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Looking to buy a "new" car!

GiggleGirl

GiggleGirl

Golden Member
Alrighty, im in desperate need of a new vehicle. I have ideas on the kind of car that i would like... yes i want it to be fuel efficient and safe for me and my daughter etc but i guess id like to hear opinions on what you guys drive to get some extra information on different cars.

so, what do you drive? why did you choose it? what did you pay? why do you like it now? any regrets? and most importantly HOW DO I GET THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE WHEN I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP!?!!?!?

THANKS

EDIT: ok, we're not talking ridiculously expensive cars here... probably for me, something under 15k and that is still quite a lot. i would buy used but within reason..... this is not a pissing contest and i dont care if your car is the most expensive, thats not what im looking for..... 🙂

UPDATE 5/28/2009: ok so heres the news. as you know, suncoast credit union denied my loan. one of the dealerships i was interested in purchasing a car called me to see what was going on for financing and i told him the deal. he was very sympathetic and said that he knows a guy out of another city who has a small dealership that might be able to do some kind of financing for me but with heftier stipulations/qualifications that dont totally revolve around income. so anyways the dude from this smaller dealership (i had actually seen this dealership online and liked a lot of the cars with them) calls me and we go over all the stuff that i need. he tells me he'll call me back in about 15 min after running all the info etc and when he does, he says that im GOOD TO GO! and they can work with me on getting a car!!!! sooo i bring my 3k and my crappy trade-in and they will work something for me. he has a bunch of 06 and 07 vehicles. chevys, nissans, kias, suzukis, hyundais. all with pretty good mileage and all the specs i need. most are still under factory warranty as well! I AM STOKED!!! YAYYYY
here is a short list of a few of the cars, if you have opinions on the ones you think are the most reliable or youve had experience, let me know!!! (Im gonna be researching these on msn autos etc for ratings info)

kia spectra EX (07/08)
kia Rio5 or Sedan LX (07/06)
chevy cobalt sedan LS or LT (06)
chevy aveo sedan (07)
nissan versa hatchback (07)
nissan sentra (06)
nissan altima 2.5 s (05)
suzuki forenza (07)
suzuki SX4 sport (08)
hyundai sonata GL (06)



UPDATE 5/26/09: i am getting screwed from all angles with this car-buying bullshit.
1. i have "builders credit".... meaning i have a credit score of about 623... and i have limited credit because ive only ever had one credit card and i got almost 2 years ago...
2. my debt:income ratio is somewhat high, because my current work hours do not reflect the kind of hours i get at varying times during the year/season (even when including my child support into the yrly income)
3. interest rates for me are going to be relatively high because of my minimal credit
4. i cant really finance more than $6000 or my monthly payments will be waaayyy too high (need them at about $150mo)

soooo now i have to look at cars way under 10k which wouldnt be that big of a deal but i have TRAVEL to find them because i live in such a small town. and the car salespeople are trying to screw me.... one guy i have no idea how the fuck he calculated the taxes because his method was all over the paper and made no sense, and they just like to talk and say lots of shit to confuse you.
i hate that.
seriously, i dont think im different from anyone else trying to pay less than the sticker on the car.... im always gonna try and make them lower the cost. this is just stressing me out! grrrrrr
 
Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
Alrighty, im in desperate need of a new vehicle. I have ideas on the kind of car that i would like... yes i want it to be fuel efficient and safe for me and my daughter etc but i guess id like to hear opinions on what you guys drive to get some extra information on different cars.

so, what do you drive? why did you choose it? what did you pay? why do you like it now? any regrets? and most importantly HOW DO I GET THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE WHEN I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP!?!!?!?

THANKS
Click to expand...

The only choice today is a 335 sedan, and that's only because you have a kid. Otherwise, it would be a 135 coupe or TT-RS.
 
when i read the definition it said
The Garage
For all your automotive needs. From mechanical, to electrical, to the pimpadelic, this is the place to talk about it.

im not looking for repair assistance... why be douchy about it? who cares!
 
Originally posted by: amdhunter
Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
Alrighty, im in desperate need of a new vehicle. I have ideas on the kind of car that i would like... yes i want it to be fuel efficient and safe for me and my daughter etc but i guess id like to hear opinions on what you guys drive to get some extra information on different cars.

so, what do you drive? why did you choose it? what did you pay? why do you like it now? any regrets? and most importantly HOW DO I GET THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE WHEN I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP!?!!?!?

THANKS
Click to expand...

The only choice today is a 335 sedan, and that's only because you have a kid. Otherwise, it would be a 135 coupe or TT-RS.
Click to expand...

i have no idea what you just said.............. ?
 
Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
Alrighty, im in desperate need of a new vehicle. I have ideas on the kind of car that i would like... yes i want it to be fuel efficient and safe for me and my daughter etc but i guess id like to hear opinions on what you guys drive to get some extra information on different cars.

so, what do you drive? why did you choose it? what did you pay? why do you like it now? any regrets? and most importantly HOW DO I GET THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE WHEN I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP!?!!?!?

THANKS
Click to expand...

A minivan should fit the needs.
 
Originally posted by: SonnyDaze
Originally posted by: GiggleGirl
Alrighty, im in desperate need of a new vehicle. I have ideas on the kind of car that i would like... yes i want it to be fuel efficient and safe for me and my daughter etc but i guess id like to hear opinions on what you guys drive to get some extra information on different cars.

so, what do you drive? why did you choose it? what did you pay? why do you like it now? any regrets? and most importantly HOW DO I GET THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE WHEN I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP!?!!?!?

THANKS
Click to expand...

A minivan should fit the needs.
Click to expand...

noooo thank you. i do NOT want a minivan. i have one child, not 5. i want a four door vehicle or a hatchback of sorts. something sedan-like i guess.
 
Got the wife 08 Honda Civic last year. We really like the car and it gets alot of high ratings for safety. Also gets great gas mileage. No problems and rides like a dream. We've had it about a year.

Best way to get a great deal is research the car you choose to buy. Then find out what the car dealership is paying for it (invoice). Look for the car over the internet. Get the dealerships to quote you prices on the exact car you want and go with the cheapest one. Also find out what other people are paying for the car on internet.
 
Yup, you said you want safe, economical, you don't seem to care about RWD, turbos, manual trans or anything, get a slightly used 2007/2008 Camry LE 4 cylinder with all the safety features you can afford.

It has 5 star everything from the government and good rating everything from the IIHS (max ratings all round).

Alternatively, a slightly used new gen Honda Accord 4 door would fit the same bill, they're pretty similar mpg, reliability, safety, etc.
 
Another vote for the Camry LE or SE model. There are a lot of 2008 and 2009 used ones out there really cheap now. Get one that is 'Certified' and you'll be good to go for years.
 
Ford Fusion or Focus but youshould be able to get a 1yr old Fusion with some options within your price range.

If you want new:
Hyundai Elantra GLS



 
cars ive been considering range anywhere from a Scion xA/xD, honda fit, to the elantra, cobalt/cavalier, camry........ i would really like a hatchback and something where i dont have to spend much more than 10-13k in total. i dont think i want a ford at all, probably gonna stick with something foreign.........
my first choice of vehicle is a Scion. i do like the new kia soul, toyota matrix, pontiac vibe, stuff like that. anyone know anyone with any of these? i am however open to the camry because its a great car.

i need tips on how not to get screwed at the dealership! lol
 
slightly used Fusion/Focus or Elantra/Sonata
Hatch
Mazda 3 , Vibe , Matrix , Scion
The Kia is brand new and gonna depreciate like a rock and its unkown quality as its a brand new model of which first years are usually the worst so I'd wait on it, it might not be a bad car but you won't know for a couple of yrs
 
*go to a Internet dealer such as fitzmall.com. May not always be the best price, but fairly close.

*Don't buy a Fusion or Focus.

*Don't buy used. Less than 13k is sufficient to get a good, reliable, fuel efficient NEW car with a warranty.

* A new Toyota Yaris/Nissan Versa is in your price range. Comes in both sedan and hatchback.

edit-ooo I found a good one. I think you'll like it. 2 door though.
Tiburon
 
i was considering the yaris and versa actually and would love to buy new, hopefully with all of the taxes and all that extra stuff i wouldnt be spending more than 10-13, i dont have a huge budget and id only be able to put up to 3k down.

thanks guys for all your help, i really appreciate it!
 
Nissan has been very good to me but the Versa is not highly rated. I would pick the Yaris over the Versa.

I would, however, recommend slightly used at your price range 😉
 
I've had a Honda Fit for a bit over 2 years now. Not had a single problem with it. Cheap as chips to run and easy to drive, and the interior layout is very ergonomic. I regularly get 42+mpg (the new model engine sips a tiny bit more). It has a 5 star safety rating.

It's a very versatile car. The space is unbelievable for its size. I have been able to fit 4 people and a bike + some luggage in it.

http://usnews.rankingsandrevie...cars-trucks/Honda_Fit/
 
since the other thread was a dupe, i'll copy and paste...

as for the dealership, hold your ground and be prepared to walk away. have a set number in mind you want to spend including tax, tags, title, warranty if you want it, etc. if they try to tack something on and it goes over, walk out.

I drive a mazda 3. Wanted something fun to drive, but still practical. I wouldn't budge on color/specs/etc, spending ~20k nearly fully loaded, stick (this is opposite to getting a good deal, probably could have saved a bit taking something off the lot, heh). On top of that, in 05, the mazda 3 was a hot commodity. Mazda had no problem selling them.

still love the car. It's the only new car I'll likely buy because I had this notion of having to get it out of my system. I knew I'd hate the depreciation. My only real regret is why I didn't just screw practicality and buy an MX5 so I could have my fun car. I should add I intend to drive whatever I buy into the ground.

Also, TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE. every damn little feature from adjustments to AC. Especially used, make a checklist or something. And bring a car buddy along if you can. I missed the weak AC in the 3 somehow, and it's bitten me a bit. And I have friends who test drove the 3, loved it except for the fact it's a stiffer ride. They couldn't take it, and tossed it out of the running.

on a side note, since you mentioned xD, my friend got one, limited edition orange one. It's not too bad. A bit expensive for what it is I think, and likely out of your price range new (no idea of scion has budged from their no haggle policy in this economy). You cannot drive w/ the rear windows open tho.. something about the design of the car gives a horrible rattle/wind noise that drives me insane.
 
My friend is going to sell his truck and plans on buying a Z3 M Coupe. Cheap, fast (very fast :Q) and quality. Only thing I'm skeptical about is the fact that apparently the shell bearings might give out, so he might get something else, but I think a Z3 M with a nice manual would be awesome.
 
Ganley in CLE advertised on TV last night a focus for under 14K; I'm certain they'll go lower. I think that the focus is the best deal out there for new cars under 15K.
 
09 Honda Civic - Your "I can't decide, but can't go wrong" vehicle of today. It's hip enough, is reliable and works great.

The Fit and Yaris are nice, but I wouldn't put a kid (or people I liked) in the backseat.
 
ok guys, here is one of my options: tell me if this sounds right to you because im a little confused...
theres a 2008 Scion xD that i really like

its going for 12,985. I told the guy I have 3k to put down and a tag to transfer. He told me that with all the taxes and fees plus my 3k, id be financing 11k on this vehicle. that brings my grand total up to about 14k.... I am a little confused.

i dont know how that makes much sense.......... this is what i want: i dont want the base value im paying for this vehicle to be less than 10,500. add whatever taxes and fees and title/tag transfer comes to.... then subtract the amount i have to put down (3k) i would be financing around 8700 dollars or so.... am i thinking about this in the wrong way?

how would he have gotten the numbers he did in his scenario? im feeling stupid and i dont like it. can you guys explain to me what the hell is going on so i have more knowledge, the next time i talk to him!!
 
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