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