuff , Jay.
My brother bought a Malibu from hertz I think . It was dirt cheap for a two year old super clean car. Served him well for many years. Then he bought a Camry from Carmax , another good car. My only concern about buying a rental is the young men that rent them and the beat the crap out of them for those YouTube vids....