$20K-$22K new car?...$11K-$14K used? UPDATE: Purchased

[TheNinja]

Ok this is a little broad but I'm going to be getting a new car in the next coupld of weeks. I'm still debating on whether to spend around $20k-$22k on a new car and get a good APR. Or let someone else take the first depreciation hit and get a nice used car for $11k-14K. I'm looking for a decent 4 door car that is a comfortable ride, good interior room, decent gas mileage, looks decent too. Something like an Accord, Camry, Altima. I'd like to buy american car if possible but this is not crucial (and yes I realize the cars I listed are not american). Is the Impala any good? Anyway if you have ideas on whether to go new or used or even better if you have thoughts or experiences on this type of car I'd be extremely glad to hear it.

UPDATE 5/27 @ 6:00PM PST - I bought the 2000 Impala LS Sedan it handles great for a large family car and has 200 HP well getting decent gas mileage. I also think it looks a lot more sporty and more bad-ass than most honda accords and toyota camrys. I do have to bring it back this weekend to put the sliding Moonroof in the top. I didn't plan on buying so quickly but if you know what you want, no sense in waiting. Thanks for the tips everyone, we'll see how it turns out.

 

[Viper GTS]

Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

 

[Argo]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

Why idiot? If you can afford a new car - more power to ya.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: Argo

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

Why idiot? If you can afford a new car - more power to ya.

If you can afford the new car, more money for Staley8!

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Argo

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

Why idiot? If you can afford a new car - more power to ya.

because buying a new car just to say you have a new car while losing $6000 just like that is foolish.

$14k will buy you a TON of used cars.

 

[bacillus]

there's something magical about the smell inside a new car!

 

[MistaTastyCakes]

If you want an American car, a good car that'll fit your budget is the Dodge Stratus. Larger than an Accord, ok gas mileage and plenty of leg and head room. I personally like the look of the pre Y2K Stratus, I think the front is pretty agressive looking, and the rest is.. well, it's a sedan but it ain't ugly. The Y2K ones are kinda nasty looking imo.

You'll wanna go used on this, since their resale value isn't that wonderful, as with most American cars. Speaking from experience though, it's a good car.

 

[TheNinja]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

That was my initial thought b/c I don't want to take the first depreciation hit of $250+ PER MONTH!! but I was trying to figure out with APR of a new car @ 0.9% some places and the APR of a used car ~7.5% I hate the idea of paying more in Interest and I'd rather pay the actual principle of the loan and get more car out of the deal. I'll have to do some comparison on these numbers I suppose.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Argo

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

Why idiot? If you can afford a new car - more power to ya.

Being able to "afford" something does not make it financially sound.

Go ahead & buy new, you're subsidizing the rest of us.



Viper GTS

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: bacillus
there's something magical about the smell inside a new car!

Most cars that are about 1 year old still have that new car smell.

 

[Syringer]

Grand Prix GTP. Supercharged 3.8 L V6, 240 Hp, 280 lb*ft torque, and lots of room.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Staley8

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

That was my initial cost but I was trying to figure out with APR of a new car @ 0.9% some places and the APR of a used car ~7.5% I hate the idea of paying more in Interest and I'd rather pay the actual principle of the loan and get more car out of the deal. I'll have to do some comparison on these numbers I suppose.

my credit union offers 5.50% for all used cars for 60 mo, or 4.99% for 12-48 mo

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Staley8

Originally posted by: Viper GTS Definitely go for a nice late model used car. Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit. Viper GTS

That was my initial cost but I was trying to figure out with APR of a new car @ 0.9% some places and the APR of a used car ~7.5% I hate the idea of paying more in Interest and I'd rather pay the actual principle of the loan and get more car out of the deal. I'll have to do some comparison on these numbers I suppose.

YOu can definitly get lower than 7.5% I bought my 1998 200SX a year ago, $6,500 @ 4.5%

 

[MrBond]

It's ironic you mention the accord/camery not being american cars, aren't they both built here in the US? I know the civic is, it's more american then some of the Big Three automobiles.

My mom bought a new impala a year and a half ago. She likes it. Gets good mileage, plenty of room, both front and back, great trunk space, good radio, decent acceleration. She's had to get the brake rotors turned at least twice now, because they're warping and making the car "shudder" when she stops. That seems really poor to me, but she may be abusing the breaks for all I know (doesnt seem like she's riding them whenever I'm in the car with her, but who knows). The tires are supposed to be roated evert X number of miles too I guess, or they wear unevenly. Other than that, she's had no problems.

Personally, I'd get as much of an accord as you can (used or new).

 

[StageLeft]

Get a late model used.

 

[TheNinja]

I love this forum, I've gotten more good information and ideas here in a couple minutes than a couple hours of researching articles and trying to find models/prices/APR/etc. Anyway thanks so far for the ideas. I couldn't think of any cars at the time other than Camry, Accord, Altima (living in Bay Area I constantly hear about Honda but they must be good vehicles for so many people to have them)

 

[iamwiz82]

with $14k, you will be able to find:

Audi A4
Lincoln Continentals and Town Cars
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9
VW Jetta
VW Passat

We are looking for cars in the same general price range and these are the ones we want the most, i believe. All are 1998 or newer and all must have under 70,000 miles for me to even consider it.

 

[Argo]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: Argo

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Definitely go for a nice late model used car.

Depreciation is a bitch, let some idiot take the hit.

Viper GTS

Why idiot? If you can afford a new car - more power to ya.

Being able to "afford" something does not make it financially sound.

Go ahead & buy new, you're subsidizing the rest of us.



Viper GTS

I did and I enjoy it. Just because I have a different opinion on cars doesn't make me an idiot. When buying a used car you make a lot of assumptions about it's owner. Who is to say that the guy didn't constantly redline the engine. He could be doing other weird things to the car. My point is buying both used and new has it's pros and cons. It's just a matter of whether you'd like a new car or a slightly better car, but used.

 

[TallBill]

lol, my parents always bought new cars... then i went car shopping with them. They got so much more of a car for a LOT less. Now they love used cars. Not OLD cars, just a couple of years.

 

[goodoptics]

$11k-14k may get you a nice late model Accord.

 

[TheNinja]

IF you are bored and want to tell me what you think, I think this 2000 White Impala Low Miles looks like a pretty decent priced car and I love the look of those white Impalas with black trim and nice black-wall tires. But as mentioned the reliability and all around good vibe from Honda Accord owners in something to consider for sure.

 

[isekii]

You can get a Lexus IS300 01 with liek 30k miles for 21-22ish

I think they're offering special financing too on used vehicles.. not to mention awesome customer service

N/A Supra Engine ( solid as a rock )
Awesome Customer Service
Proven reliability
RWD

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: goodoptics
$11k-14k may get you a nice late model Accord.

Actually, it won't. Maybe it is just my area... but Accords have little depreciation for new cars. I could sell my car right now for MORE than I paid for it new (I got my car 5000 under MSRP). If I could afford a new car, I would do it to have the sound mind that the car is in perfect shape, full warranty, and have that brand new car smell.

 

[goodoptics]

Originally posted by: Staley8
IF you are bored and want to tell me what you think, I think this 2000 White Impala Low Miles looks like a pretty decent priced car and I love the look of those white Impalas with black trim and nice black-wall tires. But as mentioned the reliability and all around good vibe from Honda Accord owners in something to consider for sure.

Just noticed that you are a local.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Spac3d

Originally posted by: goodoptics $11k-14k may get you a nice late model Accord.

Actually, it won't. Maybe it is just my area... but Accords have little depreciation for new cars. I could sell my car right now for MORE than I paid for it new (I got my car 5000 under MSRP). If I could afford a new car, I would do it to have the sound mind that the car is in perfect shape, full warranty, and have that brand new car smell.

A 1998 Accord can EASILY be found in that price range.