# Used Car Buying advice

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-buying-advice/7366>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [November 17, 2007, 2:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-buying-advice/7366 "2007-11-17T14:33:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Badiu1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@Badiu1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Badiu1)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2007, 2:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-buying-advice/7366/1 "2007-11-17T14:33:29Z")

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We are looking for a used car for under $3000 (we live in the Boston area)for basic to and from work use.  
  
  
  
 Does anyone have any recommendations for any particularly reliable cars/models? (or anything to stay away from)  
  
  
  
 Most will obviously have high mileage (over 100k). Should I consider cars with over 100k miles if it is within the normal variance of driving (12-15,000/year)? Some cars if well cared for will last up to 200k miles or more.  
  
  
  
 Obviously having a mechanic check it out is necessary, but any advice would be appreciated.  
  
  
  
 tx

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2007, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-buying-advice/7366/2 "2007-11-17T22:22:45Z")

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An unpopular small car is probably your best bet. A 2000 Ford Contour or Chevy Metro retail for just under $3000. As a comparison, a stripped 2000 Honda Civic retails for over $5000.