It is not so hard, but it will take some work
If you have 240,000 to spend, you can find an older model (i.e. late 1980s) SUV. There are plenty about. Expect to have to supervise a number of repairs that wouldn?t be necessary if the car had been maintained or operated properly (e,g, radiator, brakes, interior). Notice that you need to supervise the repairs, not just pay for them. Mechanics don?t have the same level of training or work ethic that you generally find in Europe or North America. You also need to expect the normal wear and tear type repairs (bearings, front end, exhaust, cylinders).
The good news is parts for Japanese models are no more expensive than what you are used to and some parts cost less than you might expect. Also, labor costs are dead cheap.
It boils down to a question of convenience. If you have the time and patience, you can get reliable and safe transportation in the price range you mentioned. If you don?t have that time and patience, you will do better to save your money until you can afford something in a higher price range.
You also need some knowledge of auto maintenance and repairs or you will be victimized by unscrupulous mechanics. In my opinion, the risks are lowest in the upper and lower extremes of the auto market. In the middle, there is too much room for scams involving salvaged cars welded together, shiny paint jobs on wrecks, and assorted other mischief aimed at separating the unsuspectding from their money.
Use supercarros.com and the print classifieds as market benchmarks. Take advantage of any trusted relationships you might have, and best of luck!
sweetdbt said:
nugirlnyc,
First of all, you probably should forget about financing in the DR. Unless cars are different from everything else, the interest rates are ridiculous.
With only RD240,000 to spend, unless you have help and get lucky like HB said, you will either need to settle for a less "reputable" brand like a Daewoo, or consider something a bit older. There are 2003 model Daewoos on super-carros in your price range, so you should actually be able to find one for less. Personally, I'd feel safer with an older model Toyota or Honda. If you want something like an SUV, you're talking a lot more money.