Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jrwhite82]

So I've done a lot of shopping online lately for a used car.

I have narrowed down my search to the Hyundai La Vita or the Click.

I have been using Naver, SKEncar, Himycar, etc...

SKEncar is by far the most expensive. What I can't figure out is how some cars that are 8 years old only have 30,000km or less on them. Or why some are soooo much cheaper than others.

Did they get in an accident? Did they replace the entire engine? Did someone roll back the odometer? Is it just a fake and they are just trying sucker people into calling them? When a deal is too good to be true, it usually is, right?

Also, when I go to look at the cars, what are some things I should always check for?

[tc20]

I'd say take it to a mechanic you know first. They'll probably tell you if it's a fair price or not. If you buy from a dealer watch for hidden fees. Don't put down any money until you are satisfied with the condition of the car. If it's too good to be true it probably is. Cars are nonessential here. So some cars are going to have low miles.

무사고 (musago) means no major accidents.

I looked into Clicks. I personally wouldn't pay more than 4 million for a decent Click.

I've had negative experiences buying cars here. I think buying a used car from a dealer is a rip off but what can you do it's their racket. On the bright side getting your car repaired is fairly inexpensive.

I hear you have to jump through hoops to get a Korean License now. And if you don't have one your not covered on your insurance even if you paid for it.

Take your time finding a car that's right for you. Make a list of what you want. When going to the car lot, be rested and unrushed. They'll wear you down. Remember there are always other cars out there. You have the power of the walk away.

[jrwhite82]

Yeah. The Morning/Matiz etc are out. My wife claims they are death traps. I think they are perfect.....ha!

So I am looking at a small sized hatchback. Click is the perfect size. La Vita/Rezzo are a little on the bigger side.

I know buying a car is always a crap way to spend money. Terrible investments.

Thanks for the Korean vocab tip. I'll have to look at the ads and see if that word is mentioned.

[goesslry]

actually the matiz is built quite solid. The morning not so much. I would be more worried driving a click than a matiz in the regards to "death trap".

[tc20]

If you don't want to spend a lot, I'm a big fan of the older Pride. Nothing fancy but solid. For smaller Korean cars, I like the SM3 best.

[cyui]

Why don't get something imported from Japan? You will have a hellof a time buying a car ( even a used one in Korea). How will you register it at the Gu Office? How will you get the right kind of insurance?

Why do you even need a car? As a forieger, you're at a super bad liability
every time you get behind the wheel. Double that of what a Korean Citizen would be.

I wouldn't do it, man. You wouldn't be able to stop a civil lawsuit once it happened.

[jrwhite82]

I can get super cheap insurance through a company that offers insurance to public school teachers. My wife needs to drive (and we drive a lot on the weekends visiting friends and family). My Korean is good enough to deny any wrong doing in an accident and my wife is usually with me.

How much is it to imporant from Japan? Any websites I can research on?

[cmr]

[Hyeon Een]

[Milwaukiedave]

Used car dealer here are as bad as the ones back home, they will rob you blind. I bought my car through a private sale. I would advise keeping your eyes open someone selling a car that way.

[Stalin84]

[jrwhite82]

Thanks for the advice.

[cyui]

He has a ( Korean) wife..I am assuming? That is different then just being a just an E-2. She can help him if there is ever a legal issue.

I was told about the insurance bit from a used dealer. The liability insurance was unblievably expensive ( 1,200/month for a 2002 CRV Honda). More then an ESL Teacher could EVER afford.

No,I never purchased a car..but just heard variuos stories' of accidents' where the foreinger was blamed( even sued). The drivers' test does not efficitively prepare someone to drive on Korean roads, either.

Korea has some of the best public transportation in the world.Why not just utilize what you have now, while you still have the chance to save money?
You will have plenty of oppurtunies to purchase a car back home.

[jrwhite82]

cyui, you definitely brought up some valid points about what goes into owning a car. So thanks. But I think my situation is a little different than a lot of other NETs here (wife, family, etc...) We are planning on having a baby soon, so I don't really want to carry him/her all over on a crowded bus and train when he is crying and bothering everyone, etc...

But you are right about the insurance, we are a bit more of a liability and I can confirm that it does cost more from some (maybe all) companies, but it is not a significant amount more. I used to live in NJ for a while when I was under 26, so any price I'm paying here is going to be dirt cheap in comparison.

And yes, I can also confirm stories of foreigners getting screwed in accidents. That is a legitimate issue. But they are pretty rare and I don't drive aggressively and I have family at the touch of a button who can translate for me, etc. in an emergency. So I have thought about that too.

[Louis VI]

I bought a used '05 Korando in early '09 with 60k kms on it and it's goin' fantastic.