OT - Car advice

[brighteyes]

I currently drive an 05 Nissan Sentra. I love this car, love the way it drives and my lease is up. I do not plan to buy out the lease which is due in jan 2010. I had an accident with it, and it has been fixed but since the accident my floor boards are soaked in the winter. SO I feel the car is not fixed properly but the repair shop said it is. If I knew it was fixed properly I would keep the car, because in 5 years I have only put on 42,000 km on it.

The other issue is that I just wanted a cheap car I could pay off quickly because I will have student loans coming out the ying yang. I am a single mom and just finishing three years of college so I want something cheap but reliable.

I was looking at a used chevrolet Aveo or a Cobalt. I also was looking at a used 2008 Hyundai Accent because I would still have 3 or so years left on a warranty.

The problem is I don't know if these are good cars, and how many km is too many? If I want the car to last me at least the next 4 years till I am more set with paying my student loans.

If anyone could offer any opinions on any of these cars I would appreciate the input. Thanks.

 

[irisesareblue]

My husband was a car salesman for years. From my understanding, you should buy a low kilometre USED vehicle - NEVER BUY NEW! It depreciates as you drive it off the lot. We've always looked for 40,000 km & under and we try to buy in late fall or better yet, in January or February - cars are cheapest for some reason in November, January & February & car dealerships are hungrier for sales. You can often get deals from the previous model year that are being turned in from 1 year leases too - we just bought a 2009 Trailblazer which was returned from a lease in the US for half the original price.

Principles I've learned - clarify how much of the warranty is left when you purchase, if the vehicle was in any accidents and where the vehicle was driven before. Also, ask the salesman if you can take it from Thursday to Monday (leaving your car with them of course) - this way you can get a feel for the vehicle.

I personally would look at the Aveo. It's good on gas. My MIL just bought one and she likes it. It was a lease return and only a year old.

 

[brighteyes]

Thanks for your response! I am looking at the Aveo. I don't think I could get a 2009 in Jan for under 10 000. I need the value to be under $10 000 as I am still a student in school. (it affects my OSAP)

I can wait until January to purchase a car as my lease is not up till the end of Jan. I know it is better to get a newer car for less km, but if I can get a 2005 or 2006 with around 40, is that still a good deal if its an 2005 or 2006?

Stephanie

 

[MikeyNS]

I think the thing to do is clarify what you budget is (I'm assuming $10k and under?). I'm not an Aveo fan, just because you can get something like a Cobalt that is bigger, more powerful and gets the same fuel economy.
I would look at an 07-09 Hyundai Elantra (5yr bumper to bumper warranty) and see if that would fit the bill/budget.

 

[brighteyes]

I am looking at the Cobalt too. I am not sold on the Accent, but the salesman keeps calling me. I haven't called him back yet, because I want to test drive the Cobalt. It would seem more close to my Nissan I think

Yes,my budget is under 10k, so I am still looking, but am finding alot of cars to look at suddenly and I don't have time.

I am also looking at a Toyota Yaris or Echo. I will let you know what develops.

Stephanie

 

[irisesareblue]

My hubby drives a Yaris now - great on gas - we had an Echo but totalled it last year Their re-sale value is really good but check with the Toyota dealership in late Jan - they may have a good deal on them. That's a good time of the year to be buying.

I think my MIL bought her 2009 Aveo for under $10,000.00

good luck!

 

[brighteyes]

My hubby drives a Yaris now - great on gas - we had an Echo but totalled it last year Their re-sale value is really good but check with the Toyota dealership in late Jan - they may have a good deal on them. That's a good time of the year to be buying.

I think my MIL bought her 2009 Aveo for under $10,000.00

good luck!

Do you ever get used to the speedometer being in the middle? That strikes me as strange, and ackward to look at when you're driving?

Stephanie

 

[brighteyes]

I got the car!! I got the Accent I was looking at.

The salesman has been calling me since I left that day three weeks ago, and I kept ignoring him until I got the price I wanted. (Well within $500)! I had fun negotiating this deal.

So I still have warranty on it for 3 more years.

Merry Christmas to me!!