Anybody ever bought a new car online?

[kduncan5]

I'm looking at Saturns. You can add which options/accessories you want, then I'm assuming they send all that to the nearest retailer.

Anybody ever done it that way?

Also, has anybody ever had leakage problems with a factory installed sunroof? Are things like that covered in the standard warranty or do you have to purchase their "special" warranties?

I've never bought a new car before, either off the lot or online. Any help would be appreciated..... -kd5-

 

[Thegonagle]

You can't "buy" a car online. All car buying sites end up refering you to a dealer.

You can get better cars than Saturns right now. The S-series is 11 years old and long overdue for replacement. I think that's going to be happening in 1-2 years.

One member here (sorry, I don't remember the name) was all ready to pull the trigger on a Saturn SL-something or other, but the salesman told him he was "booked up" for two hours or so, and asked him to come back later. In those two hours, he went down the street and bought a Sentra GXE for less than the Saturn he was planning to buy. He says that salesman did him a huge favor, as he ended up liking that car much more. I've driven several Saturns and countless 2000+ Sentras, and the Sentra is definitely the better car.

 

[RossMAN]

What's your budget?
2 or 4 door?
Manual or automatic transmission?
What's your zip code?

 

[diskop]

All the dealer sites I've seen refer you to a actual dealer.

 

[kduncan5]

Since I'd already assumed the info would be sent to a local retailer, this information was redundant Garfang & diskop. As far as the Sentra goes, everybody has a better car, or a different car, a better recommendation for a cheaper but better car.......but I didn't ask that.

All I asked was if anyone had ever done the online stuff before. And I asked about factory installed sunroofs.

Actually, RossMAN, I hadn't gotten as far as establishing my budget yet but I want to stay as far under $20,000 as I can. I haven't researched monthly payments yet, Bank Loan vs. Auto Loan. I think I'd rather just buy it outright than lease it. I think I want to go for a 2-door, although that 3rd door concept Saturn has on their SC's is kinda neat. I need to get an automatic so the GF can drive it if the need arises. Trying to teach her to drive a stick shift would be more difficult than just getting an automatic My zip code is 44515.

Thanks for trying, -kd5-


P.S. Sorry if I seem a bit cranky, I'm trying to quit smoking cigarettes..... :frown:

 

[Rallispec]

my factory installed sunroof has never leaked... ands its been through some crazy weather.



i'm not a huge fan of saturns.. have gone out and test drove them yet?

 

[RossMAN]

kd5, it might be possible to buy a car online but I need a $ for your budget.

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
kd5, it might be possible to buy a car online but I need a $ for your budget.

how much do the SC's cost? probably could just go with that as a rough estimate for budget.

 

[kduncan5]

RossMAN, I edited my 2nd post a tad..... -kd5-

 

[kduncan5]

The SC-2 with as many trimmings as I'd like was still under $20,000. -kd5-

 

[cherrytwist]

Well, I got sick and tired of the local dealerships trying to *%&^ me in the $^&. So I took it upon myself to locate MY car from a dealership online.

After a few emails and a few phone calls, I got the trim level, exact options and color I wanted for a fair price by avoiding the shysters at the local dealerships. Sure, I had to drive 300 miles to pick up the car, but it was well worth it. Not only in the amount of $$$ I saved, but just the freedom of not *$^%ing it in the *^&.

I would advise you to get quotes from the dealerships in your area via email. They are less likely to "read" you (as they do when you enter the dealership) from an email address.

I am not a tough negotiator face to face, but I felt very comfortable dealing through phone calls, faxes and emails. I was on "my turf" .

BTW I think I earned a particular salesman's respect (like I care, heh) when I was at the local dealership to pick up a part for my interior. He asked me if I was still shopping and I told him where I got my car and what I paid for it. He just nodded and shook my hand. (This is the same guy who quoted me a price for roughly $1k more. He promised me a check for $1000 if I could beat his price. Of course, I never called him on it ).

 

[vi edit]

I know you didn't want other opinions, but Saturns have HORRID resale and you can use it to your advantage and buy a year or two old and save upwards of $7,000.

 

[Freejack2]

Kduncan5, are you looking at Ions, L series or S series. If you are looking at S series wait a couple of weeks and get an Ion.
If I recall correctly Saturn sunroofs tend to start leaking around 6 - 7years, though I think it's like any sunroof where you can get a new liner and be all set.
I would reccomend reading all the ins and outs of their extended warranty before you get it. Most extended warranties don't cover as much as the factory one does.
As for buying online, if you've never driven the model you are buying, test drive it first. For example I was looking at the L200 with a 5 speed. Changed my mind after I realized that the L200 handled like a Toyota Camry (read awful). Their L300 handled great but it was Automatic only and was more than I could afford.
Their smaller cars though always handle great and they run nearly forever once you get any bugs worked out.

Edit: Also; If you do buy online check out the dealer first, you'll have to go there for service and unfortunately some Saturn dealers are total scumbags.

 

[kduncan5]

Here is the SC-2 pricing. -kd5-

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: kduncan5
Here is the SC-2 pricing. -kd5-

if you dont me asking.. why are you set on the SC2? looking at the price, and seeing what you get.. it seems like you couldnt definetly get more out of another car.

 

[RossMAN]

I'm sorry for being so blunt but you want to spend close to $20,000 and get a Saturn? Unless you get a fully loaded L series then you're making the mistake of a lifetime.

I did some research on "buying a car online" you can usually go to a local car dealers website (i.e. Tonkin.com for me) to see their inventory of new cars and even get financing but you'll need to visit the dealer to sign the forms, show some ID and drive off with your car.

If you're a member of a Credit Union call them up and ask if they're a member of Autoland, the credit union will handle the financing, Autoland will get the car for you and deliver it to your credit union, this is nice because you avoid dealing with the dealership.

BTW I priced a retail Saturn SC automatic and it was around $16,000 so I think you can stay within your $20k budget.

Again buying a Saturn with a budget of $20k is a terrible idea. They can be good cars but you can get a way better car in the same price range!

Why not contact a dealer near you and ask how you would go about leasing a car online? They'll tell you 1) if it's possible and 2) how to do it, if it is.

SATURN OF ROUTE 422
420 YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN
NILES, OH 44446
PHONE: (330) 544-2000
FAX: (330) 544-8355

SATURN OF ROUTE 422 Map
Contact Retailer


SATURN OF CHAPEL HILL
247 HOWE AVENUE
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH 44221
PHONE: (330) 923-8000
FAX: (330) 923-8068

E-MAIL: sat10061@concentric.net
SATURN OF CHAPEL HILL Website
SATURN OF CHAPEL HILL Map
Contact Retailer


SATURN OF BELDEN VILLAGE
5617 WHIPPLE AVENUE NW
NORTH CANTON, OH 44720-0579
PHONE: (330) 966-1500
FAX: (330) 966-0022

E-MAIL: sat10944@concentric.net
SATURN OF BELDEN VILLAGE Website
SATURN OF BELDEN VILLAGE Map

 

[kduncan5]

We only have one Saturn dealership in our area, if they treat me like sh!t, then they can kiss the sale of an automobile goodbye. I refuse to deal with *sshole salesmen, that's why I wanted to do the actual purchase part of it online. To avoid pushy salesmen. I am not car-buying saavy, and right now I have a short fuse (see "quit smoking"). So if I can avoid smooth-talking velvet-tongued salesmen, it's all for the better. -kd5-

 

[Cyberian]

Has Saturn changed the way they do business?
I thought they had that "no haggle" pricing. If they still do, is there an advantave to buying the car online?

I've never had a leak in a factory sunroof, nor on any of the 4 or 5 I had installed at ATV in my beater cars for $100.

 

[RossMAN]

Just to give you an idea of what you could buy with $20k:

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE automatic and a 2002 Kia Rio
$15,444 2002 Honda Accord LX automatic
$16,945 2002 Honda Accord SE automatic
base 2002 Nissan Altima
2002 Mazda 626

I'd even consider buying a Ford Taurus or Chevy Malibu before getting a Saturn.

Compare the differences between the Saturn SC and Honda Accord in terms of fuel economy, reliability, crash test ratings and most importantly resale value.

I hate to see someone waste $20k when they can buy a better car.

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Just to give you an idea of what you could buy with $20k:

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE automatic and a 2002 Kia Rio
$15,444 2002 Honda Accord LX automatic
$16,945 2002 Honda Accord SE automatic
base 2002 Nissan Altima
2002 Mazda 626

I'd even consider buying a Ford Taurus or Chevy Malibu before getting a Saturn.

Compare the differences between the Saturn SC and Honda Accord in terms of fuel economy, reliability, crash test ratings and most importantly resale value.

I hate to see someone waste $20k when they can buy a better car.

amen.

(LOL at the sentra and a RIO for under 20k.)

 

[kduncan5]

RossMAN, could you please explain why you think I'd be wasting my money on an SC-2? Remember, I am not very experienced with buying a new car, have never actually bought a new car. I always went for used, but still in good condition.....

Thanks! -kd5-

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: kduncan5
We only have one Saturn dealership in our area, if they treat me like sh!t, then they can kiss the sale of an automobile goodbye. I refuse to deal with *sshole salesmen, that's why I wanted to do the actual purchase part of it online. To avoid pushy salesmen. I am not car-buying saavy, and right now I have a short fuse (see "quit smoking"). So if I can avoid smooth-talking velvet-tongued salesmen, it's all for the better. -kd5-

I know how you feel, trust me. 2 months ago I bought a brand new 2002 Honda Accord SE automatic for $2,000 below factory-to-dealer invoice by purchasing a loss leader car.

I want to try and help you find the right car, at the best price with minimal dealer contact.
1) What are some other make/model cars you'd consider buying?
2) Are you a member of a Credit Union?
3) Are reliability, good crash test rating and resale value important to you?

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: kduncan5
RossMAN, could you please explain why you think I'd be wasting my money on an SC-2? Remember, I am not very experienced with buying a new car, have never actually bought a new car. I always went for used, but still in good condition.....

Thanks! -kd5-

Because the SC-2 isn't that great of a car. I'd buy a used Acura Integra before getting a brand new Saturn SC-2. I almost bought a Saturn 3 months ago, a brand new 2002 Saturn SL for $9,995 it was manual, no power windows or door locks but it had A/C, a reasonably peppy 100hp engine but decided not to after I read a few reviews online, in car magazines and read some car forums.

Saturn's are not BAD cars but there are better more reliable cars out there with better resale value.

 

[Freejack2]

Originally posted by: kduncan5
Here is the SC-2 pricing. -kd5-

Why get the SC2 that's being discontinued in a couple of weeks. They are replacing it with the new Ion
Quad Coupe. Might as well get the latest model.

As for price the Saturns aren't the cheapest in the world but they are American made by an American company (e.g. American workers and American company paying American taxes). Also they have a reputation of running next to forever. Mind you though it all comes down in the end to one thing. We can all shout and holler buy this car, buy that car. It doesn't hurt to listen to what we say so you don't run into any major problems, but in the end buy what you like. We don't have to drive what you buy, but...YOU DO!

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Freejack2

Originally posted by: kduncan5
Here is the SC-2 pricing. -kd5-

Why get the SC2 that's being discontinued in a couple of weeks. They are replacing it with the new Ion
Quad Coupe. Might as well get the latest model.

As for price the Saturns aren't the cheapest in the world but they are American made by an American company (e.g. American workers and American company paying American taxes). Also they have a reputation of running next to forever. Mind you though it all comes down in the end to one thing. We can all shout and holler buy this car, buy that car. It doesn't hurt to listen to what we say so you don't run into any major problems, but in the end buy what you like. We don't have to drive what you buy, but...YOU DO!

AFAIK Toyota Camry (Georgetown, KY) and Honda Accord's (Marysville, OH) are manufactured in the USA as well, although the majority of the profits do go back to the main Japanese corporation. Both those cars can be had for around $20k and are way better than a Saturn SC.