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M3 or bust papi
Buying a car for the first time. What do I do?
- Thread in 'General' Thread starter Started by Gill Baka Esq. LLC.,
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Gill Baka Esq. LLC.
formerly grimlock
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I bought a Nissan versa a couple years ago, when it was only like 2 years old.
11-12k
With 30k miles.
I don't see the point in spending +10k on a car that has +100k miles on it, Even if its a Honda or Toyota.
If your not gonna put crazy miles on it, a lease might be better.
You'll only have to put like 2k down and you can have payments as low as $130 a month.
Only thing that sucks is at the end of it you have nothing to show for your cash spent
11-12k
With 30k miles.
I don't see the point in spending +10k on a car that has +100k miles on it, Even if its a Honda or Toyota.
If your not gonna put crazy miles on it, a lease might be better.
You'll only have to put like 2k down and you can have payments as low as $130 a month.
Only thing that sucks is at the end of it you have nothing to show for your cash spent
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What year is it? 102K miles is on the upper end, but not excessive for a Toyota. Had one that went 180k before I sold it and it was still going pretty good with only minor problems.
When I was buying my new (used) car, I went to a mechanic and they charged about $70 for a full inspection. I'd think it should be no more than $100 if they come to the dealership with you. Personally, I would prefer to take it to the mechanic since they can get a much better feel by putting it on the lift and looking under the car.
However, I would ask for a 24 hour window to return the car. Remember, you're in the drivers seat so don't feel pressured to do anything you don't feel comfortable with. They will try to play all sorts of games, but just stick to your guns.
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Look at other places besides a dealership...your money will go a lot further
Just because you have an 11k limit doesn't mean you have to spend all of the 11k... you're still gonna have to pay for registration, taxes, insurance, gas and maintenance.
Just because you have an 11k limit doesn't mean you have to spend all of the 11k... you're still gonna have to pay for registration, taxes, insurance, gas and maintenance.
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OP let me give you my 2 cents on your situation. If I was in your place some questions I would ask myself
1.How long is my daily commute? Do I have to pay for parking/toll everyday?
2.How much can i afford as far as monthly payments go if I was to lease? (Personally I wouldn't lease a car unless I had a disposable income but that's just me)
3. By going the used route do I really want to spend all of the 11k on that car? What if it has mechanical problems down the road, how will I pay for it?
4. Can you do basic maintenance on your own? Change fluids like engine and ****** oil, tire rotation?
My very first car was a 1998 Toyota Camry, got it with about 90k miles on it. I drove it up to 150k before the rear main seal needed to be replaced and I decided to let it go and get a new car but that car held it down for me. Never gave me any issues just had to do basic maintenance and replace things as they broke down which will happen with every car over time.
If you're getting something with 70k+ miles on it whether it's a Honda/Toyota or not something will happen down the line depending on how well the previous owner took car of it.
My suggestion would be to get maybe a 04-06 camry with low miles for around 10k or less depending on how many miles it has. If you do decide to go the dealer route remember they need you and you DON't need them. Obviously Honda would be a great choice also, could find a civic lx for cheap.
No idea where you are in NYC but here's a decent deal. Price could be lowered a bit.
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...e=MILEAGE&sortDirection=ASC#listing=114193727
Sorry for the long post
1.How long is my daily commute? Do I have to pay for parking/toll everyday?
2.How much can i afford as far as monthly payments go if I was to lease? (Personally I wouldn't lease a car unless I had a disposable income but that's just me)
3. By going the used route do I really want to spend all of the 11k on that car? What if it has mechanical problems down the road, how will I pay for it?
4. Can you do basic maintenance on your own? Change fluids like engine and ****** oil, tire rotation?
My very first car was a 1998 Toyota Camry, got it with about 90k miles on it. I drove it up to 150k before the rear main seal needed to be replaced and I decided to let it go and get a new car but that car held it down for me. Never gave me any issues just had to do basic maintenance and replace things as they broke down which will happen with every car over time.
If you're getting something with 70k+ miles on it whether it's a Honda/Toyota or not something will happen down the line depending on how well the previous owner took car of it.
My suggestion would be to get maybe a 04-06 camry with low miles for around 10k or less depending on how many miles it has. If you do decide to go the dealer route remember they need you and you DON't need them. Obviously Honda would be a great choice also, could find a civic lx for cheap.
No idea where you are in NYC but here's a decent deal. Price could be lowered a bit.
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...e=MILEAGE&sortDirection=ASC#listing=114193727
Sorry for the long post
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General dealer tips:
- Negotiation: Be able to walk away -- at anytime. You shouldn't go to a dealer without knowing your price.
- Salesman's job is to get you to the real boss -- the finance office AKA "I'm going to get you to pay more because you don't understand how this adds up for you."
- Understand perceptions and biases about yourself e.g. age, race, etc. Sales teams use it to their advantage. For example, if you're young, the sales manager will take his/her sweet time talking to everyone else but you (if they're busy). When they're "finally" able to talk to you, they know they can close you -- and convince you to pay a higher price -- because you've been waiting. Google "car salesman tactics"
- Never, ever go by monthly payments. They will ask you, "What are you willing to pay monthly?" Don't go down this path.
P.S. Don't know your situation, but ask yourself if you really need a car, especially in the city.
- Negotiation: Be able to walk away -- at anytime. You shouldn't go to a dealer without knowing your price.
- Salesman's job is to get you to the real boss -- the finance office AKA "I'm going to get you to pay more because you don't understand how this adds up for you."
- Understand perceptions and biases about yourself e.g. age, race, etc. Sales teams use it to their advantage. For example, if you're young, the sales manager will take his/her sweet time talking to everyone else but you (if they're busy). When they're "finally" able to talk to you, they know they can close you -- and convince you to pay a higher price -- because you've been waiting. Google "car salesman tactics"
- Never, ever go by monthly payments. They will ask you, "What are you willing to pay monthly?" Don't go down this path.
P.S. Don't know your situation, but ask yourself if you really need a car, especially in the city.
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Gill Baka Esq. LLC.
formerly grimlock
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I kinda do need a car these days. Not really just for NYC but I might be moving out of it soon.
Anymore people got advice?
Peeped a Lexus IS300 that the seller says "Runs Great".
I feel like all sellers on Craigslist say that. Would a mechanic know if I brought him?
Anymore people got advice?
Peeped a Lexus IS300 that the seller says "Runs Great".
I feel like all sellers on Craigslist say that. Would a mechanic know if I brought him?
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Ask the seller to take it to the mechanic instead. Chances are you'll have to look at 2-4 cars before finding one. Make sure to take it for a test drive first too. Nothing like buying a car that's not comfortable from the start.
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Got any buddies who just live and breathe cars all day? Ask them to check the car out with you.
Since you seem like you're looking for a practical car, I would narrow the search to a car between 4-7 years old that's barebones mechanically (i.e. no AWD, stick to FWD with good winter tires), and has a stereo system with an AUX IN or USB. I doubt you'll care about driving dynamics or power in NYC.
I'd take a look at something stupid plain like this:
2009 Honda Fit Sport, Automatic, 70k mi, clean CarFax, from a Honda dealership if it matters
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/640387224/overview/
Since you seem like you're looking for a practical car, I would narrow the search to a car between 4-7 years old that's barebones mechanically (i.e. no AWD, stick to FWD with good winter tires), and has a stereo system with an AUX IN or USB. I doubt you'll care about driving dynamics or power in NYC.
I'd take a look at something stupid plain like this:
2009 Honda Fit Sport, Automatic, 70k mi, clean CarFax, from a Honda dealership if it matters
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/640387224/overview/
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Gill Baka Esq. LLC.
What did you decide on?
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Man, I'm thinking about trading in either my VW Rabbit or wife's Civic for a Subaru Forrester or a mid-size SUV.
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what you get? @Griml0ck
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Whatup God's.
So as crazy as this sounds. I'm buying a car for the first time. I never really got a chance to do so before and I think the time is right. NYC public transporation has served me well and has given me many stories to tell but the time is ripe to experience some road rage.
So here's my situation:
- $11,000 limit on a car, def not balling like some of you's but with my other expenses it's as much as I can give right now
- Looking for a used car
- Looking for a reliable car despite mileage (looking at Toyota's, Subaru's, Lexus', Honda's)
- Preferably looking at an AWD, automatic car to help me out with these NYC winters.
I have no clue what's what when stepping into a dealership.
Right now I've been looking through Autotrader.com and Carguru's.com.
What I need help on:
- What is the best way to get a used car for a good deal? Negotiate on a used car by telling them I'm going to buy straight up?
- What websites should I use when going through this process? Carguru's, kellybluebook, ???
- How do I negotiate?
- WHAT THE **** am I looking for to know the car really runs good?
As you can see, your boy needs help. I got a couple mechanic friends, but i'd still like to be informed as much as possible.
Help your man's out.
Appreciated.
NYC? You don't need a car. You are wasting money. So if you are moving out, just WAIT. 1. Because people in NYC don't do a great job of taking care of their cars, 2. It'll be cheaper elsewhere 3. Insurance will **** you in the ***
If you really want a car apply to Zipcar for NYC it'll be cheaper
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OP, if you don't want to go luxury. Get a Camry or Accord. They look okay and are very cheap to maintain.
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I got an accord and it looks wayy better then just "okay" lol
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I was kidding :/
