OT: Car Buying Thread

[CommaSynapse]

Been trying to shop around for a car. My 2002 Altima has finally bit the dust. I'm on the hunt for a car (first time buyer here, as my other cars were bought from relatives), and I'm hoping to avoid a headache.

Where do you guys go for your cars? Preferably in one of the boroughs, maybe not too deep into Jersey or upstate. I already had one dealer text me pretty aggressively and refused to budge off a $700 "dealer prep" fee.

I'm basically looking to spend around $9k or so. I could go as high as $12k, but I'd much rather stay around $9k to take as little out in a loan as possible.

I've seen a few Kia Forte or Chevy Cruze models around with relatively recent years and somewhat low mileage. I'd love a good Accord, but I don't see them at that price point without some hefty mileage.

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[bbny]

I bought my last car through Carvana. Good success for me. 7 day returns so I was able to get the car inspected and stuff to feel comfortable with it.

 

[haohmaru]

Carmax - the price is what is and they don't try to sell you a bunch of shit you don't need and nickel and dime you to death with prep fees, undercoat coverage, extended warranties, blah blah blah.

Multiple purchases and trade-ins/sales.

 

[Ex Officer Friendly]

Carguru
Cars.com
Autotrader

and then I normally compare all of the different prices and see who’s got free car faxes and stuff like that. It’s how I found the first and second car (traded the first one in) that I’ve bought.

the other two sites are good too, I did notice that carvana torpedoed me in trade in value nearly 5,000 off of the mid range trade in. Not that you have one to trade in but that’s my only dealings with them.

 

[Machinehead]

I'm a NUMTOT

 

[Ex Officer Friendly]

I'm a NUMTOT

Thanks for the valued contribution.

 

[Machinehead]

Thanks for the valued contribution.

You're welcome

 

[Ex Officer Friendly]

You're welcome

Being that the last T means Teens you should be thanking me for not pointing out your age #fathertimehimself

 

[Machinehead]

Being that the last T means Teens you should be thanking me for not pointing out your age #fathertimehimself

Nah listen I'd rather people out how old I am than have all the boomers on here calling me "junior"

 

[Ex Officer Friendly]

Nah listen I'd rather people out how old I am than have all the boomers on here calling me "junior"

Listen sonny boy you’ll listen to your elders ok lad

 

[cwede]

maybe too deep into NJ for you, but in Garwood NJ (Raritan Valley line by NJT train)
there is a fabulous long-time old-school family-run used-car dealership - Marano & Sons -
recent models, low mileage, excellent condition, Carfax included.
We have bought 3 cars from them, so have multiple friends
Used Cars for Sale Garwood NJ 07027 Marano & Sons Auto Sales, Inc.

 

[broadwayblue]

I bought my last car through Carvana. Good success for me. 7 day returns so I was able to get the car inspected and stuff to feel comfortable with it.

Been checking their site out for a while. If you decide to return within the 7 days, do you have to pay anything at all?

 

[bbny]

Been checking their site out for a while. If you decide to return within the 7 days, do you have to pay anything at all?

I returned once. It was no cost for me. If there is a shipping fee for the car then that is not reimbursable IIRC.

On the car I wound up keeping, they covered me on about $8-900 worth of repairs made through the local car dealer. It was pretty easy to email them and let them know what needed to be fixed after inspection.

 

[CommaSynapse]

Thanks to the replies, folks!

Been checking their site out for a while. If you decide to return within the 7 days, do you have to pay anything at all?

My problem with Carvana is that their prices for used cars seem pretty inflated for the mileage that's often on them.

I'm a NUMTOT

I will be this week...quite a bit older than a teen, though. I'll be taking the bus with some of my students.

maybe too deep into NJ for you, but in Garwood NJ (Raritan Valley line by NJT train)
there is a fabulous long-time old-school family-run used-car dealership - Marano & Sons -
recent models, low mileage, excellent condition, Carfax included.
We have bought 3 cars from them, so have multiple friends
Used Cars for Sale Garwood NJ 07027 Marano & Sons Auto Sales, Inc.

I'll look into it, but I know that there can be some differences with taxation when I buy from a different state. I have to read more into it.

Carguru
Cars.com
Autotrader

and then I normally compare all of the different prices and see who’s got free car faxes and stuff like that. It’s how I found the first and second car (traded the first one in) that I’ve bought.

the other two sites are good too, I did notice that carvana torpedoed me in trade in value nearly 5,000 off of the mid range trade in. Not that you have one to trade in but that’s my only dealings with them.

I've gone through a few of these for the sake of comparison, and, as you say, with who has which Carfax and such. I know my credit union has a buying service through TrueCar, which doesn't seem too bad.

Carmax - the price is what is and they don't try to sell you a bunch of **** you don't need and nickel and dime you to death with prep fees, undercoat coverage, extended warranties, blah blah blah.

Multiple purchases and trade-ins/sales.

I'll check them out, too. Largely been looking at TrueCar because they seem to have a few more things in my range.

 

[broadwayblue]

I returned once. It was no cost for me. If there is a shipping fee for the car then that is not reimbursable IIRC.

On the car I wound up keeping, they covered me on about $8-900 worth of repairs made through the local car dealer. It was pretty easy to email them and let them know what needed to be fixed after inspection.

Thanks. Good to know about the shipping. I've been looking for a new (used) car for a few years now but haven't pulled the trigger.

 

[CasusBelli]

For those in SoFla, I went to school with the owner of the Prestige auto dealerships. Great guy. Was on the verge of getting an Audi from him some time ago. No complaints.

 

[bbny]

Thanks. Good to know about the shipping. I've been looking for a new (used) car for a few years now but haven't pulled the trigger.

If you're in no rush, every Black Friday I've known about Carvana (since 2017) they offer $1,000 off all of their cars. I bought mine Black Friday 2018, and they did it again this past year. As they get bigger, that may end though.

 

[will1066]

Just curious about Carvana, did you really pick up your vehicle at a car vending machine with the big token?

 

[JCProdigy]

I know the OP is talking about used cars but if anybody is interested in a method for getting a new car, here it is:

How to Get the Best Price on a New Car - Step by Step Instructions

While it's a little involved, it absolutely works and got me the best deal on my wife's car last year.

 

[FIRE DRURY]

Been trying to shop around for a car. My 2002 Altima has finally bit the dust. I'm on the hunt for a car (first time buyer here, as my other cars were bought from relatives), and I'm hoping to avoid a headache.

Where do you guys go for your cars? Preferably in one of the boroughs, maybe not too deep into Jersey or upstate. I already had one dealer text me pretty aggressively and refused to budge off a $700 "dealer prep" fee.

I'm basically looking to spend around $9k or so. I could go as high as $12k, but I'd much rather stay around $9k to take as little out in a loan as possible.

I've seen a few Kia Forte or Chevy Cruze models around with relatively recent years and somewhat low mileage. I'd love a good Accord, but I don't see them at that price point without some hefty mileage.

I was a sales and marketing manager for the largest volume dealership in CT for the last 6 1/2 years but recently quit because I had a falling out with the spoiled Moron owner with the IQ of a baked potato, who inherited the business from his father.

Avoid Carmax like the plague. And Carvana if you want the most bang for your buck.

How much usage are you looking to get for your investment? I passionately despise Kia and Chevy for a plethora of different reasons.

I’m on my 4th Accord (leasing now) and the reason why they’re priced higher is they’re simply better engineered vehicles with very low cost of ownership, good fuel efficiency, solid safety ratings, as well as reliable.

One if the biggest mistake consumers make is not researching cost of ownership. That $12K car could end up costing you more than the $15K car over the next 5 years when you factor in maintenance and repairs.

Target certified cars. Get that peace of mind with the extended factory bumper to bumper and power train warranty. Certified vehicles will also get better APR rates through various lenders versus non-certified vehicles.

Dealers in CT have unfortunately high Conveyance Fees. Ours was $599. We try and bundle in Vin-Etching too for $249. Dealers in NY have a fixed Conveyance Fee of $75. Dealers in NY are going to try and strong arm you more, but the internet has really simplified car shopping, so it’s harder to bait and switch someone nowadays. Look at a dealers online reviews through Google, Yelp, and Dealerrater.

There’s no such thing as a Dealer Prep fee. Dealers underprice their vehicles so they get traffic on those vehicles, then bang those clients over the head with BS fees. Always negotiate the Out The Door Price with a complete breakdown of all fees. Most dealers should have the Carfax Link to every used car on their lot. Make sure you take a keen look at it.

I can go on for days. PM me if you have specific questions I can help you with.

 

[Barnaby]

Best bet might be to lease a new Honda... prices are very reasonable because of their high resale upon return. Like the guy mentioned above, you won’t have to worry about maintenance outside of oil changes which will save you money and your time. You’ll also get to drive a new car around. Take a look - might be cheaper than you think.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

If you're seriously looking for a car, I have a 2008 Saturn Outlook XR (AWD) that I am selling. 67,000 miles. I am the second owner - it was used by an old guy to go to church. I put in a Sony head unit with Apple CarPlay and it also has a back-up camera that I had installed as well. Speakers changed out for some half decent Kicker speakers.

Would fit your budget and should have a lot of life left in it.

 

[JaeTM]

Avoid Carmax like the plague. And Carvana if you want the most bang for your buck.

How much usage are you looking to get for your investment? I passionately despise Kia and Chevy for a plethora of different reasons.

Why do you say that about Carmax/Carvana? Not saying you're wrong, but others above apparently had success with it so was wondering if you could go into more detail. I've only leased vehicles recently and am looking to purchase used this summer when my lease ends.

Speaking of, was hoping you could go into more detail about Chevy too. I really like the look of the Impala and Malibu and was looking at those. I have a Civic now and like it but am just looking for something a bit bigger.

I am a noob when it comes to this stuff so these are genuine questions.

 

[LORDE]

Why do you say that about Carmax/Carvana? Not saying you're wrong, but others above apparently had success with it so was wondering if you could go into more detail. I've only leased vehicles recently and am looking to purchase used this summer when my lease ends.

Speaking of, was hoping you could go into more detail about Chevy too. I really like the look of the Impala and Malibu and was looking at those. I have a Civic now and like it but am just looking for something a bit bigger.

I am a noob when it comes to this stuff so these are genuine questions.

American made cars are pretty horrid across the board. I even had a corvette for a while and stuff just stopped working. It’s sad. I know the economy and Merica! And all but it’s pathetic.

Ive owned Acura, Toyota, and two Hyundai’s and they are all a million times better cars than the dodge and chevys I’ve owned. The Hyundai’s had warranties that covered EVERYTHING including an engine replacement on my current... didn’t cost me a thing and put me in a rental on them for the duration of the repair.

Stay away from Nissan. Used to be good but have ridiculous & constant transmission issues.
That’s my .02 cents anyway.

 

[JaeTM]

Much appreciated! I'll take a look around at some other stuff. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of the way the Accord looks and actually prefer the Civic style. It's not really that big of a deal though as I'm clearly not a big car person.

Any insight on Mazda? My girlfriend is looking at their SUVs.