car buying thread (look at me)

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by sleazy, Jan 30, 2011.

  1. Kylebw1

    Kylebw1 UNC ACC Champs
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    Grab a Honda Accord. They last forever
     
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  2. stangd

    stangd I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch
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    lol I like the new accord sports...
     
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  3. Vandy

    Vandy VANDERBILT Braves Titans Preds NASHVILLE
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    I did similar research last summer and ended up with a QX60. MDX was sportier but a little smaller, especially in the 3rd row. I’ve had a Forester for many years and test drove one of the first Ascents to be delivered o my local dealership. It was pretty nice but didn’t have the same features for the cost. Also felt a little cheap with all the plastic. Hard to go wrong with a Pilot. We also really liked the VW Atlas, it is huge on the inside. Overall I love my QX60 but the CVT isn’t my favorite. Make Carmax your bitch and go drive a bunch of different things in the same day to get a feel for the differences.
     
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  4. momux

    momux AFAM Scholar
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    I looked at the Accord Sport and the MDX before I settled on the VW Atlas.

    Accord was great on paper but when I drove it I wasn’t very impressed. Really long throws on the manual transmission and didn’t feel like a 275hp car.

    Ultimately picked the Atlas for all the space and have been pretty happy with it. Seeing a lot more around nowadays too.
     
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  5. buy_dont_lease

    buy_dont_lease Ha ha ha. What a story, Mark.
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    Atlas would be a no-go; my wife has embargoed German cars because of the role those companies played in the Nazi's rise to power/WWII. It doesn't make sense, but I'm not going to fight with her over it now for what will be her car; I'd rather save that discussion for the day when I want to buy a BMW X5 or something.
     
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  6. momux

    momux AFAM Scholar
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    Hahah. Does she also boycott Adidas and Aldi?
     
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  7. buy_dont_lease

    buy_dont_lease Ha ha ha. What a story, Mark.
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    No, no other brand from any other country in any other sector/industry. In fact, she shops at Aldi weekly. But this is a hill she's willing to die on, so I've just decided to leave it alone.

    I'll add VW in particular bothers her because the concept of a "people's car" was one of the Nazi's early platform items that they used to get a lot of popular buy-in, and played into their "vision" of wanting average workers to be able to afford a car to travel around the country to stimulate the economy and engender national pride.
     
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  8. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
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    Someone talk me out of something simple like a Civic.

    About me:

    -Drive 2-3x a week, 60-80 miles total.
    -No road trips in the car, max single trip is about 45min to family 1x a month.
    -Single, no need to haul anything around
    -mainly care about low maintenance, nice interior and technology
    -don’t drive overly fast/aggressive

    Basically what should I get for someone who doesn’t drive much and doesn’t want a car they have to worry about that it’s in the low $20k range?
     
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  9. MoJo

    MoJo It bees that way sometimes...
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    I drive 70 miles round trip to work and drive a Civic hybrid for fuel, dependency and low cost of ownership and then it’s barely worth it to me. Car is great and does exactly what it’s built to do but the lack of acceleration makes it boring. I’d trade some mpg’s for some more pick up even though I thought exactly like you. Sounds like your commute is relatively short so maybe consider a larger vehicle with more room because a Civic doesn’t have much of a trunk, can’t go wrong with a Camry, Accord or Sonata.
     
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  10. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member


    Mazda 3 is prettier and more fun to drive but you're definitely the target market for the Civic/corolla market.

    The 3 will also have the nicest interior of the bunch.
     
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  11. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
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    Sheeeet adding this to the list, so now I’m Civic vs 3. Camry seems too big, same with Accord. If the 3 is a little more enjoyable to drive and a better interior it sounds a good fit. Think it’s gone through some changes recently. Still need to decide new vs used.
     
  12. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member


     
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  13. shawnoc

    shawnoc My president is black, my logos are red...
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    The 3 is too small.
    Get the 6.
    I love my 6.
     
  14. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member


    He specifically listed small cars but yeah the 6 is great also
     
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  15. Lefthook

    Lefthook token Oregon State fan
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    Last car we bought new was for the wife, diesel x5 (e70). We kept it for a spare vehicle/ski bomber so I can put fewer miles on my Cummins and we bought her an Ascent last December.

    A year in, pretty happy with it. We're just over 20k miles on it, using it for travel soccer games for the kiddo and generally all people-hauling duties. Captain's chairs for the middle row make it pretty nice for the third row passengers, not as claustrophobic. It's really good in terms of amenities, we got every option except the stuff that you could only get on the Touring model (wife did not like the mandatory brown interior on the Touring.. sigh). Mostly city duty, gas mileage is modest (17mpg) but it is a 7 passenger vehicle and the CVT is not awful. It does a good job making the car feel a lot quicker than it reasonably should be, keeping the little turbos on low boil so there's no throttle lag. Ride is firm but sporty-ish. The electric steering is not too bad and the brakes are above average to good. Doesn't feel vague or wallow and despite it's size it's honestly a little fun to drive once you kinda get used to the quirks of the CVT.

    The radar adaptive cruise control when you're stuck in stop and go traffic makes everything so much nicer and stress free. The lane assist is more of a nanny that shoves you back toward the middle of the lane than anything so you end up not using it. But every long road trip with the adaptive cruise rules. The sound system is not bad if you opt for the premium. Big, bright touch screen with a nice gorilla glass feel, with CarPlay. Really like the dash design with little clever ledges that don't appear to be ledges for wallets/keys/phones/snacks on road trips. Cupholders galore. Enough passing power even going over the mountain. I don't tow with it and have no intention ever to because I have a 3/4 ton Dodge.

    The safety features might be standard in this category but the cross-traffic monitoring and accident avoidance (automatic braking) tech is pretty nice on this thing too.
     
  16. buy_dont_lease

    buy_dont_lease Ha ha ha. What a story, Mark.
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    This is what I pay for. Thanks for the detailed review.
     
  17. HuskerInMiami

    HuskerInMiami Well-Known Member
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    Just leased a 2020 Nissan Murano SL for 399/month with $0 down. 36 month 12k/year
     
  18. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
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  19. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member

    I bought a used car a few months ago. They basically won't negotiate on price at all. They throw the price out there and wait for someone to buy it, the longer they wait, the lower the price goes. I think I got them to move like $250 or some token amount.

    Also just me but if I was going to get another Mazda I'd spring for the soul red paint job, it looks incredible in person.
     
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  20. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
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    Sorry to be the only one posting super awesome Mazda3 questions but I think I’ve zero’d in on one. However I don’t quite understand something in its history which referenced lien/loan issues. The dealer told me this car was inspected and qualifies for CPO if I want it for more $$ which I wouldn’t because the warranty time and mileage is fine for what I need but that one aspect of the report is throwing me off. Any ideas?

    https://www.hileymazdahurst.com/dealer-inspire-inventory/autocheck/?vin=3MZBN1V30JM246500
     
  21. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member


    I ran the VIN through vincheck and it came back negative for a branded title, which is good because a branded title will implode any potential resale value, but I don't think the price is great. My fiance and I bought a touring hatchback brand new Thanksgiving 2018 for like 18.7k before taxes/dealer fees. I generally buy used but the less than 2.5k premium for a full extra year of warranty and 3 miles on the odometer instead of 6-12k was worth it to me. (It's probably psychological seeing as the 3 will easily last hundreds of thousands of miles with basic care and attention)
     
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  22. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
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    Thanks, you got a great deal on that new one. I’m not seeing anything close to that and this has been the best priced low mileage used 3 I’ve seen so far. I’m out the door at $18,000 which I’m ok with. There are a handful of 2018 CPO at another dealer with about 30,000 miles for $16,500 out the door. Not sure how much better/worse that is.

    How can I be certain the title is good and this wasn’t a salvage? I ran it through a free site also and no red flags popped up.
     
  23. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member


    It looks like it's just something about a lien being on it. Talk to the dealer about it and see if they have a good explanation. It also has been moved around between a number of dealers without selling, you may be able to get them to move a little more on the price if it has been sitting.
     
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  24. leroi

    leroi -
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    Toyota/Lexus is the only thing I buy anymore

    Honda, Subaru and Mazda i think would be the next tier of long-term quality. Not as good as Toyota, but still good.

    After that the gap in long-term quality becomes a chasm. No way would I consider buying a car from a European or American manufacturer. Or any of the South Koreans, or anything from Chinese-owned manufacturers like Volvo, or Indian-owned like Jaguar/Rover/etc

    All cars look/feel pretty much the same at 5,000 miles. You might start to notice slight differences in quality between them at 50,000 miles. But where you begin to really see the huge differences are at 150,000 - 300,000 miles.
     
    #324 leroi, Dec 17, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2019
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  25. terrapinsfan

    terrapinsfan Well-Known Member

    I bought a 2013 Lexus ES 300h with 42K miles. This is my first luxury car and even though it's older, I can't get over how nice and solid the car is. I'm not sure if the batteries will be an issue at some point but getting 39 mpg out of a mid to full size car is great.
     
  26. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member

    American trucks are invincible and will easily run 250k+. The rest of their cars not so much.
     
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  27. Sportfan

    Sportfan From Six to Dumptime
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    Here is their explanation now trying to get another $500 or so off the out the door cost. Thoughts on below?

    Any vehicle with Title records will have the same message. That's the first concern.

    The second concern was the auction. More than halve of pre-owned vehicles come from auction, and it's not due to having something wrong. When we try to sell a vehicle, we only have 2 months to get it off the lot before sending to auction. That can come by us turning down deals or not having the "right" person come along, but it's not because of something being wrong with the car.

    We have put this car under Mazda's 160 point Certified inspection, and it passed. It's a good car, but I only have access to the records we own, which I can provide.
     
  28. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member

    The car was sold a bunch of times between dealers, so the auction is less of a worry.
     
  29. Bruce Bowen

    Bruce Bowen Well-Known Member
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    So looking to get a new car for my wife. She went and test drove first at dealership A (right near our house) didn't discuss anything financial. After doing research I went to dealership B (25 mins away) cause they had the lowest listed price. After test driving, getting trade in valued, etc. these fools won't give me their offer unless I commit to them basically. Their fear is I go to dealership A with their offer and they beat it. Dealership A is high volume #1 dealer in the state. No matter what I said they refused to give me an offer because they think/know if I go to Dealership A (which really isn't my intention) that they would beat it no matter what and really I get it they want the last shot at my business. At this point they want me to tell them what I want as far as down/term/monthly payment and then work from there. I hate these fucking games and I feel like I got burned when I went through this rodeo for the first time when I bought my car 4 years ago so I'm not letting it happen again.

    Appreciate any advice.
     
  30. Vinegar Strokes

    Vinegar Strokes Fire Izzo
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    Did you try taking list price from Dealer B, and taking it to Dealer A?
     
  31. buy_dont_lease

    buy_dont_lease Ha ha ha. What a story, Mark.
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    Give them the number you’re willing to pay out the door for the car, if you know it. If they can meet it, you’ll buy from them.

    It helps if it’s grounded in some reality. Don’t tell them what you’re thinking on trade in, financing terms, monthly payment, and etc. You should already know generally what you can put down and what you can afford before you walk in. Also what your trade is worth. If you let them negotiate with you on those numbers they’ll just manipulate things so you get the monthly payment you’re comfortable with, but you’ll overpay for the vehicle.

    Honestly, if a dealer wouldn’t give me an out the door price quote because “they’re afraid I’ll get another dealer to beat it,” I’d let them know their fear of losing my business will quickly become a reality if they don’t start playing ball.
     
  32. Bruce Bowen

    Bruce Bowen Well-Known Member
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    Yeah that's where I'm at with them. They actually verbally gave me some soft numbers with some wink winks we can beat those even. And it sucks I'm sure these guys get burned all the time but they even tried pushing the "oh take it home for the weekend" early on and I said uhh no why? Then when it came up later in talks I was like ohhhh you just want me back. So when they were refusing giving me #s I was like look guys if that's what it takes to get #s Ill take it home and be back tomorrow morning but "Mr. Manager" still refused.
     
  33. Bruce Bowen

    Bruce Bowen Well-Known Member
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    I haven't, I do like these guys at Dealer B. The dealer I got burned on back in the day was large volume so I'm trying to avoid them but probably won't be able to if I'm trying to get the best deal here.
     
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  34. mal630

    mal630 Well-Known Member
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    Girlfriend wrecked her car and need to find her a replacement. Looking in the 20-25k range at slightly used CR-V, Rav 4, Equinox, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Santa Fe.

    They are just giving Equinox's away, but I'm sure they will depreciate a ton. Anyone bought anything this range lately? Seems like the Rogue's are afforable.
     
  35. REGGNECK

    REGGNECK You wanna know what I been down , DONT BOTHER ME
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    Bought daughter a rogue
    Bought wife a c r v ...
    both have been great cars ..
     
  36. ned's head

    ned's head Well-Known Member
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    I've been looking at leasing a CUV. You will probably be able to get a good deal on rogue...this is the last year of the old body style. In that class, other well reviewed models are the cx5, rav4, forester, and tiguan. Drove a forester yesterday and liked it.
     
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  37. Bricktop the white

    Bricktop the white Well-Known Member


    Mazda cx-5 or cx-30
     
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  38. mc415

    mc415 Well-Known Member
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    anyone here own the CX-5? Going to test drive the Touring AWD this weekend ? Seems like lots of features and won’t break the bank?
     
  39. ramszoolander

    ramszoolander Known for Buns
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    My m.i.l. has the previous generation one. It's a nice car if you want an SUV, and has been pretty problem-free. Build quality is very good. Don't know about current gen one.
     
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  40. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
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    Anybody own the Palisade or Telluride? Had kid number one in February and our CR-V already feels small. I was surprised to see these top all the lists for 2020 midsize SUVs.
     
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  41. Zebbie

    Zebbie Hey Mike, guess what I have in my underwear?
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    Don’t have one but the Tellurides are pretty bad ass - if I was in the market for an SUV that’s probably what I’d get
     
  42. mc415

    mc415 Well-Known Member
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    Im always sketchy on those I4 turbos but I’ve read nothing but good things on it so far
     
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  43. ramszoolander

    ramszoolander Known for Buns
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    Yeah, just look around on forums online for this sort of issue. I have a SAAB with a low pressure turbo, and they're generally considered OK. I'd probably rather have a bigger naturally-aspirated engine, but the gas mileage is much better with a smaller engine + turbo.
     
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  44. ramszoolander

    ramszoolander Known for Buns
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    Those aren't *really* midsize. They're pretty big.
     
  45. lfriend

    lfriend Well-Known Member
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    That's exactly what I've got. A 2016.

    I just hit 4 years of owning it in April and its only been to the shop for a recall. Can't complain.
     
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  46. Bay Bandit

    Bay Bandit Cabral Univirsity
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    Wife has one and loves it, no complaints here but she has not put many miles on it yet. A friend took it for a spin and grabbed one for themselves as well. So 2/2 so far.
     
    #346 Bay Bandit, May 12, 2020
    Last edited: May 12, 2020
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  47. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
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    They are but they’re still considered midsize and I’d rather just get a larger one now since we plan on having more. Plus my wife helps her brother pick up his four kids at times so a 7 or 8 passenger vehicle would be useful.
     
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  48. momux

    momux AFAM Scholar
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    Another vote CX-5; wife has a '16 GT that's been great for her.

    The newer ones are even nicer; can option up the engine and get adaptive cruise control and lane assist.
     
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  49. Tro lo lo

    Tro lo lo You kids must be from the suburbs.
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    Wife has a 2014 CX-5 Grand Touring. 70k miles. Only needed brakes and tires. Paid off for awhile and still in great shape.
     
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  50. wolfpck

    wolfpck haters gonna hate
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    About to be in the market for a new vehicle. I've only purchased one vehicle in my life 6 years ago, so I honestly have no idea where to start. My situation:

    -Drive around a ton for work, but work covers all my gas and give me auto allowance, so mileage not really an issue.
    -Work in construction, so will need a truck or SUV (99% sure will be SUV) just to transport materials, nothing overboard but will need space
    -Leader in clubhouse is Toyota 4runner
    -Will be buying used and want to keep below $25k max. I'm not a big car guy, so just looking for something that looks halfway decent and I can drive for a long time.

    Any suggestions based on those details? Anyone have any experience with Carvana? I'm really not the type who wants to hit up multiple dealers and deal with all the bullshit, so they are appealing to me.