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See original · Share ###### Share a link to this question Copy link ###### Share a link to this question Copy link # What are some affordable good cars to buy? Best affordable cars to drive 2022? Looking to buy a car that is affordable and doesn't break down often. Help is needed and will be appreciated [automotive](https://www.careervillage.org/questions/tagged/automotive) [cars](https://www.careervillage.org/questions/tagged/cars) [mechanics](https://www.careervillage.org/questions/tagged/mechanics) [fall22](https://www.careervillage.org/questions/tagged/fall22) [Login to comment](https://www.careervillage.org/login/?next=) [Answer This](https://www.careervillage.org/login/professional/?next=/questions/635310/what-are-some-affordable-good-cars-to-buy#your-answer) ##### Delete Question × Are you sure you want to delete this question? Cancel Delete ##### Flag Question × *** 2 *** ### 2 answers ##### Follow discussion × *** [](https://www.careervillage.org/users/9852/kim/) ##### Kim Igleheart Career Counselor \| Police Officer 1847 Answers San Antonio, Texas 0 Updated Nov 20, 2022 · Translate See original · Share ###### Share a link to this answer Copy link ###### Share a link to this answer Copy link ## Kim’s Answer Jasmine, If this will be your first car, I recommend you start setting money aside in an "Emergency Fund." Finance professionals recommend that we have enough to cover three to six months of our living expenses set aside, to cover - emergencies - car repairs, medical bills, job loss, etc. In this way, we can borrow from ourselves and pay ourselves back, rather than putting these expenses on credit cards or taking out loans. Because, ALL cars will need some sort of mechanical work beyond the basic maintenance. Even tires are expensive. I've had good cars that have needed water pumps, batteries, etc. That being said, I have owned cars for 41 years. I just bought my fifth car. I have owned a Datsun (Nissan), Toyota, Volvo, Scion (a Toyota brand), and now a Subaru. I do not recommend a Volvo. Parts are too expensive, and not every garage knows how to work on them. All of my cars have been good to me (180,000- 200,000 miles) - and, except for the Subaru, they were all bought used. But, I took good care of them, got them regular oil changes, etc. When you go to buy a used car, it's not good enough that they have good reviews (such as through Consumer Reports). You need to try to figure out if they have been in a wreck (CARFAX), how many owners they have had, and what sort of preventive maintenance they have received over the course of their life. If they have been wrecked, there's a chance they have damage that affects the steering and alignment. This is more than a nuisance - it will "eat up" your tires faster than normal. Try to take the car to a reputable garage to get a 100 point inspection with a computerized printout. You will have to pay for it - but, it is worth it! You will then need to decide which problems you can deal with, and which ones mean you should not buy the car. Discuss the report with the garage. Car prices are crazy right now, so, I feel for you as you try to navigate this process. I don't know what you mean by "affordable." If you can afford it, a "certified pre-owned car" from a dealer comes with a warranty. Just remember, the purpose of the car is to provide dependable, safe transportation from point A to point B - it's not an extension of your personality, and doesn't need to be flashy or come with all the "extras." Good luck\! \! Flag for review ##### Delete Answer × Are you sure you want to delete this answer? Cancel Delete ##### Convert answer to comment × Are you sure you want to convert this answer to a comment? Cancel Accept ##### Flag Answer ×  Thank you, Kim\! [Jasmine](https://www.careervillage.org/users/184536/jasmine/) Nov 21, 2022  Translate See original ##### Delete Comment × Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Cancel Delete ##### Flag Comment × [Login to comment](https://www.careervillage.org/login/?next=) 0 [](https://www.careervillage.org/users/81034/james/) ##### James SARGENT Machine opt 55 Answers Lawrenceburg, Kentucky 0 Updated Nov 22, 2022 · Translate See original · Share ###### Share a link to this answer Copy link ###### Share a link to this answer Copy link ## James’s Answer Toyotas are very dependable \! Flag for review ##### Delete Answer × Are you sure you want to delete this answer? Cancel Delete ##### Convert answer to comment × Are you sure you want to convert this answer to a comment? Cancel Accept ##### Flag Answer ×  Thank you so much for the advice. [Jasmine](https://www.careervillage.org/users/184536/jasmine/) Dec 09, 2022  Translate See original ##### Delete Comment × Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Cancel Delete ##### Flag Comment × [Login to comment](https://www.careervillage.org/login/?next=) 0 ### Related Questions [How can you determine what career is best for you? Building things and finding solutions to problems are things I like as well as being able to help people. I plan on opening a business whether it is in auto mechanics or construction. \#construction \#business \#automotive \#career](https://www.careervillage.org/questions/251025/how-can-you-determine-what-career-is-best-for-you) [To be successful do you have to go college \#college \#Automotive \#Master \#Mechanics \#Sales \#Agents \#Financial \#Services \#Occupation \#college-major \#finance](https://www.careervillage.org/questions/174226/to-be-successful-do-you-have-to-go-college) [How have you been able to accomplish what you have thus far? 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Updated Nov 20, 2022 Kim’s Answer Jasmine, If this will be your first car, I recommend you start setting money aside in an "Emergency Fund." Finance professionals recommend that we have enough to cover three to six months of our living expenses set aside, to cover - emergencies - car repairs, medical bills, job loss, etc. In this way, we can borrow from ourselves and pay ourselves back, rather than putting these expenses on credit cards or taking out loans. Because, ALL cars will need some sort of mechanical work beyond the basic maintenance. Even tires are expensive. I've had good cars that have needed water pumps, batteries, etc. That being said, I have owned cars for 41 years. I just bought my fifth car. I have owned a Datsun (Nissan), Toyota, Volvo, Scion (a Toyota brand), and now a Subaru. I do not recommend a Volvo. Parts are too expensive, and not every garage knows how to work on them. All of my cars have been good to me (180,000- 200,000 miles) - and, except for the Subaru, they were all bought used. But, I took good care of them, got them regular oil changes, etc. When you go to buy a used car, it's not good enough that they have good reviews (such as through Consumer Reports). You need to try to figure out if they have been in a wreck (CARFAX), how many owners they have had, and what sort of preventive maintenance they have received over the course of their life. If they have been wrecked, there's a chance they have damage that affects the steering and alignment. This is more than a nuisance - it will "eat up" your tires faster than normal. Try to take the car to a reputable garage to get a 100 point inspection with a computerized printout. You will have to pay for it - but, it is worth it! You will then need to decide which problems you can deal with, and which ones mean you should not buy the car. Discuss the report with the garage. Car prices are crazy right now, so, I feel for you as you try to navigate this process. I don't know what you mean by "affordable." If you can afford it, a "certified pre-owned car" from a dealer comes with a warranty. Just remember, the purpose of the car is to provide dependable, safe transportation from point A to point B - it's not an extension of your personality, and doesn't need to be flashy or come with all the "extras." Good luck\!