buying a new (used) car again. Suggestions?

[liv]

So we need a new car. But what to get?? I do not like car buying. What is your best advice. I need a starting point.

[EverLosing]

LOVE our Nissan vehicles. I'm also particularly fond of Honda if there's a dealership near you. If you buy used, buy a certified used car from a dealership if possible. It's usually easier to get a rock bottom price at the end of the month too because they don't want to pay taxes on their inventory. I don't know what size your family is but the Altima is awesome and so is the Accord. A good place to check out different pics of the different cars is CarMax - Browse used cars and new cars online. I studied there before my last purchase just to be familiar with all the different options and to feel less overload while an eager young salesman was blithering at me! I read a report the other day that Honda's revenue was down something like 70%. Go armed with info. They ought to be willing to give you a serious deal. NO ONE wants to hand out credit these days. Good luck and let us know what you decide to go with.

[Desertthorn]

April Consumers Reports... Lists best used cars for different price ranges.

[JulieB]

I thought I saw that Toyota had 0% financing (don't quote me on that) - the imports NEVER do this...if I was in the market I'd check that out . If you're looking for something smaller & efficient, the Civic is pretty good.

[Desertthorn]

We have a 2002 Civic and get 40 miles per gallon traveling. Pretty awesome

[liv]

I think my problem is I am just not sure. Thanks for suggestions. I really think civic is a good option because they are known to be so durable and I love palindromes. I think what I ideally would love to do is to know what I would like and then just go an get it But car shopping does not quite work like that.

[Koober101]

Hi Liv,

I would look at Toyota's most reliable ones out there.
Or they used to be, never heard of a bad one yet.

I have a Ford Mustang, I like it and no problems.

But look at Toyota, imho

[blondegypsy]

I drive alot in my advertising sales job. I buy used cars and run them into the dirt. I'm currantly in a 2000 Cavalier and put about 100,000 miles a year on the cars I drive. It's been trouble free so far and the gas milage has been good high 20"s.

Looking now for 2004 ish Caddys...price is around $5000-6000 luxury and gas milage @ around 30 mpg. Saw these prices when looking at Grand Prixs. I like sporty 2 doors, my partner likes big luxury 4 doors...go figure! We work together in the same business. His car is down so we are on the hunt too!

If I were a stay in town type, man I'd go for an old classic car like a 66 GT mustang!

Liv, I just love that Puffer fish...but everytime I see it and read your posts I put a wierd voice with it... That grumpy secretary boss lady in Monsters INC! LOL I know you don't sound like that, its my crazy imagination! Eeeeeeeee!

Keep Happily Turning Purple!!!!!!

[liv]

I like aquarium fish. Have been keeping them a while. I don't have one of those puffers though. But they are cute.

I finally did buy a car today. A Huyndai - accent. Wanted a small car and this one was fairly new - 2008- and they depreciate fast so I thought it was a good buy.

My DH almost bought a Mazda - which is the car we already have. Then we would have had twins.

Thanks for all your help folks.

[imagood1]

I have a Saturn and absolutely love it -- I had drove Park Avenue's for about 15 years before I bought my Vue -- I needed something that was big enough to haul stuff but I didn't want a truck....and I didn't want some big SUV looking thing. The Vue is considered a crossover --

My niece has a Saturn Aura and she loves it - she bought it new and drives the pizz out of it. She's had no major trouble - only has had to change the oil and put new tires on it so far. I will purchase another Saturn when it's time to get a new car again.

I have had a Pinto, Maverick, Thunderbird (all Fords) - they were ok but nothing to get all excited about and nothing I want to buy again. I also bought a brand new K-car and until it started rusting I liked it too -- between the rust and the squeeks inside the car I had to get rid of it before I lost my sanity. My next car was a Park Avenue -- loved it .... it was totaled when a guy rear ended me and I immediately bought another one. When I decided to get something that would haul more I looked at Chevy, Nissan, Subaru, Honda -- none of them was to my liking except the Vue -- plus I wanted an American company made in the USA

Good luck -- I don't wish it was me out there looking again!!! Take your time and get the best deal you can -- don't let them pressure them (that's what I liked about Saturn also -- no pressure).