Long story short, my transmission went out on my 95 Chevy Lumina. I need to find another car because it isn't worth fixing, but I am in school and don't have much money. I have a part time job and financial aid, so while I have some money, I can't handle a huge car payment. I can only handle paying for gas and insurance with a few-hundred dollar fixes here and there.
I have about 3K saved -- I tried careful about not blowing all of my aid money right away. I wish I could still take the bus to school, but ever since I transferred from community college to the university, the bus isn't an option anymore. I have been carpooling to school, but the schedules with the people who carpool in my area conflict and that makes it difficult. I am getting by, but the goal is to find another used car because I have had to make choices between missing class and missing other things like doctor appointments (I have been having to see the doctor often lately). It's not optimal to me. I'm still looking for a better carpool situation and also looking for more used cars to replace mine.
Some of my family memebers have had a lot of luck buying older toyotas and hondas in my price range with little to no problems, but I'm not having that luck...I've been looking at older models and every guy I've talked to has tried to rip me off. I know this because I pay for a mechanic inspection every time, and every time so far the car was loaded with expensive problems.
Are there any options I'm not considering? Anyone have advice for me? Thanks.
Another problem I didn't mention is that sometimes my ride will get sick or have to leave early for some reason, and while she lets us know ahead of time, it is still not convenient for the rest of us.
I have about 3K saved -- I tried careful about not blowing all of my aid money right away. I wish I could still take the bus to school, but ever since I transferred from community college to the university, the bus isn't an option anymore. I have been carpooling to school, but the schedules with the people who carpool in my area conflict and that makes it difficult. I am getting by, but the goal is to find another used car because I have had to make choices between missing class and missing other things like doctor appointments (I have been having to see the doctor often lately). It's not optimal to me. I'm still looking for a better carpool situation and also looking for more used cars to replace mine.
Some of my family memebers have had a lot of luck buying older toyotas and hondas in my price range with little to no problems, but I'm not having that luck...I've been looking at older models and every guy I've talked to has tried to rip me off. I know this because I pay for a mechanic inspection every time, and every time so far the car was loaded with expensive problems.
Are there any options I'm not considering? Anyone have advice for me? Thanks.
Another problem I didn't mention is that sometimes my ride will get sick or have to leave early for some reason, and while she lets us know ahead of time, it is still not convenient for the rest of us.