Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
A little time goes by and she calls me from a notoriously overpriced dealer to tell me about a CX7 for $16k (non-CPO at a non-mazda dealer). Well... you ain't getting a $16k car for $200/mo, and that one is NOT good on gas. Of course, the budget has now stretched. Ok, so I inform her of a CPO RAV4 just down the street from where she is for $15,900. At least that has a good warranty and far better mileage. While she's heading there, I come across a CPO Elantra Touring a few miles in the other direction. OK, its not an SUV, but its a wagon, its got low miles, and its loaded up with leather, moonroof, heated seats, etc. Oh, and its only $12,900. So I text her those details. About 30 mins later, she informs me they are now talking lease terms on a NEW RAV4. SIGH. Nothing quite like having a plan and completely throwing it away during 1 day of shopping. In any case, I think she did OK, if not blowing away her budget. They gave her $1700 for her 150k-mile CRV that has no headlights, bad wheel bearings, and an engine apparently so far gone that her mechanic told her "don't come back with this car again." On top of that, she threw down another $2k and $230/mo. I'm not sure what model she got, but she said something about a backup camera and I believe moonroof, which would mean an XLE.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
When I bought my Mazda 5 I was looking past CPO RAV4. I see them now and say "that's a nice enough vehicle," but not regretting my decision a bit.
If going new those new HRVs look very nice.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
at least she is out of a dying money pit, did not put up too many $, and has a nice car for a relatively modest amount.
probably a modest amount of seal clubbing (her being the seal!), but I have seen much worse!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The Pilot looks nice all shined up! I think I will have to get a random orbital for the black paint on the Yukon. It has quite a few swirls. I can't see the roof, not sure I will do it (or even how I will wash it), but everything else is fair game.
or ignore it. if you can't see it, who cares?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/34581/infiniti/g35/wondering-if-you-all-think-this-used-2007-infiniti-g35-journey-is-worth-buying#latest
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/34579/general/x/can-anyone-identify-this-car#latest
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
the normal version on my HP laptop.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Guy comes out and says the battery is "marginal" and as he starts with the price I ask him to check his computer and sure enough, we replaced it in September '13 so a new one is installed gratis! Glad I service the vehicles at the same place and keep all the receipts as not sure they would've looked if the kid went in by herself. She's almost at 72k and hoping to get this puppy up to 100k before we start looking, she drives a lot for her job so don't want her in something that continually breaks down.
The Sandman
P.S. Even though she likes Nissan, plan to show her the HR-V when the time comes as I think it'll be the perfect vehicle for her needs at that time. Also, would love one in the family to be honest!! And I plan to keep my Golf for a long while!!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The "family" iPad is in Indiana today, so I can't mess with it. Guess I could turn the desktop on or play with it in Windows 10 on the old Thinkpad, but it's easier just to turn this laptop sideways.
Drove by "auto row" here this morning and it was dead. Kind of early but still. And I think my neighbor who manages a car lot is home today - probably fried from the weekend sale.
My driveway looks a little better but has issues at the apron where I can't put most cars in without turning the car just so or end up scraping the bottom of the car. The Prius can't go in at all. That one's above the kitchen in priorities. Supposed to be mid-June. Solar gets installed starting July 1.
Kid may be getting one even if last on her wish list!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Let's recap:
You wanted a cheap lease (~ $200/mo). Sell the Volvo and payoff the RDX. You didn't have a particular make / model in mind, just 4 doors and some decent amenities.
Your timeline was July/August - just in time for your daughter to return to school.
You, foolishly
Unless the daughter is willing to pay the delta between the Camry and the Legacy (what, $70-80 month?), you should take this deal. Heck, if I was offered that deal when my lease is up, I would jump on it as well.
This is .75% of MSRP - I don't see many lease deals at that rate except on the Q40 and Q50, and I know that's out of your budget.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Who buys a car in less than three months?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Stick wouldn't feel right if he bought ahead of schedule. He'd rather pay more for the lease in August.
Is it possible he's at the dealer getting a new Camry?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
did not buy yet. But did look more. No major rush, since all the prices are good through end of month. But yes, the Camry is the cheapskate deal of the year.
looked at and drove an Accord sport. was nice. Kid liked. will not be close to that price. If I bust my hump shopping, I might get a bite this weekend at $225. maybe. still, not bad.
the better news (man, I love email negotiating!) is on the Mazda. I thought it would be a non-contender. But, I now have quote in hand for a 3i touring at $205/mo. Close enough at $20/mo to let her pick which she likes. And the 3 is her dream. That and the Subaru.
honestly, how many 19 YO girls are going to fall in love with a Legacy? I guess this genetics thing might be for real. Sadly, I can't see that ever being close enough financially (I suppose I can just counter their offer when I get it (pending a return email) with "$225/mo, and I take it this weekend". If they say no, move on.
so, tomorrow we are going out to drive the camry and 3 back to back. It has been a while since she drove the 3, and she only did the Camry on a few laps of the test track. Will be interesting to see, after driving a bunch of mid size cars (Legacy, Sonata, Accord and Camry) then hopping in a compact, if she is still going to be as gaga over it!
My guess, is we pick one of 3 and Camry over the weekend and pull trigger. both are so cheap, why not? How much better could I possibly do in a few months, if not worse?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I keep thinking of doing nothing and just shipping her back in the Sonata (why did I get such a loaded car?) and finding something else for me. while it sounds like fun, if I am having trouble deciding with such a narrow requirements band, going to shop knowing I could get anything my not be conducive to making a decision (and may drive my wife insane!)
I really was just intending to do legwork this week. wasn't quite expecting such strong deals!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Tonight after I left Costco, I have to take I-95 home. Now it is somewhat of a tricky on ramp. It is an uphill, almost hairpin to the right, then you have to merge left onto the highway. Traffic is moving at a decent clip and the highway itself has a slight uphill graduation. I floored it and it just felt like the car was barely moving. With this car, if someone wants to be not nice and not let me in, there's nothing I can do but stop.
For the most part I'm used to it, but there are certain times when I need that giddy up!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I like the 3 at 205 a month.
2015 A3 2.0T quattro Premium.
Nav Package and Driver Assistance
Black over grey
Looks great. Well proportioned but it does appear to sit a bit high.
Interior size is good for a car of this size. Neither the SO or myself are big people but it was quite comfortable for us and the kiddo in the back.
The quality of the interior materials is amazing at this price point. Better in some areas than my 335i.
Fit and finish is solid of course but of course the car had 30 miles on it
Loved the 2.0 and quattro. In this application its tuned to 220hp so its comparable to a GTI with the power package.
Drives great, plenty of pick up when you need it although a bit more turbo lag than I expected. Didn't even notice the transmission shifting.
Steering is a bit light. Would be interested to drive one with the sport pack as you can adjust the steering and ride. Trunk tight but certainly functional. Not likely to be taking a family of 4 to the beach for a week in a car this size anyway.
Quick summary I realize but overall I'm impressed and its on the list to along with the GTI to replace the 335i.
Of course still too early on the lease on the BMW to do anything so while the temptation was strong, the dollars and cents still don't make sense!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I am curious about if driving and room will override style. That's why you test drive!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/34615/general/x/bank-denied-to-lease-me-what-can-i-do-now#latest
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige