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Help Me Choose!

1950 messages,  Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 6:58 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

#1941 of 1950 Re: HELP! deciding what to buy [carfused] by kiawah Sep 21, 2009 (3:06 am)
Replying to: carfused (Sep 20, 2009 4:57 pm) Recognize that buying any used car is buying 'as-is'. A mechanical/electrical problem that may be hidden, could add thousands of dollars of cost to repair.   BEFORE purchase of any used vehicle, you need to pay to have an independent mechanic check it out and give you an indication of what is wrong. This may cost $100 or so, but could highlight problems that you would have no clue might exist. Even then, there still could be hidden defects.   Buying something 3 hours away, makes it even more difficult to do a sales transaction, or any followup. Personally, I wouldn't be buying a used car 3 hours away. I've always had the perception, that people don't usually get rid of cars that are running perfect. They get rid of cars that they don't want to spend any more money fixing it up. Sometimes the repair bills are more than the vehicle is worth, so they decide to dump it. As a buyer, one always thinks the car looks perfect....but I think you should plan for the fact that the vehicle has problems. You just hope that the problems are cheaper and easier to fix....as opposed to a more expensive engine or transmission problem. Has the vehicle been wrecked?   I'd recommend shifting your focus from the fact that the vehicle has all the features you want, to how mechanically sound, safe, and reliable is the vehicle. And then how much more money is at risk for repairs: - new brakes and rotors? - new struts, shocks, alignment? - new tires ? - new CV axles/joints needed? - engine timing belt/water pump due for replacement? (don't take someone's word this was done, unless you see an actual receipt. This can be 750 - 1K to do). - oxygen sensor / catalytic converter problems? - engine condition ? - transmission condition ? - air conditioner condition ? - all door windows and locks work?   Repairs can be multiple hundreds to thousands of dollars, get it checked BEFORE you buy anything. Replies to this message: qbrozen (Sep 21, 2009 12:10 pm) hackattack5 (Nov 23, 2009 6:58 pm)
#1942 of 1950 Re: HELP! deciding what to buy [carfused] by corkscrew Sep 21, 2009 (5:21 am)
Replying to: carfused (Sep 20, 2009 4:57 pm) Looking closer to home is a wize decision, get a Carfax Report when you find one you like. http://www.carfax.com/  Corkscrew
#1943 of 1950 Re: HELP! deciding what to buy [kiawah] by qbrozen Sep 21, 2009 (12:10 pm)
Replying to: kiawah (Sep 21, 2009 3:06 am) I've always had the perception, that people don't usually get rid of cars that are running perfect. They get rid of cars that they don't want to spend any more money fixing it up.   Do you really mean that the way it reads? It reads as if you think every used car needs repairs. I can't imagine you really believe that. I've bought and sold cars that needed nothing whatsoever at the time or in the immediate future.   I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, you mean to say you go into a used car purchase with the preconceived notion that it needs repairs. Depending on the car, age, and mileage, I would agree with you in that case.   one example would be the last used car I bought. I got it home and would not even drive it until after I replaced the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and all fluids.
#1944 of 1950 2010 Camry LE or SE l4 Auto? by tomken Oct 03, 2009 (8:55 pm)
Should I spend one to two thousands extra on SE? SE looks better, but does it worth those extra thousands? Replies to this message: viet (Oct 03, 2009 11:00 pm) thegraduate (Oct 04, 2009 6:11 pm)
#1945 of 1950 Re: 2010 Camry LE or SE l4 Auto? [tomken] by viet Oct 03, 2009 (11:00 pm)
Replying to: tomken (Oct 03, 2009 8:55 pm) Camry SE has more horse power. It's just like top Accord V6 compared to smaller I4 Accord. It's matter of money and horse power difference. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Oct 04, 2009 6:11 pm)
#1946 of 1950 Re: 2010 Camry LE or SE l4 Auto? [viet] by thegraduate Oct 04, 2009 (6:11 pm)
Replying to: viet (Oct 03, 2009 11:00 pm) Camry SE has more horse power. It's just like top Accord V6 compared to smaller I4 Accord. It's matter of money and horse power difference.   No, its not. The SE 4-cylinder Camry has a negligible horsepower increase in 4-cyl models (10 horses) while the difference in the (I-4 Accord and V6 Accord is over 80 horses). I'd bet money that if you notice a difference in the SE Camry engine and LE/XLE Camry engine, its a negligible one in 4-cylinder models. The V6 models have the exact same power output in all Camry models.   The SE Camry will ride firmer and handle better than the LE and XLE models. How you like that difference is something that will only be solved by a test drive by you, tomken. Happy shopping!
#1947 of 1950 Looking for a car by alopez5 Oct 11, 2009 (2:22 pm)
I am in the process of looking for a vehicle (2008 nissan maxima 3.5 Se with spoiler. The prices I have been quoted are extremely high. Any suggestions on the max you would pay for this make/model.   Thanks.....
#1948 of 1950 2008 Nissan Maxima by addams Nov 01, 2009 (9:11 am)
4dr Sedan SL with the nav package from a private party with 25K. $22,000-$23,000 So less for an SE without nav.Maybe 20K
#1949 of 1950 Re: Going with Lexus [kocho] by mrsincere7 Nov 23, 2009 (6:26 am)
Replying to: kocho (Sep 12, 2009 4:28 pm) I should consider myself lucky. I can understand your concerns. I bought an 04' LS430 Ultra in 2007, and recently bought an 05' WRX to replace an 03' Toyota Avalon. The Avalon was too much like the Lexus, plus I needed something fun and powerful. Now that I have the Subaru.......Both the Lexus and Subaru have given me the ability to significantly switch driving experiences whenever it suits me. Winters coming , so I'll have my 1st opportunity to see how the Sub handles in the snow. If that becomes a problem, I also have an 02' Dodge Dakota 4x4 as a back-up. My Lexus and my Subaru each offer different conveniences and driving experiences. Because of that fact, having both, helps me to appreciate each car individually.   For instance, I could never take my Subaru on a long drive and expect to be as comfortable as I'd be in the Lexus. On the other hand, whenever I drive into NYC or congested areas, the Subarus power,handling/agility,ease of parking, is fantastic. BTW all of the vehicles I mentioned were purchased from a dealer only auction. I saved thousands of dollars doing it this way instead of going to a dealers lot to pay their huge markup.
#1950 of 1950 Re: HELP! deciding what to buy [kiawah] by hackattack5 Nov 23, 2009 (6:58 pm)
Replying to: kiawah (Sep 21, 2009 3:06 am) kiawah: I agree with you 100% I always followed that advice and had my repair shop inspect any used car I was interested in. For $50.00 he would give me a full report. Well a few months ago I went out and bought a $2500.00 car for my 16 year old son to wreck I mean drive and guess what I did not have it checked because hey it was only $2500.00 well guess what its now $3800.00 and climbing

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