Car Shopping

Witchys_Woman

I got some bad news yesterday, it's time for my Oldsmobile to go to that big scrap yard in the sky known as car heaven. I'm so bummed, I love my car, it's been on some amazing adventures however my suspension, steering and brakes are all pretty shot and it's not worth the money to fix. So off I go on a car hunt. I am thinking pre-owned from a dealership. Can anyone give me any tips? Also any reccomendations on vehices. I'm a bit overwhelmed!

wittyschaffy

Don't show your cards to a dealer - give them a middle of the road ballpark for what you want to spend.  Do your research going in about your financing options through your bank or other lender.  Make a list of "must haves" and a list of "in a perfect world..." and take that with you so you make a decision based on the things you need, not the pretty color or something more emotionally driven.  Don't buy the same day you shop. 

What kind of stuff do you plan to do with your vehicle?  We have a Ford Flex which I am in love with but we know we want to have kids down the road and we have a dog who takes up a whole seat by herself so we needed the double rows.  That would probably not be a good fit for someone without a large horse for a pet or who may not need the extra cargo room.  Overall though - I've been REALLY impressed with Ford's desire to make even the backseat a comfortable spot for adults to ride in by providing ample legroom and amenities that make your trip that much more enjoyable.  

juangela

Definitely do your research and know which make/model you want and how much you're willing to spend. I'd also do some research on pre-owned vehicles and make sure that you are getting something that is known to be good used. I think hondas might be...but I'm definitely not an expert.

Our first car was a used 2002 VW jetta...I will never buy another VW, especially not used. Good luck!!

munkii

The other two have you covered on tips for the dealership and research.  I just want to second the used VW business - stay away!  I have a 2001 Jetta, and, while it's ok now (as in it gets me from point a to point b and the seat heaters work), it's really a bit of a nightmare.  It's had oil plug problems (something people seem to complain about a lot on forums); if you let it sit out in rain too long, the coils will die; in addition to the oil plug, the car sometimes burns through oil like crazy.  Now my front passenger window button on the driver's side is giving me issues.  Don't go VW unless you go with something newer.

Cipolla2Be

I also second the no VW....I know a handful of people who have them, especially Jettas, and they are money pits/crap cars.  From my car experience, my toyota celica (2001) is still running good and I've never ever had a problem with it.  It's now my husband's "drive to airport and sit in parking lot" car, but toyotas are awesome.  We bought a Honda Pilot right after we got married and it's also awesome...and I drive it like a crazy person.  My parents had a honda accord when I was growing up and that thing lasted fooooreverrrr!    Our next car will be another Honda or Toyota. 

Milliechel67

I completely recommend used Hondas!  I drove one from about 100,00 miles to 250,000 miles and could have totally gone longer except I wanted to upgrade to something a little newer.  I got the one I have at 98,000 and it's at 210,000 now and still running like a champ.