*UPDATE POST 97 GOT MY NEW CAR!* Get a new car or fix existing car?

[DisneyMomma81]

Yes, he drives an SUV. I was all for the small car for him to drive to work, but he would not agree to only drive the kids around in the SUV. He takes one child 30 minutes away and back for an activity once a week and drives on the I-95 death drap to do so. That was my sticking point. I don't care if he drives a small car to commute, but I don't want my kids driven in it. Seeing as most of my friends have similar rules with their spouses (due to the drivers around here), I don't feel too crazy

So, you still could get by with one LARGE vehicle, when he's taking a kid somewhere he drives it. When he goes to work he drives the more economical vehicle.

 

[scrapquitler]

It isn't the age that determines whether it is a lemon, is it?

I thought it was multiple mechanical problems, regardless of age.

I just looked up the Lemon Law here in CT. The lemon law only applies to the FIRST owner of the vehicle, or for the first 24000miles, whichever is first.

If purchased or leased AFTER October 1, 1998, occur during the first two (2) years from the original owner's delivery date or the first 24,000 miles on the odometer (whichever period ends first).

So the OP in this thread, definitely does not have any standing with the lemon law (of course other states may vary).

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

So, you still could get by with one LARGE vehicle, when he's taking a kid somewhere he drives it. When he goes to work he drives the more economical vehicle.

This is exactly what I wanted, but he refused to drive anything but his little electric car once he had one, so no deal. It wasn't worth arguing over.

 

[teCh0010]

For kid haulers I'd look at the Odyssey and Sienna. If you decide against a van I would look at the Highlander and Pilot.

We have a 2007 pilot (since new) and the routine maintenance per honda's maintenance minder has been very minimal cost. It's AWD and the factory goodyears lasted 40k miles, the Michelin replacements should last 60k.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

For kid haulers I'd look at the Odyssey and Sienna. If you decide against a van I would look at the Highlander and Pilot.

We have a 2007 pilot (since new) and the routine maintenance per honda's maintenance minder has been very minimal cost. It's AWD and the factory goodyears lasted 40k miles, the Michelin replacements should last 60k.

I did like the Pilots when we looked at them years ago...wish I could go that route but we need the sliding doors to park in the garage. DH looked at the Siennas today and we will look at the Hondas tomorrow.

 

[descovy]

We just got a 13 Honda Odyssey this week. It's the base model (LX) and the only real add on was tint. Cost was $25k (not figuring down payment, ttl, etc...)

We decided new because used was costing at least as much. And the effect of super storm Sandy on the resale market was a concern too. Sometimes you have to wonder why someone gives up a nearly new vehicle.

Also, most used vehicles were the higher priced trims, but the LX actually works better for us. For example, we have 3 kids and use the 3rd row daily. The EX and higher seat 8, but it means they make a skinny seat in the middle row. No one wants to sit there and it impedes access to the 3rd row. Having only 2 sit in the second row means they can get to the back easier.

LX doesn't have a console. Perfect. Don't need one. We have had consoles in cars before. You know what you find in there? Junk! Instead, I have plenty of room to place a large purse, tote bag, or even a cooler.

I guess my point is we wanted something that most people don't want. So it's hard to find used.

Also highly recommend car-woo. You create an account. Email & phone are hidden from the dealer. But they come to you with offers. You can counter offer or ask questions through the app (smartphone and or computer). In the end we bought from another dealer, who offered an online price we couldn't refuse (end of month). We knew it was a fair deal, because of what we were being offered through carwoo.

And to add, we sold our old van super fast on Craigslist. It was no longer reliable. I was 100% honest about its condition in the add, and probably got 100 inquires that day. Sold it for $2500, and folks were wanting to buy it "no questions" as long as it runs. Remember, it's tax refund season now!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

We just got a 13 Honda Odyssey this week. It's the base model (LX) and the only real add on was tint. Cost was $25k (not figuring down payment, ttl, etc...)

We decided new because used was costing at least as much. And the effect of super storm Sandy on the resale market was a concern too. Sometimes you have to wonder why someone gives up a nearly new vehicle.

Also, most used vehicles were the higher priced trims, but the LX actually works better for us. For example, we have 3 kids and use the 3rd row daily. The EX and higher seat 8, but it means they make a skinny seat in the middle row. No one wants to sit there and it impedes access to the 3rd row. Having only 2 sit in the second row means they can get to the back easier.

LX doesn't have a console. Perfect. Don't need one. We have had consoles in cars before. You know what you find in there? Junk! Instead, I have plenty of room to place a large purse, tote bag, or even a cooler.

I guess my point is we wanted something that most people don't want. So it's hard to find used.

Also highly recommend car-woo. You create an account. Email & phone are hidden from the dealer. But they come to you with offers. You can counter offer or ask questions through the app (smartphone and or computer). In the end we bought from another dealer, who offered an online price we couldn't refuse (end of month). We knew it was a fair deal, because of what we were being offered through carwoo.

And to add, we sold our old van super fast on Craigslist. It was no longer reliable. I was 100% honest about its condition in the add, and probably got 100 inquires that day. Sold it for $2500, and folks were wanting to buy it "no questions" as long as it runs. Remember, it's tax refund season now!

Thank you so much for this post! OK, so car-woo it is then. I just told DH about it. We're looking at Hondas today. Base model is fine by me.

Oh my goodness I agree with the bolded part above. The Volvo taught me that lesson...low mileage, a real "steal"...what was actually wrong with it I'll never know. We could only see what was in the records. There HAD to have been something serious (a wreck?) that happened before it ended up at Carmax. I had myself convinced that it was so cheap because it was the end of the year and nobody wanted V8s at that point (steep rise in gas prices). Now, not so much...I know better Hard way to learn a lesson!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

By the way, you guys are the best! Every morning I check in on here and see some new ideas or issues that I never thought of. Awesome!

 

[dancin Disney style]

Check out the Mazda5...it's has a third row, sliders and is smaller than an Odyssey or Sienna.

 

[auralia]

I have a Mazda 5 and I could go back I don't think I would get one again. It gets about 22-24 mpg city and 27-29 highway. The blower motor went at less than 30000, the gas cap always has problems where it says it isn't on, we had some poor service from Mazda (though they did rectify it they over charged us by 100$ on a certain service and didn't do what they were supposed to. They gave us out 100$ back and comped us a transmission flush.) if the seats are up there is no room to carry anything and the rear seat is really only for the 12 and under set. It is tight and not comfortable. Also at least in my model year there are no heat vents in the middle and rear of the vehicle but there is an ac vent for the middle. So in the north the back back never gets warm and the middle takes a while. No ac vents in the back.

 

[SA mom]

Just wanted to say good luck. I drive a 1999 Suburban so I can sympathize with your attachment to the car. Hope you love what you buy!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I like the idea of using Car-Woo so I'm going to do that once we're settled on a vehicle. I have a question, though. I want to trade the Volvo, not sell it privately. How do I get the most for my trade if they already know how much of a deal I'm getting through Car-Woo? Do I negotiate my trade first with the local dealer and then take them the Car-Woo deal and tell them to beat it or I'm going elsewhere? Thanks!

 

[descovy]

You should negotiate the auto quote separately of the trade in quote. Talk first about the car, features, and what you are willing to pay. Once you and dealer, agree on price, then talk about your trade.

If then you like what you hear, great. Otherwise be willing to negotiate or walk and check the next deal.

You get the most for your trade by being willing to sell privately if needed. If they have you over a barrel (that you MUST trade it in) then you won't get the most for your deal with anyone.

And hey, try Carmax... They can have it back! Lol

 

[LisaInNc]

I drive my cars for generally 8-10 years so I would be really reluctant to get a new car.

I recently faced this issue, the transmission went on my 9 year old car with almost 300,000 miles on it. The cost to fix it was going to be more than I would pay in car payments for the next year with a new car.

We went and bought a new used car. I hated doing it but it seemed for us the smart thing to do.

I wish you luck!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

You should negotiate the auto quote separately of the trade in quote. Talk first about the car, features, and what you are willing to pay. Once you and dealer, agree on price, then talk about your trade.

If then you like what you hear, great. Otherwise be willing to negotiate or walk and check the next deal.

You get the most for your trade by being willing to sell privately if needed. If they have you over a barrel (that you MUST trade it in) then you won't get the most for your deal with anyone.

And hey, try Carmax... They can have it back! Lol

LOL!! I thought about that too DH says that Carmax probably won't give us much for it. I'll try it if we don't like the trade numbers we get from the dealers though.

Neither DH nor I want to do a private sale on this vehicle. I'd see it as a liability because this car is just not safe at this point. I mean, it shut off on the highway From the googling I've done lately, seems as though that is not an uncommon issue with this make/model/year either. Scary.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Well, we liked the Toyota Sienna and ruled out the Honda Odyssey based upon our need for more room in the second row. Now we need to do Car-Woo for the Sienna. I'll keep you guys updated!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Well, Toyota just wasted 2 hours of our time, held my car keys hostage (a dealer tactic that disgusts me!), and then was rude to us when we said that we had to leave. DH had to go to work and I had to pick up my child. I told them multiple times that I needed my keys back so I could pick up my child and they ignored me. Finally I YELLED out "WHERE ARE MY KEYS?!!!" and the very rude finance guy said "they're at the desk." in a really nasty way. I would have bought a Sienna today, but instead I looked at my husband and said "DONE". We left. Of course they are calling me like crazy now...

Long story short, I just called Chrystler...if they want to match the TruCar deal and give me what they offered for my trade before I walked out, I'll buy the Town and Country today. I did like the Toyota better, but OMG I cannot believe the way we got treated there. No thanks! Crystler treated us nicely at least, although they were nutty about the trade (went from 9-14K in one breath). Waiting to hear back from them. I'm asking them to match the TruCar price from an Orlando dealer that I have up on my screen, to give me the 14K for my trade and to let me charge the transaction on my cc for the points. If they agree to all of this, I will buy today. If not, I guess I'll drive to Orlando and buy the one there.

Long story short, the Toyota is lovely, but not for that kind of treatment.

 

[Monte Cristo]

I am caming in late to this thread, but is there another Toyota dealership you could go to?

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I am caming in late to this thread, but is there another Toyota dealership you could go to?

The next closest one is in Vero I think. Not worth it...I'll just get the Town and Country. I liked it OK, and they were much nicer to me. It would make me throw up to have to go to the local Toyota dealership for service at this point anyways.

Oh, and after 2 hours and the aforementioned rudeness, they never actually gave us any numbers on my trade. Yeah. Losers.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

So try a different dealership, sheesh. It's a better vehicle.