Newb buying new car!

United States1177 Posts

August 11 2012 19:19 GMT

Noob here, looking to my trusted TL for life advice!

Goals are simple, the ones most prioritized are listed first:
1) Not get ripped off. I'm fine with a decent deal
2) $10-20K budget
3) Have everything worked out in 2 days

I honestly have no idea where to start. I researched what car might suit me, and that's about it. I'm interested in the Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza WRX, and Mazda 3.

Can anyone please advise me on next steps? I really know nothing at all about the whole process, so I'll need many things explained for-dummies-style. I have never even been inside a dealership before.

Thanks!

Bojas

Netherlands2397 Posts

August 11 2012 19:25 GMT

I've never bought a car myself but isn't it a good idea to do it with someone who knows how to haggle and has knowledge of where to find good prices? Like your dad, uncle, White-Ra, cat. I don't think TL can really help you with the buying process aside from general tips and what car to choose.

Abraxas514

Canada475 Posts

August 11 2012 20:43 GMT

Honestly I would buy a car off lease with a three year warranty. It's either a serious save or a serious trade-up.

ranshaked

United States870 Posts

August 11 2012 21:43 GMT

Do not lease. Never ever ever lease.

Is this 10-20k in cash? If not try to get a year or two older than new. The sticker price might say 16,500, but after taxes and registration you're looming at 19k. Plus the interest on the loan.

I would consider a 2010 corolla, Mazda 3, civics etc. they get great gas mileage and last forever.

Remember, don't rush. Leave a few times if you have to.

AoN.DimSum

United States2983 Posts

August 11 2012 22:30 GMT

Just got a hyundai Elantra 2013 a few months ago. Its a hot car so the dealer will not drop the price much. I get 34-37mpg which is great for a car.

Also get a few people with you to haggle the price. Try to find the base price of the car too.

Abraxas514

Canada475 Posts

August 11 2012 22:43 GMT

On August 12 2012 06:43 ranshaked wrote:
Do not lease. Never ever ever lease.

Is this 10-20k in cash? If not try to get a year or two older than new. The sticker price might say 16,500, but after taxes and registration you're looming at 19k. Plus the interest on the loan.

I would consider a 2010 corolla, Mazda 3, civics etc. they get great gas mileage and last forever.

Remember, don't rush. Leave a few times if you have to.

Usually the best deals are cars just off leases, which I agree are scams. 3 years can save you 30-50% off the original price depending on the mileage.

And shop Japanese. I had a 95' accord I sold in 2010 for 1000$, and now I'm driving a 99' 3.2TL. Japanese cars are made to last 30 years.

Imabomb

United States36 Posts

August 11 2012 23:56 GMT

Look on Craig's List or a local county car auction, you can find cheaper cars there. Go to "carfax" when buying used cars, it will give you a history of the car repairs and similar things. The WRX has a high depreciation rate so geting a used one is cheaper than a new model and it has horrible fuel Econ. The Mazda 3 is sporty and good on fuel economy( if you get the "sky-active engine" it is even better fuel Econ.). I don't know anything about the Elantra. If you are cheap and want good Fuel Econ get a used Civic or Corolla (the new Civic is bad and getting a new Corolla is just the same a used one.).

Edit: Also look at Consumer Reports magazine to find good cars, especially if you plan to keep the car for a while.

Divinek

Canada4045 Posts

August 12 2012 00:47 GMT

i got a 2011 hyundai elantra recently and love the fuck out of it (20k fyi), oh and yes dont ever lease i paid cash

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