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Buying a second car - Advice?

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Jeremiah, Mar 10, 2009.

  1. Jeremiah

    Jeremiah Member

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    My wife and I have only needed one car up until the last six months, but she will be graduating w/ her masters soon and will need a car to go to work.

    I'm budgeting around $12k, cash, after tax, title and license. We're in the market for a lightly used (1-4 years) midsize car with low miles that still has a bit of warranty on it. We're thinking VW, Nissan, Toyota, or maybe a Mercedes C class.

    My problem is that the best prices I find online are from dealerships. I'm finding that I have this irrational aversion to going to check them out. I can't stand pressure salesmen- I end up just walking away from them. I've read tons of guides to dealing with dealerships but I just can't bring myself to go.

    So I need some advice mostly on dealing with dealerships, but also if anyone has any tips or suggestions for a car make/model, I'm open to that too.
     
  2. Blake

    Blake Member

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    I would go for a used Camry or Accord. Also check the newspaper classifieds

    As far as dealing with a salesman, just tell them there is no way you are buying today from the get-go. Also, check sites like Carmax and look up the Kelley Blue Book value of the cars you might want to buy so that you have an idea of the value. Also go to carbuyingtips.com and check out what the cars you want sell for online as well...gives you leverage to negotiate.
     
  3. BMoney

    BMoney Member

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    I just bought a 2003 Nissan Skyline, which is a Japanese version of the Infiniti G35. I am very pleased with this car. Check out Infinitis.
     
  4. Royals Ego

    Royals Ego Member

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    $12k, unlikely he'll score a g35 with less than 80k miles
     
  5. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    I wouldn't get the VW or Mercedes if you're budgeting. Get a Toyota or Honda. VW's aren't generally reliable and Mercedes repairs will cost you more than any of the other cars you mentioned, in which case, why bother budgeting? Mercedes from a few years ago also weren't the most reliable vehicles, but they've improved. Also, unless you get a higher-end Mercedes, you're not going to get the bang for the buck - you'll find cars with better performance, mileage, reliability, etc. for the same price or less.
     
  6. Jeremiah

    Jeremiah Member

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    Duly noted. I'll take a closer look at the Japanese brands today.

    Anything else?
     
  7. Ron from the G

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    Scions are made by Toyota and are fairly priced. The Tc has a nice look to it.
     
  8. peleincubus

    peleincubus Member

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    id get a astro van
     
  9. ima_drummer2k

    ima_drummer2k Member

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    Let's see, you're looking for a reasonably priced used car and you don't like haggling with greasy car salesmen?

    CARMAX.

    PS. Decline the warranty. You'll spend more $$ on it than you will paying for your own repairs during the warranty period. Hell, there probably won't be any.
     
  10. pirc1

    pirc1 Member

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    Go with a used Honda or Toyota.
     
  11. professorjay

    professorjay Member

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    Coincidentally I just went to a Nissan/Mitsu dealership, and they offered a 2009 Camry, 6k miles, for $17k.

    I'd prefer to drive my present car into the ground, and I couldn't care less about cars (just A to B to me), but friends and family have been pushing me to shop around. I have to admit I might jump on this deal. And I know I can get a little more knocked off the price. Thoughts? (Sorry, don't want to threadjack.)

    And if that's any indication, you might have better luck getting a used Toyota/Honda somewhere else besides Toyota/Honda dealers.
     
  12. Royals Ego

    Royals Ego Member

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    mid size sedan, i recommend the following
    altima
    camry
    accord


    although you can look into finding possibly a lexus/acura/infiniti for cheap, but they'll have more miles on it, and possibly older vehicles
     
  13. Blurr#7

    Blurr#7 Member

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    Fixed!! For a second I tought you meant a GT-R. :eek:
     
  14. theogcasey

    theogcasey Member

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    I just purchased a 2009 Altima in November and I love it to death. Granted, I got the coupe, but the sedan is just as great. I'd definitely recommend it.
     

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