So you wanna buy a new car thread

[DALAZ_68]

So i figured this would be a great thread to help poeple like me who have never dealt with all the hassles that go with buying a new car...

pretty much i need tips on what to do to get the best deal

im personally looking into a sedan with cloth interior...black interior and black exterior...new or preowned thru dealer... 09-2010...


currently only test driven and enjoyed both the Acura TL and Maxima (both 2010 models...)

roughly priced around the same and both great...i dont need anything crazy, i dont need heated seats or steering wheel...i dont Navi...

my credit score i know is good not great...ill round it out to 750...if it also helps i can drop about 6k for down payment if not more...and price limit is around 30k...

any help is appreciated...with my car crippled i figure its time to be open to all options...

[beb]

<- Bought my S2000 $500 below invoice when dealers still had a premium on them. Leased my 10 Accord for dirt cheap. Grew up around car sales due to parents. ;)

TL is leather only.

Your credit and ability to make a decent down will definitely make things easier for you.

Now, onto the cars. Do ALOT of research online first. I suggest looking at American Expresses car sales program, Edmunds Invoice pricing etc. Your goal is to get invoice or below.

When you walk into the dealer - dont believe ANYTHING they say. Sorry if any of you guys here are salesman, but almost 100% of the things spewed from their mouths - no matter how genuine it seems is BS. DO NOT RUN A CREDIT CHECK!!!

The dealerships get a kick-back for every credit check they run. Do not do this until you have already discussed pricing and everything is laid out... and at that time, see if they will let the finance co run only, NOT the dealership. They will tell you that its okay - it wont hurt your score etcetc. Dont do it. Theyll even tell you they cant discuss pricing without running it - dont do it. They WILL. If not, walk out - its not like we have a shortage of dealerships in SoCal...

Anywho - You just gotta be strong. Theyll do anything to mindfuck you. Theyll keep you at the dealership for 6+hrs till you breakdown if need be. lol. When I got my Accord, I was there for 6.5 hours and they held us hostage by taking my friends keys and holding on to them.

JUST in case your credit turns out to be less than you expected, go on a Saturday evening or Sunday. The banks who finance are closed, so theyll run a credit report and try to figure on their own what they can put you at. In my case - I just opened my own business, so I have lots of inquiries and new debt... My score was once 745 and now is 6XX. The Honda dealership figured that I would qualify for super-preferred because I had a 2005 S2000 paid off with them in the past so I got my Accord for $269/mo taxes included iwth 0 down, 0 deposit, 0 anything. This was Saturday 10:30pm. They called me Tuesday 1pm to let me know that due to my new lower credit score, they would have to raise the price on me, as I couldnt qualify for super-preferred tier but only preferred. I told them I would just take back the car. At this point - the dealer f'd up because they just wanted to rush into a sale and if I returned the car, they would have basically let me drive this car for 500miles for free - so they ate the difference and I kept the same pricing.

UGH, there is SOOO much that goes into buying a new car its crazy. If you want more pointers, feel free to PM me. All my cars were bought at dealerships new (except the S14) and growing up with a salesman dad, I think I have a fair amount of knowledge that can help! :)

[beb]

Also, if you can afford it - just buy a new car. Interests rates on new cars can be as low as 0.9% whereas used is around 6%. Also, loans on used cars are harder, some finance companies wont let you get certain cars, will not finance you for the full amount.. Especially when you are looking at fairly new used cars - and Japanese at that, there is very little depreciation - its probably worth while just to buy new.

[CrimsonRockett]

While a new car does sound great, I'm not too fond of making monthly payments (which is why I personally stuck with a used car).

Girlfriend is currently in the market for an '05-'07 Accord Coupe. Been test driving several of them lately and they're really great cars. She was actually aiming for either an '09 Maxima or '08 IS350, but really couldn't justify spending that much money on a car she probably wouldn't keep long term. She has about $15k saved up right now. So, she can easily afford an Accord Coupe and pay it off in cash.

I would definitely stick with a used car if I were you. Like I said, a new car definitely sounds nice (no real maintenance for years, reliability, cleanliness, etc), but it comes with a big price tag.

There's plenty of used reliable cars out there. Just have to know what you're looking for.

Question, why not fix the coupe? We both know how easy they are to fix. Maintenance is cheap and insurance is practically nothing.

[Baljeet]

750 and you cant get a car out the lot? Theres a problem with the dealership.

I got a new TITAN LE out the lot with no money down and my credit score is roughly around yours.

And i just recently purchase an 06 Xterra with my wife as a co-signer for her daily with $1500 down and $290/month.

[Om1kron]

While a new car does sound great, I'm not too fond of making monthly payments (which is why I personally stuck with a used car).

You also know how to turn a wrench where steve doesn't really do all of that stuff like us Johnny. He can rip a car apart and sell me some awesome parts at great prices. But that's the extent of it, I'm currently in the market for a new car myself for the girlfriend. Mazda 3, she wants the older one I want the newer one. it's only like 5k more for a base model and we'd probably get better financing on a new car than old.

Both of us have mediocre credit and I have a repo on my record with honda (but it's ok because they got sued for what they did to me.)

Question, why not fix the coupe? We both know how easy they are to fix. Maintenance is cheap and insurance is practically nothing.

Coupes reliability has gone out of the window, in the last 6 months he's had a transmission die on him, lost his back up accord, and the coupe blew it's headgasket twice in 2 weeks motor is gone.

I totally understand where Steve is coming from, used cars are a lot of work and they are a NOW investment, you'll be spending paycheck after paycheck fixing them until you feel they're 100 percent reliable and something like this happens. Sometimes it's nice to have a warranty and I can just tow it to a dealer, let them deal with it while i'm driving a rental.

But thanks for the Advice Christine, I never knew about that credit kickback thing. Honda American Finance is the fucking devil, they tried to super fuck me on the financing for my honda fit putting my interest rate at 15 percent. add that up and the cost of the car I would've bought 2 fits for invoice price. I was paying over what my monthly payment was by 500 dollars every month so I would pay it off before the interest even hit.

But I lost my job, transitioned into another one and lost the car in between this.

[Om1kron]

750 and you cant get a car out the lot? Theres a problem with the dealership.

I got a new TITAN LE out the lot with no money down and my credit score is roughly around yours.

And i just recently purchase an 06 Xterra with my wife as a co-signer for her daily with $1500 down and $290/month.

Dealerships are having a real hard time pushing trucks and suv's thanks to the hybrid car craze so they're giving dope ass deals on bro dozers. I personally would like a new 4 runner.

[CrimsonRockett]

You also know how to turn a wrench where steve doesn't really do all of that stuff like us Johnny. He can rip a car apart and sell me some awesome parts at great prices. But that's the extent of it, I'm currently in the market for a new car myself for the girlfriend. Mazda 3, she wants the older one I want the newer one. it's only like 5k more for a base model and we'd probably get better financing on a new car than old.

Definitely true. I tend to do most things myself since I have a hard time trusting others/shops.

Coupes reliability has gone out of the window, in the last 6 months he's had a transmission die on him, lost his back up accord, and the coupe blew it's headgasket twice in 2 weeks motor is gone.

Oh damn. I didn't even know about this. Yeah, I'd definitely upgrade to something newer. I know I sound like a tape recorder, but holy shit do I love my G20. It's not exactly "new", but it definitely beats having a 20 year old car.

Considered an '07 350z at one point. Hell, I had the cash to pay it off on the spot, but decided against it because: 1. I'd be broke. 2. Insurance would suck. 3. I'd be broke.

I totally understand where Steve is coming from, used cars are a lot of work and they are a NOW investment, you'll be spending paycheck after paycheck fixing them until you feel they're 100 percent reliable and something like this happens. Sometimes it's nice to have a warranty and I can just tow it to a dealer, let them deal with it while i'm driving a rental.

Yeah. I know I've spent a lot of time working on my G20. Replacing a ton of shit so that the car will last me another 100k+ miles. I guess I'm comfortable with it at the moment (seeing as to how I have the time to do it). More focused in on buying/owning a house. I can definitely see myself buying a brand new car off the lot once I have my own house though.

[driftsilvias13]

More focused in on buying/owning a house. I can definitely see myself buying a brand new car off the lot once I have my own house though.

That's where its at!!

Also I heard that in the dealerships in the little offices they have where you discuss numbers, a lot of times salesmen will leave you "alone" so you can discuss with the person you are with while they listen in on you with hidden mics in the room? Is that true??

[snowmansent2hel]

Also I heard that in the dealerships in the little offices they have where you discuss numbers, a lot of times salesmen will leave you "alone" so you can discuss with the person you are with while they listen in on you with hidden mics in the room? Is that true??

Isn't that some type of privacy breach?

[fckillerbee]

join my wife...we've been test driving cars all weekend. lol. pm me if you have any questions...sold cars for 3 years. only a few...about 250 cars total.

[Gnnr]

That's where its at!!

Also I heard that in the dealerships in the little offices they have where you discuss numbers, a lot of times salesmen will leave you "alone" so you can discuss with the person you are with while they listen in on you with hidden mics in the room? Is that true??

They'd be listening to silence with me because I wouldn't need to take anyone with me to buy a new car. :keke:

Anyways, how about an IS250?

[raz0rbladez909]

I hate buying new cars, and it seems as if quality has gone down quite a bit, at least with Nissan for me, and another friend. Which is why I bought used

this time around; your best bet would be to wait until they are really trying to push the 2010's out for the 2011 models, there is always very good

discounts and sometimes finance rates as well(depending on credit of course). Also if you have a Costco membership they have a deal with a company

called zag which can usually get you invoice pricing or below, and they have certain participating dealerships that will honor that pricing or if you have

USAA they have a car buying service as well which is even better than costco pricing most of the time. I've heard good things about talking to the sales

manager versus talking with your typical salesman; They aren't the ones so worried about commission and you can usually get out of there in less time.

Mind you used isn't very bad either, they have usually already taken the hit off the lot and if you don't think your new car is going to depreciate you are

sorely mistaken, my 350z depreciated almost 50% after a year and a half, cars just don't maintain their value.:duh: Recently I had a very positive

experience with carmax, I am in no way affiliated with them but they had the car i wanted with the mileage i wanted and a pretty good price for a

dealership 2004 w/36k miles, not to mention you don't have to deal with the haggling bullshit and I can say I was in and out in less than an hour. Going in

with a preapproved loan makes things 10x easier and you don't have the rediculous dealership financing rates :bigok:

[ronmcdon]

I like getting a new car only if there's appealing APR rates and lease specials.
Usually it's just a matter of looking over manufacturer and dealer websites.
For instance, you can lease G37 journey sedan for $3,500 down, @ $309/month right now for 39 months or so.
You can also do a '10 WRX for around $1,800 down @ $270 month for 36.
It just depends on your lifestyle, but I like the lower $$$ commitments and driving a new car every 3 months w/ warranty.

Is it better to buy new or used?
Think it really depends on the pricing, some cars aren't worth it and others are a steal.
It's not worth it, imo, when you go buy, say a 3yr old Versa for $2k cheaper than new (co-worker was looking to buy recently).
It is worth it, imo, when you buy a used C6 Z06 w/20k at half price from new.

I have an Evo now and really there were no specials other than invoice pricing
I just bought b/c I knew I would mod it.
monthly payments do suck a lot though, and I won't be buying another car anytime soon thereafter.

[Walperstyle]

taking a loan for a car is such a yuppie way to live. Sure you 'look' baller with your new car, but meanwhile the old guy down the street whom has 2 trucks and 3 cars all paid for because he wasn't stupid in buying a new car.

I would never buy a new car. Because of this I always have about $40k+ in the bank. You never know when your job may go away, or you do something stupid like lose a leg or arm in an accident preventing you to make a source of income.

my 5 cents

[ronmcdon]

^^^
by that logic, you should never finance a house either.
even more of a risk.

[VROOOM]

look around and see what deals are available. i bought my Evo X with the SSS package for the price of a WRX. when you buy at a much cheaper than invoice, it doesnt hurt as bad.

[DALAZ_68]

Also, if you can afford it - just buy a new car. Interests rates on new cars can be as low as 0.9% whereas used is around 6%. Also, loans on used cars are harder, some finance companies wont let you get certain cars, will not finance you for the full amount.. Especially when you are looking at fairly new used cars - and Japanese at that, there is very little depreciation - its probably worth while just to buy new.

like i said 09-10 especially since now there gonna start pushing older models out...which is what im looking to cap on :ddog:

While a new car does sound great, I'm not too fond of making monthly payments (which is why I personally stuck with a used car).
Girlfriend is currently in the market for an '05-'07 Accord Coupe. Been test driving several of them lately and they're really great cars. She was actually aiming for either an '09 Maxima or '08 IS350, but really couldn't justify spending that much money on a car she probably wouldn't keep long term. She has about $15k saved up right now. So, she can easily afford an Accord Coupe and pay it off in cash.
I would definitely stick with a used car if I were you. Like I said, a new car definitely sounds nice (no real maintenance for years, reliability, cleanliness, etc), but it comes with a big price tag.
There's plenty of used reliable cars out there. Just have to know what you're looking for.
Question, why not fix the coupe? We both know how easy they are to fix. Maintenance is cheap and insurance is practically nothing.

i understand the risk, trust me ive hated the idea...but the fact that if something stupid breaks down within the warranty, i dont have to get dirty...warranty is great...mind you i still have the track car to fuck around with...

as much as i love my s13...i dont plan on driving this 20 yr old shit box forever...yes i caqn spend 10k and make it perfect...but its still a 20 yr old shit box that will keep getting older and depreciate...i dont see the point in that...luv it and all...its a realization i came into a long time ago...

my first move is to swap my 110000k 98 KA into the coupe...if that motor for wat ever reason decides not to work and die...im done with 240 dailies...

You also know how to turn a wrench where steve doesn't really do all of that stuff like us Johnny. He can rip a car apart and sell me some awesome parts at great prices. But that's the extent of it, I'm currently in the market for a new car myself for the girlfriend. Mazda 3, she wants the older one I want the newer one. it's only like 5k more for a base model and we'd probably get better financing on a new car than old.


dont get me wrong...i can turn a wrench and read an OEM like anyone else...
i dont know shit about internals worth my life...but as far as swapping engine, TDC, time and go...i can...i just lack the tools and help to do it...so i stand at a point were i pay those i know who can and will for a price...fine i can pay...

i actually started looking at the mazdaspeed3...23k isnt bad at all...



Coupes reliability has gone out of the window, in the last 6 months he's had a transmission die on him, lost his back up accord, and the coupe blew it's headgasket twice in 2 weeks motor is gone.
its a 20yr old car...plain and simple...next fool i see leave a note on my car with the right price ill get rid of it...fuck coupes anyway...LOL...and yeah, my dad crashed the back up car...lol


I totally understand where Steve is coming from, used cars are a lot of work and they are a NOW investment, you'll be spending paycheck after paycheck fixing them until you feel they're 100 percent reliable and something like this happens. Sometimes it's nice to have a warranty and I can just tow it to a dealer, let them deal with it while i'm driving a rental.


werd babe...


Yeah. I know I've spent a lot of time working on my G20. Replacing a ton of shit so that the car will last me another 100k+ miles. I guess I'm comfortable with it at the moment (seeing as to how I have the time to do it). More focused in on buying/owning a house. I can definitely see myself buying a brand new car off the lot once I have my own house though.

as far as a house...im still working on that aswell, but reliability is what i need...i cant keep having this bullshit in which shit breaks down in the worst times...atleast with warranty and a new/er car i can warranty and rental paid...

as far as im concerned with a new car, and my ass being responsible, a car purchase and paying on time can help my credit in which buying a house down the road with help when i go for my loan...

That's where its at!!

Also I heard that in the dealerships in the little offices they have where you discuss numbers, a lot of times salesmen will leave you "alone" so you can discuss with the person you are with while they listen in on you with hidden mics in the room? Is that true??
Isn't that some type of privacy breach?
even if it was...uve been notified entering the lot by signs that there are cameras...and ur in there property...

join my wife...we've been test driving cars all weekend. lol. pm me if you have any questions...sold cars for 3 years. only a few...about 250 cars total.
help me babe...we needa go and have a beer and talk

taking a loan for a car is such a yuppie way to live. Sure you 'look' baller with your new car, but meanwhile the old guy down the street whom has 2 trucks and 3 cars all paid for because he wasn't stupid in buying a new car.

I would never buy a new car. Because of this I always have about $40k+ in the bank. You never know when your job may go away, or you do something stupid like lose a leg or arm in an accident preventing you to make a source of income.

my 5 cents

difference between me and wannabe "ballers" is im looking for something simple...nothing crazy...and i actually have cash...and reserves...

^^^
by that logic, you should never finance a house either.
even more of a risk.

lol
look around and see what deals are available. i bought my Evo X with the SSS package for the price of a WRX. when you buy at a much cheaper than invoice, it doesnt hurt as bad.

not looking for an evo/sss/stang/si/rx8/ yadda yadda...comfortable sedan for 5 people (grown adults) comfortably...so small sedans arent exactly wat i can be good with...even though a yaris sedan would be dope...it wouldnt suit what i need...

i dont need heated leather seats...i dont need heated mirrors or shades...whistles and bells...so yeah

[axiomatik]

If you only have $6k for a down payment, don't buy a $30k car, buy a $15k car.

[stinky_180]

I'm in the market for a new car as well. Been debating on a used low mileage Imprezza WRX wagon vs a brand new Imprezza or possibly wrx. All the information in this thread is helpful, thanks!

[orion::S14]

I would never buy a new car. Because of this I always have about $40k+ in the bank...

Yeah, but that's Canadian $$$'s...so it's only like $10k US...hehe. :mepoke:

^^^ For the slow kids: Location: British Columbia

...

My only real advice having bought a BUNCH of used cars, more than half off of dealer lots...

Negotiate as if you were buying CASH. THEN talk financing. Don't tell them until you've struck a deal, that you're going to finance.

BUT, you should have that squared away before ever setting foot in a dealership.

Go by your bank or better yet CREDIT UNION...and get a pre-approved check.

It will say "Good for an amount up to $14,000", or something along those lines. As far as the dealer's concerned, it's as good as cash.

Same goes for a trade - Negotiate the deal on the new car, then say..."oh, what about if I traded my XXXXXXXXX on it". That way, they don't get the chance to inflate the trade-in to make you all warm and fuzzy, while not dealing very much on the price of the car. The car price will be agreed upon, and then the trade will come off that. Easy stuff.

- Brian

[drift freaq]

In my opinion never do a trade in. The customer always gets screwed on the trade in. Dealerships make a hell of a lot more money on the used cars they take in. In fact used cars are the bread and butter cash wise. New cars they don't make much off.

Anyways, I always buy used even if only a couple years old. Let someone else eat the automatic off the lot 30% depreciation of a new car.

Steve , look for an 08-09. If I was going to buy something new for a daily I would be looking at the Cube or similar ilk. Why, because gas mileage and drive ability is the key.

I also think that is the kind of thing you are thinking about. Shit even getting yourself a small pickup is not a bad way to go.
I got my 90 Hardbody in 92 with 20k on it still under warranty for 5k at the time. You can find the same kind of depreciation deal these days on trucks as well.

I am with Johnny though on the G20 front. LOL I am on my second one (first got totaled) and basically they have paid for themselves beyond belief. Totally reliable used cars that look presentable and are fun to drive.
I put over 17k on the first one in a year and I picked it up for $500. LOL

I have already put 3k on the current one and the price I got it for was stupid cheap. It gets compliments as well. LOL

[DALAZ_68]

If you only have $6k for a down payment, don't buy a $30k car, buy a $15k car.

i never said i only have 6k...i can put down more...and still have plenty for all the paper work fees and what nots...

ive been looking at lower priced pre owned JIC aswell...

not to mention a pick ups just because it be nice to have something to haul the track car with... :ddog:

[fckillerbee]

dude...my wife bought her car....07 dodge nitro...paid 13k out the door. Come over mi casa, and we do some shopping.

and the nitro tows ;D

[iwishiwas-all*]

OKAY, I just got a job as a mec engineer. I ave no money saved, I guess an okay credit score, I just got a credit card about 4 monts ago and I pay it off every bill. I want a Mazda 2 or a Fiesta, will it be difficult to get a dealer to give me a loan for one? I would prefer a used car, but I know tats arder to get a loan for.

Ideas?

[fckillerbee]

first time buyer programs are available...usually requires money down.

[axiomatik]

OKAY, I just got a job as a mec engineer. I ave no money saved, I guess an okay credit score, I just got a credit card about 4 monts ago and I pay it off every bill. I want a Mazda 2 or a Fiesta, will it be difficult to get a dealer to give me a loan for one? I would prefer a used car, but I know tats arder to get a loan for.

Ideas?

If you just got a job and your first credit card, you probably don't have much of a credit history. Most likely you won't qualify for any super-low APR financing. You could go and see what they offer, but I would probably wait 6 months to a year and then start shopping for a new car. You'll be able to save up a nice down payment then as well.

[sw20>>s14]

10 Tips For Dealing With Car Salesmen to Make Sure You Don’t Get Hosed (http://genxfinance.com/2007/06/12/10-tips-for-dealing-with-car-salesmen-to-make-sure-you-dont-get-hosed/)

i found that link to be useful, not only what was written in the article, but more so the unadulterated and unbiased responses by the readers and followers...

[Om1kron]

the mazda two looks pretty legit. its like a 2 door mazda 3

[DALAZ_68]

only looking for 4 door...

[VROOOM]

what about a Mazda 3. my dad has a 2010 Mazda 3 hatch. its a great daily. has enough power and handles pretty good. as long as you can get past the front end its cool. although the front doesnt look as bad if you have a front license plate on there.

[DreamN]

Mazda 3 without license plate looks like it has a giant goofy smile. With license plate just makes it seem bucktoothed. Decent car though, but Steve is really loving the styling of the Maxima.

I think he should simply put more effort into searching for an '09 model. Road trip for a car broski. I'm down.

[ZilviaKid]

i just bought a hyundai accent. there so cheap whats not to like.

no death rattles, everything works, good gas millage, warranty!

amazing!

[ronmcdon]

The new Sonata is pretty nice.
Right around 20k mi, 35mpg, Hyundai 10yr/100k mi warranty, etc.
C&D did a comparo with it to the Accord and it came on top
2011 Hyundai Sonata SE4 - Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q1/2010_honda_accord_ex_vs._2011_hyundai_sonata_se_20 10_subaru_legacy_2.5i-comparison_tests/2011_hyundai_sonata_se_page_4)

Oh, and the new Fiesta is not a poor buy either.
You do get 4-doors/5-door hatches, 39mpg, those fancy dual-clutch autos, and well under 20k asking price.
The hardware/pricing seems to suggest a better deal than the Mazda 2.
I just don't like the stupid SYNC option for upper end trims.

Now if it were a fun a car, I'd opt for a Legacy 3.6R if you needed an auto.
2.5GT if it had to be a stick.

I rented an Altima recently was not impressed at all.
Everything, (steering suspension, etc) was way too soft.
It's just not an involving car to drive at all.
Definitely not one I'd want to push on a windy road.

If I HAD to get a Nissan 4-door,
it'd probably be a 4-door cab V6 Frontier truck.
Maybe even the Nismo/4X-PRO whatever version to go off-roading in.
Reviews show it's an awesome truck to drive too.
Only con is the demanding fuel economy.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4141781129_8ef71c60b9_z.jpg

[dat411kid]

what about a Mazda 3. my dad has a 2010 Mazda 3 hatch. its a great daily. has enough power and handles pretty good. as long as you can get past the front end its cool. although the front doesnt look as bad if you have a front license plate on there.
The new body is brutal....But the older one is nice...I'd deff rock that car....Its has a comfy feel to it...