Getting my first car...any advice?

I've been saving for a bit and have a budget of $3600 max. It's not a lot but I'm not exactly well off lol. I have separate savings + a job to pay for repairs as needed and gas, but I'm not really sure where to start here. I found a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe for $3400 on a reputable site with a clean title and just under 130k miles, that works well and doesn't have any ridiculous outward damage. I think it looks like a really good option, but I also don't know a lot about cars at all. I can't seem to find anything in my price range with better mileage than this, but apparently Santa Fes can last around 200k? If this isn't a good one to check out, do you have any advice as to where I can find a good car in my price range? I can't reasonably go without my own car for much longer, so I don't have time to save up more, and I really want to buy cash so I don't have to worry about payments and it doesn't affect my credit.

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post

by axmee

I've been saving for a bit and have a budget of $3600 max. It's not a lot but I'm not exactly well off lol. I have separate savings + a job to pay for repairs as needed and gas, but I'm not really sure where to start here. I found a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe for $3400 on a reputable site with a clean title and just under 130k miles, that works well and doesn't have any ridiculous outward damage. I think it looks like a really good option, but I also don't know a lot about cars at all. I can't seem to find anything in my price range with better mileage than this, but apparently Santa Fes can last around 200k? If this isn't a good one to check out, do you have any advice as to where I can find a good car in my price range? I can't reasonably go without my own car for much longer, so I don't have time to save up more, and I really want to buy cash so I don't have to worry about payments and it doesn't affect my credit.

This is primarily a UK site FYI - you may have better luck asking eslewhere?

Reply 2

Feralona

4

With 130,000 miles on the clock, this is not a lot of mileage for this model, and they can last up to 200,000 miles if well cared for. If you need help transporting your car in the future, such as in the event of a breakdown or buying a car from a distance, car towing services can come in handy for transporting your car safely and quickly.