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Buying Tips - How Do I Get the Best Deal?

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Comments

  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Yes, but the items you mention are,relatively speaking, chump change.
  • psorterpsorter Member Posts: 89
    "The abosolute cheapest way to buy and own a car is to pay cash for a 4 year old car. The biggest hit in depreciation has been used up"

    This assumes your buying wholesale, you will take a bigger instant depreciation hit driving a 4 year old used car off a dealers lot vs a new car (especially if it's certified), just look at the blue book retail vs trade in values on a 4 year old car of your choice.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    If you want a good deal stay away from here.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    ROFL!!! And to think, I almost hooked!

    -Moo
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    2 schools of thought re lowest cost of ownership. Buy it new and drive it forever or buy used and drive it as long as you can. I'm sure if you are good with cars you can do better by purchasing a good used car from an individual. I'm no car expert so I have to "buy the insurance" by purchasing new. + I enjoy driving a car I really like. Just my .02.
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    "The abosolute cheapest way to buy and own a car is to pay cash for a 4 year old car. The biggest hit in depreciation has been used up"

    This assumes your buying wholesale, you will take a bigger instant depreciation hit driving a 4 year old used car off a dealers lot vs a new car (especially if it's certified), just look at the blue book retail vs trade in values on a 4 year old car of your choice.


    Not at all. No used car depreciates more in the first two years then a new one.

    Sales people are myoptic. They only see things from inside the glass. First of all Used car dealers are more inclined to sell for less ptofit as they dont have nearly the overhead as a new car dealership. Certified cars are a joke.

    I think some manufacturers are stopping the whole certified thing. Its a forced Extended Warranty which would not otherwise be needed,

    ALL THE CARS ONE SEES ON THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS EVERYDAY ARE USED CARS.......

    Thise whole " I don't know if they took care of it or how" is just a talking point to sell new. Most people take care of their cars. Todays cars are practically idiot proof maintenance wise anyway. Even GM and Ford!! People are changing oil at 3000 miles. Not needed. everything else is electronic. Plugs last 100k any more. most scheduled mantenance is CHECK this and that..LOL

    For some people a car is their identity. They enjoy having what they think others want. ITs about image, For them there is no other choice but to buy new and often at any price.

    For the AVG Joe and those who are more inclined not to owe others but to COLLECT interest instead there are many ways to limit the expenditure for a car. Which in my world is a necessary evil not a badge of success.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    That quote in your reply to me is not mine.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Funny thing is that I stopped by that very same dealership when Suzuki introduced their SX4 and they had a $4K ADM on it. Thats on a $16K Suzuki and it wasn't for any aftermarket add on just additional markup.

    They also have a 2005 Sebring ragtop listed there for the same price. It has a lot less miles on it so its would be a better deal.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Don't worry, snake. I hear they are offering generous deals on you trade in.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    I was actually considering the Hyundai Sonata at one time, from what i've read on the forums most owners are happy with their purchase, why do they have such a low resale value? if their quality is just as good as some of the other brands?
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    It takes a long time to shake the bad press. Look at The American companies. They have been making better quality cars awhile yet they still suffer from the same reliability reputation. Hyundai s are keepers not to be traded every three years. In that regard they and KIAS are one of the best if not the best value in a car.

    Mags like Consumer Reports don't help. JD Powers reflects real world owners.

    Its interesting to note that many high line cars have MORE issues then even Fords or Chevy's. Much Like a new Steinway needs more and constant regulation and set up then a Yamaha.Rolexes need "maintenance". Timex don't although they both are equal in their primary purpose, People buy badges for badges sake sometimes.

    In my world a car is a necessary evil. Not a badge of success. When you view it that way all emotion disappears from the deal and you are able to walk any deal anytime if it does not meet with MY expectations. I have much more time to "waste" then anyone in a dealership. Time is your friend when dealing. They teach that to salespeople. Time is grind. It works both ways.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    geffen....when Hyundais first hit these shores, they're products were shoddy....just like Toyota and Honda when they first came over. Over time Toyota and Honda focused their energies on building quality cars and reasonable prices. The big 3 dismissed them. Bad move.

    Toyota and Honda have had great success with their strategy. It took them decades to get to the point they're at now, though. Hyundai is just taking a page out of Toyota's and Honda's book. It's going to take them awhile, but it looks like they're doing a good job.

    Perception is sometimes reality. Hyunai's perception as a builder of quality vehicles isn't the same as as Toyota's or Honda's. Ergo, bad resale. GIve it time, though.

    My son has an '03 Elantra. It's been a wonderful car for him. No breakdowns. No unscheduled trips to the dealer. That said, I told him to drive it until the wheels fall off. No matter how good the car has been, a 5 year old Hyundai's resale value will be in the toilet.

    I helped a friend of mine buy an '07 Sonata. It's every bit as nice as a Camry or Accord. It's quality is as good, or better. I told her the same thing. Drive it until it dies. Trading or selling it before that time, and she's going to be disappointed with what it's worth.

    If Hyundai keeps this up, in 5 years, the resale values will rise.

    Kia (owned by Hyudai) has further to go. TB, if Kia works for you, great. It's what you like. Some people like Chevies. Some like Fords. Some like Hondas.

    That's what makes the automotive landscape so rich. There's a brand, a model, a type of vehicle that fits everyone's wants/needs. Kia fits your parameters. That's why they exist...for people like you. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with folks who like Buicks, either.

    BTW....look at any trade pub, or ask any dealer you know, and they'll tell you there's more profit in used cars than new cars.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    KIA is Hyundai. Same company same culture, same quality. I really like the Rio5 SX for an around the town car. We have an Explorer for the trips and towing. I have been looking at "roller skate" cars. Easy to park, non descript, Easy at the pump and fun to drive. Eliminated the Ave0 (Daewoo), Cobalt,G5, Caliber, due to reliability issues and JD Power ratings from surveys. Yaris is butt ugly as is the Fit. Yet I am torn between the value of the Honda/Toyota at resale and the Rio. The Rio will have to be a keeper for sure or at least a car to give away to someone who needs one at some point. Trade in is not an option. Maybe some day though.

    We don't need two SUVs.

    I did recently purchase a 92 Stealth RT for fun and a hobby car. Couldn't pass up that deal. For a 15 year old car they still look pretty modern and are a hoot to drive.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Save your racial comments for elsewhere.

    KIA is Hyundai. Same company same culture, same quality.

    That's like saying Mazda is Toyota and GM is Ford.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,578
    I don't think the post was meant as racial...

    In this case, Kia is actually owned by Hyundai. It is, in effect, the same company.

    Not to put words in someone else's post, but I believe the reference was to company culture.

    regards,
    kyfdx
    visiting host

    Edmunds Price Checker
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    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

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  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    No its like saying Chevy is GM or Mercury is Ford seeing that Kia is owned by Hyundai.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • psorterpsorter Member Posts: 89
    The 2006 sonata has excellent resale value. It's the previous versions that suck.
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    Anyone have any advice on getting a good deal on the 2007 VW EOS convertible. I want the 32k model which is an automatic, I want to lease, and they have a lease special $445 with 2k or so down. 36mth, 12k. I would like to put 2-4k down, and I want my payments to be in the $300's which I know is possible. I know that it is alot to put down on a lease and not ADVISABLE, but this is the only way for me to get this car. I'll take the chance. Any advice? and any clue on the true payment I should be paying, rather than paying way over price. I really want this car, and I know its possible to get it, and for what I want within reason.

    Thanks so much!

    Also if I wait til winter, like the dead of winter, do you think I am will be able to get a better deal?!?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    I would agree with that except for the same culture part. As I don't see what culture has anything to do with the vehicles. Land Rover is owned by Ford. Does that mean that its the same company, same culture, same quality? Same with Jag and Volvo.
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    I would agree with that except for the same culture part. As I don't see what culture has anything to do with the vehicles. Land Rover is owned by Ford. Does that mean that its the same company, same culture, same quality? Same with Jag and Volvo.

    Amazing. The difference between an Explorer and a Land Rover is huge YET the Corporate culture coming from the top is the same. I would not buy a Land Rover BECAUSE its Ford owned SORRY. Look What happend to Mercedes Benz when they got into bed with an AMERICAN company.QUALITY took a dump on the Mercedes side.

    Sorry. Kia is Hyundai is KIA. Both have the same price points, Warranties and body styles. Both are very much the same in more ways then different. Both have equally good or bad reputations and similar resale values. Hardly like Ford owned companies.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Still don't get it?

    "KIA is Hyundai. Same company same culture, same quality."

    Had you said "same company same quality" that is an objective opinion. So what is the point about same culture? What does culture have anything to do with it?

    But hey, that's ok. I just call em like I see em.
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    You never heard of corporate culture? Since when is the word "culture " racist? WOW...talk about going off the deep end.

    Heres an example you might be able to relate with.

    All car dealers who use Screamer ads tend to have the same corporate culture.

    Culture yes culture. different businesses, and yes races have their own CULTURE. Google has one. Microsoft has one,
    The Chinese, the Italians as well as every race. The Japanese business culture is responsible for the great cars and their insistence on quality ahead of profit. Kaizan. The American auto business culture puts profit ahead of even safety!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    The Chinese, the Italians as well as every race.

    Those aren't races. They are nationalities.

    Yes, corporate culture is another concept entirely and may have some bearing on the deal that you get but I don't think those are the kinds of buying tips people are looking for here.

    And our Forums culture is to stay on topic. Let's get back to it. :)

    Incidentally, it's spelled kaizen - with an "e". :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • psorterpsorter Member Posts: 89
    "Thise whole " I don't know if they took care of it or how" is just a talking point to sell new. Most people take care of their cars. Todays cars are practically idiot proof maintenance wise anyway. Even GM and Ford!! People are changing oil at 3000 miles"

    Don't know about that, I know a couple people who lease cars who never changed their oil. So I would avoid leased cars. And many late models are rental returns, wouldn't want one of those. I always buy from private individuals, from wealthy neighborhoods if I can.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    bvd....not to leave you hanging with your question, I know next to nothing abot VWs, or the market for them. Maybe someone else can chime in. The only thing I'll add, it stands to reason that if you live in a snow state, that buying a convertible in the winter should yield you the best deal That is, if you can find one.

    TB...I remember those Stealths (Dodges made by Mitsubishi). Cool lookers. I think I remember they came with a turbo 6 banger with AWD, too.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    One of the best places to find cars is in over 50 retirement communities. Older fold DO take care of their cars and they sell them at good and fair prices always below what a dealer would sell the same car for.
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    i've actually had good luck with off lease cars, you can save thousands for buying a used car vs new, doesn't mean that all lease cars never have their oil changed.
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    I don't believe that either, In fact I think lessors are so scared they will OWE for the entire car they make sure to do the maintenance as required. I know I would. But then again I would never lease a car with high depreciation.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    So you changed it from culture to corporate culture?

    Bait and switch....ewwww!!
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Toyota and many Japanese companies have Mr. Deming to thank for their quality. Course he tried first with the big 3 but obviously it didn't work out.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    geffen...good point. I know in the BMW forums, a lot of people who lease their cars don't change their oll every 15,000 miles, or so....sometimes longer. Because maintenance is paid for by BMW during the warranty period, they won't offer free oil changes until the oil indicator says so. There have been reports that the "chage oil" indicator has gone as high as 19,000 miles before a change is called for. To me, that's just way, way too long. I don't care how good the oil is, or how great the engine was built. There isn't even a dip stick to check the oil.

    Would I want one of those BMWs that come off lease when the oil wasn't changed except every 15K miles? Probably not.

    I change my oil every 5,000 miles in the BMW. Do the same with my Tahoe. I'm probably being too conservative in my oil change schedules. That's just the way I am, though. I'll keep the BMW another couple of years, until the warranty is up. Whoever gets it, will have all of my service records and know that it was well cared for. Those "off-lease" BMWs? I wouldn't be so sure.

    Repairs on BMWs are not cheap....and that's being kind.

    I'm just a little leary of "off-lease" cars. I could be wrong, but I tend to think those that lease, tend to care less about taking cre of their cars because they know in 24-36 months, they'll be giving it back.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • micosilvermicosilver Member Posts: 212
    You will not get a good deal on a LEASE on '07 Eos.
    The inventory is running out, and the lease program will not get any better.
    If a dealer is stuck with unsold inventory - they can discount it for a purchase, but if lease rates are high - the payment will remain high.
    The lease might get better for '08 Eos, maybe around December, when we get enough inventory.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    So you changed it from culture to corporate culture?

    Bait and switch....ewwww!!


    Obyone, I don't even like Tbaxon and have put him on ignore. But come on man, that was so far from a racial comment it's not even funny. I read the post 3 times and figured he must have edited it. But Culture is far from racial.
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    Well i'm not leary of off lease cars they don't bother me like they do other people. Any used car you buy could be abused or misused by a previous owner you may never know that unless you are buying from a private owner with service records.
  • gjffgjff Member Posts: 1
    Someone is selling me a 73 mazda rx-3 12A no modif. in the engine a diferential 4.62, interiors like new and in paint just have a little scratches. How much would u pay for it? :confuse:
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    If you have a car that has been paid for, repairs are MUCH cheaper then a new car.

    Typically your car will usually require more in repairs from 175K to 200K miles than it takes from 15k to 175K miles. So buying a new car that will be under warranty for 30k+ miles and should run practically trouble free for 100K+ miles in the long run will be less expensive than keeping a high mileage car running as long.

    Is it less expensive to put $4000 into a new engine or transmission in an otherwise good car then spend $20,000 for a new one?

    That $4 grand will pay 9 months of payments on a 48 month loan for that $20K car. Now the question is if a car needs a new engine what other work does it need or will it need in the next 9 months or after that. If the tranny goes thats another several months worth of payments. And thats not even counting the inconvience and trouble involved in getting that car repaired.

    I do agree that once a car is paid off that you should keep on driving it. However sooner or later the cost of repairs and the cost of the time and trouble of repairing your car will exceed the payments that a new car will cost.

    -----

    Deep Breath--I agree with snake, repairs on the outgoing car were becoming dangerously close to a new car payment. The old car was 15 years old, the value has been largely driven out of it, and I feel like my self and the previous family member owner got our monies worth.
    For my car payment, I get a brand new vehicle with a warranty, fewer maintenance requirements, presumably no repairs, and in this case, slightly better fuel economy, more passive/active safety systems (including LATCH), and slightly more creature comforts (6cd changer instead of am/fm cassette woot woot). The particular car I got new was less than the used ones I had found.
    Its not my favorite car, but it made enough sense at the time. Hopefully it will be worth something when it comes time to get something more interesting.
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    15 years is a LONG time to keep a car. You got more then your money's worth after 10!

    I was referring to cars with 70K-150K. Not over 200K or even over 10 years old.

    I just bought a 92 Stealth week end driver.with 156K on it for $3k It has new JDM engine (70K) rebuilt trans. New brakes, ABS ECU, tie rods, cv + boots , Timing belt all the hoses clutch, All withing the last $15k .Everything works. Its a play toy. I would put another $4K-5K into the car if it needed it next week. Now where am I going to drive a 225 HP Sport car that one does not see everyday and looking like new $7K. NOWHERE in any dealership. And Thats BEFORE I put the $4k I have allocated for future repairs in it! Yeah I could go out and buy a 2 year old Vette and take a huge deprecation beating. Id rather put the "depreciation money" into the car rather then leave it in the dealer's bank.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    15 years is a LONG time to keep a car.

    Its becoming more and more common.

    I just bought a 92 Stealth week end driver.with 156K on it for $3k

    Good luck. Hope you didn't buy it from a middle aged slightly balding blonde haired gentleman who stands about 5 foot 8 inches tall.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    NAh it was the project of a 23 year old and his Dad. They did most of the work on it. The kid wants a 3000GT Twin Turbo he has his eye on, or a 300SX. it is Nice go Cart,and you dont see many of them it draws the younger crowd. They will buy it when Im done playing Im sure for a couple grand then put $4000 Wheels and tires on it LOL

    I think people keep cars as well because they don't look old. Cars are so non descript any more, Not like the 70's. Where a 62 Falcon LOOKED like a 62 FAlcon,I cant tell the difference between a 99 caddy and todays. or Lincoln or BMW or Lexus even..
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I think people keep cars as well because they don't look old.

    Well I think people keep cars longer now simply because they last longer. Up through the 80's cars usually started going bad after 100K or so miles. Now you can get 200K on most cars with just the basic care.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA. OMG. My insides are hurting.

    I don't know what to even say. Someone pass me a brown paper bag. I think I'm hyperventilating.

    -Moo
  • tbaxxontbaxxon Member Posts: 80
    AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA. OMG. My insides are hurting.

    I don't know what to even say. Someone pass me a brown paper bag. I think I'm hyperventilating.

    -Moo


    Here! try this gas pipe......
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Thank you! That may help. AHAHHAHAHAHHA.. . .

    Still hurting though......

    -Moo
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Glad you don't mind the extra 4-5k 'cause, more likely than not,you will be putting it in. What a waste,man. Repair money is gone forever! You could have gotten a 150 mph sport bike to play with that has less depreciation and insurance for that!
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    OMG, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard over one post. Here it is, in all its glory.

    image

    AHAHHHAHHAH. ROFL.

    Someone please stop me.

    -MOo

    Edit: Folks, the deal of the century is upon you. Impress your friends and WOW your neighbors.... Everyone wants a '92 Stealth. Here is your opportunity.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPhttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_i- - mages/4/web/2056000-2056999/2056002_4_full.jpgI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&category=620- - 6&sspagename=WDVW&viewitem=&item=330155968495&rd=1

    I know noone has bid on it yet, but please don't take that for disinterest. There are thousands of people interested in this vehicle. Get a steal like other members here at Edmunds have done before you!!!
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    It is a nice looking money pit. Except for the spoiler, but I guess he needs the down force.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    I would tend to agree also. However when I first read and reread his post it had a hint of an odor....something like Kim Chee.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_chee
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    IN '99 i bought a Silverado from a Chevy dealer. In '00 I bought another Silverado that had many problems. So much so that my service file was over 2" thick. Since I'm waiting to pickup my truck from service a sales person approaches me on the lot as I was looking at '02 Silverados. I told him I was waiting for my truck but he insisted that I should trade the junk and get a '02.

    He convinced me that it wouldn't hurt to toss some numbers around and see if we can come up with something. So I'm sitting in the office and he tells me I need to fill a credit app to begin the negotiations. I tell him my company will be buying the truck and if we agree to the numbers he can call my banker to arrange the financing.

    Well the GSM is not the same one I worked with in '99 and '00 rather a new one who tells the sales person I don't give a **** who he knows at this dealership he needs to fill a credit app or no price.

    Bottom line I told the salesperson that I wouldn't fill a credit app and its too bad about his GSM having an attitude as I started walking back to service.

    I knew the GM, F&I, and Service Managers on a first name basis though I wouldn't expect any special treatment but still couldn't understand the part about the credit app.

    BTW, I bought a Denali from the old GSM who had moved to their GMC store. When I asked him what was the others guys problem was all he said was "yeah he can be a hard *** at times". He also said they have the latitude to ask for an app or not and he couldn't understand what the problem was either since I had bought two trucks rather recently.

    Any opinions? And no I had never met the other GSM before.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    1992 was a rough year to find any kind of "classic lines". Corvette had it along with the Cadillac Allante. Park Ave was good looking that year. Mustang had a wierd front end in 92 which continued thru 93, but got a real nice makeover in 94. That was a tough time for many mfrs. Cars generally sucked wind from 1975 thru 1994.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    **...just bought a 92 Stealth week end driver.with 156K on it for $3k -- I would put another $4K-5K into the car if it needed it next week....**



    I just gotta ask.... you paid $3,000 for a "17 year old" 156,000 mile vehicle that's worth "maybe" $1,000 - and you're ready to drop another $4,000/$5,000 into the car next week..?!?

    Isn't that like paying $90,000 for a $60,000 "Extreme makeover house" that needs $40,000 in improvements...???



    Yikes.......!
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