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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

#1760 of 1950 buying a used car by steve8731 Feb 11, 2009 (11:20 am)
Hello, I'm new to car buying (I've never done it) and can use some advice. I am 27 and about to buy my first car. I just got my license and am trying to figure out what I can afford and what to get. I've heard that a car payment should not exceed 20% of your monthly salary, so I was thinking a car that costs between $9,000 and $11,000 would be best for me. Hoping for a monthly payment of $200 - $250, these are my choices that are in the same tier.   1. post-2006 Honda Civic Coupe 2. 2006 Mazda 3 3. 2005-06 Nissan Altima   Any advice would be great Replies to this message: backy (Feb 11, 2009 3:46 pm) steve8731 (Feb 11, 2009 5:17 pm) backy (Feb 11, 2009 5:44 pm) and 1 more...
#1761 of 1950 Re: buying a used car [steve8731] by backy Feb 11, 2009 (3:46 pm)
Replying to: steve8731 (Feb 11, 2009 11:20 am) It looks like you could go with either a compact or mid-sized sedan, so here's some other choices in your price range of $10-11k:   * 2006-7 Mazda6i * 2005 or 2005.5 VW Jetta (get one VW Certified, with warranty if at all possible) * 2006 Fusion or Milan * 2007-8 Sonata * 2007-8 Optima (but be careful, most do NOT have ABS/ESC)   I've seen all of these in your price range, and they are all pretty reliable and safe.   If you go with a Civic, try for a 2006+ (I know, hard to find under $11k). They are much improved in crash safety over the pre-2006 Civics, and all trims have ABS standard. A used Mazda3i is a good choice, but be sure it has the optional ABS and side airbag package. Replies to this message: steve8731 (Feb 11, 2009 5:17 pm) backy (Feb 11, 2009 5:44 pm)
#1762 of 1950 Re: buying a used car [backy] by steve8731 Feb 11, 2009 (5:17 pm)
Replying to: backy (Feb 11, 2009 3:46 pm) Thanks for the info. I was really leaning towards the Honda when I came across the Mazda3. For some reason, I don't like American cars. Whether it be the style, reputation, or the negative feedback I have gotten from friends, I just don't see myself driving one. Here is a little extra info about my position...   I am 27 with a medium-high risk credit score. The most I can honestly afford would be $250 a month. I am worried about insurance, but gas should not be a problem. (I live less than 1 mile from work.) Is it even feasible to get financed for a car that much at a dealer or should I look towards another lender. I have already been turned down by Citibank via www.lendingtree.com and I fear that asking for money I might not get will do more harm than good. My girlfriend told me that dealers will only finance a car that is 5 years old or newer. Is there any truth to that? Replies to this message: backy (Feb 11, 2009 5:44 pm)
#1763 of 1950 Re: buying a used car [steve8731] by backy Feb 11, 2009 (5:44 pm)
Replying to: steve8731 (Feb 11, 2009 5:17 pm) No, dealers will finance anything they sell as long as your credit is good enough. Credit is tighter these days. The turn-down by Citibank isn't a good sign. But keep trying.   If it were me and between a pre-2006 Civic or a 2006 Mazda3, I'd take the Mazda3 in a second. A whole lot more car.   Another thought, if you continue to have trouble securing a loan, is wait until you can save enough cash for a decent car. It might not be a $10k car, maybe a $3k car, but it will get you to/from work and on dates with your girlfriend (or maybe she can drive ). If you have a little cash saved now, you could save enough for such a car in less than a year. As an example of what you could get for that kind of money, my oldest son drives my 2000 626 ES now as his get-to-college car. It has a private-party value of about $3000, has 102k miles on it, but it runs strong, everything works, body and interior are still good.   Another route many young people take is to borrow money from parents or relatives. You can give them a higher interest rate than they could get on savings, and you get a car. If you do that, draw up a formal loan agreement though--treat it just as seriously as a bank loan.
#1765 of 1950 Honda Civic EX or Mazda 6 i touring by stemeels Feb 18, 2009 (10:53 am)
Here are the quotes I got: Honda Civic EX: $18,398 Mazda 6 i touring: $19,450+$1250(sunroof)=20,650 ( I like sunroof) What would you choose based on the performance of the cars and their prices? Thanks. Replies to this message: qbrozen (Feb 18, 2009 11:04 am)
#1766 of 1950 Re: Honda Civic EX or Mazda 6 i touring [stemeels] by qbrozen Feb 18, 2009 (11:04 am)
Replying to: stemeels (Feb 18, 2009 10:53 am) What would you choose based on the performance of the cars and their prices?   Mazda3   ;b
#1767 of 1950 2007 Mazda3 s Sport Hatchback by Smittypowa Feb 24, 2009 (10:26 am)
If you had the option to get this car for about $13K-13.5K with under 20K miles, would you do it?
#1768 of 1950 Looking to buy used Honda Accord by mpe3 Feb 26, 2009 (12:15 pm)
I' m seeking some advice. I currently own a 2001 Accord lx-v6. Great car, but time for a newer one. Looking at a Black 2008 Accord EX-L 4cyl with 14k mi. Dealer is asking $22,979 and will sell it for $22,500. Not sure what to counter. I'm thinking $20k. Dealer is 100 mi away and I need to see it in person. Any thoughts? Replies to this message: mrbizness1 (Mar 03, 2009 5:15 pm) thegraduate (Mar 03, 2009 8:32 pm)
#1769 of 1950 Carfax report: Curbstoning by compnovice Feb 28, 2009 (9:56 am)
I found a Altima on craigslist and ran the carfax report. The report says :   " Are you buying this car? Then make sure you are buying it from a licensed dealership. Otherwise, you could be a victim of curbstoning, which is illegal. A curbstoner poses as a private seller to sell vehicles for a large profit. Be sure to buy this vehicle from a licensed dealer."   The rest of car history looks clean..   I called up the owner and she said that she works for a dealer and the car is with her. She is going to show the car at a local target but said that final paperwork will be done at the dealer. I searched for the dealer on google but coul not find any information.   Does it seem like a scam or I am reading too much into it... Replies to this message: mrbizness1 (Mar 03, 2009 4:58 pm)

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