First Time Car Buyer - Help

[Jackal]

Thanks guys!

And I meant invest as instead of putting my money towards an old car, I want to use that money towards a car that I can drive a few years. I'm hesitant in buying an old car because I'm not really a car person, I don't really know how to identify problems when they occur. That's why I was thinking, instead of buying an old car (like a normal student), I'm want to take that money and put it directly towards a new car One that wouldn't break down on me (that's what I'm most afraid of when buying a used car) and one that I can drive for a long time.

I admit, the prices for the older ones are tempting.. but I'm worried it'll need lots of maintenance and repairs, and after a while it'll add up? I've never had a car before, so I'm not sure how long those will last. For example, if it's only going to last 2/3 years, I would rather buy a brand new one even if it only lasts me 5 year (which it should not? as it is a new car?) because I would enjoy having a new car more.

I've done some research on the types of cars. The other one I was considering was the Hyundai Elantra. They're around the same price, but if I'm financing, Mazda is cheaper. I saw they currently have $3,500 in price adjustments, but that's only for cash purchases (which I do not have). If I choose to finance, it's only $1000 in price adjustments. The total will add up to be around $26,300 including taxes. They have 0% financing for 84 months, though I don't really care about how much I need to pay per month, it's the final amount that matters

They have the Hyundai L Manual for only $11988 (with $5,500 price adjustments included) but I can't drive manual So all the ones I've mentioned so far, are for the automatic....... versions? Lol, sorry if I'm not saying it right.

Which reminds me..... how long do these cars last? I'll mostly use it to get to work (10.4km one way) and occasionally when I go out. Yes, I am still a student but I'm on co-op for the next 8 months

I think you are overestimating regular maintenance costs. Also maintenance costs at a private shop vs a dealership is different.

So things to keep in mind regarding costs of a new or used car:
1) cost of regular maintenance for the vehicle
2) cost of when a problem occurs
3) maintenance costs at a private shop vs a dealership
4) historical problems of that year of the vehicle

If you do some homework and find out some of these you will find out if buying new or used is the right thing to do. Read and search on this forum and ask your parents and friends. This is a big decision.

To answer your question of how long these cars can last:
How many kilometer's on your MAZDA 3
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...ad.php?t=47897