used car rant

[robert weinberg]

hi all,

i'm getting a little frustrated looking for a decent used car for a daily 
driver. you'd think that with the economy and job market as anemic as they are 
plus such tight credit from lenders, used cars would be fairly reasonable. yet, 
prices seem to be high. like so high, they are encroaching on dealer used prices 
- and at least those come with a 2 year extended warranty (looking for a used 
jetta).

i mean you can lease a new 2011 jetta for like $158/mo with zero down. how the 
hell are people still asking $13,500+ for a 4 year old base model 2.5? i'd lease 
but i don't like the new jetta (live rear axle on a FWD car???) and we drive 
over 20k/yr.

other cars i've looked are nearly as ridiculous. i can buy a new mazda6 for 
$15,800 plus tax and license - yet  there are countless 2006 6's with 80k-117k 
for $11k+! WTF???

what do i want? a decent DD with under 45k for under $10k. preferably a jetta. 
i'm in norcal. this should be reasonable - especially since the warranty is up 
at 36,000 to 50,000 miles (depending on year).

and it's not really like these private party cars are selling - same shit. week 
after week on craigslist and cars.com. i really hate low-balling, but i think 
i'm gonna start having too. and it's not even a low-ball, i'm just trying to get 
within the realm of reason.

i think i'm also bitter because my 200q20v does everything better than the cars 
i'm looking at... and it's worthless ;-)

okay, end rant and back to searching ;-)

see ya,
Robby