My parents want to buy a new car, between 30-40k, possibly up to 50k. I'm not particularly researched in what factors are important, but perhaps someone has some advice about what things to look for/any model recommendations+why.

Edit: could be sedan, could be otherwise.

ItsYoungLee

Korea (South)227 Posts

June 12 2009 04:31 GMT

How big is your family? What do your parents plan to do with the car? Do you need to haul stuff or do you just need to seat passengers? What kind of cars did your parents have previously?

Hurricane

United States3939 Posts

June 12 2009 04:36 GMT

On June 12 2009 13:31 ItsYoungLee wrote:
How big is your family? What do your parents plan to do with the car? Do you need to haul stuff or do you just need to seat passengers? What kind of cars did your parents have previously?

+ Where do you live? How much traveling do they do?

There are a ton of factors in buying a car other than price.

renegade_zerg

Korea (South)525 Posts

June 12 2009 04:45 GMT

you edited in "could be sedan, could be otherwise" ... that really helps on being specific... its only every damn car out there

naventus

United States1339 Posts

June 12 2009 04:51 GMT

Yep, I admit I haven't looked into cars at all.

Family is just 3 people, but typical use case will be 2 (this is really just for them). The car is really only going to be lightly used - typical going back/forth from work + w/e they go on weekends. We had an Accord previously.

I was hoping that there were some cars that were exceptional values/well-built in this range that demanded immediate first consideration. Or is it simply that the differences are minor (but important)?

infinity21

Canada6683 Posts

June 12 2009 04:53 GMT

First step to buying anything (particularly if it's expensive) is clearly defining what you need. Then you look at what products are out there that have what you need for the cheapest price (given sufficient guarantee of quality, ofc).

infinity21

Canada6683 Posts

June 12 2009 04:55 GMT

How many cars do you have already? (or are planning to keep when you buy the new car)
It sounds like you're looking for a no-fun car with amazing fuel efficiency lol

naventus

United States1339 Posts

June 12 2009 04:55 GMT

Yea, I hate to leave it so open (what a bad question), but the case is that they are as clueless as I am. Any concrete direction would be incredibly helpful.

Re: Infinity - we had two, one just got totaled and will be replaced. The fact is that they are really asian and really into brand. They pretty much had their heart set on some BMW, but my impression was that there would be a better value/build at that range.

infinity21

Canada6683 Posts

June 12 2009 05:02 GMT

Get a Lexus? haha

do you plan on driving that car? if so, that could factor into what car you recommend
Type out any info that you think will factor into buying a car.

Sadistx

Zimbabwe5568 Posts

June 12 2009 05:09 GMT

#10

Basically get an asian car, Honda or Toyota. Mid-size Sedan - camry or accord, Compact - civic or corolla. Year should be approx ~2003-2004

There, i just saved you 10 hours of research. You can thank me after you buy the car :p

naventus

United States1339 Posts

June 12 2009 05:19 GMT

#11

Re: Infinity
Supposedly it will be passed to me in a short time (a year?), though I would prefer to do my own research and get a much cheaper practical used car. I don't drive often, and I live across the country from them. So for all purposes, I'm going to pretend like that I will never touch this car. I've seen a few pointers for Lexus just from googling - any more points?

Re: Sadistx
The point is that they want to buy something in that range, and not something more practical.

infinity21

Canada6683 Posts

June 12 2009 05:19 GMT

#12

Yeah, but maybe his parents are looking for something more expensive? I have no idea how much cars cost in the states.

infinity21

Canada6683 Posts

June 12 2009 05:26 GMT

#13

If they're only gonna use it for a year, then for sure talk with your parents and buy something that both you and your parents want.

Or just be selfish and convince your parents to buy whatever you want and make up a reason why your parents want them for a year lol

naventus

United States1339 Posts

June 12 2009 05:30 GMT

#14

I think the subtext is that the whole year thing is how they are justifying the purchase. But honestly, as I've said in this thread, I don't really want to take up some expensive car (might not even move back to this state) so it's probably better to ignore this issue. Not to mention, I know nothing about cars nor want/need any cars.

So just to be clear, I just want to be able to make some recommendations to them about what cars are well-built or good values in this range, so they don't just end up with some expensive, but shitty car.

Cambium

United States16368 Posts

June 12 2009 05:38 GMT

#15

How about a Japanese "luxury" car... like Lexus, Acura, Infinity, etc.

If it's going to be passed down to you, consider a coupe?

naventus

United States1339 Posts

June 12 2009 05:41 GMT

#16

Ignore passing down - any particular models that people have looked into?

mahnini

United States6862 Posts

June 12 2009 05:42 GMT

#17

ford taurus SHO

pimpin aint easy

infinity21

Canada6683 Posts

June 12 2009 05:44 GMT

#18

Did you tell your parents that you don't want a car from them? I think you need to clear that up with your parents if they believe that you'll take the car after a year.

I don't know about cars in that range & type to confidently make suggestions so I'll leave you to do the research. I can, however, help you define what exactly it is that you want. I think you've gotten it narrowed down pretty well so far

In general though, companies like BMW and Lexus are quite reputable for their quality cars. There's a reason why bloody BMWs never depreciate

Are your parents willing to buy used cars? I'm sure that will open a lot of options in terms of luxury cars which seems like the way to go for your parents. That or stick to the accord/corolla type cars.