Buying My First New Car

[davidmc467]

I enjoyed the feedback on my slab vs. crawlspace thread from everyone. I have another thread for you all. I am buying my first new car very soon. Any suggestions on brand and make out there? Used vs. new?

We are moving to Chapin, and I will be commuting to my office in Columbia on Devine St. everyday. So, I know I want a car because the better gas mileage is important to me.

I've only driven Nissan cars, so naturally they're the first place I've looked. However, I enjoy my wife's Toyota Corolla, it is a nice ride. Also, I hear good things about Hyundai. What do you all think?

[Captain9Dragons]

i have a Corolla (great gas sipper) but pine for a Civic

[cockypanther]

My first car (Mazda 3) got totaled about a year and a half ago so I was recently in the car market. I bought a 2012 Hyundai Sonata and I love my car. It has good gas mileage, some good amenities such as XM radio, a sun roof, push start system, paddle shifters, good trunk space. All around I am very satisfied with the car and it also has a kick ass warranty. I would recommend at least going to test drive it and see what you think.

[uscgmck]

Gas milege vs coming home to baby doll

[2000grad]

A Camry is a great car

[usc90grad]

Go with a Toyota, Honda or Nissan....all are very reliable and they make some that get excellent gas mileage. The resell valve will be better on them too, especially Toyota and Honda. I'm not a big fan of US makes or especially Hyundais since their resell values stink. Deciding between a Toyota and a Hyundia is like deciding between steak or a hamburger. If you can afford a Toyota, I would definitely go that route.

If your credit is good, you should able to get a killer interest rate on a new one....1.9 to 2.9%. So factor that in when looking at new vs used. And some dealers will give you new car financing on a 1 or 2 year old car if they certify it. That's what I did...bought a 2011 in 2012 and got 1.9%.

[ColaCock]

My advice is don't buy new. Take advantage of someone else who made that mistake.

Buying a new car is simply a bad investment, although I know there are many people who can't resist and "need" the new feeling.

[davidmc467]

Originally Posted by ColaCock

My advice is don't buy new. Take advantage of someone else who made that mistake.

Buying a new car is simply a bad investment, although I know there are many people who can't resist and "need" the new feeling.

Do you tend to stick to a mileage range when looking used? Do you have a mileage ceiling?

[johnnyb]

Originally Posted by ColaCock

My advice is don't buy new. Take advantage of someone else who made that mistake.

Buying a new car is simply a bad investment, although I know there are many people who can't resist and "need" the new feeling.

this is true in many cases, but not every case, for example this time last year I could have bought a new van (2012 with 3 miles on it Chrysler T&C) for less after rebates than 2010s and 2011s with 25-30k miles on them (same make/model) the same is not true right now, because there is not as much rebate money.

once you determine what you are buying, look into the used market and the available incentives on new vehicles and use that to determine if you are better off buying new or used.

I ran into nearly the same situation about 5 years ago when looking for a new car for my wife, she liked the Nissan Altima, and you could get a brand new model for within about $1000, of the same car except a year older and with 25k plus miles on it...to me, if I am looking for a newer/low mileage vehicle, and can buy new and have the new factory warranty for not much difference, thats the route I will go

[uscgmck]

I have used this site to help determine good vs bad deals on late model used cars. It is just another tool to help with getting your thoughts together. Shows bad or good deals and why.

http://www.cargurus.com/

[GotSpurrier82]

I've never had a brand new, straight off the lot car. I've always had new-to-me (used) cars. My first one was a Toyota Corolla. Great little car that was really good on gas mileage. The current car I have now (#4) is a Ford Escape. As far as SUVs go, it's very decent on gas. It is, however, a small SUV and I have been told it's girlie (I mean, it's black but...okay). I wanted a black SUV with leather seats and a sunroof...and that's exactly what I got. Just throwing in my two cents.

[PageUSC]

Originally Posted by ColaCock

My advice is don't buy new. Take advantage of someone else who made that mistake.

Buying a new car is simply a bad investment, although I know there are many people who can't resist and "need" the new feeling.

This is my advice too! I strongly suggest to buy used. I bought a new Camry. Worst financial decision I ever made. Buy something about 3 years old. Just as good and save tons of $$$

[nicstockman]

I'm 30 and I'm on my 13th vehicle (cars, trucks, SUV, or motorcycle) and I've owned every single one of them. Never leased. And none of them were new. The key is to make sure you've done your research. Something a lot of people don't ever ask themselves is how long they intend on driving the car. That's important to know because if you plan on having it for 5+ years then you should start to consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which takes into account average maintenance and upkeep. You might be surprised at what cars turn up on some of the TCO reports.

Also, if better gas mileage is important to you, put in the high grade gas - no matter what car you purchase.

[nicstockman]

Originally Posted by davidmc467

Do you tend to stick to a mileage range when looking used? Do you have a mileage ceiling?

I know you didn't ask me but here's my opinion on this matter:

The average is supposed to be 12-15k miles a year. However, I also feel that this should be increased because I feel that most people will drive more than this per year. And the reality is, a lot of people put a bit too much stock in mileage sometimes. I put over 30K miles on my Avalanche last year but you'd never know it because I take good care of my vehicles and keep up with the regular maintenance.

[keegthecock]

New or used depending on how long you intend to own it. If you are like me & keep your cars for 10 years or so, then a new buy is not a bad idea. I have owned & like Nissans, I have owned a Kia and it was a great car. Owned a Chevrolet pick up & loved it. Only car I can say unequivocally not to buy is a Saab. Owned 2 of them & both were POS. If I were shopping today, my first stop would be Ford to look at their new Hybrids if I were going for a car that gets great gas mileage.

[Acockolypse Now]

Don't buy new.

You lose money the moment you turn out of the lot.

[ColaCock]

Originally Posted by johnnyb

this is true in many cases, but not every case, for example this time last year I could have bought a new van (2012 with 3 miles on it Chrysler T&C) for less after rebates than 2010s and 2011s with 25-30k miles on them (same make/model) the same is not true right now, because there is not as much rebate money.

You are talking about a year difference...there are year old cars still on some lots, so your comments do not surprise me.

I am talking about buying a 3-4 year old vehicle...or older. You will save a TON of money, no doubt about it.

[johnnyb]

Originally Posted by ColaCock

You are talking about a year difference...there are year old cars still on some lots, so your comments do not surprise me.

I am talking about buying a 3-4 year old vehicle...or older. You will save a TON of money, no doubt about it.

Of course you will see a huge difference there, you are comparing apples and oranges...

[ColaCock]

Originally Posted by johnnyb

Of course you will see a huge difference there, you are comparing apples and oranges...

Because I was comparing used versus new...which...is apples versus oranges.

[johnnyb]

Originally Posted by ColaCock

Because I was comparing used versus new...which...is apples versus oranges.