February 25, 2009
Shop For An Inexpensive Car
Automobiles are status symbols. We’ve all seen the stories about moguls with multi-story garages and huge luxury car collections. But for some people an inexpensive car is the way to go. It’s doesn’t have to be a clunker just because it doesn’t cost a lot. Less costly can still be exciting to drive.
A used car purchase can save a lot of money. Even luxury models are much less expensive when purchased second hand. A whole new term has emerged for higher quality used vehicles - pre-owned. Some people who always bought new have crossed over into pre-owned. Consider top model cars. Some cars like the Mercedes are so well built they are still new feeling after a decade. Many people always buy late model used cars instead of new ones.Remember the chauffeur in “Driving Miss Daisy”? He always bought Miss Daisy’s second hand, luxury cars.
There are also some nice, low cost new cars. Companies like Hyundai make excellent cars that can be purchased new for under $12,000. A well engineered car like the Honda Civic is only around $15K. That car lasts a long time, and gets great gas mileage. Cheaper cars are also generally less costly to maintain, and they don’t require premium gasoline.
Another area to look is cheaper, if not really cheap, luxury cars. Audi has some luxury models that generally sit at the bottom price in their class. Nobody beats Audi as far as engineering. This includes the Audi TT which, while not exactly cheap, is a very nice sports car with a lot of power and speed.
Some people mean really cheap when they say cheap. They don’t care if the car is held together with chewing gum and wire. Teenagers often purchase such a car as their first vehiclePeople often purchase such a car as a first vehicle for a teen. It’s a set of wheels, and it gives them practice for a life time of practical mechanical knowledge. But watch out, the age old adage “You get what you pay for” applies to cheap cars too. When the car overheats, you won’t be happy.
