Frugal auto transportation: theories?

In article <DwICd.281111$5K2.31207@attbi_s03>,
John R Weiss > wrote:
>"Jonathan Grobe" > wrote...
>> So taken
>> everything into consideration (initial cost, repair
>> costs, insurance/license costs, gas costs...) what do
>> you recommend as the type (age, mileage, foreign vs
>> domestic...) of vehicle to purchase?
>
>>3 years old
><50,000 miles

Cars with low mileage for their age need careful scrutiny, since they may
be city cars (city miles are harder than highway miles), and owners may
have neglected to do maintenance based on time (e.g. the tires may have
plenty of tread, but after several years in the sun, are rotting away).

>Toyota Echo/Corolla

The Corolla is also available as a Geo or Chevrolet Prizm from 1990 to 2002,
and a Chevrolet Nova from 1986 to 1988. The "Chevrolet" badge tends to
decrease resale value, so it may be worth a look for the used car buyer.
(But if you drive on the highway, the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
transmission is preferable over the 3-speed automatic transmission.)

>Shop around and see what you can get in those models, for what price. You'll
>have to assess the condition of each car, and decide what the risk is for
>maintenance costs.

Yes, condition and maintenance history are highly important in finding
a good used car.

Insurance costs can be found by calling (or getting web quotes from)
insurance companies before you buy a car. License costs depend on how
your local jurisdiction determines them; find out from the motor vehicle
department.
--
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Timothy J. Lee
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