I’m going to a few car dealers today to see what my options are. Should I look into a used vehicle, or should I get a new one, which will have a warranty for 5 years or so? It’ll have to be cheap.
Another Opinion Among Many
…but I’m right! Get yer historical hero clay figurines now!
Here’s my take on buying a car:
If you want cheap but good, maybe a car will still some warranty left, find yourself a good used car by shopping around everywhere. The thing about buying a used car is you can probably find one with low miles, in your budget and the warm fuzzy feeling that when you drive it off the lot it loses value as being a used car.
Here’s a few reasons to buy new. Your the first owner. You get warm and fuzzy feelings that no one else abused the car or used it in a way you wouldn’t. Also take this option if you just plan to keep the car til it dies. Also pick a car that has great resale value. If you don’t plan on keeping it forever, unlike a used car, you’ll have to take extra care of it so it does retain the resale value so you don’t lose any money out of owning it. One downside though is, you buy a new car, even with a warranty and such, right after you sign the paperwork and sit in it, it’s used and you already declined the value by maybe a $1000 or more, depending on the car you buy.
Another option is to lease. If you know you won’t drive over the mileage and like low interest rates and have no desire to keep the car for more than 4 or 5 years, lease it. It’s like renting, sure you’re putting money into nothing it may seem but cars are necessity type debts for most, it’s not like you’re buying a bunch of nothing with a credit card.
@drew - Thanks, Drew, for your insight. I’ve been out looking today, and I must say that there are a few options presented to me. I want a cheap car, but I want it to last for a while. Leasing was an option that I had considered, as well (and is still on the table). So far, I’ve got my eye on a 2008 Suzuki Swift+ base model (I might take the automatic transmission option, as there’s one on the lot already). I was also looking at a 2002 PT Cruiser in excellent shape with all the bells and whistles, for a reasonable price (60,000kms). And, there’s a 2005 Nissan Altima that I had my eye on, as well. We’ll see. I’ve got to arrange financing and its the weekend, so its a waiting thing.
Well I have been selling cars for over twenty years and I have to say your article is bull s–t. IF you have decided which car brand you want to buy simply go on line get the invoice for a model you are intewrested in. Go to the dealer close to either your home or work so you will be close to were you will service the car. Come in be up front and you will be done so fast you wont know it. If you come in and are being envasive. you will get screwed with. Time is money, your time is important so is the salesmans. What good is the bottom line if you can’t afford the payment. honesty is the best policy on both sides. these articles seem to be written by people who don’t realy know what is going on in today’s auto business
Larry N,
I disagree and what do you mean the article is bullshit? This is a blog, not an article. And honestly, I’d say weary of who you deal with, car salesmen have the reputation of car mechanics, they just want the sale, they don’t care what happens afterwards. They’re your best friend but will stab you in the back to get a sale.
Everyone buying a car should take the approach of doing their homework. Just simply printing the invoice online with the car you want isn’t sufficient. A wise person will also inspect any car, new or used and test drive the hell out of cars before making a final decision. You make it as if buying a car is like going to the toy store to buy a toy.
*ding* *ding* *ding*
Back to your corners.
I’m with drew.
Wow! I wrote an article (where is it?)!! Everybody, although I haven’t googled the exact phrasing in Larry N’s comment, I’m reserving judgment on whether he is a real live person (who just may have been drunk). Apparently, I should have “monetized” the term “Car Shopping”.
No link though.
I think there is some truth in both sides of this issue. I, too, have been in this business for quite some time. I am one of the top five e-commerce managers in the country, and I am a car nut to boot! So if you really want to get the best deal, here is what I would do.
First, shop online and via phone in a major market if you are near one. Why? In a major market, there are too many players vying for your business. And they (I) know it. So that means that I am going to cut to the chase REAL quick in terms of pricing. Like Larry N said….be honest. Why? Lets say you decide that you want a nice new Toyota that has a best price of $30K. But, in reality, what you really want is a car you can afford for $250 a month. Unless you have LOTs of cash to put down, you are wasting your time chasing that $30K car. With that, I would also say it’s just a good idea to know what your pre-determined budget will actually buy. The old axiom of Champagne Dreams on a Beer Budget is true.
I want to be very clear about those of us who have been in this industry for a long time, too. The “bad guys” in this business (as in any business) are usually short term. The VAST majority of people out there know me to be an honest businessman who does care about your needs, wants and financial health. Why? Simple! You can steal once from someone…or you can do the right thing for the rest of his or her life!
Finally, never EVER deal with the guys you see standing out front at ANY car dealership. The people you want to deal with are inside on the phone (typically internet department). If I know what you want, what your fears and limitations are, and what will make you happy, I will do all I can to make that happen. I make sure each of my employees do the same. If you are REALISITIC and honest, I will make sure you get the best deal possible.
Thanks for your response, Tiny. I like your website. Its got a lot more going on than a lot of sites without feeling too busy (but its close
). What I like is the clear navigation. I want to thank you for your reasoned comment. By the way, I don’t think that Larry N is a real person (and I doubt that he sells cars or reads blog posts, being a bot and all).
I will steal a sentence beginning from you at this point and say that I want to be very clear about what I think about car sales people. I don’t have any preconceived notions about the demeanor of car sales people. My best friend’s father sold cars when I was young. He told me about how he ran his business and I was impressed with his integrity. Any sales people that I’ve run across in my search for a vehicle has been a pleasure to deal with - most helpful. Well, with the exception of one fellow who had a listening problem - he’s doing something else now.
I’m not worried at all about who I talk to about a car. What I’m worried about is how much car can I afford and how long is it going to last. I’ll use my present automobile as an example. My mother in law gave it to me when she replaced it. She told me that she hoped that I would get a year out of it. I nearly did before it was time to consider what its fate would be. Its a 1998 Mercury Mystique. Its had a lot of expensive problems over the years, but the engine continues to run well, after 275,000kms. Now, however, it needs a line replaced to the transmission and a brake line fixed. To pass provincial inspection in September, it will also have to have the exhaust system replaced from the resonator back (inclusive), which is about a $350 job and it will require the rocker panels replaced below each back door. With all that required on such an old rusting car, I don’t feel that its worth it to invest anything more into it.
So, this is why I want to find a newer car. I’ve never been the first owner of a car before, so I am considering that angle as well. I’m not particularly concerned with trends. I just want a dependable vehicle that costs me as little as possible for the longest period of time.
Tiny, its too bad that I live so far away from your dealership because I’d like to meet you. Thankfully, I’ve met square dealers here as well.
Reg. comments: Wow… just wow…
I was out walking when you stopped by in my chatserver! Any news on the car yet?
A-ha! Well, I was going to ask for your permission if I could use you as a character reference, so that you could vouch for my complete lack of sanity but trustworthiness in paying a debt.
I bought a car! Its a 2005 Nissan Sentra Special Edition and its in excellent shape!
YAY! Now drive me around town today!