Buying a car advice

[Jalapeñomel]

We just bought a car! We started out planning for a used one, but we ended up getting a new one. Our logic was because we got a much better interest rate (we financed), and we don't know anything about fixing cars.

I would look into CarMax, because they do a warrantee/guarantee on their cars (and no haggling). I think the closest one is in Connecticut though.

Registration isn't too expensive here, I think the old car we had was $125 for registration and plates and $32 for inspection. And I would definitely get it looked at by your own mechanic, not just the one the seller recommends.

In NYC, I think you can expect to pay around, if not above, the KBB value, and definitely haggle.

If it's a standard, ask when/if the clutch has been replaced. Other things to ask on all cars: has the timing belt ever been replaced? Tires? Rust? Any major accidents?

Run the VIN number through CarFax (about $25 per car), before doing anything.

[Deleted]

Buy a Subaru. JK! Kind of.

I would have a mechanic look at it if you know one. When we bought the boat we had a mechanic just give it a once over. It was a couple hundred dollars <$200. I would run a carfax on it as well. Ask about any major repairs or any routine maintenance items that should have been done. I dont think its that difficult to reregister a car. When I moved to NJ from NY I had to pay a small amount in fees (<$100). I would buy now if you know you will need it.

[cece]

Like others have said definitely run a car fax on it. And I would absolutely have a reputable mechanic of your choosing check it out before purchasing. Not always possible but can't hurt to ask if they have paperwork from last several oil changes etc.

And check the tires for wear etc.

Good luck!!

[Jalapeñomel]

Aug 27, 2015 11:17:33 GMT -5 @pnkybrwstr said:

Aug 27, 2015 11:03:55 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

We just bought a car! We started out planning for a used one, but we ended up getting a new one. Our logic was because we got a much better interest rate (we financed), and we don't know anything about fixing cars.

I would look into CarMax, because they do a warrantee/guarantee on their cars (and no haggling). I think the closest one is in Connecticut though.

Registration isn't too expensive here, I think the old car we had was $125 for registration and plates and $32 for inspection. And I would definitely get it looked at by your own mechanic, not just the one the seller recommends.

In NYC, I think you can expect to pay around, if not above, the KBB value, and definitely haggle.

If it's a standard, ask when/if the clutch has been replaced. Other things to ask on all cars: has the timing belt ever been replaced? Tires? Rust? Any major accidents?

Run the VIN number through CarFax (about $25 per car), before doing anything.

Thanks, Mel!!  This all sounds like good advice.  I'm 95% confident we want to go used.  We bought our last car new because it was 0% interest, but in the end, I felt like we paid too much for it and should have bought used.

Did you end up getting the Elantra (I think this was what you were looking at?)?  Do you like it?  We want something similar - a small, fuel efficient car.

Yes, we bought an Elantra!  So far I love it! I never thought we'd ever get a new car, like ever.  LOL  My boss also bought an Elantra, a used hatchback, and she loves it.  The warranties on it are out of this world.

If you're looking to spend about $8k on it, you'll probably have to look at cars about 10 years old-ish, and KBB has a nice list of them: www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/best-used-cars-under-8000-2014/2000010511/


Good luck! I found the car buying process so stressful!