<p>Went used car shopping with youngest D yesterday. I seriously underestimated the price of a good used car! Its been years since I bought a used car, have bought new more recently. But has the used car market spiked or something? Maybe I’m just out of touch with technology AND used car prices…</p>
<p>Yes, you are absolutely right! The used car market prices have spiked! Because of the economy, people are holding onto their cars longer and longer, and there are less used cars on the market!</p>
<p>We needed to buy a replacement car last month for one of our kids. We found a very good deal on a used car from a private party. The used car lots are just too expensive.</p>
<p>Look for people who are selling their own cars.</p>
<p>Sistersunnie, my H LIVED on [New</a> & Used Cars for Sale, Auto Dealers, Car Reviews and Car Finance Advice](<a href=“http://www.cars.com%5DNew”>http://www.cars.com) for months looking for the “perfect” used car for my son. You can put in a model/maker you are looking for and then search in your area for cars - you can also put in price limits, mileage limits, etc.</p>
<p>[New</a> Cars, Used Cars - Find Cars at AutoTrader.com](<a href=“http://www.autotrader.com%5DNew”>http://www.autotrader.com) is similar</p>
<p>Sistersunnie, we also had a used car in mind for one of our college students and had zeroed in on a Honda Civic. We found that it made no financial sense to buy used…and D was happy to drive off in a new one. Several friends have reported the same experience (both with Hondas).</p>
<p>If a new car is more than you had budgeted for your child, have you considered passing your own personal vehicle down and getting a new one for yourself?</p>
<p>ksm, done that once. This D doesnt like my Honda, has visibility issues. That worked well first time done, not this time sadly. No time for private party sale, think we’ve found a vehicle that meets both our requirements. I was just shocked at the prices.</p>
<p>Cash For Clunkers a few yrs ago took many uses cars off the road. More demand+ less inventory=higher prices</p>
<p>Make sure you check insurance rates before you commit to a used car for your kid. We’re more sensitive to this because we have boys, but the rates can vary a LOT making a good deal not so good over the long run. Our middle son drives a bare bones Volvo that we’ve been really pleased with. We did have to look for over a month.</p>
<p>One of the first things I did Blue, thanks for the reminder tho.</p>
<p>Ever since the earthquake in Japan, new and used Japanese cars have been hit by higher prices. Even if the car is assembled here in the US, a lot of the parts are sourced in Japan. And when the Japanese cars spiked there was a ripple effect on the rest of the car market.</p>
<p>One more place to check for used cars is the local rental car companies. They generally offer decent prices AND extended warranties. I know several people who have gotten decent deals on used cars that way, most recently my brother.</p>
<p>For better or worse, its done. The new used car is home in the lane. She’s thrilled, I’ satisfied and more the wiser. Interesting experience.</p>
<p>There is some truth to the effects of the Japanese earthquake over both new and used Japanese cars. We bought our Prius right before the earthquake and my sister recently got a quote for the same model from the dealer for 2K more. I suggest to wait till end of year to see if the part shortage eases up and incentive for them to clear out inventory for the new model.</p>