Looking for a used car

My '93 Ford Explorer (which I have loved) appears to have terminal transmission problems. My mechanic has repaired it twice, and now has replaced it with a used tranny. That did not work. So I am thinking of a new used car - something in a small SUV. Perhaps a Toyota Rav 4, a Honda CR-V, a Mazda CX-5, a Kia Sportage, a Suburu Outback . . . .    Something like that in the $7,000 - $10,000 price range available in the Lakeside - Guadalajara area. Prefer a private owner.

Any knowledge, advice or direction will be appreciated.

ferret wrote:Good luck. Quality used cars are in very short supply these days. The chip shortage is the major cause... nobody can buy new so there are few trade ins.

Hmmm . . . Never thought of that. Thanks.

I also have a theory that many people, perhaps organised, are bringing in flood damaged vehicles from the U.S., and then all the labor and materials to disguise that fact. Don't get stung.There lots of articles on google on how to spot flood damage.
A flood damaged writeoff, should be 20% below wholesale book value, then another $2,000 US off to pay for any expensive water damaged parts such as a computer board or waterlocked engine.

CHILLIN wrote:I also have a theory that many people, perhaps organised, are bringing in flood damaged vehicles from the U.S., and then all the labor and materials to disguise that fact. Don't get stung.There lots of articles on google on how to spot flood damage.
A flood damaged writeoff, should be 20% below wholesale book value, then another $2,000 US off to pay for any expensive water damaged parts such as a computer board or waterlocked engine.

Good advice. Thanks!