What type of used car will fit into my price range?

Let's take a look at some prices:
$8000-$12,000 US / $12,000-$18,000 CAD - This is the average minimum amount of money one would need to spend on a 'decent' car 3 to 4 years old. This would be a typical car (not a luxury car) sold from a new car dealership. They usually have, what would I recommend as a perfect choice, traded in one-owner certified vehicles that were sold new and serviced at the same dealership. Sometimes you may find such a car from a private owner. Usually such a car may last for another few years relatively trouble-free if properly maintained.



For $4000-$5000 US or $6,000-7,000 CAD, you may be able to find a 6 to 9 year old used car with relatively high mileage which still might be in good shape. However, it may take a lot more time to find a good condition used car in this price range. Typically, independent used car dealers sell cars within this price range.

For at least $1000-$2000 US, or $1500-$3000 Canadian, you may be able to buy something that can serve as simple transportation to get from point A to point B. More than likely it may be a car with high mileage sold by a private owner. Dealers usually do not spend time selling a car in this price range. However, be prepared to spend much more money on maintaining the car and keeping it drivable, if buying a car in this price range compared with buying a car for in one of the other price ranges discussed. To learn more about what kind of vehicle you can afford for your hard earned money, try to search the Car Sales websites where you can enter the maximum amount of money you intend on spending.
Don't forget that aside from the sticker price you may need to pay extra for taxes, registration and there may be other charges to consider.