Used Car Shopping. HATE IT!!

[DawnCt1]

DS#1 totaled his car a little over a week ago. Thank God he was okay and doesn't even have any aches or pains. The biggest pain was finding a used car that he can afford. We did it yesterday. After searching dealerships, used car lots, the internet, and the paper, he found one he liked in his price range from a private seller. The big lesson? Everything takes twice as long as you think it is going to. The car he found, a 2003 Nissan Maxima, fully loaded, leather, heated seats and STEERING WHEEL! had been in an accident at 6K. It now has 41K. The seller was honest about it, the car appeared to be mint, and carfax confirmed what we were told. We spent 2 hours at a Nissan dealership where they inspected every square inch, searched the VIN, looked for alerts and checked the integraty of the body and electrical system. Bottom line? The car was mint. The service technician said that they tried to find problems and couldn't find ONE. By 8 pm, the car was his and registered and we are done SHOPPING! YEAH! PRICE? $11K. The service tech said that a similarly equipped car with more miles is selling for $18K in our area. At least it was worth the trouble. BTW I went through a tank of gas in 2 and a half days.

 

[ElizaB39]

DS#1 totaled his car a little over a week ago. Thank God he was okay and doesn't even have any aches or pains. The biggest pain was finding a used car that he can afford. We did it yesterday. After searching dealerships, used car lots, the internet, and the paper, he found one he liked in his price range from a private seller. The big lesson? Everything takes twice as long as you think it is going to. The car he found, a 2003 Nissan Maxima, fully loaded, leather, heated seats and STEERING WHEEL! had been in an accident at 6K. It now has 41K. The seller was honest about it, the car appeared to be mint, and carfax confirmed what we were told. We spent 2 hours at a Nissan dealership where they inspected every square inch, searched the VIN, looked for alerts and checked the integraty of the body and electrical system. Bottom line? The car was mint. The service technician said that they tried to find problems and couldn't find ONE. By 8 pm, the car was his and registered and we are done SHOPPING! YEAH! PRICE? $11K. The service tech said that a similarly equipped car with more miles is selling for $18K in our area. At least it was worth the trouble. BTW I went through a tank of gas in 2 and a half days.

Nice job!

 

[DMickey28]

Congrats on being done!! Great car at a great car... good for you for getting the Nissan Dealership to go over it with a fine tooth comb!

 

[DawnCt1]

Congrats on being done!! Great car at a great car... good for you for getting the Nissan Dealership to go over it with a fine tooth comb!

You know, I am frugal but it was the best $146 I have spent. I wanted him to be sure that he was getting a good car without any problems and it was peace of mind for me.

 

[snowy76]

Congrats! We brought home a used '06 Kia Sedona with 22,000 miles on it this afternoon... DH's '92 Cutlass was on its last leg - the electronic dashboard shorted out a year ago and no one's been able to fix it - the dealer tried to appraise it for trade-in and couldn't even see the mileage!

I hate the whole process too. So glad to have the car home and all the haggling done!

 

[Katie]

Ya, childbirth is easier and faster than buying a used car!

Congrat's on a great job and successful Sale!

 

[tangiblehope]

Congrats - I myself love used cars but also hate the hassels of puchasing. Looks like you scored a great deal!

 

[DawnCt1]

It has come to my attention that there are some Dis'ers wondering why my DS and I would go shopping for a car for him together. His car was totalled. He had nothing to drive. He also had no way to get to the bank, motor vehicle dept, etc. Also when one is making a big purchase, big for him anyway, it is nice to have a second opinion with regard to the quality and value of the vehicle. He knew he wanted a Nissan Maxima. He knew what year he was looking for, he was happy with his selection. I was happy to pay for the vehicle inspection for him. It was peace of mind for me, knowing that the was driving a car with no safety issues. So, for those of you, who think it is absolutely ridiculous to shop for a car with your DS, your mom, etc, I would say it is your problem, not mine.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Ah...my DH loves shopping used. He drives me ....

CraigsList is his new friend.

Today he was looking at used JetSki's. He took dd and they went and test drove 2 jetski's.
Yea...he is probably going to get them.

We have bought/sold over 30 used cars. 2 boats and now going to be 2 jetski's.

 

[Hedy]

It has come to my attention that there are some Dis'ers wondering why my DS and I would go shopping for a car for him together. His car was totalled. He had nothing to drive. He also had no way to get to the bank, motor vehicle dept, etc. Also when one is making a big purchase, big for him anyway, it is nice to have a second opinion with regard to the quality and value of the vehicle. He knew he wanted a Nissan Maxima. He knew what year he was looking for, he was happy with his selection. I was happy to pay for the vehicle inspection for him. It was peace of mind for me, knowing that the was driving a car with no safety issues. So, for those of you, who think it is absolutely ridiculous to shop for a car with your DS, your mom, etc, I would say it is your problem, not mine.

That's too bad they wonder-it's not like your doing his 5th grade homework for him. I think it's great that he has that relationship with you.

 

[DawnCt1]

That's too bad they wonder-it's not like your doing his 5th grade homework for him. I think it's great that he has that relationship with you.

Frankly, I think so too. Thanks,

 

[DawnCt1]

Ah...my DH loves shopping used. He drives me ....

CraigsList is his new friend.

Today he was looking at used JetSki's. He took dd and they went and test drove 2 jetski's.
Yea...he is probably going to get them.

We have bought/sold over 30 used cars. 2 boats and now going to be 2 jetski's.

OMG. That's a LOT OF STUFF!

 

[tiggersmom2]

It has come to my attention that there are some Dis'ers wondering why my DS and I would go shopping for a car for him together. His car was totalled. He had nothing to drive. He also had no way to get to the bank, motor vehicle dept, etc. Also when one is making a big purchase, big for him anyway, it is nice to have a second opinion with regard to the quality and value of the vehicle. He knew he wanted a Nissan Maxima. He knew what year he was looking for, he was happy with his selection. I was happy to pay for the vehicle inspection for him. It was peace of mind for me, knowing that the was driving a car with no safety issues. So, for those of you, who think it is absolutely ridiculous to shop for a car with your DS, your mom, etc, I would say it is your problem, not mine.

I don't think you owe anyone an explanation Dawn. It never ocurred to me that it was odd to car shop with your Mom.....I do numerous things with mine and I am 31.

 

[marlasmom]

My kids are grown too and while I have not car shopped with them - I have negotiated an apartment lease, advised on some banking matters, purchased baby furniture and necessities and on and on. I'd like to think that they have some benefit from my experience and I have lots of benefit from their schooling and intelligence. It's terrific to have a great relationship with your kids and it says something for the way you raised them.

 

[nbodyhome]

I hate any car shopping! We did just fine on our new purchase - my first new car ever, a Hyundai Elantra. 6 airbags, ABS, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, great stereo, so many nice details in it - 17,100 after taxes, tag and title.

It came home with me on Thursday.

Glad your husband is doing okay!

 

[DawnCt1]

I don't think you owe anyone an explanation Dawn. It never ocurred to me that it was odd to car shop with your Mom.....I do numerous things with mine and I am 31.

I used to shop with my Mom too. I wish all the time that she was still here. When we took her to the ER for septic shock, a complication of her battle with breast cancer, the ER doc asked if we were going to pursue "life saving measures". I told him, "My Mom and I were shopping Friday, and if you do your job, she and I will be shopping next week". She lived another year.

 

[tinatark]

Awesome deal on a great car for your son - and to anyone who would question why you went along. ... they knew they'd be called out if they questioned you publicly. That you were part of it with him shows great parenting on your part - how many 23 year olds would do what he did?