Smart Shopper - Suggest a topic of discussion

Sylvia

Have you looked through the list of Smart Shopper discussions and don't see where to post your question? Maybe a new discussion needs to be created...feel free to suggest one here. We'll either open a new discussion or direct you to the best place to ask your question or provide comments.

Happy Shopping!

sphinx99

I didn't see a topic for the following: Buying the $1000 car.

Specifically, what are the things to look for when in the market for a true beater: something with a ~ $1000 price tag where the expectation is that it doesn't necessarily even need to last very long.

CarMan@Edmunds

That is an excellent idea for a new discussion, sphinx99. I just did a little searching through the archives for the Smart Shoppers Message Board and came across the following two discussions on this subject Good "beaters" and Beater cars: how do you find one?. We should be able to merge these into one larger discussion and bring them back to life. I will mention your idea to Town Hall management right away.

Thanks and keep the ideas coming.

Car_man
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Sylvia

has been brought back from the archives.

Enjoy!

93fsu1

I'm not goping to get anything near what I need for my 96 Integra on trade in. So how about a discussion on best ways to sell it. Advertising, how to deal with paperwork, financing, etc.

black_tulip

There is already such a discussion:
janar99 "Advice on selling your car" Aug 2, 2003 5:18pm

xippy

Hi: I live in New York, but I'm thinking about buying a used truck from a dealer in California and driving it back to NY.

I'm curious as to what is involved in doing that, from a registration, insurance, and licensing issue?

Ideally I want to walk in, find what I want, buy it, and drive it home. Is it possible to do that, or would I need to wait to get a temporary registration for NY State after the sale?

If anyone has had a similar experience, I'd love to know what was involved.

stickguy

It is quite common to buy in one state and register in another. Normally you just get a temporary transport tag from the state you buy it any (30 days usually), and register it in your home state.

Some dealers can do the DMV work for multiple states, but usually when they are close by, so I don't think it applies in your case!

KCRam

Hi xippy

you might want to look over these 2 discussions here in Smart Shopper:

Any Questions for a Car Dealer?
Car Transport Companies

Season's Greetings!
kcram
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jeff186

How about this for a topic? I've heard that buyers can make great deals on car models that are in their final year before a redesign. With the Toyota Avalon, Pathfinder and Xterra all set for redesigns in Model Year '05, as examples, does that mean I can get a really great deal on the '04 models? Let's open this up for discussion.

jeff186

I remember Nissan was offering a really super deal on the '03 Maxima in early C.Y. 2003 just before the redesigned '04 Maximas went on sale...$2K rebates AND low financing rates as I recall. Much better than previous offers.

carthell

Except for certain fixed price subsidiaries of a major U.S. consumer electronics retailer and car manufacturer, I've found the experience contentious across the board, which gives me headaches.

Do the British get put through the ringer? What about an Brazilian? What do the Japanese go through when buying a car?

-d

KCRam

Hi carthell

Only because Edmunds is a USA-based site and provides prices for vehicles sold in this counttry, there isn't much call for buying experiences out of the country, with the likely exception of Canada because US and Canadian vehicles are fairly comparable.

kcram
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j2thomas

How about a new topic - buying cars online via a reverse auction? You pick the car and the options you want and the site hooks your want list up with at least 10 local dealers that bid on selling you the car you want.

I'm wondersing what the experience here is? Any good? Bad? Sounds like a great way to get the best price, the dealers are fighting themselves and saves the buyer a lot a running around.

KCRam

hi j2

Your subject of reverse auctions would probably be handled best in the existing
"Internet vs Traditional Car Buying" discussion.

kcram
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barbjack

Any discussion boards on this?

KCRam

Hi barbjack

You probably want to read through "Any Questions for a Car Dealer" - if you don't see an answer to your question, that would be the place to ask.

kcram
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timliz

If a car has very low mileage (~5,000-10,000), but is an '01 with only months left on the warranty, is this mileage still as valuable? It seems it might be better to get a later car with about equal months and miles left under warranty, but I can't help thinking that low miles are always best. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

turboshadow

... best used vehicle for < $10K and less than 30K miles?

KCRam

Hmmm...

Not a bad idea, but would you also have an age consideration? While not beaters, you can find a lot of "granny cars" in this category of elderly drivers who don't dribve much or have stopped driving and no one has operated the car for some period of time.

kcram
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turboshadow

Gosh, you're right. OK, this is arbitrary as all get out, but say no older than a 2000 model.

Sound good?

rich48

I drove a 2000 Acura TL with 60000 miles and am wondering If I should keep the car for another year or so or trade now. As the car ages it will require more maintenance and the value continues to decline. Does it pay to keep the car or take advantage of the equity and drive a new car. Any thoughts?

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi rich48. The purpose of this particular discussion is for community members to suggest general topics that they would like to see discussions created about here on the Smart Shoppers Message Board. I think that you will have much better luck getting an answer to your question if you were to post it in one of the main Acura TL discussions. To quickly answer your question, used vehicles are usually less expensive to operate than similar brand new vehicles. However, there is something to be said for the joy that driving a new vehicle provides. You need to decide if your desire to drive a new car justifies the additional expense of doing so.

Car_man
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bobst

Since you asked the question, you must be tired of the old clunker. Every dime you spend on maintenance will irritate you. You want a new car, so go out and get one.

uga91

I was wondering if anybody pays Additional Dealer Markup. I did not see a discussion for it. I was at my local Jeep/Chrysler dealer today getting an oil change (because they're free) and I had my 3 year old with me. He loves VW Beetles. The same guy who owns the Chrysler dealer in my town also owns Hyundai, VW and Honda. As we were walking from the Chrysler dealer, I looked at the sticker on a PT Cruiser convertible and it had $995 ADM tacked on. I thought it was because it was a convertible, but I looked and regular PTs had it as well as Town & Country vans and the Jeep vehicles as well. Walking through the Hyundai lot I looked at the sticker on a nice looking Santa Fe and saw $1995 of ADM tacked on. All the Hyundais I looked at had it. When I got next door to the VW dealer, all VWs had $2300 of ADM tacked on. My question is: Is anyone out there foolish enough to pay it? Do dealers get it? I moved here from Atlanta a couple of weeks ago and there is no such thing as ADM in that market. I guess the fact that there is only 1 choice for each car brand allows this? Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone out there really pays this. Thanks.

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi uga91. ADM stickers are a real pet peeve of mine. They annoy me enough that I personally would not purchase a new vehicle from a store that uses them. They basically exist to take advantage of uneducated shoppers and to make those who have done a little research think that they are getting much better deals than they really are. This sounds like an excellent topic for the following discussions: in2dadark "Inconsiderate Salespeople...." Apr 17, 2004 8:20pm and sysop "Dealer's Tricks - bait & switch, etc." Apr 12, 2004 5:33am.

Car_man
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david4862

Hi,
I am interested if any of my fellow auto enthusiasts were able to get assistance from the
dealer with repairs after the warranty expired.
What kind of experiences had people encountered?

                                      Thanks,
                                      David

jlawrence01

I have had good luck dealing with Ford dealers on post-warranty adjustments on transmissions past the 36K mile warranty. I want to make it clear that the adjustment does NOT mean a completely free repair but in most cases it has been well over 50% of the cost.

I have had the opposite experience with a Honda dealership on a blown engine at 50k despite the fact that all scheduled maintenance was completed and documented. I was prepared to pursue legal action but my sister dumped the car and bought a Saturn.

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi David. That is a very interesting topic for a new discussion here on the Smart Shoppers Message Board. Thanks for the suggestion. I just created a new discussion, which is appropriately enough titled "Secret Warranties." Please feel free to discuss this subject there. Thanks.

Car_man
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kris3

How about general model vs. model questions...I am juggling several models and would love input on this vs. that one!

newbie_buyer

I've been trying to find basic info about temporary insurance from the dealership when I buy my car and can't seem to locate the right forum. I tried in insurance, but no responses yet over there ....

Basically, need to know how this insurance works and if it's negotiable, because if so I want to get it settled before I commit to the car so they don't really hit me with a high rate that I am in no position to turn down. I have no idea how all this works, but seems to me it should be part of the negotiating process ....

Maybe someone can direct me to the right thread?

KCRam

Hi Kris

Smart Shopper is intended to be a general area of discussion that relates to as many vehicles as possible. Having specific model discussions here would not only become increasingly cumbersome, but we have discussions for all the models already in the body-style message boards. If there are certain cars you wish to compare, just enter them in the Search boxes in the left margin, and you will likely find whhere someone has already compared the models you're thinking of, or can answer your questions in the existing discussions.

kcram
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KCRam

Hi Newbie

The discussions you likely want are:
Questions About Auto Insurance & Accidents

Any Questions for a Car Dealer?

kcram
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hates_crooks

How about a topic for people to talk about their experiences with auto dealers, Good and bad. It will be nice to know where to go for a deal and where to avoid. If there is already a forum on this please direct me.

driftracer

"Inconsiderate Buyers", "Considerate Buyers" and "Any Questions for a Car Dealer" - all in the Smart Shopper area.

jkwtrade

Car buying has 3 separate components, purchase price, trade-in value, and financing. There are message boards for prices paid and real world trade-in values.

Is there a message board that deals with the interest rates people were quoted and eventually charged based upon their FICO or other credit issues? Does one company have cheaper rates than another, ie. Ford vs. Toyota?

blackhat

Hello!

I have some questions about the two types of transmissions:

1.) Do manual/stick shift cars do better, generally, than automatic cars with regard to fuel efficiency?

2.) Are manual transmissions less expensive to repair than an auotmatic transmission?

Ever since I learned to drive stick, I have prefered manual cars. But, I've been driving an automatic for the past 4+ years because I live in an area of the country (L.A.) where driving an automatic is "smart", and was strongly urged to get automatic.

But, I miss my 5-speed driving experience. They are cheaper to buy than auto... and if they are also better on gas AND easier/less expensive to repair, then.......

steine13

1.) Manual transmission generally use less gas than automatics. But it is not a big deal anymore. You can do quite well with a good auto and a light right foot. Or you can do not-so-great while flogging a manual... ask me how I know...

2.) Repair? Quality transmissions of either type should last the life of the car. Manuals almost never break, with the exception of Ford Ranger, Escort, and Contour trannies... no idea why... Automatic transmission from reputable manufacturers, such as GM or the Japanese, rarely fail.

Autos are the volume sellers, to the point where it costs the manufacturers *more money* to sell you a stick... but they still charge you $800+ for the automatic anyway...

Finally, try a stick on your normal commute. I prefer a stick in general and own two of them, but it can get tiresome.

-Mathias

Kirstie_H

Hi jkwtrade -
We have a couple of discussions that I think might fit the bill:
Questions About Financing New Vehicles
Rebates, Incentives, APRs

If these don't cover the issue you're wanting to discuss, just drop back in here and let us know - we're always happy to start new discussions based on what our members want to talk about.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

blackhat

Mathias,

Thanks for the tips!

Interesting about the automatic vs. manual pricing! Hmmmm....!!!

The car I have my eye on for next year - The Mini Cooper - costs $1,300.00 for an automatic model.

I have to admit to myself that the past two morning commutes would have been harsh had I been in a manual car... and it is the norm rather than the exception with traffic out here in L.A.(!).

steine13

Get a stick. If it's one thing the German's aren't known for, it's great automatics. Plus, what would be the point of a Mini Cooper with an auto? Behind a 3.8l V6, that's one thing... but behind most fourbangers, you're better off with a manual.

Hey, I know! Pretend you're Italian, that should help... the market for automatics there is ~ 3-4 %...
-Mathias

stickguy

the mini at is also a CVT, so yo have to get used to a different experience.

wibble

"Get a stick. If it's one thing the German's aren't known for, it's great automatics."

Same goes for most of Europe!

"Pretend you're Italian, that should help... the market for automatics there is ~ 3-4 %..."

Even less than that in the U.K. Pass the driving test in an automatic there and you get a licence that only lets you drive autos!

Kirstie_H

Ahem...pick another discussion, please!
If you want to have the Automatic vs Manual discusison re-opened, just let us know.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

wibble

Taking delivery of a car in Europe when buying one of the more upmarket European brands is becoming increasingly popular. Would it be worth having a forum for that subject rather than having posts spread around the individual makes?

CarMan@Edmunds

Thanks for the suggestion, wibble. There actually is already a discussion on purchasing vehicles through manufacturers' European Delivery programs here on the Smart Shopper Message Board, it just has not been very active lately. Here is a link to it: "European Delivery: Experiences, Advice & Info". Check it out and post a message or two. Doing so may prompt others to visit there as well.

Car_man
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mac24

Now that the popular 'Inconsiderate Salesmen' and 'Inconsiderate Buyers' have become 'read only' (due to some postings by inconsiderate salesmen and buyers), how about a combined topic as suggested in the title?

Kirstie_H

That's recipe for the World War III of message boards, and thus is unlikely to happen.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

smittynyc

Kirstie,

I have to say that the decision to shut down Inconsiderate Buyers/Salespeople was short-sighted at best and at worst runs completely against what (I think) Edmunds's mission statement is. Isn't Edmunds about helping people learn about all aspects of car ownership, including the buying process?

Just because there was a lot of noise and confrontation and "off-topic" posting doesn't mean the "Inconsiderate" threads weren't chock-full of valuable lessons for consumers. I think it was the best place to learn how to conduct (or not to conduct) yourself in a dealership and how to best present your offer on a purchase or lease. Plain and simple.

Consider this my plea to reinstate those threads. I know many others feel the same way, and I hope they let you hear about it.

Thanks,

Tim

jwilliams2

Tim, I completely agree. I don't understand what the problem is. This site is for learning and entertainment for most of us. Those two topics were the main reason I log onto Edmunds every day. Without them, well...its a much less interesting place to visit.......Oops, now this thread is a "read only"......See ya!

KCRam

Comments on Edmunds/Town Hall policy should be made at Ask The Town Hall Hosts, not here.

kcram
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