QOTD: Can You Hit 'em Where They Ain't? (Feeling Flush Edition, Pt. 3)

This week is the third and final installment of our QOTD series about cornering the used car market and finding the most bang for the buck.

We’re going all out for this finale, and giving you plenty of money to shop.

And when we say plenty of money, we’re talking more than triple the lowest budget of two weeks ago, and ten grand more than last week. Those of you who are astute at math will know this means a grandiose budget of [s]$49,765.23[/s] $25,000.

This sort of cash should open up the used car field considerably. Still, we won’t be getting as much for our money as we would have in a market where both new and used cars are experiencing upward pressure with regard to price.

Here are some characteristics of our top budget $25,000 buyer:

• General availability
• Low miles
• Good maintenance history
• Luxury equipment
• Prestige
• Style
• Fun factor

We’re going to assume for our big budget customer that practicality, reliability, and probable longevity take a back seat to things like equipment, a prestigious badge on the front, and having a car that’s fun to drive. To the previously forbidden Camry, Accord, Corolla, and Civic are added the Fusion and Impala. Those last two are too easy as used picks (perhaps secondhand from a rental company), and too easy to find at this price point.

We’re working with a different set of more upscale vehicle types this time around.

• Large sedan
• Luxury sedan
• Full-size truck
• Full-size V8 SUV
• Large CUV
• Sports car
• Imported coupe

This week’s customer is the least desperate for a vehicle, compared to the other two. They can take their time shopping, and probably have another car already. At $25,000, suggestions really should be pretty good looking, or maybe even CPO at the lower end. Remember, reliability matters a bit less this time. Let’s hear those big money selections.

[Image: Mazda]