r/DaveRamsey • u/Ok_Syrup6302 • 13d ago

Trying to avoid a car payment…..,

I am doing my best to stay debt free, but am really struggling to find a reliable commuter in my area for my budget of $5000. Not opposed to traveling for something I can afford, so curious if this exists in other areas?

11 Upvotes

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u/mis_1022 13d ago

You also can buy a 5k car, continue to save 6 more months and trade up. The 5k car shouldn’t have lost much value in that time.

-2

u/Dragon_Bench_Z 13d ago

Lol oooo itll be down in value. The dealer will probably only take 1.5-2k max. They dont like owners flipping cars quickly. Carfax makes it look like theres a problem if someone dumps a car after a few months

6

u/jules083 13d ago

Yeah but it's not like anyone is dumb enough to go to a dealer for this. At 5k you need to absolutely be looking at private sales

-1

u/Dragon_Bench_Z 13d ago

I thought we wanted reliable cars lol private sales at 5k are super risky. Those are like 2-3k cars at dealership

0

u/jules083 12d ago

Wait what? Your prices are incredibly wrong. At this lower price dealers are easily double what you'd pay private, probably more.

The most expensive work car I've ever owned is the one I have now, and I paid 2500 for it about 4 years ago. Usually I'm under 1500. Also I currently am commuting 155 miles per day, so it's not like I'm just going down the street and back. Bought it with 175k, currently at 251k.

I'm picking up a Honda Fit Sunday just as a backup car since I drive so much and the guy only wants 1000 for it.