/cbg/ car buying general

Toyota Camry 2.0 GLi STW Wagon being sold for 500 euros.
Seems fine from the outside, and apparently only said problems are that windows are not working. Though that may be a sign of electronics going bad soon

hello, i'm at a crossroads would appreciate help

>Option 1
Buy a 13k~ CPO. If I buy the CPO, I have to drive that car until it spontaneously combusts. If I buy a car that new I can never justify selling it. Maybe I could get a more fun weekendy car far in the future, but in general this car will be the one I will have to drive for a loooong time. I will be in debt to my mom on this one, and her opinion matters on the car I eventually get, which is why most likely I will have to get a Japanese car and it will have to have modern safety features.

>Option 2
Buy a cheap, CHEAP craigslist shitbox. I'm talking like ~5k. I will still probably have to get a small loan for this, but can easily pay it back within a couple months, I just can't start earning money till after this semester.

This car needs to:
Handle a small road trip reliably
Seat 4 semi comfortably
Not be a lemon or require really extended maintenance

On the right are my possible choices. Mazda 3 is the prime contender, it's got a great manual gearbox, really good interior, I like how it looks, and it's got lots of nice features which satisfies my mom. Downside is no power, no aftermarket, I can see myself getting bored with it. Also road noise is not good for long trips.

Focus ST I think I would like even better, but is a HUGE stretch for my mom. I actually doubt I can get one. But still, somewhat possible.

The shitboxes I've been looking at are those two. I like the older Focus SVT hatchback and the original Focus ST

Other cars I'm considering: Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon, Mercedes 190e, Camry, base fiesta or focus, old two door civics, base Mitsubishi Lancer, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, a fucking cheap motorcycle

Any suggestions tips or advice appreciated.

i just got a mazda3 and its interior is super nice but its not very fast but you know. road noise isnt bad if youre used to old shit boxes. it's only a complaint because its louder than the other modern shitboxes. really the road noise shouldnt be a deal breaker but you should decide that for yourself with a test drive. mazda also added more sound deadening for the 2017 model. anyway, it's well worth it in my opinion because you still get best in class handling, interior, and exterior design.

no haggling and their multi-point inspection is a load of bull according to a friend who worked there

Yah it seems like the 3 just does too much well to fault it for stuff like a small amount of road noise. Appreciate the help

Also unrelated but another car I was thinking was a Cadillac fleetwood

I want an Alpine A310 V6...

get a volvo 240 DL instead.

i go w/o cash with a buddy to take a look first. then i'll make an offer and come back later that day/the next day and pick it up. being a car enthusiast, i tend to let a new car experience get me too revved up so i like to give myself some time to think to be really sure.

>Buy a cheap, CHEAP craigslist shitbox. I'm talking like ~5k.
$5,000 is one "cheap", all lowercase, at most.

Is there much difference in information on a vin check run through carfax and a check run through one of those free sites like vehiclehistory?