Cars!

[Ingrid]

Most of us have/had/will have one. And seeing as how I will need a new one in the not too distant future, I thought we could use this as a place for feedback on what is going on with yours.



My current car is a 2001 Chevy Blazer. Bought it 7 years ago this summer with 76,000 miles on it. It's been a relatively good car, but I've replaced just about everything on it and my gas mileage is down to 16mpg or less even on the highway.
It's time for a new car. I'm looking for something in the Pontiac Vibe size range and in order to get my dad to co-sign(if I need it), it needs to be American. Flat out refuse to own another Ford(my last two were POS).

Any comments or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, any tips for what to ask, what not to ask/do at the dealership?

[Abraham Smashington]

SAME.

[BillyG]

Tell your dad that "American" brands mostly build overseas and Mexico, while "foreign" brands mostly build in the States. I've always found that incredibly annoying when someone says I BUY CHEVY BECAUSE ITS AMURRRICAN but it's built in fucking Monterrey, but the dude next doors Subaru is built in Indiana.

I used to say I would never own a Ford again, but guess what? They're pretty much the best "domestic" brand now. The Fiesta and Focus are amazing small cars. The Explorer is still shit though. I'm very tempted to get a Focus RS.

If you want a nice mid size car the Hyaundi Elantra is a serious ood deal. A maxed out one goes for about $19k and very nicely equipped, and Hyaundai is one of the best quality cars around.

As for going to the car dealership, never tip your hand. Before you go get a pre-approved loan from your bank or credit union. I would recommend opening a credit union account and getting pre-approved there. That way you know your interest rate and exactly what you want to spend on how long of a loan before you go. Then you're in control of negotiations. You can walk away from a car if they don't meet your requirements, and not get sucked into a good deal with hidden bad shit in it. I also like the tactic of working them to what they claim to be their lowest, tell them you're going to go look at other cars, and they can call you if they can go lower or offer some other incentive (ie: throw in the extended warranty for free). But only do this if you are prepared to walk. Don't buy the first car you like. Take time, go to several dealerships for EACH car you want. Prices could swing a couple grand depending on the dealership. All that nonsense about going to the country mega dealers? It's bullshit. Their prices won't be better, because they aren't getting the volume that the "city" dealers are.

I've bought MANY cars. Feel free to ask questions.

[BillyG]

Oh, and if you want recommendations, tell me what you're looking for and what price range. Yeah soy un cabeza de gear.

[Martin]

My current car is a 2001 Chevy Blazer. Bought it 7 years ago this summer with 76,000 miles on it. It's been a relatively good car, but I've replaced just about everything on it and my gas mileage is down to 16mpg or less even on the highway.
It's time for a new car. I'm looking for something in the Pontiac Vibe size range and in order to get my dad to co-sign(if I need it), it needs to be American. Flat out refuse to own another Ford(my last two were POS).

Any comments or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, any tips for what to ask, what not to ask/do at the dealership?

I've driven 2 Ford Escort and a Toyota Tercel. I loved the Escort, and Ford is now one of the best constructor out there due to them using their ownership of Mazda since a a decade to integrate technology to their cars.

Now, I drive a 2007 Pontiac Vibe bought brand new. And under it, it's all Toyota, as the Matrix and Vibe are the exact same car, developped by both companies together. It's all in Japanese under the hood.

And now I'm looking for a 2nd car, and due to the needs of a family, it's gonna be a Dodge Grand Caravan. I've always bitched that Chrysler sucked, but the Caravan is a staple, and the most affordable minivan out there. I'll see if I can snag a 2010 fully equipped model, but I may have to grab a 2009 OR a 2011... I'll see.

As for your choice of a Vibe-type car here's my choices:

Pontiac Vibe (2010)
Hyundai Elantra/Accent
Honda Fit
Mazda 3 hatchback
Mazda 5 if the look doesn't kill you like it does for me
VW Golf/Jetta hatchback

Stay the fuck away from:

Dodge Caliber
Saturns

As for the all-US car, sorry, but in the 21st Century, as Billy pointed out, the whole argument is retarded. Really. A quality car is a quality car, and Ford, Chrysler and GM have plants in Mexico!

And the whole see more than one seller for a specific brand is correct too.

[BillyG]

I will echo the love for Mazda 3. Fucking amazing sporty car. And it says Mazda, but it's owned by Ford so I guess your dad would sign?

[Ingrid]

Billy, thank you! I'm sure I will have questions forthcoming but for now I wanted to address this from you and Martin:

As for the all-US car, sorry, but in the 21st Century, as Billy pointed out, the whole argument is retarded. Really. A quality car is a quality car, and Ford, Chrysler and GM have plants in Mexico!

I agree that his logic is fucking ridiculous. I've know his hatred of foreign cars was stupid since I was old enough to know what a 'foreign' car was. But as I said, if I need a co-signer(which I don't think I will), then I need to at least act serious about buying 'American'.

My ideal car? A Subaru Outback. Built a stones throw from here in a 'green' plant. Safe, reliable, good gas mileage, long running and the space I want= Unfortunately, they are way out of my price range right now.

[BillyG]

Subaru is pretty much amazing regardless of model you pick. I would love to get my hands on an Impreza.

[Martin]

:



I agree that his logic is fucking ridiculous. I've know his hatred of foreign cars was stupid since I was old enough to know what a 'foreign' car was. But as I said, if I need a co-signer(which I don't think I will), then I need to at least act serious about buying 'American'.

My ideal car? A Subaru Outback. Built a stones throw from here in a 'green' plant. Safe, reliable, good gas mileage, long running and the space I want= Unfortunately, they are way out of my price range right now.

Subaru is the shit. A bit pricey, but great cars. I like the new Forester. And the Impreza, rally Edition? Nnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg

[Anderson]

[gravedigger]

YES

I have a 2006 (I think) Honda Pilot. It's great. Handles like a car but has plenty of room for all the shit we haul when we go anywhere. Mileage isn't wonderful but is a lot better than the Dodge Durango I drive for work. That thing chugs gas like Charlie Sheen at an open bar.

[Matt]

I will echo the love for Mazda 3. Fucking amazing sporty car. And it says Mazda, but it's owned by Ford so I guess your dad would sign?

I had one of these for a rental car when my Audi was in the shop. It was a fun little car and was an absolute BLAST to drive.

[Ingrid]

So two years and at least a couple thou more thrown at it, my car has finally reached the end of my tether. Hopefully by this time next week I will be the proud owner of a new car. It would be sooner, but it's inventory time at work so I don't get a day off this week.


God, can this week just be over?

[BillyG]

Picked any cars to look at yet, Ingrid?

[JLynnCarr]

Yeah, whatcha lookin' at to replace your wheels, Ingrid?