New Car Advice needed

[IA_Chiefs_fan]

Originally Posted by Inspector

Have you considered just going with the mini van option?

You can get stripes painted on them.

They cost less and are bigger.

I decided not to go this route once I found out they do not come from the factory with flames on the side.

[jspchief]

If you're going to waste money on a Ford, you might as well do it right.

[Amnorix]

Here's page 1 of a 7 page set of articles on how to buy a new car and avoid getting ripped off. It's funny and informative, but it is a long read.

I **STRONGLY** recommend you read it so you understand all the ways dealers can screw you.

A few general tips for you:

1. buy towards the end of the month (whatever month you're talking about) if you can. Not that you'll get a steal, but the dealers are always looking to close out a month strong.

2. If you're financing, try to get financing from your bank or a credit union lined up in advance. Dealer loans are usually at worse rates.

3. If you're doing a trade in, be sure to negotiate it separately. Negotiate the price of the car you're buying, and THEN deal with the trade in.

4. Often, the salesperson will be asking you questions that are irrelevant. "How much a month are you looking to spend". That's not the question. The question is how much is the car. THEN you figure out your monthly from there.

RESEARCH what you are doing and how you will do it before you walk into the dealership. Don't be a "lay down" for them. Cars are usually the second most valuable thing people buy, and yet they nearly always go to the dealership, clueless, hat in hand, hoping the dealer will treat them fairly. And often, that ain't how it works out.

[Frazod]

I love my Mustang. I've had it for just over a year now.

However, if you're purchasing a car that will be your sole means of transportation, keep in mind a couple of things:

1. This car SUCKS on snow and/or ice. Let me say that again - SUCKS. SUCKS LARGE. It isn't exactly great on wet surfaces, either. This is a light, rear wheel drive car with lots of power (and I only have the V6 - the V8 would be even worse).

2. The backseat is basically useless unless you plan on hauling around legless midgets.

3. Not much in the of truck space, either. And if you get one with the subwoofer in the trunk, there goes a 1/4 of the limited space right there.

This car is cool, and fun, and fast. It is NOT terribly functional for general purposes. Just keep the limitations in mind.

[thebrad84]

Originally Posted by frazod

I love my Mustang. I've had it for just over a year now.

However, if you're purchasing a car that will be your sole means of transportation, keep in mind a couple of things:

1. This car SUCKS on snow and/or ice. Let me say that again - SUCKS. SUCKS LARGE. It isn't exactly great on wet surfaces, either. This is a light, rear wheel drive car with lots of power (and I only have the V6 - the V8 would be even worse).

2. The backseat is basically useless unless you plan on hauling around legless midgets.

3. Not much in the of truck space, either. And if you get one with the subwoofer in the trunk, there goes a 1/4 of the limited space right there.

This car is cool, and fun, and fast. It is NOT terribly functional for general purposes. Just keep the limitations in mind.

You aren't kidding about the horrible traction. I had a '02 v6 camaro for a couple of years and pretty much hated everything about it. Not only did I have to have several things fixed on it (drivers and passenger side windows, a/c fan, lateral wheel runout (wtf that means i'm still not sure), etc.), but the thing absolutely sucked ahole on snow/ice (I would not drive it on snow days) and was almost as bad on just plain wet roads. I damn near killed myself on the highway in that thing while trying to pass a semi during a summer downpour. I didn't lose it, but I came very very close, and to this day have no idea how I managed to keep it relatively straight. After that day I said I was through with that POS and looked for a new car. You'd have to pay me to drive a rear-wheel drive car again.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by thebrad84

You aren't kidding about the horrible traction. I had a '02 v6 camaro for a couple of years and pretty much hated everything about it. Not only did I have to have several things fixed on it (drivers and passenger side windows, a/c fan, lateral wheel runout (wtf that means i'm still not sure), etc.), but the thing absolutely sucked ahole on snow/ice (I would not drive it on snow days) and was almost as bad on just plain wet roads. I damn near killed myself on the highway in that thing while trying to pass a semi during a summer downpour. I didn't lose it, but I came very very close, and to this day have no idea how I managed to keep it relatively straight. After that day I said I was through with that POS and looked for a new car. You'd have to pay me to drive a rear-wheel drive car again.

Sounds like you really hated your car - I like mine, unless its snowing. Basically I have a great nice weather/weekend toy car that I have to use every day because I can't afford two vehicles. Not the smartest purchase I ever made - but still, I love the car anyway. I guess it's like being married to a gorgeous stripper who can't cook. You can't have everything.

[King_Chief_Fan]

As you can tell by my avatar, I have a black 05 Premium coupe.
It has every option that can be had... all the trim, gadgets, sound system and red leather. I really love this car. I ordered it in March last year and got it in June of last year. Ordering your own with exactly what you want is the only way to go. If you can't find what you want, order it. Don't settle othewise.
Last year there was no dealing. I got mine through an x plan.
I would guess by now that some discounts can be had since I see a pot load of them on dealers lots. Wasn't the case last year.

[thebrad84]

Originally Posted by frazod

Sounds like you really hated your car - I like mine, unless its snowing. Basically I have a great nice weather/weekend toy car that I have to use every day because I can't afford two vehicles. Not the smartest purchase I ever made - but still, I love the car anyway. I guess it's like being married to a gorgeous stripper who can't cook. You can't have everything.

Hahaha...well, I was really excited when I got it, and yes, I liked it when it was warm and dry. But anytime it rained I got a bit nervous and I never drove it when there was any chance of snow. So, what, about a 1/4 of the time I hated it for weather reason, and add on another 1/4 of the time it had something go wrong/it was in the shop to get fixed, i'd say i loved it 1/2 of the time and hated it 1/2 of the time. Like I said, that day I almost lost it on the highway going 65, I was done with that car. IMO, there is absolutely no reason you should fear for your life when driving in the rain.

[King_Chief_Fan]

Originally Posted by frazod

I love my Mustang. I've had it for just over a year now.

However, if you're purchasing a car that will be your sole means of transportation, keep in mind a couple of things:

1. This car SUCKS on snow and/or ice. Let me say that again - SUCKS. SUCKS LARGE. It isn't exactly great on wet surfaces, either. This is a light, rear wheel drive car with lots of power (and I only have the V6 - the V8 would be even worse).

2. The backseat is basically useless unless you plan on hauling around legless midgets.

3. Not much in the of truck space, either. And if you get one with the subwoofer in the trunk, there goes a 1/4 of the limited space right there.

This car is cool, and fun, and fast. It is NOT terribly functional for general purposes. Just keep the limitations in mind.

I would agree on all your points. With this car you have to have at least 2 cars...I have to have 3. One is the wife's,(she doesn't like me driving hers, the mustang is mine (I don't want the wife driving mine)and a beater for the inclimate weather.
But the Mustang is the most fun car I have had.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

I would agree on all your points. With this car you have to have at least 2 cars...I have to have 3. One is the wife's,(she doesn't like me driving hers, the mustang is mine (I don't want the wife driving mine)and a beater for the inclimate weather.
But the Mustang is the most fun car I have had.

Yeah, it is what it is.

The first morning I drove the Mustang on snow was a trip down memory lane I could have done without - I hadn't driven a RWD car in over 15 years, and that was an '85 Cutlass Supreme, which was much larger and heavier. I had no weight in the trunk and about a 1/4 tank of gas, and fishtailed several times going down the street until I got the hang of it.

Now, if I know there's a possibility of serious snow, I make sure the gas tank is full and load an extra 150 pounds of cat litter in the trunk - that certainly makes it better. Of course, I don't have to drive all the way to work - I drive about a mile and then take a train into Chicago. That makes it better, too.

But having this car certainly curtails non-essential driving in shitty weather. Wish I had some sort of truck for the bad days, but another vehicle just isn't in the budget.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Here's page 1 of a 7 page set of articles on how to buy a new car and avoid getting ripped off. It's funny and informative, but it is a long read.

I **STRONGLY** recommend you read it so you understand all the ways dealers can screw you.

A few general tips for you:

1. buy towards the end of the month (whatever month you're talking about) if you can. Not that you'll get a steal, but the dealers are always looking to close out a month strong.

2. If you're financing, try to get financing from your bank or a credit union lined up in advance. Dealer loans are usually at worse rates.

3. If you're doing a trade in, be sure to negotiate it separately. Negotiate the price of the car you're buying, and THEN deal with the trade in.

4. Often, the salesperson will be asking you questions that are irrelevant. "How much a month are you looking to spend". That's not the question. The question is how much is the car. THEN you figure out your monthly from there.

RESEARCH what you are doing and how you will do it before you walk into the dealership. Don't be a "lay down" for them. Cars are usually the second most valuable thing people buy, and yet they nearly always go to the dealership, clueless, hat in hand, hoping the dealer will treat them fairly. And often, that ain't how it works out.

5. Put on your asshole hat and treat that salesperson and their manager like shit. They deserve it. Remember, they hate you and they're trying to eff you.

[Eleazar]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Here's page 1 of a 7 page set of articles on how to buy a new car and avoid getting ripped off. It's funny and informative, but it is a long read.

I **STRONGLY** recommend you read it so you understand all the ways dealers can screw you.

A few general tips for you:

1. buy towards the end of the month (whatever month you're talking about) if you can. Not that you'll get a steal, but the dealers are always looking to close out a month strong.

2. If you're financing, try to get financing from your bank or a credit union lined up in advance. Dealer loans are usually at worse rates.

3. If you're doing a trade in, be sure to negotiate it separately. Negotiate the price of the car you're buying, and THEN deal with the trade in.

4. Often, the salesperson will be asking you questions that are irrelevant. "How much a month are you looking to spend". That's not the question. The question is how much is the car. THEN you figure out your monthly from there.

RESEARCH what you are doing and how you will do it before you walk into the dealership. Don't be a "lay down" for them. Cars are usually the second most valuable thing people buy, and yet they nearly always go to the dealership, clueless, hat in hand, hoping the dealer will treat them fairly. And often, that ain't how it works out.

I have only had the distinct displeasure of buying 1 new vehicle so far, but that selling price/interest rate/monthly payment shell game really pissed me off.

I mean, did they think I was stupid because I was a 20 year old kid in there trying to buy a new car? Or does it just work on everyone so it's S.O.P.? Do people think you can just name your monthly payment and they won't be taking the money back in some other part of the deal? It's insulting.

I read on some carbuying website that a lot of people are buying cars through websites like carsdirect.com - apparently, you just pick the options you want and it shows you a price that seems to be really competitive, and they find a dealer who will sell the car for that price and ship it to you. Might be something worth looking into- it would be worth a few extra bucks not to deal with salespeople, even if it wasn't cheaper.

[andoman]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Here's page 1 of a 7 page set of articles on how to buy a new car and avoid getting ripped off. It's funny and informative, but it is a long read.

I **STRONGLY** recommend you read it so you understand all the ways dealers can screw you.

A few general tips for you:

1. buy towards the end of the month (whatever month you're talking about) if you can. Not that you'll get a steal, but the dealers are always looking to close out a month strong.

2. If you're financing, try to get financing from your bank or a credit union lined up in advance. Dealer loans are usually at worse rates.

3. If you're doing a trade in, be sure to negotiate it separately. Negotiate the price of the car you're buying, and THEN deal with the trade in.

4. Often, the salesperson will be asking you questions that are irrelevant. "How much a month are you looking to spend". That's not the question. The question is how much is the car. THEN you figure out your monthly from there.

RESEARCH what you are doing and how you will do it before you walk into the dealership. Don't be a "lay down" for them. Cars are usually the second most valuable thing people buy, and yet they nearly always go to the dealership, clueless, hat in hand, hoping the dealer will treat them fairly. And often, that ain't how it works out.

Sometimes you can get a rebate or cash back if you finance with the dealer. Then you can turn around a pay it off with another loan!

[foxman]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Here's page 1 of a 7 page set of articles on how to buy a new car and avoid getting ripped off. It's funny and informative, but it is a long read.

I **STRONGLY** recommend you read it so you understand all the ways dealers can screw you.

A few general tips for you:

1. buy towards the end of the month (whatever month you're talking about) if you can. Not that you'll get a steal, but the dealers are always looking to close out a month strong.

True most dealers are trying to close on a high note, but dealers also like to get off to a good start.

Originally Posted by Amnorix

2. If you're financing, try to get financing from your bank or a credit union lined up in advance. Dealer loans are usually at worse rates.

This is rediculous and total B.S. Dealers do provide the service and sure they do it to make money, otherwise they wouldnt be called so and so motors they would be called the United Way. Profit is not a dirty word people Jeebus would think that paying a profit was somehow illegal. What you don't think the bank is making money or the credit union? Grow up. Now, I do agree it's a good idea to know what your bank or credit Union is offering so you know when the Finance Manger tells you what he can offer whether it's reasonable or not. Dealers get better bank rates then you can get because of vollume. Credit Unions are a differant breed all together, but don't mistake there rates for not making a profit. Odviously if they have the lowest rate then it might be to your benefit though so find out but don't commit until you know what the dealer can do. Some dealers are signed up through credit unions to be able to offer those same rates without the hassle of making a seperate trip.

Originally Posted by Amnorix

3. If you're doing a trade in, be sure to negotiate it separately. Negotiate the price of the car you're buying, and THEN deal with the trade in.

This is not bad advise, but be prepared to feel like you have been rapped. The trade is worth the same regardless of whether you negotiate or not up front. The used car manager is good for a bump in most cases unless he missed the car altogether for a couple of hundred in most cases. Trade differance is what you need to focus on if you don't negotiate up front.

Originally Posted by Amnorix

4. Often, the salesperson will be asking you questions that are irrelevant. "How much a month are you looking to spend". That's not the question. The question is how much is the car. THEN you figure out your monthly from there.

Not true. Most buyers are payment buyers and because of that the salesman doesnt want to sell you a car that will yeild a $500 payment if you can only afford $300. Sure if you are not a payment buy then you need to get him off of what payment you want.

Originally Posted by Amnorix

RESEARCH what you are doing and how you will do it before you walk into the dealership. Don't be a "lay down" for them. Cars are usually the second most valuable thing people buy, and yet they nearly always go to the dealership, clueless, hat in hand, hoping the dealer will treat them fairly. And often, that ain't how it works out.

Research is very important. Dealers might not be able to make as much profit on an informed buyer, but the informed buyer is sometimes the easier sale because it cuts through some of the process.

[Randallflagg]

Before you buy the Mustang (I Love 'em!) you might check this out:

http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/challenger.html


Pretty sexy.....