Buying a new car, well used car.

[Rob B 922]

I need to replace my wife's grand cherokee this year, it's the car we drive to Disney World each year. Now I never buy brand new, you lose way too much when you leave the dealership. And I only have ever paid cash, car payments are for fools. Here is my problem, I've never bought anything but American cars, with all the bailout and bankruptcies I'm leaning towards Toyota, the highlander or sequoia, I want something with a 3rd row but not a mini van. I just don't feel right buying an import, but it looks like they will be round longer than GM or Chrysler. Also, I've been reading consumer reports on used cars and all the top cars are imports. Just want to get some other opinions on this, thanks guys.
Rob.

 

[Serena]

I'm sorry, I'm not offering help, just tagging along on this thread. I either need a transmission or a new (used) car, I'm not that picky right now. Add to this, I have no car to drive at all. I am relying on others to help in transportation right now.
So, I could use some advice too.

 

[golfgal]

Well, I am one of those fools with a car payment but with 0% interest it was foolish not to take advantage of that. We have a Mazda MPV and it has a very nice ride. They don't make them any longer but the new crossover's that replaced them are very nice. The CR7 is the one with the 3rd row. With the 3rd row in any of these though there isn't much storage space with the seats up. Toyota's are great cars, you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Disney Doll]

We have Ford Explorers.
Mine is a 1998 XLT...no 3rd seat.
DH's is a 2004 Eddie Bauer edition...has the 3rd seat.
Both were bought new.

We've had no major problems with either of them in the years we've owned them. We do routine maintenance on them and don't beat on them, but we are not the type of people who "baby" our cars...I would say we are average cars owners.

While I am of the mindset that "buying a used car is buying someone else's problem" I would feel pretty confident that as long as you got one that had been properly maintained and not abused, the Explorer would be a good choice to get used, based on the good luck and longevity we've had with ours thus far.

 

[kirbsam]

no opinions from me, since according to you, i am a fool.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

no opinions from me, since according to you, i am a fool.

LOL, I was going to say, I imagine that was offensive to many.

I am normally one to let someone else take the first round of depreciation, however I'm not sure this still holds true with the current incentives being offered. But it's up to you what you want to buy.

 

[squirrlygirl]

Toyota lost more money than GM did in the first quarter
J.D. Power and Associates rates Buick tied with Lexus for most dependable vehicle

And I've deleted every last sentence that I've placed here in fear of sounding like a jerk

 

[Christine]

I drive a 2005 Toyota Highlander. It has 80,000 miles on it and, no lie, I have not had ONE deficiency on it. It has only been in the shop for maintenance. It has been THE most problem-free vehicle I've owned even beating out my Camry. The Highlander out there right now is bigger than the 2005 model I have and truly will seat 7 passengers. Mine does have the 3rd row seat but, it's pretty much of a joke.

Can't say enough good things about this vehicle. I suggest you go sit in it and compare the roominess of it to other vehicles. I now that I have sat in some other similar-type vehicles that look bigger on the outside, yet seem to have very little interior room.

 

[chell]

Another fool posting here as we don't have that kind of cash floating around our house. We are waiting for the incentive to pass where you can get the $4,500 credit to trade in "Bessie" towards another used car. I'm just looking for a good solid running car. I'm still open to auto makers. My main thing is that I want something smaller than what I drive now. We are actually trading in his car and he is taking my car since mine is larger than what I'm used to driving.

Even though you said you don't want a mini-van have you ever driven a Honda Odyssey? They drive so smoothly and have plenty of room. That is actually my dream car.

 

[kirbsam]

Toyota lost more money than GM did in the first quarter
J.D. Power and Associates rates Buick tied with Lexus for most dependable vehicle

And I've deleted every last sentence that I've placed here in fear of sounding like a jerk

come on, join the club.

 

[Serena]

Seeing how I need all the advice I can get. For the sake of argument and peace, let's just say he did not mean to offend anyone, especially on a thread that he is requesting advice on.
Please

 

[Rob B 922]

I just don't believe in car payments. I its a very foolish thing to do. I believe cash is king. Never had a credit card, paid cash for my DVC, my only monthly debt is my house. Say you lose your job or get hurt and can't work, who is going to make your car payment. Just how I was raised, It's worked for me for 37 years. And no I did not mean to offend anyone.

Side note on the "not having the cash around the house" comment. I budget every dollar that I bring in each month. So I save for large purchases, the way I see it I "make payments" on whatever I'm saving for. Example, I was at woodfield mall, saw the doorway to dreams shop, got the info, price. Waited 8 months and paid cash for the AKV. I just think that my money should work for me, we as a people work way to hard for our money to give it away in interest.

 

[Disney Doll]

Rob, your second post didn't do much to redeem you, so just stop talking now and let those people who wish to give you some advice give it.

Although it sounds as if you think you pretty much know it all, so perhaps you don't need advice.

 

[HeatherFeather]

Go and sit in the 3rd row seat of the Highlander...it is pretty tight. I really would probably only put very very small people there. We looked at the Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX9. I really liked the Pilot and CX9. Dh preferred the Pilot so that is what is sitting in the garage right now. The 3rd row seat in the Pilot and CX9 seems actually doable. I loved how the Highlander drove but wanted more space.

And I'm a fool...but maybe only 1/2 a fool since we paid for about 1/2 the car up front?

 

[Serena]

My situation may have gotten a lot better. When I mentioned to my so called long time friend that I was thinking about trading the car in for another car, he got a lot more enthusiastic about finding a transmission I could afford to have him put in my car. But, there is nothing else wrong with my car. I hated chancing another one. (Yes, I would have my ex or the friend inspect it before buying.)
I also mentioned that I was online this morning and found several that was under $!,000 with a year warranty (Yes, I do know enough to get into trouble.)
Now, I know that isn't great. But it beat the 1,700 he was trying to say it was going to cost. There is one thing though. The company he goes to for parts, told him that the company they get this from have been having problems with this transmission and he did not recommend it.
He told me to keep looking and let him know what I find. He would also look, in a couple days. He's got 3 cars waiting for him to fix.
As it is, I just drove it home. It was fine, almost. I have to baby it. It doesn't like to accelerate, and it won't go into reverse.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Personally, I'd rather have a safe car with a car payment, then an unsafe one. The fact that it doesn't make good financial sense would be secondary to my not causing harm to myself, my family, or anyone else.

But everyone has to look at their own financial picture. I know, for some, buying even a used car is too much of a stretch, especially in this economy.

 

[PghLybrt]

Well, I am one of those fools with a car payment but with 0% interest it was foolish not to take advantage of that. .

So am I!! How foolish of me to invest my money and make a return off of it instead of paying outright for a truck. (oh and its a new 350 that I paid well under invoice for!).

 

[tinatark]

Do you want something bigger than the Cherokee? There is a world of difference between the Highlander and the Sequoia. Not much space behind the 3rd row of the Sequoia, and not much space in the 3rd row of the Highlander, but the 3rd row folds flat for decent storage. The ride of the Sequoia is more truck-like; the Highlander is more mini-van.

I love the Buick Enclave - also Nissan Murano is a very nice small SUV.

 

[disbridemimi]

I actually think it is worth taking a look at the American cars too, you might be able to get a steal from one of the dealerships that have to close or consolidate. It cannot hurt to LOOK at them, if you do not find a great deal you can look elswhere. I LOVE MY GRAND CHEROKEE The FORD Edge is also very nice, and Ford is doing just fine these days.

 

[Rob B 922]

I would love to get an Enclave or Arcaida, and I've drove a Jeep Commander. All very nice, but I'm going to have to have this car last quite awhile 150k+ miles.

I know that there is a big jump from the highlander to the sequoia, I like the hybrid option in the highlander and the sequoia for the extra room. It's going to depend on how much cash I have to spent when I plan on purchasing this winter or next spring. Still doing all the research til then.