OT-Buying a new vehicle

[Boobs McGee]

The tough part, is that ANY make or model has the potential for problems. There isn't a "perfect" car out there...and I can tell you horror stories for every single vehicle on the market.

What it really comes down to, is regular maintenance. That'll prolong your vehicle's life to the best of YOUR ability. These things are basically depreciating investments.

[Miss I.]

Originally Posted by Quoydogs

Believe it or not that is one of the better Nissans. I just had to replace the wiring harness in a 04 Maxima. Lets just say Jamaica is going to feel very nice this December. The nav. display went out fried the whole thing. The gps nav. center was 4200 just for the part.

Okay so I am moving to New Jersey and I am thinking certified used car rather than brand new. Any recommendations? It's vaguely near New York, about 1.5 hours away so I imagine the weather gets rather crap in winter and such. Anything you'd recommend? I had a 2002 Honda civic in the UK (UK spec) and now I need to start shopping. I loved driving VWs over here. Oddly the Golf being my favorite over the Passat. My favorite has been the Audi A4s, but those were rentals and not sure I could afford them.

anyway, I am leaning towards a VW Golf, though am not sure the US ones are built the same as the ones in Europe or maybe if I go SUV, been thinking of Toyota RAV4 or Hyudai Santa Fe or Tucson. Any thoughts? I really want to get something with a little more power than my baby civic and good for winter driving.

[Quoydogs]

Originally Posted by Miss I.

Okay so I am moving to New Jersey and I am thinking certified used car rather than brand new. Any recommendations? It's vaguely near New York, about 1.5 hours away so I imagine the weather gets rather crap in winter and such. Anything you'd recommend? I had a 2002 Honda civic in the UK (UK spec) and now I need to start shopping. I loved driving VWs over here. Oddly the Golf being my favorite over the Passat. My favorite has been the Audi A4s, but those were rentals and not sure I could afford them.

anyway, I am leaning towards a VW Golf, though am not sure the US ones are built the same as the ones in Europe or maybe if I go SUV, been thinking of Toyota RAV4 or Hyudai Santa Fe or Tucson. Any thoughts? I really want to get something with a little more power than my baby civic and good for winter driving.

Toyota hands down. If you buy the VW it's gonna cost you. The led head lamps which are never supposed to burn out but really do in about 3 years cost upward of 800 each. Plus many electrical problems. They are a lot of fun to drive with the vr6 motor though.

[Miss I.]

Originally Posted by Quoydogs

Toyota hands down. If you buy the VW it's gonna cost you. The led head lamps which are never supposed to burn out but really do in about 3 years cost upward of 800 each. Plus many electrical problems. They are a lot of fun to drive with the vr6 motor though.

okay one other question then is all wheel drive necessary? Or could I get the RAV4 with just front wheel drive and then just switch for snow tires in the winter? or heck would all weather tires be sufficient. Not sure about NJ, but in colorado for the most part my crappy little car with front wheel drive handled things okay most of the time if I didn't drive like a nimrod.

[Garcia Bronco]

Here's some awesome advice to remember...


Down at the dealership...there is nothing they have from a finance or price perspective that's good for you

[Jekyll15Hyde]

Have an 09 Escape Hybrid. AWD. No problems. Decent power. Modest towing package can be done. 29-30MPG

Best part is got it new and between the Fed and State credits, it was cheaper than a gas model

[Fedaykin]

Originally Posted by Miss I.

Okay so I am moving to New Jersey and I am thinking certified used car rather than brand new. Any recommendations? It's vaguely near New York, about 1.5 hours away so I imagine the weather gets rather crap in winter and such. Anything you'd recommend? I had a 2002 Honda civic in the UK (UK spec) and now I need to start shopping. I loved driving VWs over here. Oddly the Golf being my favorite over the Passat. My favorite has been the Audi A4s, but those were rentals and not sure I could afford them.

anyway, I am leaning towards a VW Golf, though am not sure the US ones are built the same as the ones in Europe or maybe if I go SUV, been thinking of Toyota RAV4 or Hyudai Santa Fe or Tucson. Any thoughts? I really want to get something with a little more power than my baby civic and good for winter driving.

I've sworn off of used cars that are only a couple years old (as a way to defer the instant depreciation). I've had nothing but trouble with them.

There are only a few acceptable reasons (meaning there is nothing actually wrong with the car) people sell cars within a couple years -- a whole lot of those cars are something someone is ditching because there are serious problems with the car.

This doesn't necessarily apply to all car types. Luxury cars are something you can exclude, as its common for people to that can afford them to trade them off regularly.

Even "certified" just means that some mechanic has taken a look at it and said it's currently OK. At the very least, demand to see the service history of the car (including information on whether or not all the major parts are factory original!) And if it doesn't have one -- stay way! If the car has gone through 3 transmissions in 30,000 miles, that's not necessarily a problem that will prevent a car from being 'certified' -- since the current transmission is working perfectly -- now.

[DomCasual]

Originally Posted by Boobs McGee

The tough part, is that ANY make or model has the potential for problems. There isn't a "perfect" car out there...and I can tell you horror stories for every single vehicle on the market.

What it really comes down to, is regular maintenance. That'll prolong your vehicle's life to the best of YOUR ability. These things are basically depreciating investments.

Whatever. I LOVE it when people make pronouncements like that. It's just stupid.

Take a look at what's currently parked in my driveway. I guess I don't need to say that this little beauty turns heads - especially since I added the mag wheels.

No perfect car, indeed.

[Fedaykin]

Originally Posted by DomCasual

Whatever. I LOVE it when people make pronouncements like that. It's just stupid.

Take a look at what's currently parked in my driveway. I guess I don't need to say that this little beauty turns heads - especially since I added the mag wheels.

No perfect car, indeed.

If you're reduced to repeatedly trolling an OT post on a niche bbs, you know you've sunk low.

[DomCasual]

Originally Posted by Fedaykin

If you're reduced to repeatedly trolling an OT post on a niche bbs, you know you've sunk low.

Who are you, again?

[lonestar]

Originally Posted by Miss I.

Okay so I am moving to New Jersey and I am thinking certified used car rather than brand new. Any recommendations? It's vaguely near New York, about 1.5 hours away so I imagine the weather gets rather crap in winter and such. Anything you'd recommend? I had a 2002 Honda civic in the UK (UK spec) and now I need to start shopping. I loved driving VWs over here. Oddly the Golf being my favorite over the Passat. My favorite has been the Audi A4s, but those were rentals and not sure I could afford them.

anyway, I am leaning towards a VW Golf, though am not sure the US ones are built the same as the ones in Europe or maybe if I go SUV, been thinking of Toyota RAV4 or Hyudai Santa Fe or Tucson. Any thoughts? I really want to get something with a little more power than my baby civic and good for winter driving.

I get the NYC TV stations and AUDI is huge in NYC.. lots of promotions going on as we speak..

Now I drive an Audi A5 turbo as we speak and the technology is second to none..

They are pricey but If you keep a car for more than4-6 years they become a good investment.. Most of the ads I see are on the A4 which my sons girlfriend has and it is nice..

Go to the Audi dealers on line and check them out

I also see the guaranteed used cars commercials a lot so that is probably a good bet also..

Good luck..

[chawknz]

Originally Posted by Drunken.Broncoholic

Don't get an all weel drive if you want good mileage. I need 4wd for snow in lake Tahoe. So I fittingly have a Tahoe. Had a 95 Tahoe that went 400,000 miles with just a tranny replacement. Have a 2011 Tahoe and love it.

Not true. The new Subaru Impreza's get very good mileage and are AWD.

[ghwk]

Originally Posted by Quoydogs

Oh one more thing.

Old Honda's and Nissan's are great !

New Honda's and Nissan's SUCK. Many electrical problem.

Stay away from 95 or newer.

Timely thread as we have an 03 Pilot to replace. The car has had NO electrical problems and based on our experience I'd buy one again but they are butt ugly.

Our Needs: 90% of the time FWD and cargo size for a 5 seater is fine The other 10% of the time we camp haul stuff or visit in laws in the mountains we need the Pilot size and a roof rack. Having to work around that limitation when we need it will be a pain in the butt.

Our problem is deciding on size vs mileage. We have two kids and my wife likes to haul stuff so we've looked at:

Explorer - still in the running, best cabin design/function in my opinion so far and liked the way it drove and it's the right size for our needs. Crappy gas mileage.

Acadia - probably not in the running, didn't drive it, Crappy gas mileage.

Enclave - can't bring myself to pay that much for a Buick. Crappy gas mileage.

Santa Fe - nice car, mileage good enough but with Nav you HAVE TO get the stupid moon roof which we don't care about and want to put a roof rack on anyway. Also the sloped rear gate really eats into the useable cargo space; this is an issue with a bunch of the smaller or mid sized SUV's. Probably not in the running. Great warranty.

CX9 - Drove well but didn't like it, felt narrow

Kia Sorento - Will drive it next week, decent mileage and cargo space, boring cabin, great warranty.

Ford Edge - need to look at it again drove ok, felt it pull to the right when you accelerate due to engine torque but the size is good and mileage good enough. Can't get Eco drive and AWD.

Next Up:
CRV
Ford Escape
Murano
and about 20 others as this category is just flooded with cars.

[lolcopter]

Originally Posted by lonestar

..

They are pricey but If you keep a car for more than4-6 years they become a good investment.. .

Wat

How is a depreciating asset an investment?

You may not have been literal with that statement, but looking at a car as an investment is wrong 99.9% of the time

[Tombstone RJ]

I drive a subaru legacy special edition L sedan with a stick, it's been a pretty good little car. Gotta have the all wheel drive up here in the mountians. I'd recommend a subaru if you got to have all wheel drive. They do have some minor issues but if you take care of them they run for a long time.

Up here, there's lots of beat to crap subys running around, cheap, all wheel drive transportation. The thing about the boxer engine (the 2.5L , 4 cyl is their standard engine and is the most common one found in all subarus) is what subaru refers to as an engine or piston slap noise. Basically, when the engine is cold it sounds just like it's knocking but once it warms up the sound goes away. This is standard for subarus and does not mean there is a problem with the engine. The engines also make what many people refer to as a "diesel" sound. This is just another manifestation of the boxer engine and is normal. Again, when the engine warms up it's very quiet. I can't even hear it when it idles. I've never had any oil leak problems with this car but it does consume oil. However I run super light 5w30 full synthetic oil and I think it just burns off after a while.

Anyhow, I've owned Hondas, Fords, Chevys, VWs, and Jeeps. Overall I'd recommend a jap car over an American or German equivolent ride. VWs are just way overrated and because they are technically "german" cars they are expensive to fix. Anyhow, my two cents.

[alkemical]

Chevy Trailblazer....

[lonestar]

Originally Posted by lolcopter

Wat

How is a depreciating asset an investment?

You may not have been literal with that statement, but looking at a car as an investment is wrong 99.9% of the time

I take issue with that I have a 2002 ford mustang convertible paid it off years ago.. have almost zero in maintaince costs so taht car costs me about 150 a year i out right costs ..
Have a 97 Honda civic long since paid off and a little less in outright costs per year..

Had a 2006 Volvo s4 turbo same thing, gave it to my daughter..

my total out lay on cars not count gas is less than 500 per year..

They are great investments IF yo do not replace them every couple of years..

Buy a great car and keep it and you ahead of car payments, load of maintenance issues and car insurance..

My cars look like new save the civic that was a college car for two kids..

The Audi A5 turbo I drive my son is paying for $900.00 per month.. I am paying insurance on it.. another 150.00 or so per month


If I keep that car after it is paid off then I have three great investments in transportation..

while most will change cars when they are paid for and have that 350-1000 per month cost..

who is investing wisely?

[lolcopter]

Originally Posted by Tombstone RJ

Anyhow, I've owned Hondas, Fords, Chevys, VWs, and Jeeps. Overall I'd recommend a jap car over an American or German equivolent ride. VWs are just way overrated and because they are technically "german" cars they are expensive to fix. Anyhow, my two cents.

I bet your Subie was made in the USA (many are)

[lolcopter]

Originally Posted by lonestar

I take issue with that I have a 2002 ford mustang convertible paid it off years ago.. have almost zero in maintaince costs so taht car costs me about 150 a year i out right costs ..
Have a 97 Honda civic long since paid off and a little less in outright costs per year..

Had a 2006 Volvo s4 turbo same thing, gave it to my daughter..

my total out lay on cars not count gas is less than 500 per year..

They are great investments IF yo do not replace them every couple of years..

Buy a great car and keep it and you ahead of car payments, load of maintenance issues and car insurance..

My cars look like new save the civic that was a college car for two kids..

The Audi A5 turbo I drive my son is paying for $900.00 per month.. I am paying insurance on it.. another 150.00 or so per month


If I keep that car after it is paid off then I have three great investments in transportation..

while most will change cars when they are paid for and have that 350-1000 per month cost..

who is investing wisely?

You're not investing, you are using. Although your vehicles are all paid off, they are worth much less than the original purchasing price and as such, they are not "investments" in the financial sense. I agree that owning makes more sense than leasing in most cases, but purchasing a vehicle is a sunk cost which you will not be able to recoup unless its a collectors item or something

[Tombstone RJ]

Originally Posted by lolcopter

I bet your Subie was made in the USA (many are)

My understanding is the powertrain is made in Japan and then shipped to Canada where the overall car is put together.

[DomCasual]

Originally Posted by ghwk

Acadia - probably not in the running, didn't drive it, Crappy gas mileage.

Enclave - can't bring myself to pay that much for a Buick. Crappy gas mileage.

These two are built on the same platform, and are really similar. The Enclave seems to be a little more luxurious. When we bought our current car, the Enclave would have probably been our second choice.

The gas mileage is obviously not great on either of these. But let's face it - no SUV gets great gas mileage. My wife puts average mileage on her car - maybe 12K - 15K a year. I work from home. So, the most I've put on a car in the past five years has been 4K; so gas mileage is way down my list of priorities, when I buy a car.

[lonestar]

Originally Posted by lolcopter

You're not investing, you are using. Although your vehicles are all paid off, they are worth much less than the original purchasing price and as such, they are not "investments" in the financial sense. I agree that owning makes more sense than leasing in most cases, but purchasing a vehicle is a sunk cost which you will not be able to recoup unless its a collectors item or something

Well we will have to agree to disagree..

Instead of paying out each month for a car my money goes into investments.. I've been able to almost triple up my 401 K investments because I'm not paying car payment..

not to mention being able to invest in the stock market outside the 401k's..

SO you do not see it the same I way I do..

Buy a good quality car and save money down the road..

BTW if you can find some of the zero % financing all the better.. Paid 1.9 on my ford for 6 initially for 6 years, paid mostly cash for my Honda because at the time the bank rates were not cool..

so If you do not see them as investments I do.. I will not lose sleep tonight if you do not..

[Aftermath]

Durango, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee. Never had a problem with any of them and the new ones look awesome.

[lolcopter]

Originally Posted by Tombstone RJ

My understanding is the powertrain is made in Japan and then shipped to Canada where the overall car is put together.

Yeah that sounds about right. I had a 96 legacy wagon a couple years ago that was assembled in Indiana

[lolcopter]

Originally Posted by lonestar

Well we will have to agree to disagree..

Instead of paying out each month for a car my money goes into investments.. I've been able to almost triple up my 401 K investments because I'm not paying car payment..

not to mention being able to invest in the stock market outside the 401k's..

SO you do not see it the same I way I do..

Buy a good quality car and save money down the road..

BTW if you can find some of the zero % financing all the better.. Paid 1.9 on my ford for 6 initially for 6 years, paid mostly cash for my Honda because at the time the bank rates were not cool..

so If you do not see them as investments I do.. I will not lose sleep tonight if you do not..

I guess not having a car payment allows you to invest more that makes sense, but the car in and of itself is not really an investment. Oh well, semantics

And yeah low interest definitely are nice when purchasing. My vehicle isn't expensive by any means but my interest rate is 2.2 so I'm not in a huge rush to pay it off