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In the market for a car... where do I start researching?
redfenix
Aka'd as rfixRegistered User regular
Aka'd as rfixRegistered User regular
I had my car hit and totalled a couple weeks ago, and am in the very slow process of saving for a new (to me) car.
I'm in the process of filling bankruptcy as well, so financing is gonna be... difficult. I'm going to plan on paying cash, once it's saved.
However, my question is not how, but what. What car should I get, how do I find the resources to make an informed decision? I have pretty minimal automotive knowledge, but am willing to learn. I had my previous car about a decade, and I never really liked it (Mercury Sable..woo.)
I'd like to get the 'right' car this time.
Help?
I'm in the process of filling bankruptcy as well, so financing is gonna be... difficult. I'm going to plan on paying cash, once it's saved.
However, my question is not how, but what. What car should I get, how do I find the resources to make an informed decision? I have pretty minimal automotive knowledge, but am willing to learn. I had my previous car about a decade, and I never really liked it (Mercury Sable..woo.)
I'd like to get the 'right' car this time.
Help?
redfenix on
0
Posts
Driving people around? Probably won't want a coupe
Carrying a lot of crap? Maybe an SUV or a station wagon
Just driving yourself and a couple of people short distances? A small sedan is probably ideal
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Everyone.
Their car reviews are fairly comprehensive.
There's also some new Yahoo site out there that catalogs all car prices and deals so you can see what it should REALLY cost in your area.
we also talk about other random shit and clown upon each other
we also talk about other random shit and clown upon each other
you can select what type of car you're looking for, narrow it by price, and see inventory in your area.
i think that shit is tied to their reviews too.
Also that folds up into a suitcase for my job at the button pressing factory.
I'd take a manual car, but I've never driven one.. not adverse to learning.
I'd like to prioritize fuel economy, but not to the point of sacrificing everything else
I'd shoot myself if it didn't have at least a little power behind hit
when i merge onto the interstate and speed up, I want it to like... go
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Then find the picture in the magazine with the most bikini babes on a single car.
That is your new car.
You're looking for a manual tutor? That's perfect!
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but where oh where am I going to find a 1978 cadillac el dorado in this day and age?
Steam
Ok, so you know next to nothing about cars? Australia has a site called redbook.com.au that is fantastic for working out average prices on second hand cars. Obviously, redbook is no help to you, but a quick bit of googling turned up http://www.autobytel.com/ that seems similar. If you know of any other similar sites over in the US, make good use of them.
I can't really even recommend cars because I don't really know what you're market is like, but there's a few things when you go to inspect. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but look at:
Is the body free of rust spots? Particularly around the edges of the doors/boot/bonnet.
Does the engine look like it's in good repair? From first glance, you're looking at condition of all hoses, pipes, belts and wires to see if they're perished. It's usually a good indication of good engine maintenance if the fan/timing belts are all in good nick and the radiator hoses aren't perished to shit.
Check the electrics. Head/rear Lights, indicators, power windows (if applicable), dashboards lights including working gauges and air conditioning should all be working.
The car should start easily with no real knocking, rattling or ticking. It shouldn't feel sluggish/rev really high but not move fast taking off if it's an auto and the clutch should feel smooth and natural if manual.
The steering shouldn't feel overly stiff and the car should be able to hold a straight line on a flat road without you correcting it.
It's just a few things that popped into my head, but really the best advice is try to take someone with you who knows what they're doing and never feel rushed while your checking a vehicle over. You're goin to be dropping a size able amount of cash in this, so an extra 10-15mimutes is more than justified
I just though of it then, but maybe there's some kind car club that offer prepurchase inspections? I know such things exist over here
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better
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I would recommend looking at a Mazda 3. I bought one a couple of months ago and have been totally satisfied with it.
You get:
Above average power for a compact in more recent models
Responsive handling
4 doors
mid to high 20's MPG (unless you get a 2012 which can do up to 40)
If you find a really nice one, a bunch of electronics
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Do this: http://www.edmunds.com/car-match/#action=p
see what you get.
I hit hard and I hit fast
Beats all you ever saw
Been in trouble with the law
Since the day they was born
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I got it new for $14k total, but it has a 6 year warranty on everything which is nice
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Yeah, pretty much.
You're best off listing what you want your vehicle to be able to do, and what you don't like about cars. That'll tell us what type and size of car you want. Stay away from hybrids, they're pretty much universally awful.
Have you considered a diesel? I know diesel passenger cars are pretty rare in the States. But take a diesel for a test drive and see if you like it.
This is awesome. Though it told me I should buy a Volvo. Which is wrong.
we also talk about other random shit and clown upon each other
i have like no money, i'm starting from scratch, but i've managed to eliminate most of my debt, sorta. (stu loans are still massive, but they won't cost much, monthly)
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The one that's a death trap
On the other hand, the Subaru Impreza is a nice car (with all-wheel drive--very safe). The Nissan Versa is nice and economical. Not much difference between the Hyundai and the Kia (same company)--both are good cars.
we also talk about other random shit and clown upon each other
According to this, i want a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Sedan
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Does it have ample storage room for your purse and vagina?
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hunter, this is keith we're talking about
of course it does