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04-23-24 09:45 PM |
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| 0 users currently in The Landfill | 1 guest |
| Main - The Landfill - Buying a car | New thread | Thread closed |
| MathOnNapkins |
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 Super Koopa Level: 62 Posts: 17/842 EXP: 1935116 Next: 49570 Since: 02-19-07 From: durff Last post: 4485 days Last view: 4009 days |
My current car crapped out on me about two weeks ago, and since then I've been having to borrow a car to get to work. So naturally I'm starting to get on people's nerves with that and I need to get some new wheels [used, technically]. I just thought I'd ask if anyone has any experience in buying cars and maybe any advice. The best ride/best price I've seen so far is a Mitsubishi 2002 Galant GTZ with 59,000 miles. Asking price is $9990, which from what I've seen is a pretty good price, I just have to check out the carfax to be totally sure. In case you didn't know, I live in the USA.
Between friends and people my dad knows I've got some options. I've got a friend who actually works at a lot who can give me a discount, but I'm not too keen on the cars they have... even if they do have a TON of them. They also have widely varying mileage, from 9000 miles to 100,000+ miles, so it's hard to pick amongst those. My best friend's aunt does the financing for a smaller used auto dealer, so I might be able to get a much reduced monthly payment and better financing, I just have to find a car I like there. My dad works for the power company and incidentally meets a lot of used auto dealers while doing work orders for them on their electric systems. The Galant GTZ is at one of such lots. The guy seems pretty nice and he can finance me more than the bank, but payments are a little steep, about $220 / mo. I want to talk him down a bit but assuming the car is really in excellent condition I'm not sure I can get him to wittle it down much more. He's quoting me quite a bit under NADA and Kelley as is... nearly $2000... though I still need to check out that CARFAX b/c if it had been involved in an accident... you know... Then there's dealers I don't know... so screw that. The last option is classifieds, which usually suck and want $$$$ upfront (which I don't have a whole lot of, maybe $1500 to work with.) And lastly there's eBay, which ... can be good but I've had some friends buy junkers off of eBay too unintentionally. Cars that seemed good and at a low price, but crapped out after a 6 month warranty, etc. So yeah... any thoughts? P.S. I always thought the forum could use an automotive thread for talking about car problems and such, given that the older board members are getting around the age where they have to deal with that on their own. ____________________ Zelda Hacking Forum hobbies: delectatio morosa |
| Ice Penguin |
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 Popo Level: 51 Posts: 115/539 EXP: 991040 Next: 22898 Since: 02-20-07 From: Kasuto Last post: 4786 days Last view: 4786 days |
I've never wanted my own car, but I can give you a tip! Well, this is what I noticed from what my mom does. When you find a car you like, and get to the point of price negotiation, try to bring down the price.
Example: My mom just recently bought my dad a truck, and the asking price for it was about $9900. She told them she would buy it for $8100. They discussed it, and she ended up getting it for about $8600. I'm sure there was more involved than that, but I wanted to make it short. So, good luck!  |
| Rydain |
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 Red Paratroopa Level: 31 Posts: 33/165 EXP: 167860 Next: 17503 Since: 02-20-07 From: State College, PA Last post: 6111 days Last view: 6085 days |
I'm going to have to worry about this in a couple of years. My 1996 Chevy Cavalier LS sedan is paid off, generally works well, and has just under 90K miles on it, but it has problems that may not be cost-effective to fix. The climate control system fan is degrading (the bottom two settings don't work at all, and the third is getting weak) and I have problems starting the car when it's been sitting out in the cold for too long. We have a garage, so the starting problem is not a constant irritation, but it comes up whenever I go visit someone in the winter and have to park outside overnight. I just got a new alternator and battery in June 2004, and I don't think those are on the fritz already. At least the manual's instruction to hold the accelerator pedal down to clear gas from the engine works when the car won't start in cold weather, but it never needed this sort of trickery before. The Cavster was my first and only vehicle, and I can't complain about 10+ good years out of an economy car.
As for advice, how thoroughly have you looked at the other dealerships where you have contacts? I'd make a list of possible cars, including the Galant you mentioned, and narrow it down from there. Decide on your criteria for a car (price, style, features, max mileage, etc.), go to the dealerships, and see what fits. It's difficult to decide what to buy if you don't have specific cars to choose from. |
| MathOnNapkins |
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Super Koopa Level: 62 Posts: 22/842 EXP: 1935116 Next: 49570 Since: 02-19-07 From: durff Last post: 4485 days Last view: 4009 days |
Rydain: the problem with your battery may be related to corrosion on the contacts and the battery terminals. It usually looks like white powder. It can be cleaned with soda water (club soda).
I know what cars to look for, I already have a list written down and all the cost comparisons, mileage comparisons etc. I was more asking about financing, and how to not get hosed on that. I'm looking at paying $170 to $220 per month. Or for some unusual places to look for cars (e.g. auctions.) My parents are considering selling me one of their cars, b/c they need a newer car anyway. That would be considerably cheaper and save me tons of headache. Hopefully I can negotiate that. ____________________ Zelda Hacking Forum hobbies: delectatio morosa |
| Katelyn |
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beh Level: 86 Posts: 183/1816 EXP: 6128656 Next: 13451 Since: 02-21-07 Last post: 6143 days Last view: 6143 days |
On my 1990 Ford Tempo GL, the red "CHECK ENGINE" light illuminates intermittently when in cold weather, and goes out when the temperature gets warmer. Also, occasionally, in cold weather, the "CHARGE" light will come on for a few seconds to a few minutes during driving, then go out.
It has about 187,000 miles on it, and got it for about $500 last year. Could someone figure out what the problem is? |
| Danielle |
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 Buzzy Beetle Level: 44 Posts: 101/383 EXP: 593690 Next: 17595 Since: 02-19-07 From: California Last post: 5464 days Last view: 5464 days |
Just make sure you look everywhere before you decide, because there are tons of good deals out there. The best that I've seen are from people trying to sell the car, not dealerships. If you find someone that will let you give it a few test drives, maybe even let you take a look under the hood (if you know anything about cars -- this would be a waste of time for me but maybe not for you!), to make sure you're not getting a piece of crap.
Is your mind made up for that one brand and model? If you're not picky about what it is you'll be driving, that would very likely help. 10K for a used 2002 mitsubishi with 60K miles seems a little high... Heck, my car was only $13000 NEW, a 2004 mazda. But I'm no expert on cars. |
| Legion |
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Level: 38 Posts: 267/267 EXP: 339269 Next: 31178 Since: 10-03-07 Last post: 5646 days Last view: 5644 days |
first post 8) |
| Main - The Landfill - Buying a car | New thread | Thread closed |
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