Buying a New Car

[Alie]

Well, it is time. My 2002 Ford w/ 174K is on its last leg and I don't want to put anymore money into it. I am feeling so clueless though. I know my budget and I am sticking to it. I am just :stars: at the options though. Lots of brand new 2011 are on sale because the 2012 models are coming out so that is a thought. But I am also looking at some gently used higher end cars because I really want a safe car.

Any suggestions? Anyone buy a car recently they love? Keep in mind I have a pretty conservative budget :indiff: Thanks!

[Dar]

Do you have a credit union or anyone with any sort of friends/family discount? First of all, secure lending through your credit union in advance if you can. It will help you, even if the dealer can match or beat their offer. And if you know anyone who can get you a discount, even through work, investigate the possibility. I get a Ford discount through work.

Do not let a dealer talk to you about monthly payments. Talk about price. Because they will try to play with the terms to get a better monthly payment. :nono: That usually means a longer loan or different rate or some unknown bank.

Not sure on models. But good luck! :D

[Mary Ann]

I LOVE my Honda CR-V. Love it. Mine is a 2006.

I don't know if all insurance companies do this, but I'm with USAA and they have a car buyer. You call that department and they have someone find the car you want for the best deal. Then they call you and put you in touch with the location where they found the car, but they will get your price for you.

Dar is wise. Credit union is definitely the way to go. They financed mine until I paid it off, and I got a great rate.

[Alie]

Interesting. Thanks! And yes I definitely agree about the monthly cost thing. I am not getting talked into a 72 month loan. I am strict about the total price I want to pay.

[Angie]

You should be able to get a really good rate right now too. We got a 2.5% rate. If you go brand new...you could eve possibly get 0% so I'd check out some makes and models with those.

Are you snobby about the manufacturer? Like if you stick with ford...I think they have a new focus out that is cute. Can't go wrong with a Toyota. I could see you in a corolla. Or if you want bigger...a camry.

I think my next car will be a Nissan maxima. But I also lurve the new jeep grand cherokees if I picked an suv.

[Mandy]

Since you are TTC, I'd go ahead and get something bigger. We drove a Corolla when Spencer was born and it was, frankly, a disaster. Even the little bucket seat caused the passenger to have to be pushed way up into the dash on that side and when we moved him into a rear facing convertible seat it was even worse. I ended up getting a Honda Accord and even that little bit more room in the interior made a HUGE difference.

[Karen]

I managed to get a certified pre-own that was still under warranty, so now I get the remainder of the factory warranty PLUS the pre-owned certified warranty too. I thought that was good. :dunno:

[Angie]

I could see you in a volvo station wagon too. The sporty looking ones. Lots of hippies drive those. :right:

[Danielle]

What about a subaru? They can get really fancy and cool looking. I would totally not get something compact. Car seats hardly fit in most cars, add a compact car and your head will be against the dashboard.

Also think of the weather where you live, like I would not get a convertible if I lived in the PNW but I would not get something with a snow package if I lived in Florida. :laugh:

[SmileyAmy]

I agree on not getting anything compact...unless the back seat is deceiving and is large. Rear facing car seats take up a lot of room. I drove an Escort when Sara was born and it was hell. My brother drives a Corrolla now and its a tight squeeze even with Sara in a booster seat. No leg room in the back at all.

[Moke]

I love my Camry so hard. I'd love something higher up, but I love the Camry. I've always done my research on my own... every dealer has a website with what they have available and for what price and you can usually negotiate down from there. I find the car I want and contact their internet sales dept and tell them Im interested. I filled out the paperwork online and sent it in and didn't even step foot in there until I was approved.

I also tried a credit union and my bank but felt jerked around by both. Toyota financing did the most for me, though I had credit challenges so YMMV.

[ang]

I agree on the non-compact if you're planning on kids soon.

My friend has a Subaru Forester that I love. I'm not sure of the price range on them, but it's very nice and roomy inside without being huge. Her engine had issues a few months after she bought it and they replaced the entire engine, no questions asked and extended her warranty for the inconvenience.

[Alie]

Thanks!!!! I would LOVE a Volvo but I have heard they are expensive to repair. But things don't break very often.....

Speaking of Subarus.....this is exactly what I am wanting. I might go test drive it and see what else they have. Any thoughts??? http://www.fitzmall.com/fitzway/carfind/RESULTSB.ASP?V_XREFID=SVO407465266898148

[Alie]

The big drawback to that car is the gas mileage. I would like something a little greener.

[Alie]

Good to know about the Corolla. There are a ton of 2011's left for a great price but I knew there had to be a drawback...

[Mrs Sarah]

I love my Prius.

[Allison]

I always chime in with this, but we're on our second CRV and I love them so, so, so, so much. Ton of room on the inside, but still feels like I'm driving a car and not a big SUV. They also retain their value amazingly.

[Tina]

My MIL just got a new Toyota RAV4 and she loves it. All I got, sorry. :laugh: But it's one of those crossover types, so maybe that's appropriate. She looked at EVERYTHING. I know she's budget conscious too and drove a bunch, so there's that. They live in upper Michigan, so it must be good for snow.

[SmileyAmy]

My MIL just got a new Toyota RAV4 and she loves it. All I got, sorry. :laugh: But it's one of those crossover types, so maybe that's appropriate. She looked at EVERYTHING. I know she's budget conscious too and drove a bunch, so there's that. They live in upper Michigan, so it must be good for snow.

Only thing I have been told (by and ex who worked on cars) is that the Rav4 may not be a good choice if you live in a place that has a lot of snow - which usually equals a lot of salt on the road. They have issues with the undercarriage rusting/rotting.

They may have fixed this issue, as this was a few years ago.

But otherwise, I've heard good things on them as well. :)

[Lizz]

I don't know if they are bigger now but Corolla + rear facing seat = nope

Of course, ours is a mid-90s model.

The first car we ever bought was like Karen, it was used with a manufacturer certified warranty. We still have our '94 Corolla :D

[Lizz]

You all know I love toyotas but I freaking hate my parents' new RAV.

[Mo]

Love my Outback except it seems so small downsizing from a van.

[Rebecca]

I think my next car will be a Nissan maxima.
My dad has driven Nissan Maximas since the 80's. I think he's on his 4th. :laugh: /random

We're thinking of getting another new car. We just NEVER drive the van anymore and it would be good to get Dave a commuter car. It's really tempting to buy new for the good financing.

[Mary Ann]

I always chime in with this, but we're on our second CRV and I love them so, so, so, so much. Ton of room on the inside, but still feels like I'm driving a car and not a big SUV. They also retain their value amazingly.

:word: Can't say enough good things about the CRV.

[Rebecca]

I love my Outback, too, and for it's size it has good gas mileage. The rest of the subarus, though? :nono:

Dave said they are coming out with a better gas mileage impreza soon.

I third (fourth?) getting something with a decent-sized back seat. :D

[Alie]

My Mom has a CRV and I do love it. Hmmm.

[taragunner]

I'm a Toyota convert but I like Subarus as well. If you find one with an MPG you can live with, remember Subarus are built in a zero-landfill plant and they also have a line of PZEV (http://drive2.subaru.com/Fall08/Fall08_whatmakes.htm)vehicles.

[Dar]

I have a Pontiac Vibe, which was built on a Toyota Corolla frame. I never had any problem with a rear facing seat or even fitting three adults in the back seat. :dunno:

FWIW, whenever I take my Vibe in (which now has 170k+ miles and still ticking) for service, they comment on the fact it has a Toyota engine and how it will "last forever". I thought 100k miles was amazing, and now we're pushing 200k.

[Karen]

If you're even considering having kids...do not get a 2 door. I had my 160K+ mile Escort when we had Freya and the car ran well, but getting a kid in drove me insane.

[Karen]

VWs cost a lot when they need to be serviced. And they require that you go to the dealership for most of that servicing.

BUT, they don't need to be serviced that often. My odd-ball thing that had happened (before the flood, obviously) was a small hole in a line...turned out not to cost much at all, it's just that the other techs didn't understand where to look for the leak.

And VWs are really safe.

[Karen]

/end obligatory VW ad

[Karen]

If I had a million kids like Dar, I would totally have the vehicle she has. It's pretty great. That, or a Touareg ;)

[Angie]

I was going to suggest a vw too but yes, expensive to fix is right.

[Dar]

A million? :laugh: /must have lost count

[Karen]

If I was working full time outside of the home and had 3 kids...I would totally feel like I had a million. I'm just projecting myself onto you :laugh:

[Angie]

Every day dan tells me how much he loves his traverse. :)

[Dar]

I love it so hard. :laugh: Certainly not what Alie needs... yet. ;)

[Dar]

Don't forget the dogs. And the bunny. :indiff:

[Alie]

Yeah I heard good things about the Vibe but it was discontinued.

Blah. See this is what makes it so hard :laugh: There are like 10 cars I would consider. I just have to test drive them now.

[Dar]

I'll sell it for cheap. :laugh:

I really wanted a Pontiac G6. So sad.

[Angie]

You do really.

Before I got my passat...we were dead set on a camry back then. Drove it, hated it. Drove a maxima. Hated it.

Went to the vw dealer...drove a passat...loved it. So really it can't hurt to get a feel sor some different models if you aren't in a real hurry. Then sleep on it. Narrow it down to what you really liked and go drive again. Then do the hard stuff when deciding to buy.

[ang]

Go look, drive them and see what appeals to you. Even though on paper one may look better, how you feel in it should be a huge deciding factor as well.

I love car shopping. I wish I could buy a new car every year.

[Dar]

Yep, I wanted a Saturn Vue or Volvo XC90. Until I drove them. And was SO disappointed. One drive in the Traverse and I knew it was for me.

[Karen]

Normal-height people misjudge how important it is for shorter people (how tall are you again?) Some cars, you can't reach the pedals correctly, some you can't see the hood of the car....

[ang]

:agree: I have to sit in a car before I would even consider it. I have such a hard time reaching the pedals, seeing over the steering wheel and out the back. If I slouch in my car and don't sit up straight, I look through the steering wheel instead of over it.

/midget who's picky on cars

[Angie]

Even though we knew we wanted a traverse...we kept our options open just in case. We drove a couple comparable things but once we drove the traverse we were set.

Heck, make sure you get the style of the model you want too. We drove one traverse and hated it. It was the lower model style. Got in the mid level one and loved it and bought it.

[Danielle]

What about a Mazda CX6? They are cute and the MPGs is 28, which is not that bad.
http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/musa2/images/global/topnav/auto_cx7.png

[Stacey]

I just want to re-iterate that you want a car that is at least Camry-size. Can you make it work with less? Sure. We have a Britax Marathon rear-facing in a Hyundai Elantra (about Corolla-size) and it's in there fine but it sure is a pain to actually get Z in the seat.

[emmajoan]

I had a 2008 CRV and LOVED it, but only got about 18mpg, which I thought was stupid. Since I was commuting over an hour each way to work, I got a Civic Hybrid and really like it as well, but theres no trunk space and, well, I want something fancier. The average 40mpg I get is kind of kickass, but now that I'm not driving nearly that much, the cost for the hybrid version wasn't really worth the gas savings.
I had a lemon Camry before. Meh. But like the newer ones.
Hubs has my old 2004 Accord which is really great.

[Kellee]

I had a 2008 CRV and LOVED it, but only got about 18mpg, which I thought was stupid. Since I was commuting over an hour each way to work, I got a Civic Hybrid and really like it as well, but theres no trunk space and, well, I want something fancier. The average 40mpg I get is kind of kickass, but now that I'm not driving nearly that much, the cost for the hybrid version wasn't really worth the gas savings.
I had a lemon Camry before. Meh. But like the newer ones.
Hubs has my old 2004 Accord which is really great.

You only got 18 mpg in your crv? I get 25-30, depending on highway or city.

Love, love, love my CRV.

[emmajoan]

You only got 18 mpg in your crv? I get 25-30, depending on highway or city.

Love, love, love my CRV.
Yes. Never got above 25 on Hwy, and commuting to and from work, even on country backroads, averaged 18 (although my MPG meter said it was more like 24- I calculated it every fill up). The EPA estimates were 21/27. If the mileage had been any better, or if I had a shorter commute, I would have kept it in a heartbeat. This was back when gas was $4 back in 2008.

I will say that the resale value was excellent though! I didn't have it more than 1 year and I didn't lose any money on it when I sold it to a private buyer.

[Alie]

Thanks again ladies! I am going to test drive a Hyundai elantra touring because I love wagon style cars.

[purple]

I was just going to come in here and strongly suggest that you drive an Elantra or an Elantra touring. I have a Sonata, and I think it's a little outside of your budget, but I freaking love it. It was actually a little outside of my budget too, but I did let them talk to me about the monthly cost and give me a 72 mo loan, but frankly I am glad I did. And I have a 0% 72 mo loan, so that's kind of a different ballpark than if you're paying interest. But it's bigger and doesn't get the awesome gas mileage that the Elantra does.

The Elantra gets 40mpg, has an awesome warranty, and is very reasonably priced. I know two people who have Elantra Tourings and LOVE them. I've had my Sonata for almost 4 years now, and I still love it and I've had no problems with it at all. Literally 0. I haven't had anything done outside of maintenance. I'd buy another Hyundai in a heartbeat. /advertisement :laugh:

[Sheri Ruth]

My friend just got a Kia Sorento and I was amazed by it.

[Alie]

Thanks Kelly! Honestly the warranty is a big selling point to me on a Hyundai. And j have just heard great things about them.

Is it wrong I am just flat out ignoring domestic cars? I have owned one for the last 6 years and I am not impressed.

[Sheri Ruth]

It is a lot of money and no, it isn't wrong. You deserve to get the most for your buck and if American made isn't delivering that, they need to start. Buying an inferior product out of patriotism does nobody any favors, least of all you.

[Dar]

I prefer domestic cars, personally, but it is partly out of loyalty (a couple generations of my family have worked for GM) but also out of the options. You'll get more standard options in an American made car than foreign, generally. I'm all about options. :D Plus getting the family discount for years was a huge help. When we bought the Traverse, we just asked them to show us the GMS pricing. No haggling. No discussion. That's the price and we were done. That's my kind of shopping. :laugh: /non-confrontational

[SmileyAmy]

/hated my Sonata

I used to say "its so nata gonna go anywhere" :laugh: I was so happy when I totalled that sucker in an accident. I could get rid of it.

It probably was just my luck. But I had more issues with that car. Every day I drove it, I held my breath hoping that stupid check engine light wouldn't go on.

I have a used Avalon now. And I luuuv it. Love love love. Only minor issues so far and its 9 years old. /knocks on wood

I have fallen hard for Toyotas.

[bstace]

my friends just got a sonata and they love it! it is really nice. and i have heard that hyundai has gotten way better in the last 5 years.

[Kate]

Love my certified used honda

[bstace]

i am a honda girl as well. i love love love my element. but it only holds 4 people. fine for me tho. next car we get will prolly be a used civic for mikey. he loves a civic!

[Mandy]

We, as a rule, only buy foreign. We've had such amazing luck with our Hondas and Toyotas that those are the only vans we've even looked at.

Jake does drive a Nissan Titan right now, but it was purchased by his company. He loves it, though.

[Stacey]

I was just going to come in here and strongly suggest that you drive an Elantra or an Elantra touring. I have a Sonata, and I think it's a little outside of your budget, but I freaking love it. It was actually a little outside of my budget too, but I did let them talk to me about the monthly cost and give me a 72 mo loan, but frankly I am glad I did. And I have a 0% 72 mo loan, so that's kind of a different ballpark than if you're paying interest. But it's bigger and doesn't get the awesome gas mileage that the Elantra does.

The Elantra gets 40mpg, has an awesome warranty, and is very reasonably priced. I know two people who have Elantra Tourings and LOVE them. I've had my Sonata for almost 4 years now, and I still love it and I've had no problems with it at all. Literally 0. I haven't had anything done outside of maintenance. I'd buy another Hyundai in a heartbeat. /advertisement :laugh:

We've had really good luck with our Elantra as well. Actually, my whole family has had good luck with Hyundai in general. Between us, mom&dad, and my brother/SIL we've had the Elantra, multiple Sonatas, and multiple Santa Fes. My 2005 Elantra GT is still working great as a 2nd car with no major issues and has over 100k miles. It was our only vehicle until the baby came, and then we just needed more space so we bought a 2007 Saturn Vue.

The Saturn was my Dad's former company vehicle, and we purchased it at wholesale price from his company. They turn over their vehicles every 3 years and then offer them to the employees and their families. So, we didn't really get to shop around but the price was great so we took it (1.5 years later it's still worth more for trade-in than we paid). BUT, we probably would have gotten a Santa Fe otherwise.

[Rebecca]

We, as a rule, only buy foreign. We've had such amazing luck with our Hondas and Toyotas that those are the only vans we've even looked at.

Jake does drive a Nissan Titan right now, but it was purchased by his company. He loves it, though.
Ya, our experiences with domestic cars have not been good, and our experiences with foreign cars has been exceptional. It's hard for us to consider a domestic car.

[Carrie]

Don't get a Volvo unless you want to put $$ into it. They are great cars but need regular maintenance which can be costly. We work on them because they are expensive to maintain and repair.

What was wrong with the Rav4?? That's what I am hoping to get this weekend.

[Carrie]

You all know I love toyotas but I freaking hate my parents' new RAV.

Tell me why!! please. :)

[taragunner]

Ya, our experiences with domestic cars have not been good, and our experiences with foreign cars has been exceptional. It's hard for us to consider a domestic car.Most "foreign" cars are made here in the US anyway. I know Subarus and Toyotas are.

[Alie]

Well it looks like I am buying a brand new Honda Fit tomorrow :boobies: I fell in love with it. I am a little anxious about the negotiating because this car is selling at or above the MSRP (because of the earthquake in Japan there is a shortage). But I know I will be happy :D

[SmileyAmy]

Oooo...I had to Google the car. Didn't know what it looked like. Its super cute!

[taragunner]

The Fit is GO!!! :laugh:

Congrats!

[Rebecca]

David has been really interested in those! What do you love about it?

[emmajoan]

woohoo :boobies: I'm sure you'll already do this, but make sure to check inventory in your area. When i bought my Civic Hybrid, local dealers had waiting lists 10+ long, but I found somewhere about an hour away that had 1 in inventory immediately available, but I ended up getting on a much shorter waiting list of 2 weeks versus 6 weeks, and I think at a better price.

[Alie]

Thanks! Yes- the Fit is in VERY high demand. I was only able to find the color I wanted in stock at one dealership about 25 miles away. I went there and test drove it. They have sold 10 in the last 3 weeks :eek: We literally just reached a deal. They are only going $300 below sticker price but are throwing in free oil changes for 2 years and locks for the alloy wheels (I guess they are prone to getting stolen). I am signing the papers tomorrow morning :omg:

[bstace]

yay!! congrats! we will need a pic asap!

[Rebecca]

:confetti: What color did you end up with?

[Alie]

Rebecca- the selling points for me were the gas mileage (28 city/33 hwy) and the cargo space. There is so much room. The back seats not only fold all the way down but also up- the seat part can flip up so you can put tall items on the floor. It is also really fun to drive and easy to use (the dash is really simple). For the price I think it is the best option. It holds its value incredibly well and earned a 10/10 in safety testing. I researched this to death :laugh:

These cars are everywhere in DC. They just seem like the perfect little city car.

[Alie]

I got the silver sport model (a little more but great upgrades).

http://automobiles.assets.amuratech.com/color_0640_032_png/7297/7297_cc0640_032_SI.png

[Mrs Sarah]

Yay!! My friend has one and she loves it!

[Rebecca]

Cute!!! And thanks for your input. :D

[bstace]

Rebecca- the selling points for me were the gas mileage (28 city/33 hwy) and the cargo space. There is so much room. The back seats not only fold all the way down but also up- the seat part can flip up so you can put tall items on the floor. It is also really fun to drive and easy to use (the dash is really simple). For the price I think it is the best option. It holds its value incredibly well and earned a 10/10 in safety testing. I researched this to death :laugh:

These cars are everywhere in DC. They just seem like the perfect little city car.
my elements seats do the same thing. it is very useful. most people think i won't be able to fit something in my car but i do. then they always look surprised.

[Carrie]

very nice!! And has that intoxicating "new car smell"!!!!

Have fun!

[Angie]

Nice! :rock: