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Buying a Car
kaliyama
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I didn't want to hijack the other thread, and I have a different question - I'm looking at spending about $25k on a car, but would go up to the 35k range if there's an appreciable difference in quality over that price range. I don't feel compelled to buy a G35 or a BMW or something for the brand.
My biggest concern is to have a durable, high-safety, low-cost maintenance car that will last for the next 6-10 years (or at least keep its resale value). Suggestions? How about how to best negotiate with dealerships?
Website/further reading recommendations are much appreciated - I know there are plenty of resources out there, but not which ones are good.
My biggest concern is to have a durable, high-safety, low-cost maintenance car that will last for the next 6-10 years (or at least keep its resale value). Suggestions? How about how to best negotiate with dealerships?
Website/further reading recommendations are much appreciated - I know there are plenty of resources out there, but not which ones are good.
kaliyama on
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Well, you're willing to spend $25-35K. Let's find out if you have to.
What do you want from the car? Anything besides "durable, safe, low-cost maintenance?" The last bullet point hurts BMW, by the way - while you might get free care for the duration of your purchase/lease/etc, bend over and lube up once that runs out. (By the way, that lube is $50/oz, minimum change 4oz.)
Do you want performance? High fuel economy? Luxury? Bling?
Do you need to carry multiple people, or just you and a terrified co-pilot?
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Yeah, I know that BMWs are expensive to maintain, but know little about any other maker in that respect. I'm looking for a low-maintainance car with safety and durability that will retain its value. Like I said, I don't care about brand. Fuel efficiency is nice, but not priority number 1 - I don't want an SUV. I figure carrying four people is fine, but if there was an awesome two-seater out there i'd consider it. I'm not sure what performance metrics are relevant for me; I'll be in Los Angeles, so while I might be on the PCH sometimes, it's much more likely i'll be going 20-60mph in heavy traffic on a freeway or street traffic.
Hopefully I conveyed that I don't care about bling. Luxury is one of those things i'm curious about - will I be a lot more comfy in a nicer car? (This, for example, may be an issue where I get more bang for my buck upgrading a lower-end model than buying a basic version of something MORE EXPENSIVE)
Test drive one though, and test drive a BMW. Make sure it's as close to the model you want and can afford. An A4 with all the trimmings is almost a completely different experience than the basic model with nothing added.
Then go drive some other cars like Hondas or Fords and maybe a Subaru Legacy. Then decide whether or not you want to pay for the "luxuries" and performance the previous brands offer.
From what I read here, you'd be best off with a bread-and-butter family sedan. They're reliable, safe, and retain value incredibly well. Given that you seem to lean more towards comfort and luxury than handling and "sportiness" give a V6 Camry a shot.
Can trade TF2 items or whatever else you're interested in. PM me.
http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/
That's just a ball park estimate of average possible/likely maintenance on a modern car up to 150K miles, different cars have different maintenance schedules, the climate and how you drive your car also informs maintenance, and some of it's just luck. There's no car out there that doesn't require regular maintenance, savings on maintenance can be had if you're willing to do it yourself, but don't discount: the cost of tools, the cost of losing your weekends to servicing a car, busted knuckles.
The best marques for value retention seem to be honda/acura, toyota/lexus, and mini, secondarily bmw/mercedes/vw-audi.
I recommend the Toyota Venza, cause I like the way it looks and it's based on the Camry.
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I didn't mention the Genesis at the moment because he was highlighting "reliability" and "residual value" as two of his bigger wants. Right now it's an unknown quantity in the former (although the Lambda engine in V6 models has been pretty solid) and Hyundai has historically done poorly in the latter category; and one car won't change that.
Disregarding those though, shockingly good quality for any vehicle, never mind a Hyundai. Its pretentions at being a "luxury sports sedan" are a bit off the mark though, because it can't do the two-lane two-step nearly as well as the pricier competition. Think of it as closer to a Lexus than a BMW or Mercedes.
Can trade TF2 items or whatever else you're interested in. PM me.
It has power, and the ride is so, smooth. It's not for the racer in you (that would be the coupe's job), but it is a great everyday commuter car. And quiet
The only thing wrong with it is depreciation, but it's not going to have that steep drop like the German cars will because of it's lower price. If you were going to go 10 years on a car, I'd pick it. If you wanted something new in 4-5 years, probably better to just get a top of the line Honda Accord EX-L (coupe looks better) or Nissan Altima 3.5 coupe.
Honda also offers plenty of luxury options if that's your thing. Moonroof, premium audio systems, nav systems (although I think factory nav systems are total crap), heated leather seats, dual climate control...
then decide if you're willing to pay the extra money (close to $10K) for the extra driving fun... for some people it's absolutely worth it, for others, it's wasted potential