My fiance and I shared one car that was paid off. Shortly after it broke down and was a major repair. After just having a child, a newer car seemed the best option at this point.

Now, at the time we went to 4 places. Just using my name, because her credit was bad and mine was slightly better, we were approved at the first place and denied at the rest. Going back to the first place days later we were no longer approved from the other places running my credit. With just a rental car at the time, we were desperate and needed a Co signer. My grand father agreed as long as we refinance in a year. dealer up sells me an expensive car and boom 22,000 loan.

The first year it wasn't a problem with 2 incomes, then my fiancé and I split and I was left with it. I became late, it was repoed once and I borrowed money to get it back. New job and cheaper house made my payments better but constantly struggling and playing with fire. 2 years later my grandpa still can't get out of the loan and it gets repoed again. He pays to get it out to try to sell it and pay off the loan. But now, it's 8000 upside down with fees on the loan. So I'm back to driving it. Feeling worthless, I tried doing everything to trade in the car to get my own and couldnt. 4 months later it was just repoed again. And I don't want it back. Gpa is pissed but knows it's best. But now I NEED a car. Let's say my credit is 490 as a worst situation number, how can I get a car?! BHPH? I won't ask anyone to cosign. HELP!!

Hi everyone,

I'm a student studying in Colorado so I live in a place where it snows for half a year every year. I have quite a tight budget of $10,000 (might be able to go up to max $12,000). I'm having used SUVs in mind because they have better views on the road, and also higher ground clearance. These are 2 of my biggest concerns. The following is a guideline on what I'm looking for:

1) Transmission: all except RWD
2) Size: not a huge one like Chevy Tahoe or Dodge Durango
3) MPG: The higher the better, but decent works too (minimum 16/17?).
4) Reliability: able to go up mountain roads, don't have a lot of problems.
5) Space: can fit in furniture or bikes
6) Interior: No preference over leather/cloth, as long as it's comfy and doesn't feel too cheap overall.

Also, please advice me on this: will FWD have the same handling as AWD/4WD in snowy, mountain, or icy roads? I'm not planning on changing winter tires.

I know it's a lot to look at with this budget, but any comments/suggestions on what kind of car models, body type, brands to look into will be greatly appreciated! - Felix.

Craigslist is where curbstoners hang out, these cars are sold by fake car dealers. The titles aren't in their names, most refuse to give you vins and the cars are salvage.

Ask them 1st if their name is on the title and 2nd get the vin and google it before you even leave your house.

You better know what you are doing when you fool with sellers on craigslist. Make sure they are the ACTUAL owners of the car 1st.

You need debt help, please visit Dave Ramsey and get some REAL financial advise. I worked @ dealers, they sell cars, not help you get out debt.

If you go back, they will find another way to sell you another car and you will be worse off.

You best best is to sell the vehicle on Autotrader.com / Craigslist (for the best price) and cough up the difference and walk away without going into default and getting sued / garnished.