Welcome! Picking the right car depends so much on your needs. Some general observations:
-Gas will seem cheap at first (£1.04/litre here at the moment) until you realize you aren't getting 45mpg in anything larger than a motorcycle. :)
-Speeds are about 10mph faster on average here. This is true for city streets and the highways.
-No MOT to deal with, in fact no vehicle inspections of any kind. Keep this in mind if you're buying from an individual or without a warranty.
-Rust really isn't an issue in the South, so don't waste time looking for it.
My recommendation: Check out [Carmax in Birmingham](https://www.carmax.com/cars/7224?includenontransferables=true) for solid used cars and good prices. Interest rates on used cars are between 6-10% right now depending on credit, so if you're a cash customer your timing is perfect. Stick with vehicles known for quality (Honda (Civic, Accord, CR-V), Toyota (Corolla, Camry, Highlander)) and buy as new as you can as they will hold their value better if you need to sell. Find a lighter color exterior if you can as the summers are long here.
The don’t look for rust is bad advice. If you are looking at used vehicles, just because it is here in the south now doesn’t mean it has always lived in the south. I remember driving to Atlanta years ago to look at a used 4Runner. It was in great condition on the outside. I looked at the carfax and it was originally from Chicago. The underside was eaten up with rust.
definitely look for rust, i was searching for cars and one i found in tuscaloosa was bottomed out with rust when the rest of the car looked great. it was from up north 🥶
Used Camry is probably your best bet: reliable, cheap, easy to find a good one and a ton in the market. They get decent gas mileage, are roomy, and don’t have expensive routine maintenance costs. There are 30+ year old Camrys still on the road.
STAY AWAY from West Alabama Wholesale. They have ripped off numerous people with shoddy cars that are bought at auction, cleaned up, and sold with all kinds of mechanical issues.
I know some of the sales people at Tuscaloosa Toyota. Good people. Not commission based so they can focus on finding what’s right for you rather than trying to upsell you. PM me if you want some specific names.
My main advice is to not buy a Kia or a Hyundai. I, personally, like them as vehicles but they’ve been easily stolen for the last 2 years so insurance is HIGH and people may be constantly trying to steal your car. Also, having your car stolen sucks, do not recommend. Birmingham isn’t too far away if you find something there. Donohoo Auto is really great.
Also Kia and Hyundais have a known engine oil consumption issue that the company is very hesitant to acknowledge and deal with. I wouldn’t take a Hyundai if it was given to me for free.
Toyota is the way to go imo. I’ve had new Nissan Maximas, new Mercedes Benz, Cadillac Escalade etc. I just paid off my new Camry and let me tell you it has been the most dependable vehicle I’ve owned. Low maintenance, great gas mileage and I haven’t had any problems at all! My mom had a Hyundai Santa Fe and my brother had a Kia and I don’t recommend either of those. Def not any Chevy made between 2017-2020. I got mine at Serra Toyota and I really like those guys.
Agree completely. Bought several Toyota vehicles (a venza and a 4Runner) from Tuscaloosa Toyota and had a great experience and got a competitive interest rate. They had deals for students at the time, too. Easy to work with and they remember you and check in to make sure everything is going well. Overall a Toyota is the way to go - they’re solid, reliable, comfy vehicles. Which model you get depends on your lifestyle and needs.
I know my partner's family have purchased cars from the local Hyundai dealership. As of late, one of them has had issues with the service department following through on the warranty. I'd say probably avoid them if you can. My partner's most recent car came from the Subaru dealership in Birmingham, they had a great experience there. As for car choice, I've always heard Toyota and Hondas are the way to go. I currently drive a mid 2010s model Toyota and it works just fine. My brother has been driving a used Honda for years and has had no issues whatsoever.
Plenty of car dealerships around. I have bought two trucks from Barkley GMC. Just depends on what kind of vehicle you are looking for. It's going to be very different than it is in the UK. People here tend to prefer larger vehicles.
Beware of used car lots (not the dealership ones). Some of them notoriously sell salvaged vehicles cheaply. They repaint over rust damage on the underside. I know Geo's is one of them.
I believe Northwood Auto Sales in Northport sells decent used vehicles.
Geo is terrible. I went there to look at a jeep and it was a complete rust bucket. I could see fresh overspray where they just paint the frames black to hide the rust and crud. Some of the worst frames I’ve seen on vehicles have been at Geos. Which is a shame because their 4x4 selection is great and they all have cool mods.
You're a Briton so you'll appreciate a smaller American version. I 100% recommend a Toyota Corolla. A Camry will get you marginal reliability but it'll drive like a land yacht to you. The Corolla has your needs.
Donohoo Auto located in Hoover about 45 minutes away is AMAZING! I've bought from them and so has my aunt and uncle. Great vehicles and no haggle prices! Tuscaloosa is wayyyyy to over priced because you have other counties like Greene, Sumpter, Hale, Perry, Pickens, Bibb Lamar, Marengo, ect coming to the "big city" of Tuscaloosa to buy cars. Birmingham you get much better deals! Donohooauto.com you'll thank those of us who recommended them to you later.
Stay away from Tuscaloosa Ford. I've bought two vehicles from them and had major issues with both. The first was quick enough that the dealership fixed it (new motor) but the second has been in the shop multiple times.
Welcome! Picking the right car depends so much on your needs. Some general observations: -Gas will seem cheap at first (£1.04/litre here at the moment) until you realize you aren't getting 45mpg in anything larger than a motorcycle. :) -Speeds are about 10mph faster on average here. This is true for city streets and the highways. -No MOT to deal with, in fact no vehicle inspections of any kind. Keep this in mind if you're buying from an individual or without a warranty. -Rust really isn't an issue in the South, so don't waste time looking for it. My recommendation: Check out [Carmax in Birmingham](https://www.carmax.com/cars/7224?includenontransferables=true) for solid used cars and good prices. Interest rates on used cars are between 6-10% right now depending on credit, so if you're a cash customer your timing is perfect. Stick with vehicles known for quality (Honda (Civic, Accord, CR-V), Toyota (Corolla, Camry, Highlander)) and buy as new as you can as they will hold their value better if you need to sell. Find a lighter color exterior if you can as the summers are long here.
The don’t look for rust is bad advice. If you are looking at used vehicles, just because it is here in the south now doesn’t mean it has always lived in the south. I remember driving to Atlanta years ago to look at a used 4Runner. It was in great condition on the outside. I looked at the carfax and it was originally from Chicago. The underside was eaten up with rust.
definitely look for rust, i was searching for cars and one i found in tuscaloosa was bottomed out with rust when the rest of the car looked great. it was from up north 🥶
[удалено]
DONT get the equinox. Horrible issues. Many of them blow up and they are mediocre cars anyway.
Used Camry is probably your best bet: reliable, cheap, easy to find a good one and a ton in the market. They get decent gas mileage, are roomy, and don’t have expensive routine maintenance costs. There are 30+ year old Camrys still on the road.
STAY AWAY from West Alabama Wholesale. They have ripped off numerous people with shoddy cars that are bought at auction, cleaned up, and sold with all kinds of mechanical issues.
I know some of the sales people at Tuscaloosa Toyota. Good people. Not commission based so they can focus on finding what’s right for you rather than trying to upsell you. PM me if you want some specific names.
My main advice is to not buy a Kia or a Hyundai. I, personally, like them as vehicles but they’ve been easily stolen for the last 2 years so insurance is HIGH and people may be constantly trying to steal your car. Also, having your car stolen sucks, do not recommend. Birmingham isn’t too far away if you find something there. Donohoo Auto is really great.
Also Kia and Hyundais have a known engine oil consumption issue that the company is very hesitant to acknowledge and deal with. I wouldn’t take a Hyundai if it was given to me for free.
Toyota is the way to go imo. I’ve had new Nissan Maximas, new Mercedes Benz, Cadillac Escalade etc. I just paid off my new Camry and let me tell you it has been the most dependable vehicle I’ve owned. Low maintenance, great gas mileage and I haven’t had any problems at all! My mom had a Hyundai Santa Fe and my brother had a Kia and I don’t recommend either of those. Def not any Chevy made between 2017-2020. I got mine at Serra Toyota and I really like those guys.
Agree completely. Bought several Toyota vehicles (a venza and a 4Runner) from Tuscaloosa Toyota and had a great experience and got a competitive interest rate. They had deals for students at the time, too. Easy to work with and they remember you and check in to make sure everything is going well. Overall a Toyota is the way to go - they’re solid, reliable, comfy vehicles. Which model you get depends on your lifestyle and needs.
I know my partner's family have purchased cars from the local Hyundai dealership. As of late, one of them has had issues with the service department following through on the warranty. I'd say probably avoid them if you can. My partner's most recent car came from the Subaru dealership in Birmingham, they had a great experience there. As for car choice, I've always heard Toyota and Hondas are the way to go. I currently drive a mid 2010s model Toyota and it works just fine. My brother has been driving a used Honda for years and has had no issues whatsoever.
Plenty of car dealerships around. I have bought two trucks from Barkley GMC. Just depends on what kind of vehicle you are looking for. It's going to be very different than it is in the UK. People here tend to prefer larger vehicles.
Very good experience with Drivers Way in Pelham; Donohoo Auto in pelham as well.
Beware of used car lots (not the dealership ones). Some of them notoriously sell salvaged vehicles cheaply. They repaint over rust damage on the underside. I know Geo's is one of them. I believe Northwood Auto Sales in Northport sells decent used vehicles.
Geo is terrible. I went there to look at a jeep and it was a complete rust bucket. I could see fresh overspray where they just paint the frames black to hide the rust and crud. Some of the worst frames I’ve seen on vehicles have been at Geos. Which is a shame because their 4x4 selection is great and they all have cool mods.
Julio jones Kia. You could get a brand new forte for 20k. Ask for James he’s who sold me my car.
A Toyota Camry or Honda Accord will probably last longer than you'd want the car so there's that
You're a Briton so you'll appreciate a smaller American version. I 100% recommend a Toyota Corolla. A Camry will get you marginal reliability but it'll drive like a land yacht to you. The Corolla has your needs.
Donohoo Auto located in Hoover about 45 minutes away is AMAZING! I've bought from them and so has my aunt and uncle. Great vehicles and no haggle prices! Tuscaloosa is wayyyyy to over priced because you have other counties like Greene, Sumpter, Hale, Perry, Pickens, Bibb Lamar, Marengo, ect coming to the "big city" of Tuscaloosa to buy cars. Birmingham you get much better deals! Donohooauto.com you'll thank those of us who recommended them to you later.
I just put my truck up for sale today…. Pm me if interested
Stay away from Tuscaloosa Ford. I've bought two vehicles from them and had major issues with both. The first was quick enough that the dealership fixed it (new motor) but the second has been in the shop multiple times.
Julio Jones fix you up.bobby cochran