Looking to buy a "new" car!

[GiggleGirl]

lrighty, 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.....

double post, this is locked
anandtech moderator
gillbot

 

[randomlinh]

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 (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.