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Smart Shopper Selecting and Buying My First Car
764 messages, Last post on Aug 17, 2009 at 12:29 PM
You are in the Smart Shopper Forum. Your Hosts are kirstie_h & tidester
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Replying to: danf1 (Feb 14, 2005 12:34 pm) I can't see buying one new...
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Replying to: kyfdx (Feb 14, 2005 12:38 pm)
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Replying to: danf1 (Feb 14, 2005 12:42 pm) Plus, with the $6K I saved by buying used, I can buy a lot of powertrain work.... Or, just dump the car, if it is a problem... I can see the desirability of that, though... most people couldn't handle a $2K-$3K repair.. |
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From responses I've got so far here are some possibilities. To be able to compare, it'd be nice to have some numbers attached, so I guess I'll put down TMV for new, unless you folks have better numbers. For used, I'll post some nearby me, feel free to point out better prices: '05 Elantra - 11,928 (after extra $400 college grad rebate) '05 Accent - 10,935 (after same rebate) '03 Elantra - 8,988 w/30k miles link '02 Elantra - 5,988 w/46k miles link I think I might be a bit concerned about the used Elantra's, both because of reliability concerns for older Hyundai's, and because CR says 2001-2003 models scored poor on the offset-crash test result. '02 Prizm - 6,450 w/40k miles link Writing these out makes me favor either the new Elantra or '02 Prizm so far, but I'm far from sure, and hope to see other choices.
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Replying to: kyfdx (Feb 14, 2005 12:38 pm) Yes, as used cars I think they can be a lot of car for the money...IF you happen to like them. |
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Replying to: latham (Feb 14, 2005 2:05 pm) '05 Corolla 13,661 (same college rebate as Hyundai) '05 Echo 11,674 (same rebate) |
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Replying to: latham (Feb 14, 2005 2:05 pm) If you don't care about options... stay away from the LSI model.. If you are willing to take a manual, without power locks or windows, you can get them dirt cheap... regards, kyfdx |
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Replying to: latham (Feb 14, 2005 2:05 pm) Go used, keep your eyes open for a super-duper cheap car, but a good target price is $5-6k; LOTS of car for the money in that area. Forget Hondas, too much money typically; Toyota is also expensive. Prizm is your best bet, and maybe Mazda Protege. A Ford Ranger reg cab 4cyl is great for $6 or so becuase if you buy it right, the value will just hang there; everyone wants a $5 or less pick-em-up truck. As far as keeping your eyes open: Two Sundays ago, I open the paper and see "99 Prizm LSi, 115k miles, cared for, one owner, $2,000." I didn't want it, but I would have bought it immediately for resale... I googled the phone number and went straight there for a look-see... this is Sunday morning 09:00, and I didn't want to call... I'm looking at the car -- very nice -- when a lady leaves the house... "Is this your car?" Yep, I just bought it! Apparently some people know a good deal when they see one; assuming most people don't get the Sunday paper before 06:00, that car lasted 3 hours! -Mathias |
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| How about a year old rental fleet Ford Focus? Resale is horrible, the warranty is transferable, and the reliability has been recently upgraded by Consumer Reports from Worse Than Average up to Average. Sure, it may not be as reliable as a Civic, but it offers a lot of car for the money. Or you could try a two or three year old off lease/rental car Taurus. Cheap, gets you where you need to go, and relatively easy to find. | |
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A used Hyundai still carries a 5/60 bumper to bumper warranty. Suzuki has the fully transferable one, though. For Honda and Toyota it would be 3/36, i.e. basically it would be little or no B2B coverage on a used car, unless it's CPO. I say treat yourselves, you can afford it, so get a nice new Corolla or Civic, since you've had luck with those brands before. Drive both and pick the one you prefer. Maybe toss in a Mazda3 test drive, and a Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport if you see snow. Good luck shopping. -juice |
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