I need a new car :-( Help?

[equus_peduus]

According to the mechanic, it is no longer worth spending any more money on my current car. I am sad. I also have never really gone car shopping (parents let me have this car after they got a new car) so I am afraid. I sort of looked around a little a few months ago, and was scared away and hoped this car would keep going. Apparently not.

Current car: 1989 Toyota Camry station wagon, manual transmission.

Thoughts:
- I noticed when looking around a little that all the new cars have lots of airbags in such a way that it makes the windows a little smaller and the columns a little wider. The current style seems to be for smaller windows in general anyway. My car has no airbags (hence no need to make the columns wide and restrict my field of vision)
- I like the station wagon aspect, but don't need it, but it's nice. Definitely don't want anything bigger. However, the station wagon was able to fit my fishtanks when I moved.
- I don't want worse gas milage than I already get (usually 24-26mpg, mostly city-type driving. Yes, I calculate with each tank of gas.)
- I don't want too expensive (i.e., don't want to pay interest and ultimately pay more than the car is worth on something that's depreciating as it sits in the parking space. What's the catch on those 0% interest deals out there?)
- I want a car that will last. I don't want to have to get a new car in 3 or 5 years. More like 10 or 20 years. With, of course, minimal maintenance.

With the little looking around I did, I liked the Toyota Matrix (except for the dashboard design) and the Corolla. Did not like the Honda Fit but am willing to reassess. Have not tried the Civic. Tried Mini Cooper, I found the stick shift layout confusing but could learn it. I am ok with manual (and that seems to cost less anyway). Have basically not visited any other dealers, I was exhausted by that much. Curious about Smart Car, but probably won't get one (might visit the dealer though).

New vs used? What is the reliability of a used car? How do you wade through the dross on Craigslist/etc? A lot of used-car-dealers seem to post there... worth looking? Any makes (why are brands of cars called makes?) to stay away from? Hybrid? And most importantly... what am I going to do with my cassette tape collection?

 

[eroomlorac]

My dream car is a Subaru Outback. Check them out. Also, there's the Subaru Forrester but it's a little bigger.

 

[Lmbswimmer]

The newer Subaru's are not as good as the older ones, we ran into some serious maintenance with ours. After talking with our mechanic what we ran into is a very common problem that is now occuring that they have become so popular. Kind of like comparing the 80's Toyotas to the 2000 Toyotas. Same thing happened - over priced crap.

If you can get a non lemon of a Subaru that are a wonderful car for mountanous or winter weather areas. If you don't have either then don't spend the money on it.

There is not much out there that I am impressed with, sorry I can't help you more. 10-15 years ago I would have said Toyota, Subaru, or Honda.

I would say stay away from Ford and Chevy. Their stuff breaks way too fast and is always in the shop (my experience). Had a Taurus and 2 escorts, put 3 engines in the 2 escorts, and a new tranny in the Taurus.

The only catch I am aware of with 0% financing is your credit has to be A+. Otherwise it is a great deal, that is what my parents usually do. To get a feel for used vehicles you can always go to car dealers and test drive their used stuff also. You can sometimes find a really good deal on the used lots. Take your time, not many people buying cars right now, so don't get swayed with the if you walk out of here it will be gone by tomorrow thing. Play the dealers against each other.

If you decide on a specific car, like the Toyota Corolla then go to at least 2 different dealers and get quotes, and then play them against each other and see if they will come lower. Always haggle the total cost, not the payments, go in with your own financing if you can. Check with your local banks, even some car insurance places have loans (state farm does and has free gap insurance). Also, tell them no trade in, and then once you settle on a price ask what they would give you off of that price for your car. One of ours was worth nothing on trade in and it went to the crusher and we got a few hundred cash to use towards our excise tax.

 

[tunes]

As mentioned, you need really good credit for the 0% financing, and the only other thing is your payments will be higher because you only have the loan for a shorter period of time. Some people finance their cars for 7 years (insane), but I "think" the longest you can go with the 0% is 2 years. If you can swing the higher payments, it's actually a great way to buy a car because in 2 years it's done and if you hate it and want to trade it in, you've still got value in the car and no need to worry about them giving you a pay off.

 

[arf2184]

When figuring out what you can afford payment wise, don't forget to think about insurance too. If your making payments, you have to have full coverage (not just liability). You want that with a new car anyway. When you figure out what kind of car you want, check with your insurance to see how much insurance will cost you.

I too am car shopping. I have a '93 Corolla with over 210,000 miles on it. I'm very attached to my car and don't want to give it up. Its going good at the moment, but I've had to put a couple thousand in repairs into it in the last year. I calculate gas too and in shopping, I'm sad to say I will probably have to give up my 30 mpg. I wasn't real thrilled with the newer Camry or Corollas, and I want something a bit bigger that the dogs can ride in easier.

I've been considering a Suburu Outback, Forrester or a RAV4. After the last few winters, the 4WD is a big plus, though I wish they got better gas mileage.

The Toyota Matrix is a cute car!

 

[eroomlorac]

Lmbswimmer, that is so sad to know. I love the Subaru Outback. :cry3:

 

[Lmbswimmer]

The Subaru while it ran was a very good car, its condition probably was not helped by the fact that my husband delivered mail in it.

My parents have owned Subaru's for over 15 years now, they lease through their business. This year both vehicles are up, one has already been replaced with a Nissan, and the other will be replaced with something that is not a Subaru. They live in VT, and are giving up their Subaru's due to how poorly they are being made lately.

 

[eroomlorac]

The Subaru while it ran was a very good car, its condition probably was not helped by the fact that my husband delivered mail in it.

My parents have owned Subaru's for over 15 years now, they lease through their business. This year both vehicles are up, one has already been replaced with a Nissan, and the other will be replaced with something that is not a Subaru. They live in VT, and are giving up their Subaru's due to how poorly they are being made lately.

:tantrum:

 

[Tiatrack]

The Subaru while it ran was a very good car, its condition probably was not helped by the fact that my husband delivered mail in it.

My parents have owned Subaru's for over 15 years now, they lease through their business. This year both vehicles are up, one has already been replaced with a Nissan, and the other will be replaced with something that is not a Subaru. They live in VT, and are giving up their Subaru's due to how poorly they are being made lately.

Your experience is entirely the opposite of everyone else I have every talked to. I have an Outback, my husband had a Forester (sold it when we moved XC), my sister has a WRX, and my dad has an SVX. Between us we span from 1992 to 2006, and all are running excellently with no issues ever.

 

[Vera]

My mom drives a Subaru forester and she loves it.

as for new vs used, I would go used. You can get a used car that is practically new. Cars lose so much value when you drive it off the lot, so if you can find a "like new" used car you don't have to pay for that money you would in a new car... if that makes sense.

 

[Spoof]

I agree, I'd go used or recertified. I really like what Hondas have been putting out lately and they hold their resale value better than any other car on the market.

Outbacks are a close second.

New vs used? What is the reliability of a used car? How do you wade through the dross on Craigslist/etc?

If I knew for sure I was going to England you could have mine. It's an '89 Olds and only has 130K on it. Old grannymobile. I always look for older, granny owned cars. I just start calling in the paper - if it's an old person I go look.

They normally do routine maintenance, drive real gentle and only get in little fender benders. Makes for nice older used vehicles.

New cars lose 3-5K the day you drive them off the lot. That's a lot!

Good luck!

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

What about a Honda Accord?

I had a Kia Sephia that got really good gas mileage. My dad really liked that car and wanted me to keep it but I couldn't drive it.

 

[Brittney]

I've been looking for a new car also. Not new as in brand new, just a new one to me, AKA, Used. Went to a Ford dealer to check out their selection of used cars because they had a radio commercial claiming that they had over 1,000 used cars " on their lot ” What a load of bull. For me, it was like taking a kid to a candy store, teasing them a bit, and then telling them they can't buy anything. I'm definitely a truck girl never driven a car, and the ones they were showing me were tiny clunker cars.

Apparently the Cash for Clunkers program has definitely made things better for people looking to buy a NEW car, but for the people looking for a USED car, it kind of screwed them over. Technically any used car now days is considered a "clunker" and they have all been destroyed to basically get them off the road, so I was SOL, and even went to used car dealers in Phoenix. Not such a bright idea. For 1, they are all in a rough part of town and it was just my mom and I, 2, none of the places had the CARFAX, so mom and I had to copy the VIN, jump in the car, load op the laptop and check. Some we didn't even find a report for it. And 3, many people in Phoenix don't speak such great English, so we were force to non and smile for most of it, they gave us cars to test drive on empty, and when asked they told us we would have to pay them $10 to fill it up to take it out. It was such a nightmare! We have decided buying from a private seller is probably better. I can get what I want in my price range since a lot of people are selling their cars simply because they need money, and we are helping someone out at the same time, and you can usually talk them down to the price you are willing to spend.

I'm now going to look at a 1998 Dodge Ram with a 12 inch lift from a private seller. I swear, I died and went to heaven when I saw it. The guy needs it gone ASAP, and is willing to drop the price up to a grand! I'm so excited!

Also, I was just told this by my mother. She over heard people talking in Circle K that Used car places buy cheap cars off of craigslist, and price them higher for their profit. Kind scary. I'd rather talk directly to the person who has owned it, IMO.

 

[AZChins]

I have a Mercury Sable Wagon that has 105k miles on it and it has never had any mechanical problems at all in the three years I have had it.

I was in a really bad car accident in June of 06 with my last wagon, it was the same type that I have now and I was able to walk away with a fairly minor injury. The Taurus and Sable both have excellent front impact ratings and fairly decent side impact ratings.

The reason why this is a pretty attractive wagon is that they are 1) cheap because they made millions of them and they have no resale value 2) they have a ton of space inside 3) they're relatively safe 4) the gas mileage is between 24 and 28 mpg (for me) 5) it's a fairly comfortable car and 6) It's American! Any of them made after 98 seem to be more reliable...with the exception of the 2001 and possibly 2002s.

Anyway...I like wagons. I can fold down the seats and transport cages and other large things.

 

[AZChins]

Brittney, I hope you can get the truck you want! You poor thing, you've been held hostage at home....

 

[Brittney]

Maybe I should start looking at gas mpg. The one I'm looking at isn't best on gas. Now, if its diesel, then that's a different story, diesel lasts longer. I'm not sure about the terminology, but it is a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 V-10 4X4.

Hmm, I just called and asked. it is a diesel (YAY!) and it gets 20 MPG... hmmm

 

[Rickman]

If you get it, P.M. me and I'll give you some mileage tips that work real well!

 

[Parka]

Whatever you do, for the love of whatever's holy, don't buy a Kia or Hyundai.. yes, they've improved.. yes, they have a great warranty.. but you'll USE it. And maybe the repairs are free, but what's the point of having a car if it's always at the dealer being repaired? And it's not going to last 10 years, and it probably won't make it to the mileage limit either. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt--but I had one at 55,000 where the front tie rod broke after just being in for maintenance two days earlier. It was front wheel drive. The result wasn't pretty. The second one is at 49,000 and the transmission is dying, among other things.

I'm also looking into new cars.. you can go online and look up the estimated cost of ownership, and as others said, make sure you take insurance into consideration as well. Also check safercar.gov to make sure the car that looks like a great deal won't get you killed. I haven't found anything I liked--the gas mileage stinks and the advice others have given about other brands is pretty much the same thing I've heard. Let us know if you find something good!

 

[Parkerspetchins]

Love, love, love my Subaru Outback, I have had it for 6.5 years with only scheduled maintenance and it still looks good. The one issue I did have the dealer fixed for free, it was a freak thing. My next car will probably be a Subaru as well ). They are supposed to last forever so you could look into a used one and get a great deal.

 

[CerLynn]

Hondas are usually nice and reliable for a decent price (and good resale value) - I have an 07 Civic with zero issues so far, and have friends who have had Civics for many more years without many, if any, problems. I'd assume Accords would be similar. Scott had a used 96 Subaru Legacy going for many years before replacing it with a WRX this year, and loved both. So either brand would be a good choice, IMO.