OT - Buying My First Car!!

[tinkerbell_xo]

I'm looking into buying my first car!
Any advice?

I'm set on buying brand new, but all advice is welcome!

 

[doxie24]

I'm looking into buying my first car!
Any advice?

I'm set on buying brand new, but all advice is welcome!

Are you looking at any model in particular?

 

[drag n' fly]

Don't buy brand new...that's my advice.

 

[tinkerbell_xo]

Are you looking at any model in particular?

Well any of the small, economy cars. That would be the most affordable. I want to find out what's highly rated and what people prefer.
I was thinking a Chevy Aveo. We had one a few years ago and it was nice. Nothing extravagent but I liked it. My mom's cousin works at a Chevy dealership so he has always been able to give us honest advice and a good deal. But if something else is similarly priced and better, I'd be willing to look into it.

Don't buy brand new...that's my advice.

I've considered used but I just feel like it would cost too much in the end. My parents have a used car right now and it is nothing but a headache. They bought it in 2007 and it's a 2007 model, but it was used. The interest is insane.
Plus they've had to replace the brakes, wheel bearrings and other things.
A new car would have a better warranty and I could get 0% financing.
In your opinion why would a used car be better? I'm open for all advice.

Also, I want this car to last me 5-10 years. I don't want something to get from point A to point B. I want to be able to travel with it if i choose to.

 

[rosebud4]

Research the warrenty's available to you. The last car I bought new, Chysler/Jeep was having a promo on Lifetime powertrain warrenties which was the deal breaker for me. Brakes, wheel bearrings, and tires are not usually covered by any warrenty unless it's a defaut from the car. If going used, warrenties are available on certified used and the cost of a used car usually a better deal and you can find some with really low mileage. Research the cars you like, both new and used and compare what's the best deal for you.

 

[squirrel]

I know when I puchased my Honda Civic the price to buy one a few years old and finance it was more than the lease of a new vehicle.

 

[brighteyes]

i pmed you.

 

[drag n' fly]

Well any of the small, economy cars. That would be the most affordable. I want to find out what's highly rated and what people prefer.
I was thinking a Chevy Aveo. We had one a few years ago and it was nice. Nothing extravagent but I liked it. My mom's cousin works at a Chevy dealership so he has always been able to give us honest advice and a good deal. But if something else is similarly priced and better, I'd be willing to look into it.




I've considered used but I just feel like it would cost too much in the end. My parents have a used car right now and it is nothing but a headache. They bought it in 2007 and it's a 2007 model, but it was used. The interest is insane.
Plus they've had to replace the brakes, wheel bearrings and other things.
A new car would have a better warranty and I could get 0% financing.
In your opinion why would a used car be better? I'm open for all advice.

Also, I want this car to last me 5-10 years. I don't want something to get from point A to point B. I want to be able to travel with it if i choose to.

Do whatever makes you comfortable. I would never have qualified for 0% financing at your age as I was still chained to student loans. I understand your want for driving new and I drive new for the same reasons. The crappy part is the second you drive it off the lot you depreciate 30% in value. The best value for your buck would be to buy new used that is still under warranty and that way someone else has already absorbed the depreciation for you. Good luck with your decision and congrats on your first vehicle!

 

[rjan67]

You'll have to do some research. I think a Honda would be worth buying used. You can get lots of miles on them and they are safe. That being said, repairs will cost more. We are in the same dilemma. We will need a new car in about a year and most dealers/car companies are offering 0% vs a bank loan plus lots of cash back incentives. Dh doesn't want to buy used and get other peoples headaches. Look into leasing. If you were to buy a Honda....I wouldn't lease. You will have that car for 10 yrs easy. I have a 2000 Odyssey and it is still going strong with 330,000 km.

 

[DeniseinNS]

I would definatly buy new especially if you are planning to keep it longterm, with a new car you get the full warranty and you can get a much better interest rate then you would buying used (some places are offering 0%) I will never buy a used car again, I look at it as buying someone else's problems.

 

[DeniseinNS]

Well any of the small, economy cars. That would be the most affordable. I want to find out what's highly rated and what people prefer.
I was thinking a Chevy Aveo. We had one a few years ago and it was nice. Nothing extravagent but I liked it. My mom's cousin works at a Chevy dealership so he has always been able to give us honest advice and a good deal. But if something else is similarly priced and better, I'd be willing to look into it.

I bought a new Chevy Aveo a few years ago and it was a nightmare that I had constant problems with, the biggest issue being that it would not shift out of park and I had to pop open a little compartment and use a screwdriver to hit something to let me shift to drive. It went in at least 10 times for that and yet it would keep doing it. After 2 years I had enough and traded it in on something else and it cost me money to get rid of it. If you are looking for something of that size I would consider the Honda Fit, Honda's hold their value really well.

 

[brighteyes]

Do not buy a chevy aveo, new or not, I knew 3 people tht had them and they said don't do it. The car is horrible to drive in the winter.

I would also research the make and model you are interested in and see what other consumers say or if there are any recalls happening.

Good luck

 

[fuzzy164]

I would say buy new, lots of dealships are giving 0% for up to 72 months, that being said if you qualify.
I don't know what the criteria is for 0% but it's to good a deal IMHO to pass up.
I personally would buy domestic Ford, Dodge but stay away from GM products I have seen to many problems with them over the years.
The new Ford Fiesta is due out in the spring of 2010 or there is always the Fusion 4 cylinder and I think you can get the SYNC technology for free on it.
The Dodge Caliber is nice as well.
Bottom line test drive everything and anything there's no cost other than your time, compare warranties and financing and then make your decsion.
Also remember ordering new if you want any extra options you may have to wait up to 6 weeks for your new vehicle if it's not on the lot or can't been brought in from another dealership, friend of mine ordered her new Ford Escape and is still waiting but it's only been 3 weeks.

Fuzzy164

 

[dis_guy]

Well, we bought a new 2008 Toyota Yaris for my wife to drive her 100+ km/day in and have had to do absolutely nothing but gas and oil changes/ lube service in all the time we've had it. Luckily, it was not one of the recalled models but we have been very, very, happy with how it performs.

We're rural so it's mostly highway but we have 6 miles of gravel to get to the highway. With snow tires it surprises me (and I drive a Jeep) at how it handles the winter conditions around here.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Hyundai is a great option in that small car category. The Accent starts at under $10K and they do offer 0% financing. Plus, they have an excellent warranty. You could also move up to the Elantra which is also an excellent value.

It is a very good idea to spend a few dollars and rent a car for a day or two. You can never get an accurate feel with just a test drive. Narrow down your top few picks and book some rentals.