[jam0321]

So I was in the market all last month for a used commuter car, mainly a civic or integra (gas mileage reasons) and came extremely close to pulling the trigger on a few of them. It just so happened that each time I was ready to buy, something came up.

Finally, I thought I found the best one. I'm your typical backyard mechanic so I did the usual inspection stuff- compression test, visual check for leaks and frame damage, etc. My wife suggested I get the carfax report to make sure it was otherwise legit. was I surprised when I found out the odometer was rolled back!

After that, I ran a report on each car I was pondering and wouldn't you know it, each had something that the owner was hiding or didn't know about from the previous owner.

CARFAX seriously saved my so many times from major accidents, odometer rollbacks, or salvaged vehicles. Definitely worth the 30 unlimited reports I paid for.

Now I've made my purchase with a week left on my carfax privileges.

Anyone buying a used car should definitely invest the $ although I don't think they offer the unlimited reports anymore

[stickypaws]

The only thing surprising to me is that you've never done a Carfax and an Experian Auto Check just out of habit/principal.

Those reports along with a complete ppi (leakdown, etc.), paint meter check, and going to the dealer to pull the records with the VIN are what one always needs to do when buying used.

[SantaPimp27]

or its surprising that you drive and m3 and are worried about paying for gas

[persian54]

Originally Posted by SantaPimp27

or its surprising that you drive and m3 and are worried about paying for gas

Why?

a M3 isn't that expensive....

A nicely equipped 2008 e90 M3 is about 45k give or take.

Also, one may not want to put so many miles/waste a lot of gas just going to basic places

Saving money in one place allows you to speed it elsewhere too.

[Ender514]

definitely got to do your homework

[SantaPimp27]

hmm guess im just not used to people worrying bout gas

[montreal red]

i drive an m3 and it DOES drink a lot of gas... i wished i had the parking space to get a 2nd commuter car.

[SantaPimp27]

Originally Posted by montreal red

i drive an m3 and it DOES drink a lot of gas... i wished i had the parking space to get a 2nd commuter car.

yeah guess when you have the v8 that thing eats gas. i could see why a daily is needed. what kinda mileage do you get??

[ideliver]

What kills the most is the limited range...my M5 with its 18 gal tank and 12 mpg means I'm at the gas station 2 or 3 times a week

[Nawaaz]

Originally Posted by ideliver

What kills the most is the limited range...my M5 with its 18 gal tank and 12 mpg means I'm at the gas station 2 or 3 times a week

Yeah, I'm filling my M3 up at least twice a week! It's my daily driver, and I can't stand to drive anything else.

OP: Good thing you decided to get a CARFAX. It's always a must!

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by SantaPimp27

hmm guess im just not used to people worrying bout gas

So where have you been then?

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by persian54

Why?

a M3 isn't that expensive....

A nicely equipped 2008 e90 M3 is about 45k give or take.

Also, one may not want to put so many miles/waste a lot of gas just going to basic places

Saving money in one place allows you to speed it elsewhere too.

I think his point is that is the difference in gas mileage between an Integra and an M3 worth the cost of owning a second car? A decent used car is in the range of $5K to $10K plus added maintenance and insurance that goes with it. You could just as well spend that money on gas for the M3 and come out ahead.

[jam0321]

with a commute of 140 miles roundtrip 5 days a week, it is a better investment to get a commuter.

-less mileage on the M
-save $

I've only purchased new cars thus never had the need to use CARFAX before.

[jam0321]

Originally Posted by SantaPimp27

or its surprising that you drive and m3 and are worried about paying for gas

[SantaPimp27]

Originally Posted by jam0321

with a commute of 140 miles roundtrip 5 days a week, it is a better investment to get a commuter.

-less mileage on the M
-save $

I've only purchased new cars thus never had the need to use CARFAX before.

ha dont worry i wasn't trying to sound like a dick. bad day maybe i dont remember lol.

140 miles is real rough man. not sure if i could manage that

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by jam0321

with a commute of 140 miles roundtrip 5 days a week, it is a better investment to get a commuter.

-less mileage on the M
-save $

I've only purchased new cars thus never had the need to use CARFAX before.

My commute is 160 miles round trip a day. 800 miles a week. I did the math, it wasn't worth paying another 400 a month for a hybrid to save 120 in gas a month. Burn the M3 up then buy a new car. It's still cheaper.

[.:bHd:.]

Damn one car fax report is 40 bucks!

Check PM

[jam0321]

Originally Posted by ENINTY

My commute is 160 miles round trip a day. 800 miles a week. I did the math, it wasn't worth paying another 400 a month for a hybrid to save 120 in gas a month. Burn the M3 up then buy a new car. It's still cheaper.

ya, I looked at getting a Hybrid too but like you said, not worth the money. That's why I decided to get a used civic/integra. Those B-series engines run forever!!!

[jam0321]

Originally Posted by .:bHd:.

Damn one car fax report is 40 bucks!

Check PM

ridiculous I know. I bought the unlimited thing before they changed their program. I guess you can't buy unlimited now

[lopealle]

your lucky to have a honda/acura for your commuter my commuter is a 2000 mustang gt. sad to say its gets better mileage then my 335.